People expect equatorial heat and land in Nairobi to find it cool. The city sits at about 1,795 meters (5,890 feet), so highs stay at 24–29°C (75–84°F) all year, nights drop to 13°C (55°F) in the dry months, and the long rains bring 26 rain days in April. Bring a warm layer and a rain shell, not just safari khaki.
Nairobi weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 26°C79°F | 29°C84°F | 28°C82°F | 25°C77°F | 25°C77°F | 25°C77°F | 24°C75°F | 24°C75°F | 27°C81°F | 27°C81°F | 25°C77°F | 26°C79°F |
| Low | 15°C59°F | 15°C59°F | 16°C61°F | 16°C61°F | 15°C59°F | 13°C55°F | 13°C55°F | 13°C55°F | 14°C57°F | 15°C59°F | 15°C59°F | 15°C59°F |
| Rain days | 9 | 3 | 13 | 26 | 20 | 9 | 4 | 7 | 6 | 14 | 24 | 19 |
Season by season
Dry season
January–FebruaryThe warmest stretch, with highs of 26°C (79°F) in January and 29°C (84°F) in February and only 3 rain days in February. Mornings start cool at 15°C (59°F). Pack light clothes and sun protection, plus a sweater for early game drives in Nairobi National Park.
Rainy season
March–MayThe long rains. April averages 26 rain days and May 20, often as heavy downpours later in the day. Highs hold at 25–28°C (77–82°F). Bring a proper rain jacket and shoes that handle mud, especially if you're heading out on safari.
Cool season
June–SeptemberNairobi's coolest months. Highs are 24–27°C (75–81°F), but lows drop to 13°C (55°F) from June to August, and grey, chilly mornings are normal. It's also peak safari season, so pack a fleece or light jacket for dawn drives.
Wet season
October–DecemberThe short rains. November is the wettest of the three at 24 rain days, with 14 in October and 19 in December. Showers tend to be shorter than in April, but a rain shell still earns its place.
What to bring to Nairobi
0 of 23 packedApril brings 26 rain days and November 24, and a light, packable shell stays in your bag for both.
Waterproof and small enough to carry every day, which you'll want when the long rains roll in over Westlands.
- Sawyer 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion, 4 ozHealth & Safety
Mosquitoes come out at dusk in Nairobi and out on safari, and this 20% picaridin lotion is rated for up to 12 hours and gentle on gear.
Its UK plug fits Kenya's Type G sockets, so your phone and camera batteries charge from one outlet.
- Pacsafe GO Anti-Theft Tech CrossbodyDocuments & Security
The CBD and the matatu stages are crowded, and lockable zips plus a steel-wire strap make this crossbody hard to grab.
- A warm wrapClothing
A wool wrap covers the long flight in and the 13°C (55°F) mornings on a June game drive.
- Dramamine Less Drowsy ChewablesHealth & Safety
Roads out to the parks are long and rough, and one dose lasts up to 24 hours, so take it before you leave and forget about it.
- Bellroy Venture Camera Sling 10LBags & Luggage
Animals don't wait, and this camera sling's wide-mouth zipper gets your camera out before the giraffe walks off.
Clothing
- Neutral long-sleeve shirts · 3Good for safari and mosquitoes
- Lightweight trousers · 2
- Fleece or warm sweater · 1Nights drop to 13°C
- Wide-brim hat · 1
Footwear
- Closed-toe walking shoes · 1 pair
- Sandals · 1 pair
Gear
- Binoculars · 1For safari drives
- Reusable pouches · 3Plastic bags are banned
- Sunglasses · 1
Health and toiletries
- High-SPF sunscreenStrong sun at about 1,795 m
- Personal medications
Documents and money
- Passport
- Travel insuranceSafari and remote travel
- Kenya eTAMost visitors need an approved eTA before travel.
Tech
- Headlamp · 1
What shoes should you pack for Nairobi?
Bring comfortable closed shoes for the city, where sidewalks in the CBD and Westlands are uneven and turn muddy in the rains. For safari, sneakers or light hiking shoes are fine, since you'll mostly be in the vehicle. Darker, neutral colors hide the red dust.
What do people wear in Nairobi?
Nairobi dresses smart casual. Jeans or chinos with a collared shirt, or a simple dress, fit in at restaurants in Westlands and Karen. On safari, neutral colors like khaki, olive and tan are the norm. Cover shoulders and knees if you visit a mosque or church.
What plugs does Nairobi use?
Kenya uses Type G sockets, the three rectangular pins, at 240V. It's the same plug as the UK. Everyone else needs an adapter.
Tours and things to do in Nairobi
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Nairobi.
What should you leave at home for Nairobi?
Leave single-use plastic bags at home, because Kenya bans them and they can be taken off you at the airport. Skip the bright white safari outfit, the dust gets into everything. And leave the heavy winter coat, a fleece covers the 13°C (55°F) mornings.
Packing for Nairobi: questions people ask
Is Nairobi cold?
It's cooler than most people expect. Highs are 24–29°C (75–84°F), but nights drop to 13°C (55°F) from June to August because of the altitude.
When is the rainy season in Nairobi?
There are two. The long rains run March to May and peak at 26 rain days in April, and the short rains run October to December, with 24 rain days in November.
What should I wear on safari from Nairobi?
Neutral colors, layers and a warm top for early drives. Mornings can be cool, then it warms up by midday.
Do I need a plug adapter in Kenya?
Yes, unless you're from the UK. Kenya uses Type G sockets at 240V.
Can I bring plastic bags to Kenya?
No. Kenya bans single-use plastic bags, so pack toiletries and shoes in reusable pouches instead.
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