Nairobi weather in short
Nairobi lies just south of the equator at about 1,798 m above sea level. That height keeps the city cooler than many visitors expect. Daytime highs stay between 22.0 °C and 26.8 °C all year, and nights fall to between 9.1 °C and 13.4 °C. The big change through the year is rain, not temperature.
The figures below are long-term monthly averages for the Nairobi-Dagoretti station for 1961 to 1990. They show the pattern of the seasons and are not a forecast for a particular year. Check a current forecast a few days before you leave. If you are choosing dates for a safari day, read this together with the Nairobi National Park game drives page and the entry fee page.
Nairobi weather month by month
Average daily high and low in °C and rainfall in mm, 1961 to 1990.
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Rain level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 25.5 °C | 10.5 °C | 58.3 mm | Low |
| February | 26.7 °C | 10.9 °C | 49.8 mm | Low |
| March | 26.8 °C | 12.1 °C | 92.2 mm | Moderate |
| April | 25.0 °C | 13.4 °C | 242.3 mm | Highest |
| May | 23.5 °C | 12.1 °C | 189.5 mm | High |
| June | 22.5 °C | 10.0 °C | 38.6 mm | Low |
| July | 22.0 °C | 9.2 °C | 17.6 mm | Lowest |
| August | 22.7 °C | 9.1 °C | 24.0 mm | Low |
| September | 25.0 °C | 9.7 °C | 31.2 mm | Low |
| October | 25.7 °C | 11.3 °C | 60.8 mm | Low to moderate |
| November | 24.0 °C | 12.7 °C | 149.6 mm | High |
| December | 24.4 °C | 11.7 °C | 107.6 mm | Moderate |
Highs and lows are average daily values, not record temperatures.
Our pick: the cool early hours
An early game drive avoids the midday heat in any season.
Hand-picked tours, booked through Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Nairobi tours through the seasons
Game drives, giraffe and elephant visits and city tours in Nairobi, with live prices and availability for your dates.
Rainy seasons in Nairobi
Two wet periods, with a dry stretch in between.
Long rains
The long rains fall roughly from March to May, with April the wettest month at 242.3 mm. The long rains are sometimes placed at April to June, so the edges of the season vary.
Short rains
The short rains fall from October to December. November is the wettest of these months at 149.6 mm, and December follows at 107.6 mm.
The dry stretch
June to September is the drier part of the year. July is the driest month at 17.6 mm, followed by August at 24.0 mm and September at 31.2 mm.
A short dry spell early in the year
January and February are also comparatively dry, at 58.3 mm and 49.8 mm.
Best time to visit Nairobi National Park
No single best month, but a clear pattern.
| Goal | Months to look at | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Game drives with the least rain | July to September, and February | The driest months in the average table. Dry weather does not guarantee animal sightings |
| Forest walks and waterfall | July to September | The waterfall and caves in Karura Forest were closed after flooding in March 2026 |
| Museums and city days | Any month | Both museum and city stops work in the rain |
For most visitors whose main plan is a game drive, July to September is the best match, with February as an alternative. If your dates fall in April, May or November, expect wet days and plan for flexibility.
What rain means for your plans
The practical side.
Park roads
The park stays open in the rainy season, but after heavy rain some inner roads can be temporarily impassable. This happened in March 2026. Ask at the gate which roads are open.
Forest paths
Heavy rain can close the waterfall, the caves and the bridge in Karura Forest. Check at the gate before you walk there.
Early mornings
The park opens at 06:00 and night lows are about 9 to 13 °C, so a light jacket is useful for an early drive.
Wet-weather fallbacks
Keep a museum day in reserve. The National Museum and the Karen Blixen Museum are both open daily from 08:30 to 17:30.
Plan the rest of your trip
Pages that go with the season you picked.
Nairobi weather: frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Nairobi National Park?
There is no single best month. In the average table, July to September are the driest, and February is also comparatively dry. April and May are the wettest, so expect more rain there.
When are the rainy seasons in Nairobi?
The long rains fall roughly from March to May, and the short rains from October to December. The long rains are sometimes placed at April to June.
How hot is Nairobi?
Average daily highs range from 22.0 °C in July to 26.8 °C in March. Nights are cool, with average lows from 9.1 °C in August to 13.4 °C in April.
Which is the driest month in Nairobi?
July, with 17.6 mm on average, followed by August at 24.0 mm. These are long-term averages for 1961 to 1990 and not a forecast.
Can rain close parts of the park?
Yes. The park stays open in wet weather, but some inner roads can become temporarily impassable after heavy rain, as happened in March 2026. Ask at the gate before you drive.
Is this the official Nairobi weather service?
No. This is an independent travel guide. It is not run by a weather service or the Kenya Wildlife Service. Check a current forecast before you travel.