a herd of zebra standing on top of a dry grass field

Kenya · tool

Best time to visit Nairobi

Month-by-month weather, crowds, prices, and festival calendar — so you know exactly when to book.

Best time to visit Nairobi, Kenya

Month-by-month breakdown of weather, crowds, prices, and seasonal highlights.

Month	Weather	Crowds	Prices	Highlights
January	20-28°C, dry and sunny with cooler evenings.	moderate	moderate	• Clear skies ideal for safaris • Post-holiday lull
February	21-29°C, hot and dry with minimal rain.	moderate	moderate	• Excellent wildlife viewing in dry conditions • Warm, sunny days
March	21-28°C, increasing cloudiness and chance of rain.	moderate	moderate	• Greener landscapes after initial rains • Good for birdwatching
April	20-27°C, heavy rainfall expected, humid.	low	low	• Lush scenery • Fewer tourists ⚠ Heavy rains can disrupt travel and safari activities.
May	19-26°C, significant rainfall, cooler than previous months.	low	low	• Emerald landscapes • Deep discounts on accommodation ⚠ Still within the main rainy season, expect frequent downpours.
June	19-25°C, cooler with less rain, sunny intervals.	moderate	moderate	• Start of the dry season • Wildebeest migration begins in Maasai Mara
July	18-24°C, cool and dry, abundant sunshine.	high	high	• Peak wildebeest migration • Ideal safari conditions • Cool, pleasant temperatures
August	19-25°C, dry and sunny, comfortable temperatures.	high	high	• Continued excellent wildlife viewing • Drier conditions make travel easier
September	20-26°C, dry with sunny days, transitioning to warmer weather.	moderate	moderate	• End of the major migration • Good chance to see predators • Warmer days return
October	20-27°C, short rains begin, humid.	moderate	moderate	• Landscapes turn green • Good for birding as migratory birds arrive
November	20-27°C, heavy rains typical of the 'short rains' season.	low	low	• Fewer crowds • Dramatic skies • Newborn animals may start appearing ⚠ The 'short rains' can be unpredictable and heavy.
December	20-27°C, rains begin to ease, becoming sunnier.	peak	peak	• Festive season travel • Warm weather • End of the short rains

Annual events worth timing your trip around

March

Safari Rally Kenya

A challenging off-road motorsport event with stages often held around Nairobi and surrounding areas.

March/April

Easter Celebrations

Nationwide religious observances, with cultural events and family gatherings.

June

Madaraka Day

Commemorates Kenya's self-governance, marked by national celebrations and public holidays.

December

Jamhuri Day

Celebrates Kenya's independence, featuring parades and national festivities.

Insider timing tips

•The 'long rains' (April-May) significantly impact travel, making roads difficult and game viewing harder due to dispersed wildlife. However, this is when prices are lowest.
•The dry seasons (June-October) are prime time for wildlife viewing as animals congregate around water sources, but expect peak crowds and prices, especially during July and August.
•Nairobi's altitude (1,795m) moderates temperatures year-round, meaning it's rarely excessively hot, with evenings often being cool even in the hottest months.
•While July and August offer peak safari conditions, the shoulder months of June and September provide a good balance of weather, wildlife, and slightly fewer crowds/lower prices.
•The 'short rains' (October-November) can be unpredictable; while they bring lushness, heavy downpours can still disrupt plans, though it's a good time for birdwatching.

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