Month guide · Nairobi · Kenya
Nairobi in August
What August is really like in Nairobi: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
August is one of the best months to visit Nairobi. Expect average highs of 21°C (70°F), lows of 10°C (50°F), about 4 rainy days and roughly 12.1 hours of daylight. Cool and dry with peak safari demand; book flights to the Mara and lodges well ahead.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 21°C (70°F) / 10°C (50°F)
- Rainy days
- About 4
- Daylight
- About 12.1 hours
- Crowds
- Very busy
- Hotel prices
- Highest
Weather in August
August is the coolest month in Nairobi: days average 21°C (70°F) against a yearly average high of 24°C (75°F), and nights fall to about 10°C (50°F). Rain falls on roughly 4 of its 31 days. Compared with July (21°C (70°F)), August is about as warm; by September highs climb to around 24°C (75°F).
- Sunrise (15 August)
- About 06:35
- Sunset (15 August)
- About 18:40
- Daylight
- About 12.1 hours
Long rains (March–May). Heavy afternoon downpours, especially in April, with muddy park tracks and seasonal camp closures but the lowest lodge prices of the year.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, August rates 5 for crowds (the peak is July at 5) and 5 for hotel prices (highest in July). Book accommodation early: August is one of the pricier months.
Events in August
- Peak Maasai Mara river-crossing season (usually August–September)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in August
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Nature · Karen
Oloolua Nature Trail
A forest trail along the Mbagathi River managed by the Institute of Primate Research in Karen, passing a small waterfall, a cave and bamboo groves.
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Outdoors
- Nature
- Off the beaten path
Nature · Nairobi National Park
Sheldrick Wildlife Trust elephant orphanage
Stand at the front of the rope line on the side nearest the mud wallow; the calves often splash the first row.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Low cost
- Iconic
- Kids
- Nature
- Photo spot
Nature · Langata
Giraffe Centre
Run by the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife since 1979, the centre breeds endangered Rothschild's giraffes and lets visitors feed them pellets from a raised wooden platform at head height.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Low cost
- Iconic
- Kids
- Nature
- Photo spot
Museum · Museum Hill
Nairobi National Museum
Buy a combined ticket if you also want the snake park, and save time for the garden's nature trail.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Rainy day
- Kids
What to pack
For highs near 21°C, lows near 10°C and 4 wet days: light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; comfortable walking shoes.
Is August a good time to visit Nairobi?
One of the best months to visit Nairobi, with a notable event on the calendar. The other best months are January–February, June–July and September. Compare every month.
Nairobi in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is August a good time to visit Nairobi?
It is one of the best months to visit Nairobi. Cool and dry with peak safari demand; book flights to the Mara and lodges well ahead.
+How warm is Nairobi in August?
Average highs are around 21°C (70°F) and lows around 10°C (50°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Nairobi in August?
Expect rain on about 4 days of the month, so it is usually dry.