Nairobi Weather in January
Kenya · Subtropical Highlands climate · Data averaged from 2020-01-01 to 2024-12-31 (5 years)
January in Nairobi sees average temperatures ranging from a low of 14.5°C (58.1°F) to a high of 25.4°C (77.7°F), with a mean of 19.2°C (66.6°F). Compared to the annual average of 18.9°C (66.0°F), this month is 0.3°C warmer than the yearly norm. Precipitation averages 78.1mm, making it approximately 6.0mm wetter than the monthly average of 72.0mm. The city receives an average of 10.8 hours of sunshine per day during January, with relative humidity averaging 69.6%. Wind speeds reach an average maximum of 15.8 km/h. For travelers, this month offers a temperature experience in Nairobi, with wetter-than-average conditions compared to the rest of the year.
If you're planning outdoor activities in Nairobi, the altitude (1,795m) is your friend — 25°C feels like 22°C, UV is the trade-off. I ran Karura Forest in August at 8am: 18°C, perfect, but UV already at 6 by 9am. The long rains (April-May) turn trails muddy; pack waterproof shoes. The short rains (October-November) are briefer and the green season is gorgeous for hiking. June-September is the outdoor sweet spot: dry, 20-22°C, low humidity. Nairobi National Park game drives are best June-October. Always bring sun protection — equatorial UV is no joke even on cloudy afternoons.
January vs Adjacent Months
| Metric | December | January | February |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mean Temp | 19.1°C (66.4°F) | 19.2°C (66.6°F) | 20.3°C (68.5°F) |
| Rainfall | 59.6mm | 78.1mm | 65.5mm |
| Sunshine | 10.8 hrs | 10.8 hrs | 11.2 hrs |
| Humidity | 73.2% | 69.6% | 63.0% |
| Wind | 16.6 km/h | 15.8 km/h | 16.4 km/h |
| Rainy Days | 26.4 | 19.0 | 13.8 |
Seasonal Context
January falls in Winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Winter is the coolest season with the shortest daylight hours. For travelers visiting Nairobi in January, the data indicates favorable conditions based on the combination of temperature, precipitation, and daylight hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average temperature in Nairobi in January?
The average temperature in Nairobi during January ranges from 14.5°C (58.1°F) to 25.4°C (77.7°F), with a mean of 19.2°C (66.6°F).
How much does it rain in Nairobi in January?
Nairobi receives an average of 78.1mm of precipitation in January, spread across approximately 19.0 rainy days.
What should I pack for Nairobi in January?
Based on January weather data, pack layers including light jackets and t-shirts, plus an umbrella.
Is January a good time to visit Nairobi?
January is a good time to visit Nairobi, with comfortable temperatures and manageable rainfall.
Other Months for Nairobi
Cities with Similar January Climate (Subtropical Highlands)
Data Source: Open-Meteo historical archive (2020-01-01 to 2024-12-31). Daily measurements aggregated into monthly climate normals. Coordinates: -1.29°, 36.82°. Timezone: Africa/Nairobi. Last updated: 2026-07-30.