Climate Insights for Nairobi

The climate in Nairobi is warm and mild. The average annual temperature is 20°C and approximately 566mm of precipitation falls per year. April is the wettest month, receiving around 176mm of rainfall. Nairobi sits near the equator, so seasonal temperature differences are minimal throughout the year.

Nairobi sees moderate temperature variation throughout the year, ranging from 13°C to 29°C. The warmest month is March, when average highs reach 29°C and the mean temperature sits around 22°C. July is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 13°C and an average of 18°C. On average, daily temperatures fluctuate by about 10°C between overnight lows and afternoon highs. The sharpest temperature change occurs between September and October, with a 2°C shift in average temperatures.

Nairobi is a relatively dry area, receiving approximately 566mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 47mm per month. The wettest month is April, averaging 176mm of rainfall. November and May also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is July, with just 5mm. That's 171mm less than April, the wettest month. Rainfall is heavily concentrated in certain months, creating a distinct wet and dry season. Visitors should plan around these patterns, as the difference between peak and low months is dramatic.

Nairobi is relatively calm, with an average annual wind speed of 2km/h. For context, sustained winds below 12km/h are generally light, while anything above 25km/h is considered strong. The windiest month is December, averaging 3km/h, though still comfortable for most outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in June, with average winds dropping to 2km/h, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. Wind speeds vary significantly across the year, with a 1km/h difference between the calmest and windiest months. This level of variation is worth factoring into travel plans.

It is currently winter in Nairobi, which began on June 21, 2026. Nairobi sits near the equator, so the traditional four-season cycle is less pronounced — temperatures remain relatively stable year-round. The warmest period peaks in March at around 29°C, while the coldest stretch bottoms out in July near 13°C. Spring is next, beginning on September 23, 2026 — 52 days from now.

The best time to visit Nairobi is during January, February, March, May, June, July, August, September, October and December, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 20°C with modest rainfall averaging 27mm per month. With minimal rainfall expected, you can pack light and plan outdoor activities with confidence.

The table below shows monthly climate averages for Nairobi based on historical weather data. Min and max temperatures represent typical overnight lows and afternoon highs for each month, shown in degrees Celsius (°C). Precipitation is measured in millimetres (mm) and indicates the average total rainfall per month. Wind speed is the average sustained speed in kilometres per hour (km/h). All values are based on averages from over 10 years of historical weather data. The current month is highlighted for quick reference.