Nairobi Weather in March
Kenya · Subtropical Highlands climate · Data averaged from 2020-01-01 to 2024-12-31 (5 years)
March in Nairobi sees average temperatures ranging from a low of 15.2°C (59.4°F) to a high of 27.2°C (81.0°F), with a mean of 20.4°C (68.7°F). Compared to the annual average of 18.9°C (66.0°F), this month is 1.5°C warmer than the yearly norm. This is the hottest month of the year, reaching 27.2°C (81.0°F) on average. Precipitation averages 90.0mm, making it approximately 18.0mm wetter than the monthly average of 72.0mm. The city receives an average of 10.9 hours of sunshine per day during March, with relative humidity averaging 64.4%. Wind speeds reach an average maximum of 16.2 km/h. For travelers, this month offers a hottest month of the year 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.
March vs Adjacent Months
| Metric | February | March | April |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mean Temp | 20.3°C (68.5°F) | 20.4°C (68.7°F) | 19.2°C (66.6°F) |
| Rainfall | 65.5mm | 90.0mm | 195.8mm |
| Sunshine | 11.2 hrs | 10.9 hrs | 9.7 hrs |
| Humidity | 63.0% | 64.4% | 78.3% |
| Wind | 16.4 km/h | 16.2 km/h | 13.3 km/h |
| Rainy Days | 13.8 | 17.6 | 29.2 |
Seasonal Context
March falls in Spring in the Northern Hemisphere. Spring is a transitional season with temperatures rising from winter lows. For travelers visiting Nairobi in March, 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 March?
The average temperature in Nairobi during March ranges from 15.2°C (59.4°F) to 27.2°C (81.0°F), with a mean of 20.4°C (68.7°F).
How much does it rain in Nairobi in March?
Nairobi receives an average of 90.0mm of precipitation in March, spread across approximately 17.6 rainy days.
What should I pack for Nairobi in March?
Based on March weather data, pack layers including light jackets and t-shirts, plus an umbrella.
Is March a good time to visit Nairobi?
March is a good time to visit Nairobi, with comfortable temperatures and manageable rainfall. However, it is the hottest month — consider early morning or evening activities.
Other Months for Nairobi
Cities with Similar March 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.