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Contents
- The climate of Nairobi
- The best time to visit Nairobi
- The worst time to visit Nairobi
- Spring weather in Nairobi
- Summer weather in Nairobi
- Autumn weather in Nairobi
- Winter weather in Nairobi
- Weather in January
- Weather in February
- Weather in March
- Weather in April
- Weather in May
- Weather in June
- Weather in July
- Weather in August
- Weather in September
- Weather in October
- Weather in November
- Weather in December
- Frequently asked questions
- Average temperature
- Average pressure
- Average wind speed
- Average humidity
- Average rainfall
- Average rainfall days
- Average daylight
- Average sunshine
- Average sunshine days
- Average UV index
- Average cloud cover
- Average visibility
A small lake in Uhuru Park within the city of Nairobi, Kenya
The climate of Nairobi
Falling under the Köppen climate classification of Cfb, Nairobi serves as a perfect illustration of a Marine west coast climate with warm summers. Because of its geographical position, the city experiences a moderate climate all through the year.
Throughout the year, weather changes are more subtle, with most months having similar conditions in temperature, humidity and precipitation. Relative humidity remains fairly steady, averaging from 65% to 84% throughout the year. The city's pressure also stays pretty consistent all year round, fluctuating minimally from 1013.4mb to 1016.8mb. Wind speeds have a slight variation but usually average around 11.1km/h (6.9mph), with the faster wind gusts reaching up to 16.7km/h (10.4mph).
Nairobi can be considered fairly rainy with a significant amount of rainfall evenly distributed throughout the year. However, rainfall peaks from April, with 125mm (4.92"), and tapers off to 31mm (1.22") in September. However, sunshine and daylight hours present quite limited variation all through the year.
Throughout the year, weather changes are more subtle, with most months having similar conditions in temperature, humidity and precipitation. Relative humidity remains fairly steady, averaging from 65% to 84% throughout the year. The city's pressure also stays pretty consistent all year round, fluctuating minimally from 1013.4mb to 1016.8mb. Wind speeds have a slight variation but usually average around 11.1km/h (6.9mph), with the faster wind gusts reaching up to 16.7km/h (10.4mph).
Nairobi can be considered fairly rainy with a significant amount of rainfall evenly distributed throughout the year. However, rainfall peaks from April, with 125mm (4.92"), and tapers off to 31mm (1.22") in September. However, sunshine and daylight hours present quite limited variation all through the year.
The best time to visit Nairobi
Taking into account the overall climate conditions and weather tendencies, the best time to visit Nairobi would arguably be during the months from June to September. These months offer a comparatively lower rainfall, ranging from 32mm (1.26") to 69mm (2.72"), with less rainy days. Even if Nairobi is overall humid, during these months humidity slightly declines to range between 70% and 80%. Moreover, these months provide ample sunshine, reaching its peak in September at 9.4 hours per day.
The worst time to visit Nairobi
Though Nairobi is on whole a year-round destination, the period from April to May tend to be the least favorable for a visit. In addition to experiencing peak rainfall, these months also come with the highest number of rainy days. In April, the rainfall reaches the year's maximum at 125mm (4.92"), and May follows closely with 83mm (3.27"). Besides, the city experiences less sunshine, dropping as low as 8.5 hours per day along with increased humidity, which can reach up to 84%.
Spring weather in Nairobi
During spring, spanning from March to May, Nairobi observes a significant increase in rainfall. In March, rainfall rises to 56mm (2.2"), continues to 125mm (4.92") in April, before eventually decreasing to 83mm (3.27") in May. These months also record the highest number of rainy days, with maximum average days reaching 27.7 in May. But, the city maintains mild temperatures throughout spring, fluctuating between 14.3°C (57.7°F) and 15.6°C (60.1°F) for the low end, and between 26.8°C (80.2°F) and 22.9°C (73.2°F) on the high end.
Summer weather in Nairobi
For Nairobi, the warmer summer months of June to August are characterized by a significant reduction in rainfall. In June there's an average of 69mm (2.72") of rainfall, gradually decreasing to 32mm (1.26") in August. Despite the reduction in precipitation, these months manage to maintain an enjoyable cool temperature. Low temperatures range between 12.7°C (54.9°F) to 13.2°C (55.8°F), whereas high temperatures are between 22.4°C (72.3°F) and 22.6°C (72.7°F). This period also experiences an increase in sunshine duration, offering at least 8.8 hours of sunshine.
Autumn weather in Nairobi
Autumn, typically from September to November, witnesses a slight increase in rainfall from 31mm (1.22") in September to 67mm (2.64") in November. This period experiences relatively cooler temperatures in comparison to the other seasons, with a high averaging from 24.6°C (76.3°F) to 24°C (75.2°F) and a low ranging from 14.2°C (57.6°F) to 14.9°C (58.8°F). Despite the gradual increase in rainfall, the months of autumn manage to offer a generous amount of sunshine, averaging 9.2 hours per day in September and 9 hours by November.
Winter weather in Nairobi
Despite it being winter, December through February, Nairobi experiences mild temperatures with less drastic drops. The high temperature falls in the range of 24.1°C (75.4°F) to 27°C (80.6°F), whereas the low temperature varies from 13.9°C (57°F) to 14.3°C (57.7°F). Rainfall accumulates to an average of 58mm (2.28") in December, then diminishes to 28mm (1.1") by February. The city also observes a significant reduction in the number of rainy days from 20.1 in December to 12.3 in February, while sunshine duration averages 9.1 hours per day throughout the winter months.
Weather in January
Nairobi, Kenya, welcomes the year with a gentle mix of temperatures, humidity, and sunlight. January typically brings afternoon temperatures near the warmest of the year, soaring to a high average of 25.7°C (78.3°F). Despite the warmth, the air isn't too dry, establishing a comfortable equilibrium that adds to the allure of this city. Weather in January »
Weather in February
The shortest month ushers in a slight increase in temperatures compared to January while maintaining a similar weather pattern. February in Nairobi brings average high temperatures reaching up to 27°C (80.6°F), providing ideal conditions for exploring the city's numerous parks and nature reserves. Weather in February »
Weather in March
March signals the transition from the dry season to the long rain season in Nairobi. Compared to February's temperate weather, this month witnesses a slight decrease in temperature and an increase in rainfall. The number of rainfall days escalates to 19.3 days per month, and there is a significant rise in rainfall, accumulating to an average of 56mm (2.2"). Weather in March »
Weather in April
April is noteworthy as Nairobi's rainiest month, with cloudy skies and frequent showers defining most days. Drastic changes in weather patterns present a stark contrast to the drier months of January and February, with each day witnessing an average of 12.1 daylight hours. Weather in April »
Weather in May
In the aftermath of April's heavy showers, the month of May displays dampened spirits with a relative decrease in rainfall. Residents and visitors of Nairobi receive respite from rains, though humidity levels remain high. The temperature also sees a fall, settling into the twenties. Weather in May »
Weather in June
June marks the onset of the cool season in Nairobi, characterized by subdued temperatures and lower rainfall. The beginning of the cooler and drier period provides a stark contrast to the rainy day motifs of April and May. Although the temperature hovers in the 22°C (71.6°F) region, it is notably cooler than the scorching February averages. Weather in June »
Weather in July
Arrival of sharp winter chills in Nairobi characterizes July, often cited as the coolest month of the year. The average minimum temperature in July is 12.7°C (54.9°F), a significant shift from the warmth of the early year. Skies generally stay clearer, leading to a relative decrease in rainfall. Weather in July »
Weather in August
August in Nairobi sees a continuation of the cool weather from July, interspersed with occasional light showers. Subtle shifts in the weather patterns mark the transition from the cool season to the brief dry spell before another rainy period. Weather in August »
Weather in September
With a steady rise in temperature, September signals the onset of the warm season in Nairobi. Following the consistent temperatures of August, September ends the cool weather streak and opens the door for warmer stormy months towards the year-end. Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings back the rainy weather to Nairobi, initiating the short rain seasons. Moderate rainfalls spread across the month, although they remain lower than the April showers. The start of this rainy period deviates from the dry conditions of September, transforming the city's landscapes into green expanses once again. Weather in October »
Weather in November
November spells a continuation of Nairobi's short rain season from the previous month, bringing along days filled with drizzles. Higher humidity levels accompany the damp weather amplifying the city's cool factor against the relatively stable temperatures. Weather in November »
Weather in December
The city of Nairobi concludes the year with weather patterns similar to those in November. Cloudy skies and fairly regular rains define the final weeks of the year, although rainfall decreases as the month progresses. As the city winds up its short rain season and welcomes Christmas, the weather gradually transitions towards the drier months of the coming year. Weather in December »
Updated: Jan 31, 2024
Published by: Weather Atlas | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Published by: Weather Atlas | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Frequently asked questions
What is the driest month in Nairobi?
January is the month with the least rainfall in Nairobi, Kenya. Rain falls for 12.3 days and accumulates 28mm (1.1") of precipitation.
How many days does it rain in Nairobi?
Throughout the year, there are 241.5 rainfall days, and 676mm (26.61") of precipitation is accumulated.
What are the months with the most sunshine in Nairobi?
January and February, with an average of 9.6h of sunshine, are months with the most sunshine in Nairobi.
What is the month with the lowest UV index in Nairobi?
The months with the lowest UV index in Nairobi are January through August, October through December, with an average maximum UV index of 5.
What are the warmest months in Nairobi?
February, recording an average high temperature of 27°C (80.6°F) and a low temperature of 14.3°C (57.7°F), is Nairobi's warmest month.
What is the least humid month in Nairobi?
The least humid month in Nairobi, Kenya, is February, with an average relative humidity of 65%.
What is the wettest month in Nairobi?
The month with the most rainfall is April, when the rain falls for 26.6 days and typically aggregates up to 125mm (4.92") of precipitation.
What is the month with the least sunshine in Nairobi?
The months with the least sunshine in Nairobi are April and May, with an average of 8.5h of sunshine.
What is the most humid month in Nairobi?
The most humid month in Nairobi, Kenya, is May, with an average relative humidity of 84%.
What time of the year is the coldest in Nairobi?
Nairobi's June weather, marked by an average high temperature of 22.4°C (72.3°F) and an average low temperature of 13.2°C (55.8°F), is the coldest in the year.
What is the month with the shortest days in Nairobi?
With an average of 12h and 0min of daylight, June has the shortest days of the year.
What is the month with the highest UV index in Nairobi?
September is the month with the highest UV index, with an average maximum UV index of 6.
When are the longest days in Nairobi?
With an average of 12h and 12min of daylight, December has the longest days of the year in Nairobi, Kenya.
Is there Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Nairobi?
Nairobi, Kenya, does not observe Daylight Saving Time (DST). EAT timezone is used throughout the entire year.
Average temperature
Nairobi, Kenya
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is February (27°C).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is June (22.4°C).
The month with the highest average low temperature is April (15.6°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is July (12.7°C).
Average pressure
Nairobi, Kenya
- Average pressure in January:
1014.1mbar - Average pressure in February:
1013.4mbar - Average pressure in March:
1013.4mbar - Average pressure in April:
1014.1mbar - Average pressure in May:
1015.5mbar - Average pressure in June:
1016.6mbar
- Average pressure in July:
1016.8mbar - Average pressure in August:
1016.4mbar - Average pressure in September:
1015.6mbar - Average pressure in October:
1014.2mbar - Average pressure in November:
1013.9mbar - Average pressure in December:
1014.2mbar
The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is July (1016.8mbar).
The months with the lowest atmospheric pressure are February and March (1013.4mbar).
Average wind speed
Nairobi, Kenya
- Average wind speed in January:
11.1km/h - Average wind speed in February:
11.8km/h - Average wind speed in March:
11km/h - Average wind speed in April:
8.6km/h - Average wind speed in May:
7km/h - Average wind speed in June:
6.1km/h
- Average wind speed in July:
6.9km/h - Average wind speed in August:
8.1km/h - Average wind speed in September:
9.1km/h - Average wind speed in October:
10.9km/h - Average wind speed in November:
10.8km/h - Average wind speed in December:
11.1km/h
The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is February (11.8km/h).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is June (6.1km/h).
Average humidity
Nairobi, Kenya
The month with the highest relative humidity is May (84%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is February (65%).
Average rainfall
Nairobi, Kenya
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is April (125mm).
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is January (28mm).
Average rainfall days
Nairobi, Kenya
- Average rainfall days in January:
12.3 days - Average rainfall days in February:
13.1 days - Average rainfall days in March:
19.3 days - Average rainfall days in April:
26.6 days - Average rainfall days in May:
27.7 days - Average rainfall days in June:
23.3 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
18.6 days - Average rainfall days in August:
16.4 days - Average rainfall days in September:
16.5 days - Average rainfall days in October:
22.5 days - Average rainfall days in November:
25.1 days - Average rainfall days in December:
20.1 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is May (27.7 days).
The month with the least rainy days is January (12.3 days).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Nairobi, Kenya
- Average daylight in January:
12h and 1min - Average daylight in February:
12h and 1min - Average daylight in March:
12h and 1min - Average daylight in April:
12h and 1min - Average daylight in May:
12h and 1min - Average daylight in June:
12h and 0min
- Average daylight in July:
12h and 1min - Average daylight in August:
12h and 1min - Average daylight in September:
12h and 1min - Average daylight in October:
12h and 1min - Average daylight in November:
12h and 1min - Average daylight in December:
12h and 1min
The month with the longest days is December (Average daylight: 12h and 12min).
The month with the shortest days is June (Average daylight: 12h and 0min).
- Average sunshine in January:
9h and 4min - Average sunshine in February:
9h and 4min - Average sunshine in March:
9h and 2min - Average sunshine in April:
8h and 3min - Average sunshine in May:
8h and 3min - Average sunshine in June:
8h and 5min
- Average sunshine in July:
8h and 5min - Average sunshine in August:
9h and 1min - Average sunshine in September:
9h and 2min - Average sunshine in October:
9h and 1min - Average sunshine in November:
9h and 0min - Average sunshine in December:
9h and 1min
The months with the most sunshine are January and February (Average sunshine: 9h and 36min).
The months with the least sunshine are April and May (Average sunshine: 8h and 30min).
Average sunshine days
Nairobi, Kenya
- Average sunshine days in January:
15.3 days - Average sunshine days in February:
12.4 days - Average sunshine days in March:
9.4 days - Average sunshine days in April:
1.9 days - Average sunshine days in May:
2.2 days - Average sunshine days in June:
4.5 days
- Average sunshine days in July:
9 days - Average sunshine days in August:
11.4 days - Average sunshine days in September:
10.3 days - Average sunshine days in October:
6.5 days - Average sunshine days in November:
3.3 days - Average sunshine days in December:
7.6 days
The month with the most sunshine days is January (15.3 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is April (1.9 days).
Average UV index
Nairobi, Kenya
The month with the highest UV index is September (UV index 6).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, October, November and December (UV index 5).
Average cloud cover
Nairobi, Kenya
The month with the most cloud cover is May (Cloud cover 54).
The month with the least cloud cover is February (Cloud cover 25).
Average visibility
Nairobi, Kenya
The months with the highest visibility are September and October (10km).
The months with the lowest visibility are April and May (7km).
Nairobi, Kenya
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