Climate Insights for Nairobi

The climate in Nairobi is warm and mild. The average annual temperature is 20°C and approximately 804mm of precipitation falls per year. April is the wettest month, receiving around 169mm 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 14°C to 28°C. The warmest month is March, when average highs reach 28°C and the mean temperature sits around 22°C. August is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 14°C and an average of 18°C. On average, daily temperatures fluctuate by about 10°C between overnight lows and afternoon highs.

Nairobi is a moderately rainy area, receiving approximately 804mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 67mm per month. The wettest month is April, averaging 169mm of rainfall. November and May also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is July, with just 16mm. That's 153mm 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 February, 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 autumn in Nairobi, which began on March 20, 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 28°C, while the coldest stretch bottoms out in August near 14°C. Winter is next, beginning on June 21, 2026 — 4 days from now.

The best time to visit Nairobi is during January, February, March, 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 46mm per month. A light rain jacket is recommended, though showers are generally brief and shouldn't disrupt your plans.

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.