Nairobi Weather in May
Kenya · Subtropical Highlands climate · Data averaged from 2020-01-01 to 2024-12-31 (5 years)
May in Nairobi sees average temperatures ranging from a low of 14.6°C (58.3°F) to a high of 24.2°C (75.6°F), with a mean of 18.7°C (65.7°F). Compared to the annual average of 18.9°C (66.0°F), this month is 0.2°C cooler than the yearly norm. Precipitation averages 91.5mm, making it approximately 20.0mm wetter than the monthly average of 72.0mm. The city receives an average of 10.1 hours of sunshine per day during May, with relative humidity averaging 76.8%. Wind speeds reach an average maximum of 11.2 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.
May vs Adjacent Months
| Metric | April | May | June |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mean Temp | 19.2°C (66.6°F) | 18.7°C (65.7°F) | 17.7°C (63.9°F) |
| Rainfall | 195.8mm | 91.5mm | 26.1mm |
| Sunshine | 9.7 hrs | 10.1 hrs | 9.9 hrs |
| Humidity | 78.3% | 76.8% | 71.6% |
| Wind | 13.3 km/h | 11.2 km/h | 11.3 km/h |
| Rainy Days | 29.2 | 25.4 | 16.6 |
Seasonal Context
May falls in Spring in the Northern Hemisphere. Spring is a transitional season with temperatures rising from winter lows. For travelers visiting Nairobi in May, 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 May?
The average temperature in Nairobi during May ranges from 14.6°C (58.3°F) to 24.2°C (75.6°F), with a mean of 18.7°C (65.7°F).
How much does it rain in Nairobi in May?
Nairobi receives an average of 91.5mm of precipitation in May, spread across approximately 25.4 rainy days.
What should I pack for Nairobi in May?
Based on May weather data, pack layers including light jackets and t-shirts, plus an umbrella.
Is May a good time to visit Nairobi?
May is a good time to visit Nairobi, with comfortable temperatures and manageable rainfall.
Other Months for Nairobi
Cities with Similar May 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.