UV index today  Best Time to Visit

Best Time to Visit Nairobi

Nairobi, Kenya's capital city, is best visited during the dry seasons which are from January to March and July to October.

 

High Season in Nairobi

The high season in Nairobi is from July to October when the weather is dry and wildlife is abundant in the national parks.

city skyline under white sky during daytime
Amani Nation @ Unsplash

Shoulder Season in Nairobi

The shoulder seasons in Nairobi are from January to March and November to December. The weather is pleasant and there are fewer tourists.

Low Season in Nairobi

The low season in Nairobi is from April to June when the city experiences long rains. It is less crowded and hotel prices are lower.

 

Annual Average Temperature

* The chart above displays the average yearly 'feels like' temperature in Nairobi over the last 5 years.

Seasons

Nairobi in Dry Season

The dry seasons in Nairobi are from January to March and July to October. The weather is sunny and wildlife is easily spotted in the national parks.

green grass field with green trees and buildings in distance under white clouds and blue sky
Murad Swaleh @ Unsplash

Nairobi in Long Rainy Season

The long rainy season in Nairobi is from April to June. Expect heavy rainfall and lush green landscapes. It is a quieter and more affordable time to visit.

Nairobi in Short Rainy Season

The short rainy season in Nairobi is from November to December. Rainfall is less intense compared to the long rainy season, but still expect some showers.

Nairobi in Hot Season

The hot season in Nairobi is from January to February. Temperatures can reach up to 30°C (86°F), so be prepared for the heat.

Annual Average Precipitation

* The chart above shows the annual average precipitation for Nairobi for the past 5 years.

Month-By-Month

Nairobi in January

→ 15 to 26 °C (59 to 79 °F)

January is part of the dry season in Nairobi. The weather is sunny and ideal for wildlife viewing in the national parks.

Nairobi in February

→ 15 to 27 °C (60 to 80 °F)

February is part of the dry season in Nairobi. The weather is sunny and perfect for exploring the city and going on safari.

body of water near green trees during night time
Mustafa Omar @ Unsplash

Nairobi in March

→ 16 to 27 °C (61 to 81 °F)

March is part of the dry season in Nairobi. The weather is warm and ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and wildlife spotting.

Nairobi in April

→ 17 to 26 °C (63 to 78 °F)

April marks the start of the long rainy season in Nairobi. Expect frequent rainfall and lush green landscapes.

Nairobi in May

→ 16 to 24 °C (61 to 75 °F)

May is part of the long rainy season in Nairobi. The city is quieter, and it's a good time to visit if you don't mind occasional showers.

Nairobi in June

→ 14 to 22 °C (57 to 71 °F)

June is part of the long rainy season in Nairobi. It's a quieter time to visit, and the landscapes are lush and vibrant.

Nairobi in July

→ 13 to 21 °C (55 to 69 °F)

July is part of the dry season in Nairobi. The weather is cool and perfect for exploring the city and going on safaris.

white and black concrete building under blue sky during daytime
Joecalih @ Unsplash

Nairobi in August

→ 13 to 22 °C (55 to 72 °F)

August is part of the dry season in Nairobi. The weather is pleasant, and it's a great time to visit the national parks for wildlife sightings.

Nairobi in September

→ 13 to 24 °C (56 to 75 °F)

September is part of the dry season in Nairobi. The weather is warm and ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and wildlife spotting.

Nairobi in October

→ 15 to 25 °C (59 to 77 °F)

October is part of the dry season in Nairobi. It's a great time to visit the city and enjoy outdoor activities with pleasant weather.

Nairobi in November

→ 16 to 24 °C (60 to 76 °F)

November is part of the short rainy season in Nairobi. Expect some showers, but it's still a good time to visit for lower tourist numbers.

Nairobi in December

→ 15 to 24 °C (59 to 76 °F)

December is part of the short rainy season in Nairobi. The weather is generally sunny, but occasional showers can occur.

Annual Average Humidity

* The chart above shows the annual average humidity percentage for Nairobi for the past 5 years.

Accommodation

Nairobi offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses. There are also plenty of safari lodges near the national parks.

time-lapse photography of road way and building
Yonko Kilasi @ Unsplash

Public Transportation

Nairobi has a reliable public transportation system with buses and matatus (minibuses). Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available.

Nairobi Airport

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) is the main airport serving Nairobi. It is located about 15 kilometers southeast of the city center.

Airport to City Center

There are taxis and shuttle services available at the airport to transport passengers to the city center. It is recommended to book a reputable taxi or use pre-arranged airport transfers.

Is Nairobi Safe?

Nairobi is generally safe for tourists, but it's important to take normal precautions. Avoid walking alone at night and be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas.

According to the Global Peace Index, Kenya ranks 117th among all countries in the world in 2023. Kenya achieved a score of 2.25 out of 5, based on 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators from highly respected sources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ideal Time to Visit Nairobi

The best time to visit Nairobi is during the dry seasons from January to March and July to October. The weather is pleasant, and wildlife is abundant in the national parks.

Best Nairobi Visit Length

A suggested duration for visiting Nairobi is 4-5 days. This allows enough time to explore the city, visit the national parks, and experience the local culture.

Must-See Attractions in Nairobi

Must-see attractions in Nairobi include Nairobi National Park, David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Karen Blixen Museum, and Giraffe Centre.

Nairobi Nightlife: What to Do

Nairobi has a vibrant nightlife scene with a variety of bars, clubs, and live music venues. Popular nightlife areas include Westlands, Kilimani, and Lang'ata.

Getting Around Nairobi Efficiently

Getting around Nairobi is easy with the public transportation system, taxis, and ride-sharing services. It is recommended to use reputable taxis or pre-arrange airport transfers.

Nairobi 3 day Itinerary

Day 1

Start your day with a visit to Nairobi National Park for a safari experience. Then, explore the Karen Blixen Museum and end the day at the Giraffe Centre.

  1. Nairobi National Park
  2. Karen Blixen Museum
  3. Giraffe Centre
aerial view photography of high rise building
Piotr Chrobot @ Unsplash

Day 2

Spend the day exploring the cultural and historical sites of Nairobi. Visit the Nairobi National Museum, Railway Museum, and Kazuri Beads Women's Cooperative.

  1. Nairobi National Museum
  2. Railway Museum
  3. Kazuri Beads Women's Cooperative

Day 3

Take a day trip to nearby attractions. Visit the Nairobi Safari Walk, Nairobi Animal Orphanage, and Karura Forest for a nature escape.

  1. Nairobi Safari Walk
  2. Nairobi Animal Orphanage
  3. Karura Forest