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Best time to visit Nairobi: month by month
Short answer
June to October is the long dry season, cool at 22–25°C by day and 12–13°C at night, and the best time for wildlife; the Mara migration runs from about July to October. January and February are also dry and warm at 26–27°C. The long rains peak in April (about 26 rainy days) and the short rains fall in November and December.
Month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 26°C | 14°C | 5 | high |
| Feb | 27°C | 14°C | 6 | high |
| Mar | 27°C | 15°C | 8 | medium |
| Apr | 25°C | 15°C | 26 | low |
| May | 24°C | 15°C | 16 | low |
| Jun | 24°C | 13°C | 7 | medium |
| Jul | 22°C | 12°C | 4 | very high |
| Aug | 23°C | 12°C | 8 | very high |
| Sep | 25°C | 13°C | 8 | high |
| Oct | 27°C | 14°C | 11 | high |
| Nov | 25°C | 15°C | 20 | low |
| Dec | 25°C | 15°C | 20 | medium |
Temperatures and rainy days: Copernicus ERA5 averages, 2021–2023. Crowd levels are our estimate.
Season by season
Spring (Mar–May)
The long rains, with highs of 24–27°C and up to 26 rainy days in April; parks are green and quiet, some roads muddy.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Cool and dry, highs of 22–24°C and lows of 12–13°C; jacket weather in the evenings and prime safari season.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Warm and dry in September and October (25–27°C), then the short rains bring about 20 rainy days in November.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Short rains continue into December, then dry and warm January and February with highs of 26–27°C.
Events worth planning around
- Great Migration in the Maasai Mara (roughly July to October).
- Safari Rally, part of the World Rally Championship, around Naivasha (usually spring).
- Jamhuri Day, Kenya's independence day (12 December).
- Madaraka Day, national holiday (1 June).
When to avoid
April and May bring the heaviest rain, with muddy roads and some lodges closed. July to October is busiest in the parks, so book early.
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Common questions
What is the best time to visit Nairobi?
June to October for dry, cool weather and the best wildlife viewing; January and February are also dry.
When is the Great Migration?
In the Maasai Mara, roughly July to October, with river crossings often from August.
When is the rainy season in Nairobi?
The long rains from March to May (wettest in April) and the short rains in November and December.