Kenya · tool
Best time to visit Nairobi
Month-by-month weather, crowds, prices, and festival calendar — so you know exactly when to book.
Photo by Kenny Murgor on Unsplash
Best time to visit Nairobi, Kenya
Month-by-month breakdown of weather, crowds, prices, and seasonal highlights.
| Month | Score | Weather | Crowds | Prices | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 21-29°C, sunny and dry with occasional light showers. | moderate | moderate |
| |
| February | 22-30°C, very sunny and dry, minimal rainfall. | moderate | moderate |
| |
| March | 21-29°C, increasing cloudiness and heavier rainfall. | low | low |
⚠ Start of the long rains, expect frequent downpours. | |
| April | 20-28°C, heavy and persistent rainfall, often overcast. | low | low |
⚠ Peak of the long rains; some roads may be impassable. | |
| May | 19-27°C, significant rainfall continues, though less intense than April. | low | low |
⚠ End of the long rains; muddy conditions persist. | |
| June | 19-27°C, rainfall decreases, skies clearing, cooler mornings. | moderate | moderate |
| |
| July | 18-26°C, dry and sunny, cool mornings and evenings. | high | high |
| |
| August | 19-27°C, dry season continues, sunny with cool nights. | high | high |
| |
| September | 20-28°C, dry season transitioning, sunny with occasional light showers. | moderate | moderate |
| |
| October | 21-29°C, start of the short rains, expect afternoon thunderstorms. | moderate | moderate |
| |
| November | 21-29°C, short rains intensify, can be wet and humid. | low | low |
⚠ Short rains can be unpredictable, with heavy downpours. | |
| December | 21-28°C, rains start to subside, warm and sunny with occasional showers. | high | high |
|
Annual events worth timing your trip around
February
Safaricom Jazz Festival
A popular music festival featuring local and international jazz artists.
June
Madaraka Day
A public holiday celebrating Kenya's self-governance, with national ceremonies.
December
Jamhuri Day
A public holiday celebrating Kenya's independence, marked by national events and celebrations.
Insider timing tips
- •The 'long rains' (March-May) and 'short rains' (October-November) significantly impact road conditions, especially in national parks, potentially limiting access.
- •While July and August offer peak wildlife viewing due to the Great Migration, they also bring the highest prices and crowds, making shoulder months like June and September a good compromise.
- •Nairobi experiences cooler temperatures during the dry winter months (June-August) due to its altitude, offering a pleasant escape from extreme heat.
- •The period immediately following the long rains (May) offers lush scenery and abundant birdlife at lower prices, though game viewing might be slightly less concentrated.
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