Weather in Nairobi

Nairobi sits at an elevation of 1,795m (5,889ft) and some 200km (124 miles) below the Equator, enjoying a moderate climate with average temperatures fluctuating between 17°C (63°F) to 21°C (70°F) year round.

January and February are a good time to visit Nairobi as they are relatively dry, with rainfall averaging 50mm (2 inches) and plenty of sunshine.

The months of March to May contain the long rainy season, making it a gloomy time to visit. April is the wettest month, averaging 130mm (5.1 inches) of rain, and it does not ease up until June.

July, August, September and October are peak tourist season in Nairobi. During this time the skies are clear, and wildlife is easy to spot among the dry grass in the national parks. Many safari enthusiasts use this time to start their trip from Nairobi to Masai Mara, hoping to catch a glimpse of some of the thousands of wildebeest and zebra migrating from June to October.

November and December contain the short rainy season, the downpour turning the city lush and green once again.

	Weather (day)		Temp (max day)	Wind (mph)	Humidity Pressure Visibility
Sunday	Cloudy	Cloudy skies	17 °C	6 e	60-80% 1016 mb good
Monday	Cloudy	Cloudy skies	15 °C	7 e	60-80% 1016 mb good
Tuesday	Cloudy	Cloudy skies	15 °C	9 e	60-80% 1016 mb good
Wednesday	Cloudy	Cloudy skies	15 °C	6 ene	60-80% 1016 mb good
Thursday	Cloudy	Cloudy skies	15 °C	6 e	60-80% 1016 mb good
Friday	Cloudy	Cloudy skies	15 °C	5 ese	60-80% 1016 mb good
Saturday	Cloudy	Cloudy skies	15 °C	7 se	60-80% 1016 mb good

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Last updated: 2024-09-04 13:17:24
We update the weather data for from our weather partner every four hours. The time the last update was received is detailed here.

Actual Forecast Location: We have 830+ weather locations on the worldtravelguide.net website. Where no exact location is available we have used the nearest appropriate forecast point.

Symbols indicate the predominant weather for the day in question, calculated based on a weighting of different types of weather. So if a day is forecast to be sunny with the possibility of a brief shower, then we will see a sunny or partly cloudy symbol rather than a rain cloud.

The maximum temperature is the highest temperature forecast between dawn and dusk, and the minimum temperature is the lowest temperature expected from dusk on the day in question to dawn the next day. The temperature is in °C, or Celsius.

Wind speed and direction are the conditions expected at midday. Wind direction is based on a 16 point compass. W, SW, SSW, etc. The wind direction states where the wind originates. Wind speed is listed in MPH or miles per hour.

Humidity levels indicates how much water vapour the air contains compared to the maximum it could contain at that temperature. As a general guide:

0 to 30 is very low
31 to 50 is low
51 to 70 is moderate to low
71 to 80 is moderate
81 to 90 is moderate to high
91 to 100 is high

Pressure is measured in millibars (mb)

Visibility based on whether the human eye can see the following distances:

Very poor - less than 1km
Poor - between 1km and 4km
Moderate - between 4km and 10km
Good - between 10km and 20km
Very good - between 20km and 40km
Excellent - more than 40km

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Featured Hotels

Sarova Stanley

One of the most historic hotels in Nairobi, the Sarova Stanley first opened its doors in 1902, and boasts a rich history of famous former guests, among them Ernest Hemingway. Rooms are well appointed and soundproof, and there's a gym, sauna, rooftop pool and bar. Don't miss out on the legendary Thorn Tree Cafe either, a travellers' haunt since British times.

Nairobi Serena Hotel

One of the more elegant options in Nairobi, this sophisticated place draws on influences from across Africa, and the interiors are full of tribal sculptures, textiles and wooden furniture. The spotless rooms have marble bathrooms and views over the grounds and lush gardens. There is also a swimming pool, health club and shops. Although the hotel itself is very secure, adjacent Central Park and Uhuru Park are not safe to walk around at night.

Central YMCA

This is a well-appointed, central hostel in Nairobi. Good-value rooms, reasonable food, swimming pool, tennis courts and an aerobics studio make this feel more like a small hotel, and you don't have to be male or Christian to stay here.

Sentrim 680 Hotel

This reasonably priced mid-range hotel in Nairobi is in a decent location. It is a bit shabby and not much to look at, but is safe, has clean rooms with en-suite bathrooms, useful facilities, a restaurant and its own bar. Rooms facing the main road can cop a bit of noise, so ask for one at the back.

Upper Hill Campsite

Part campsite for overland groups, part backpacker hostel, this expansive place is a hike from the centre of Nairobi, but it makes up for this with excellent facilities. Staff can organise all sorts of safaris and excursions, and the spacious, secure compound has its own bar, restaurant and games room.

Terminal Hotel

A good-value alternative to the backpacker crash pads, the Terminal Hotel in Nairobi is simple but well located. You get what you pay for in terms of luxuries, but the rooms have bathrooms and you can walk to everything in the centre. Ask for a room at the back, away from the street noise.

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