Nairobi Weather in October
Kenya · Subtropical Highlands climate · Data averaged from 2020-01-01 to 2024-12-31 (5 years)
October in Nairobi sees average temperatures ranging from a low of 14.6°C (58.3°F) to a high of 26.8°C (80.2°F), with a mean of 19.9°C (67.8°F). Compared to the annual average of 18.9°C (66.0°F), this month is 1.0°C warmer than the yearly norm. Precipitation averages 46.1mm, making it approximately 26.0mm drier than the monthly average of 72.0mm. The city receives an average of 10.6 hours of sunshine per day during October, with relative humidity averaging 63.1%. Wind speeds reach an average maximum of 14.3 km/h. For travelers, this month offers a temperature experience in Nairobi, with drier-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.
October vs Adjacent Months
| Metric | September | October | November |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mean Temp | 18.6°C (65.5°F) | 19.9°C (67.8°F) | 18.9°C (66.0°F) |
| Rainfall | 33.8mm | 46.1mm | 121.8mm |
| Sunshine | 9.8 hrs | 10.6 hrs | 9.6 hrs |
| Humidity | 67.3% | 63.1% | 75.8% |
| Wind | 12.2 km/h | 14.3 km/h | 15.1 km/h |
| Rainy Days | 18.8 | 21.6 | 28.2 |
Seasonal Context
October falls in Autumn in the Northern Hemisphere. Autumn sees temperatures gradually cooling from summer highs. For travelers visiting Nairobi in October, 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 October?
The average temperature in Nairobi during October ranges from 14.6°C (58.3°F) to 26.8°C (80.2°F), with a mean of 19.9°C (67.8°F).
How much does it rain in Nairobi in October?
Nairobi receives an average of 46.1mm of precipitation in October, spread across approximately 21.6 rainy days.
What should I pack for Nairobi in October?
Based on October weather data, pack layers including light jackets and t-shirts, plus an umbrella.
Is October a good time to visit Nairobi?
October is a good time to visit Nairobi, with comfortable temperatures and manageable rainfall.
Other Months for Nairobi
Cities with Similar October 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.