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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, sunny and dry with occasional afternoon clouds	moderate	moderate	• Clear skies ideal for safaris • Post-holiday lull
February	21-29°C, very dry and sunny	moderate	moderate	• Excellent wildlife viewing conditions • Warm, consistent sunshine
March	20-28°C, warm with increasing chances of rain	moderate	moderate	• Green landscapes after dry spell • Pre-peak season prices
April	19-27°C, heavy and prolonged rainfall	low	low	• Lush scenery • Fewest tourists ⚠ Heavy rains can disrupt road travel and game drives.
May	19-26°C, significant rainfall, often overcast	low	low	• Deeper greens • Very affordable ⚠ The wettest month; expect frequent downpours.
June	19-26°C, cooler with less rain, sunny mornings	moderate	moderate	• Start of the Great Migration river crossings (Mara) • Cooler temperatures
July	18-25°C, dry and cool with sunny days	high	high	• Peak Great Migration season • Ideal wildlife viewing • Comfortable temperatures
August	19-26°C, dry and sunny, pleasant temperatures	peak	peak	• Continued Great Migration • Excellent game viewing • Long daylight hours
September	20-27°C, dry and sunny, warming up	high	high	• End of migration in Masai Mara • Good wildlife sightings • Shoulder season pricing starts late month
October	20-27°C, sunny with increasing chances of short afternoon showers	moderate	moderate	• Green season begins, landscapes revive • Good birdwatching
November	20-27°C, short rains common, warm and humid	moderate	moderate	• Lush scenery • Fewer crowds than peak season
December	20-28°C, warm with scattered showers, often sunny mornings	high	high	• Christmas holiday travel • Calving season begins in some areas • Festive atmosphere

Annual events worth timing your trip around

March

Safari Rally Kenya

A historic motorsports event, part of the World Rally Championship.

June

Madaraka Day

National holiday celebrating Kenya's self-governance.

December

Jamhuri Day

National holiday celebrating Kenya's independence and republic status.

July

Great Migration

Annual wildebeest and zebra migration across the Masai Mara.

August

Great Migration

Peak season for wildebeest and zebra migration in the Masai Mara.

Insider timing tips

•The 'long rains' from April to May can significantly impact travel plans, making some roads impassable and reducing wildlife visibility.
•While July-September is peak season for the Great Migration and offers the best wildlife viewing, expect higher prices and more crowds.
•Nairobi's altitude (1,795m) moderates temperatures year-round, meaning even the hottest months are rarely unbearable.
•The 'short rains' in November can bring brief, localized showers, often clearing to sunny afternoons, offering a good balance of fewer crowds and decent conditions.
•Local holidays like Madaraka Day and Jamhuri Day might see some businesses close, but major tourist attractions generally remain open.