Nairobi, Kenya Climate & Monthly Averages
The climate of Nairobi
Located in Kenya, Nairobi experiences a subtropical highland climate with spring-like temperatures nearly all year thanks to its elevation. Afternoon temperatures peak near 81°F (27°C) in March and dip to about 73°F (23°C) in July, with around 35.4 inches (900 mm) of precipitation falling across the year.
Climate quick facts
- Hottest month: March - highs near 81°F (27°C)
- Coldest month: July - highs near 73°F (23°C)
- Record high: 89°F (32°C) · Record low: 47°F (8°C) (2015–2024)
- Wettest month: April (26 rainy days) · Sunniest: February (11.3 h sun/day)
- Climate type: subtropical highland - spring-like temperatures nearly all year thanks to its elevation
Temperatures through the year
The warmest stretch of the year centers on March. Highs average 81°F (27°C) and overnight lows stay near 60°F (16°C). The coolest month is July, with typical highs of 73°F (23°C) and lows around 54°F (12°C). Based on 2015–2024 weather data, temperatures have reached as high as 89°F (32°C) and dropped as low as 47°F (8°C).
Rain, sun and snow
April is usually the wettest month. It brings about 7.3 inches (186 mm) of rain over 26 days, while July is the driest. February brings the most sunshine, averaging 11.3 hours of sun a day.
Monthly climate table
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Precipitation | Sunshine | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 79° | 58° | 9 | 2.0 in | 11.1 h/day | 64% |
| February | 81° | 59° | 8 | 1.8 in | 11.3 h/day | 60% |
| March | 81° | 60° | 12 | 2.9 in | 10.8 h/day | 63% |
| April | 77° | 61° | 26 | 7.3 in | 9.7 h/day | 77% |
| May | 75° | 59° | 18 | 4.2 in | 10.0 h/day | 77% |
| June | 74° | 56° | 9 | 1.6 in | 9.4 h/day | 73% |
| July | 73° | 54° | 5 | 0.8 in | 8.3 h/day | 70% |
| August | 74° | 55° | 7 | 1.0 in | 8.5 h/day | 68% |
| September | 77° | 56° | 7 | 1.3 in | 9.9 h/day | 66% |
| October | 79° | 58° | 14 | 3.6 in | 10.5 h/day | 65% |
| November | 76° | 59° | 23 | 5.7 in | 9.8 h/day | 78% |
| December | 76° | 59° | 16 | 3.3 in | 10.7 h/day | 74% |
Nairobi month by month
Nairobi weather in January
January brings highs around 79°F (26°C), lows near 58°F (15°C), about 9 wet days.
Nairobi weather in February
February brings highs around 81°F (27°C), lows near 59°F (15°C), about 8 wet days - typically the sunniest month of the year in Nairobi.
Nairobi weather in March
March brings highs around 81°F (27°C), lows near 60°F (16°C), about 12 wet days - typically the hottest month of the year in Nairobi.
Nairobi weather in April
April brings highs around 77°F (25°C), lows near 61°F (16°C), about 26 wet days - typically the wettest month of the year in Nairobi.
Nairobi weather in May
May brings highs around 75°F (24°C), lows near 59°F (15°C), about 18 wet days.
Nairobi weather in June
June brings highs around 74°F (23°C), lows near 56°F (13°C), about 9 wet days.
Nairobi weather in July
July brings highs around 73°F (23°C), lows near 54°F (12°C), about 5 wet days - typically the coldest month and the driest month of the year in Nairobi.
Nairobi weather in August
August brings highs around 74°F (23°C), lows near 55°F (13°C), about 7 wet days.
Nairobi weather in September
September brings highs around 77°F (25°C), lows near 56°F (13°C), about 7 wet days.
Nairobi weather in October
October brings highs around 79°F (26°C), lows near 58°F (15°C), about 14 wet days.
Nairobi weather in November
November brings highs around 76°F (24°C), lows near 59°F (15°C), about 23 wet days.
Nairobi weather in December
December brings highs around 76°F (25°C), lows near 59°F (15°C), about 16 wet days.
Seasons in Nairobi
September through November
September through November in Nairobi is mild and warm, with daytime highs averaging 77°F (25°C) and nights around 58°F (14°C); expect showers on roughly 44 days across the season.
December through February
December through February in Nairobi is pleasantly warm, with daytime highs averaging 79°F (26°C) and nights around 59°F (15°C); expect showers on roughly 33 days across the season.
March through May
March through May in Nairobi is pleasantly warm, with daytime highs averaging 78°F (25°C) and nights around 60°F (15°C); expect showers on roughly 56 days across the season.
June through August
June through August in Nairobi brings comfortable warmth, with daytime highs averaging 74°F (23°C) and nights around 55°F (13°C); expect showers on roughly 21 days across the season.
Climate questions, answered
What is the average temperature in Nairobi?
Is Nairobi hot in summer?
Is Nairobi cold in winter?
How many rainy days does Nairobi get in a year?
Best time to visit Nairobi
The best time to visit Nairobi is generally July to September and February, when warm days, manageable rainfall and plenty of daylight line up. Daytime temperatures in that window typically sit near 76°F (25°C).
Pack for Nairobi with a compact umbrella or rain shell - showers are a regular feature. Evenings can feel noticeably cooler than afternoons - March nights average 60°F (16°C).
Nairobi temperature records (2015-2024)
Derived from ERA5 reanalysis data, 2015–2024. Official station records may differ.