Despite being situated directly on the equator, Kenya enjoys a generally sunny, dry, and temperate climate for most of the year. The Laikipia Plateau in central Kenya benefits from an altitude that ensures comfortable temperatures. While coastal areas are hotter, the ocean breeze helps maintain pleasant conditions for much of the year.
Understanding the average monthly temperatures and climate patterns in Nairobi is essential for planning your trip. This guide provides a detailed overview of what to expect throughout the year.
Nairobi Cityscape
Rainy and Dry Seasons
Kenya experiences two rainy seasons: the heaviest rains (masika) typically occur from mid-March to May, and a shorter period of rain (vuli) occurs in November and December. January and February are mostly dry, although there may be a chance of rain. The dry season, characterized by cooler temperatures, lasts from May to October.
Many travelers assume that because Nairobi is in Africa, it must always be warm. However, this is not the case, especially during the night and early morning, particularly in June, July, and August. Days are often beautiful, temperate, and sunny, but nights and early mornings can be chilly, possibly near freezing.
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It is advisable to bring warm layers that you can remove as the day warms up. A lightweight down jacket or fleece pullover is ideal. Gloves, a hat, a scarf, and warm long pants are also essential during this time of year for early-morning wildlife drives.
Average Monthly Temperatures in Nairobi
Here's a detailed breakdown of the average monthly temperatures and rainfall in Nairobi, based on data from 1991-2020:
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Nairobi - Average Temperatures (1991-2020)
| Month | Min (°C) | Max (°C) | Mean (°C) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 13.9 | 26.9 | 20.4 |
| February | 14.0 | 28.3 | 21.2 |
| March | 15.1 | 28.0 | 21.5 |
| April | 15.4 | 26.1 | 20.7 |
| May | 14.6 | 24.8 | 19.7 |
| June | 13.0 | 23.8 | 18.4 |
| July | 11.8 | 23.2 | 17.5 |
| August | 12.2 | 23.8 | 18.0 |
| September | 12.7 | 26.0 | 19.3 |
| October | 14.4 | 26.9 | 20.6 |
| November | 15.1 | 25.1 | 20.1 |
| December | 14.6 | 25.6 | 20.1 |
| Year | 13.9 | 25.7 | 19.75 |
Nairobi - Average Precipitation
| Month | Rain (mm) | Days |
|---|---|---|
| January | 40 | 5 |
| February | 50 | 4 |
| March | 70 | 6 |
| April | 155 | 13 |
| May | 110 | 11 |
| June | 25 | 6 |
| July | 12 | 5 |
| August | 14 | 5 |
| September | 25 | 5 |
| October | 45 | 7 |
| November | 120 | 14 |
| December | 80 | 9 |
| Year | 745 | 90 |
Nairobi - Sunshine Hours
| Month | Average | Total |
|---|---|---|
| January | 9 | 280 |
| February | 9.5 | 265 |
| March | 8.5 | 265 |
| April | 7 | 205 |
| May | 6 | 180 |
| June | 5.5 | 160 |
| July | 4 | 125 |
| August | 4 | 125 |
| September | 5.5 | 170 |
| October | 7 | 215 |
| November | 7 | 205 |
| December | 8 | 255 |
| Year | 6.7 | 2440 |
Monthly Weather Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at what to expect in Nairobi each month:
January
January is hot and dry, with temperatures gradually increasing. The average temperature is 20.4 °C, with a minimum of 13.9 °C and a maximum of 26.9 °C. Precipitation amounts to 40 mm, distributed over 5 days. There are on average 9 hours of sunshine per day.
Nairobi Climate Graph
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February
February remains hot and dry, with long, sunny days and little to no rain. It is usually the hottest month of the year. The average temperature is 21.2 °C, with a minimum of 14 °C and a maximum of 28.3 °C. Precipitation amounts to 50 mm, distributed over 4 days. There are on average 9.5 hours of sunshine per day.
March
March is still hot but sometimes brings the beginning of the long rains. The average temperature is 21.5 °C, with a minimum of 15.1 °C and a maximum of 28 °C. Precipitation amounts to 70 mm, distributed over 6 days. There are on average 8.5 hours of sunshine per day.
April
April marks the true beginning of the long rainy season, bringing lengthy periods of rain or sporadic heavy downpours. The average temperature is 20.7 °C, with a minimum of 15.4 °C and a maximum of 26.1 °C. Precipitation amounts to 155 mm, distributed over 13 days. There are on average 7 hours of sunshine per day.
May
May is characterized by heavy rains and marks the beginning of winter. The average temperature is 19.7 °C, with a minimum of 14.6 °C and a maximum of 24.8 °C. Precipitation amounts to 110 mm, distributed over 11 days. There are on average 6 hours of sunshine per day.
June
By June, the rains have typically subsided, and the drier winter season has arrived. The average temperature is 18.4 °C, with a minimum of 13 °C and a maximum of 23.8 °C. Precipitation amounts to 25 mm, distributed over 6 days. There are on average 5.5 hours of sunshine per day.
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July
July is the coldest month of the year. The average temperature is 17.5 °C, with a minimum of 11.8 °C and a maximum of 23.2 °C. Precipitation amounts to 11.5 mm, distributed over 5 days. There are on average 4 hours of sunshine per day.
August
August is very mild. The average temperature is 18 °C, with a minimum of 12.2 °C and a maximum of 23.8 °C. Precipitation amounts to 13.6 mm, distributed over 5 days. There are on average 4 hours of sunshine per day.
September
September is warm, with remarkable differences between night and day temperatures. The average temperature is 19.3 °C, with a minimum of 12.7 °C and a maximum of 26 °C. Precipitation amounts to 25 mm, distributed over 5 days. There are on average 5.5 hours of sunshine per day.
October
October marks the beginning of Kenya’s short rains. The average temperature is 20.6 °C, with a minimum of 14.4 °C and a maximum of 26.9 °C. Precipitation amounts to 45 mm, distributed over 7 days. There are on average 7 hours of sunshine per day.
November
The short rains continue into November. The average temperature is 20.1 °C, with a minimum of 15.1 °C and a maximum of 25.1 °C. Precipitation amounts to 120 mm, distributed over 14 days. There are on average 7 hours of sunshine per day.
December
By December, the short rains have mostly ended, and Kenya tends to be sunny and dry. The average temperature is 20.1 °C, with a minimum of 14.6 °C and a maximum of 25.6 °C. Precipitation amounts to 80 mm, distributed over 9 days. There are on average 8 hours of sunshine per day.
Additional Factors
- Altitude: Nairobi is situated at 1,795 meters (5,889 ft) above sea level, which contributes to cooler evenings, especially in June and July.
- Sunshine: The sunniest and warmest part of the year is from December to March.
- Cloud Cover: The clearest month of the year is August, while the cloudiest is April.
- Wind: The windier part of the year lasts from September to April, with the windiest month being December.
Best Time to Visit Nairobi
Based on the tourism score, the best time of year to visit Nairobi for general outdoor activities is from early July to mid-October, with a peak in the second week of September. For hot-weather activities, the best time is from late January to late March, with a peak in the first week of March.
Remember to check current weather conditions a few days before your departure at www.weather.com. Also, check the weather for each location on your itinerary, as conditions may vary.
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