Weather in Nairobi

Planning your day in Nairobi? Check out the current weather updates and forecasts right here to be prepared for any of nature's surprises.

The climate of Nairobi can be described as subtropical highland, which provides the city with pleasant, moderate weather throughout most of the year. Thanks to its location, there is no stifling heat or severe cold here, and temperature fluctuations during the year are relatively small. This makes Nairobi attractive to visit at practically any time.

The city experiences two distinct rainy seasons. The first, the so-called "long" rainy season, usually falls between March and May, with April being the month with the highest number of rainy days. The second, "short" rainy season, arrives in October and November. During these periods, precipitation is more likely, although it often comes in the form of brief showers or drizzle rather than prolonged rains. The months from June to September are considered the driest and coolest, while January and February are also relatively dry but warmer.

Average daytime temperatures in Nairobi throughout the year fluctuate within a comfortable range of 17-18°C in the coolest months (July-August) to 20-21°C in the warmest (January-March). Nighttime temperatures usually drop to 13-16°C, ensuring freshness. Overall, the weather in Nairobi is conducive to a pleasant holiday and city exploration without extreme weather conditions.

The temperature regime in Nairobi is distinguished by pleasant moderation throughout the year, without sharp extremes. An analysis of monthly average data shows that the warmest months are February and March. In February, the average maximum temperature reaches 26.8°C, and the average monthly temperature is 20.9°C. March is also very warm, with an average temperature of 21.1°C and a maximum of around 26.6°C. On the other hand, the coolest month is considered to be July, when the average temperature drops to 17.4°C, and the average minimum nighttime temperature is only 12.9°C. It is followed by June and August, which also have lower average temperatures, where the daytime maximum barely exceeds 22°C.

In the warmest months, which can conditionally be called the "summer" period (from January to March, as well as in October), daytime temperatures in Nairobi often rise above 25°C, creating very warm, but usually not exhausting weather. The "winter" period, covering June, July, and August, is characterized by fresher conditions. Average maximum daytime temperatures at this time hover around 22-23°C, and nights can be quite cool, with temperatures dropping to 13-14°C. An important feature of Nairobi's climate is the noticeable diurnal temperature fluctuation. The difference between average maximum daytime and average minimum nighttime temperatures within a single month often ranges from 9°C to almost 12°C. This means that even after a very warm day, the evening and night can bring perceptible coolness, so it is recommended to have a light jacket or jumper with you.

In Nairobi, the pattern of precipitation is clearly divided into two rainy seasons and two drier periods. Although the total amount of precipitation, judging by monthly averages in millimetres, might seem small (for example, a maximum value of 5 mm in April), the frequency of rainy days in certain months is quite high. This indicates regular, albeit not always heavy, rains. Snow is uncharacteristic for this region, given the warm climate.

The main rainy season, known as the "long rains", covers the months from March to May. April is the peak of this season, demonstrating the highest average amount of precipitation – about 5 mm, and the maximum number of rainy days – approximately 24. This means that it rains very frequently in April. In May, a high probability of precipitation also remains: about 3 mm falls, and the number of rainy days reaches 18. Preceding them, March brings approximately 2 mm of precipitation and counts about 11 rainy days.

The second, "short" rainy season falls in October and November. In November, an average of 3 mm of precipitation falls, with about 19 rainy days counted. October is slightly drier, with 2 mm of precipitation and roughly 11 days with rain. The most arid periods in Nairobi are considered to be the months from June to September, as well as February. In February, June, July, August, and September, only 1 mm of precipitation falls, and the number of rainy days is minimal – from 6 to 8. January and December occupy an intermediate position with 2 mm of precipitation and 9-10 rainy days respectively, making them relatively dry compared to the peaks of the rainy seasons.

When planning a trip to Nairobi, it is important to consider the specifics of its highland climate. The temperature here remains pleasant throughout the year, however, noticeable diurnal fluctuations are observed: warm days give way to cool evenings and mornings. Therefore, the key principle when packing is layering. Include light breathable fabrics in your wardrobe: t-shirts, shirts (including long-sleeved ones for sun protection and extra warmth), comfortable trousers or shorts. Indispensable items will be sunscreen with high SPF, sunglasses, and a hat, as the equatorial sun in Kenya can be very active. And, of course, do not forget comfortable walking shoes, as Nairobi offers many interesting places to explore.

Particular attention should be paid to the two rainy seasons: the "long rains" from March to May (peak in April with approximately 24 rainy days) and the "short rains" in October-November (up to 19 rainy days in November). During these periods, be sure to bring a light waterproof jacket or a compact umbrella; clothing made from quick-drying materials will also be very useful. Even in the drier and cooler months, such as June-August, when the nighttime temperature can drop to 13-14°C, or in the warmest months (January-March with daytime temperatures up to 25-27°C), a light jumper, fleece jacket, or windbreaker will come in handy for comfortable evening walks or early morning activities when the air is still fresh.