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 | 20-28°C, sunny and dry with occasional afternoon clouds | moderate | moderate |
| |
| February | 21-29°C, very dry and sunny | moderate | moderate |
| |
| March | 20-28°C, warm with increasing chances of rain | moderate | moderate |
| |
| April | 19-27°C, heavy and prolonged rainfall | low | low |
⚠ Heavy rains can disrupt road travel and game drives. | |
| May | 19-26°C, significant rainfall, often overcast | low | low |
⚠ The wettest month; expect frequent downpours. | |
| June | 19-26°C, cooler with less rain, sunny mornings | moderate | moderate |
| |
| July | 18-25°C, dry and cool with sunny days | high | high |
| |
| August | 19-26°C, dry and sunny, pleasant temperatures | peak | peak |
| |
| September | 20-27°C, dry and sunny, warming up | high | high |
| |
| October | 20-27°C, sunny with increasing chances of short afternoon showers | moderate | moderate |
| |
| November | 20-27°C, short rains common, warm and humid | moderate | moderate |
| |
| December | 20-28°C, warm with scattered showers, often sunny mornings | high | high |
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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.
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