Best time to visit · Nairobi · Kenya
The best time to visit Nairobi
Weather, crowds, prices and events for every month, so you can pick the trip that suits you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
The best times to visit Nairobi are the dry seasons from late June to early October and from January to February, when park roads are firm and game viewing is easiest. July to September coincides with the Maasai Mara migration and the highest prices. April and May bring the long rains, muddy tracks and some camp closures, though lodge rates are at their lowest.
Key facts
- Best months
- January–February and June–September
- Shoulder season
- March and October–December
- Warmest month
- February (avg high 26°C (79°F))
- Coldest month
- June (avg high 21°C (70°F))
- Rainiest month
- April (~14 rainy days)
- Lowest hotel prices
- April–May
Seasons
At about 1,800 metres Nairobi has a mild highland climate: warm, sunny days and cool nights. There are two rainy seasons, the long rains from March to May and the short rains in November and December, and the coolest, driest weather comes in July and August.
January–February
Warm dry season
Hot, sunny days by Nairobi standards, green parks after the short rains and good game viewing; a popular time for safaris.
March–May
Long rains
Heavy afternoon downpours, especially in April, with muddy park tracks and seasonal camp closures but the lowest lodge prices of the year.
June–October
Cool dry season
Cool, often overcast mornings and dry sunny afternoons; peak safari season with the migration in the Maasai Mara and the highest prices.
November–December
Short rains
Showers in the afternoons and evenings with clear mornings; quieter and cheaper until the Christmas holiday rush.
Month by month
Long-term averages (rounded). Crowds and prices are relative, 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Daylight is sunrise to sunset on the 15th.
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Daylight | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 25°C | 12°C | 5 | 12.2 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| February | 26°C | 12°C | 4 | 12.2 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| March | 26°C | 13°C | 8 | 12.1 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| April | 24°C | 14°C | 14 | 12.1 h | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| May | 23°C | 13°C | 11 | 12.1 h | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| June | 21°C | 11°C | 5 | 12 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| July | 21°C | 10°C | 4 | 12.1 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| August | 21°C | 10°C | 4 | 12.1 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| September | 24°C | 11°C | 3 | 12.1 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| October | 25°C | 13°C | 7 | 12.1 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| November | 23°C | 14°C | 14 | 12.2 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| December | 23°C | 13°C | 9 | 12.2 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
Yearly events
Recurring dates shift from year to year; confirm with the organiser before you book.
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| January | New Year holiday traffic eases by mid-month |
| March | Safari Rally Kenya — World Rally Championship round around Naivasha (usually March) |
| April | Easter holiday weekend |
| June | Madaraka Day — national holiday (1 June) |
| July | Great Migration usually arrives in the Maasai Mara (from July) |
| August | Peak Maasai Mara river-crossing season (usually August–September) |
| September | Nairobi International Trade Fair at Jamhuri Park (usually late September or early October) |
| October | Mashujaa Day — national holiday (20 October) |
| December | Jamhuri Day — independence holiday (12 December); Christmas and New Year holiday peak |
Cheapest and quietest times
Hotel prices are usually lowest in April–May, and the sights are quietest in April–May. Many visitors avoid April–May.
What to pack
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| Warm dry season | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Long rains | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Cool dry season | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Short rains | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best month to visit Nairobi?
The best times to visit Nairobi are the dry seasons from late June to early October and from January to February, when park roads are firm and game viewing is easiest. July to September coincides with the Maasai Mara migration and the highest prices. April and May bring the long rains, muddy tracks and some camp closures, though lodge rates are at their lowest.
+When are hotel prices lowest in Nairobi?
Usually in April–May. The wettest month, with heavy downpours, muddy park tracks and some seasonal safari camps closed; lodge prices are at their lowest.
+What is the rainiest month in Nairobi?
April, with about 14 days of rain on average.
+How hot does Nairobi get?
The warmest month, February, averages highs of 26°C (79°F) and lows of 12°C (54°F).