Nairobi is Kenya's vibrant capital city and a major hub for East Africa, blending modern skyscrapers with abundant wildlife right at the city's edge. It is the only city in the world with a national park within its boundaries, where lions and giraffes roam against a backdrop of the urban skyline. Known as the 'Green City in the Sun,' Nairobi offers world-class dining, diverse culture, and serves as the gateway to Kenya's legendary safari destinations.
Nairobi sits at 1,795 metres above sea level, giving it an unusually mild climate for a city straddling the equator. Temperatures are comfortable year-round with warm days (22-26°C) and cool nights (10-14°C). The city has two rainy seasons: the long rains (March-May) and the short rains (October-December). The dryness between seasons is excellent for wildlife.
Best time to visit
Best: January-February, July-October
Best Reason: January-February is dry, warm and uncrowded. July-September is the peak safari season with excellent wildlife viewing and reliable dry weather, though accommodation prices are higher.
Peak Season: July-September
Avoid: April-May, November
Avoid Reason: April-May brings the long rains — heavy afternoon downpours, flooded roads and muddy safari tracks. November has shorter but still significant rains.
Month-by-month weather
Typical conditions throughout the year.
January
22°C/72°F (day), 12°C/54°F (night)
Warm, dry and sunny; excellent conditions for Nairobi and safari travel
February
24°C/75°F (day), 13°C/55°F (night)
Hottest and driest month; ideal weather for all activities
March
23°C/73°F (day), 14°C/57°F (night)
Beginning of long rains; mornings still clear, afternoon showers start
April
21°C/70°F (day), 14°C/57°F (night)
Peak of long rains; heavy afternoon showers; roads can flood
May
20°C/68°F (day), 13°C/55°F (night)
Still wet but rainfall easing; lush green landscapes
June
19°C/66°F (day), 11°C/52°F (night)
Dry season begins; cooler evenings; good wildlife viewing
July
18°C/64°F (day), 10°C/50°F (night)
Peak safari season; dry, cool and clear; wildebeest migration at its height
August
19°C/66°F (day), 10°C/50°F (night)
Dry and clear; peak season continues; excellent game viewing
September
21°C/70°F (day), 11°C/52°F (night)
Warm and dry; great wildlife and weather as peak season winds down
October
22°C/72°F (day), 13°C/55°F (night)
Short rains begin; mornings often sunny; good shoulder season value
November
21°C/70°F (day), 13°C/55°F (night)
Short rains can be significant; afternoon showers; quieter period
December
22°C/72°F (day), 13°C/55°F (night)
Rains ease; Christmas season busy; good conditions for city visits
The seasons
What to expect in each part of the year.
Long_dry
Months: Jun-Sep
The coolest and driest season; ideal for safari; Nairobi nights can be quite cold (10-14°C)
Short_dry
Months: Jan-Mar
Warm and mostly dry with occasional afternoon showers in March; excellent conditions overall
Long_rains
Months: Apr-May
Heavy afternoon rainfall, humid, roads can flood; landscapes are green and beautiful
Short_rains
Months: Oct-Dec
Shorter, less intense rainy season; mornings usually clear; landscapes lush and green
Crowds & peak times
When to expect tourists and when to avoid them.
- High Season
- July-September (peak safari season)
- Shoulder Season
- January-February, October
- Low Season
- April-May, November
Major events & festivals
Time your visit around what matters.
Nairobi International Marathon
Major East African marathon through Nairobi's streets
Nairobi Film Festival
Showcasing African and international cinema
Safari Rally Kenya
WRC Safari Rally held in Naivasha near Nairobi; world-class motorsport event
Masai Mara Migration Season
Not in Nairobi but drives peak tourism to the city as a gateway
Nairobi Restaurant Week
City-wide dining promotion with special menus at top restaurants
Koroga Festival
Nairobi's premier outdoor music festival held annually in December