Question 1

What is the driest month in Nairobi?

Accepted Answer

August is the driest month in Nairobi, recording just 3.8mm (0.15 inches) of precipitation in 2024. This makes August significantly drier than any other month of the year.

The 2024 weather data shows that June came in as the second driest month with only 5.6mm (0.22 inches) of rainfall. These two months anchor Nairobi's dry season, which runs from June through October. During this five-month period in 2024, the city received a total of just 95.5mm of rain, averaging only 19.1mm per month.

This stands in stark contrast to Nairobi's wet season. The long rains in April and May 2024 delivered a combined 842.6mm of precipitation, with April alone recording 553.7mm. The entire dry season received less than 8% of Nairobi's annual rainfall total of 1,203.7mm (47.4 inches).

During August 2024, temperatures in Nairobi averaged 17.1°C (62.8°F) with humidity around 72.5%. The mild, dry conditions make August an excellent time for outdoor activities and wildlife viewing in nearby national parks. Visitors planning trips to Nairobi should note that the dry months from June to October offer the most reliable weather for sightseeing, with August providing the driest conditions overall.

Question 2

What are the average temperatures in Nairobi throughout the year?

Accepted Answer

Nairobi maintains remarkably stable temperatures year-round, with an annual average of 18.9°C (66.0°F) in 2024. This mild climate is largely due to the city's high elevation of 1,677 meters above sea level.

Throughout 2024, Nairobi experienced minimal temperature variation between months. March was the warmest month with an average of 20.8°C (69.4°F), while July was the coolest at 17.0°C (62.6°F). This represents a difference of just 3.8°C between the warmest and coolest months, making Nairobi one of the most temperature-stable cities near the equator.

Daily temperatures in Nairobi typically ranged from pleasant highs to cool nights. The average daily high reached 28.2°C (82.7°F), while nighttime lows averaged 11.2°C (52.2°F). February 2024 recorded the highest temperature at 30.8°C (87.4°F), and June saw the coolest night at 8.6°C (47.5°F).

This consistent climate makes Nairobi comfortable for visitors throughout the year. Light layers are recommended, as mornings and evenings can feel cool despite warm afternoons. The period from January to March tends to be slightly warmer, while June through August brings cooler conditions during what is locally known as the "cold season."

Question 3

Which month has the most rainfall in Nairobi?

Accepted Answer

Nairobi receives its heaviest rainfall in April, which recorded 553.7 mm (21.8 inches) of precipitation in 2024—nearly half of the city's annual total.

This extraordinary April rainfall is part of Nairobi's "long rains" season, which runs from March through May. In 2024, these three months combined delivered 886.6 mm (34.9 inches) of rain, accounting for 73.7% of the city's entire annual precipitation. May followed as the second-wettest month with 288.9 mm (11.4 inches), while March was comparatively moderate at 44.0 mm (1.7 inches).

By contrast, Nairobi's dry season from June through September brought just 74.7 mm (2.9 inches) total, with August being the driest month at only 3.8 mm (0.1 inches). The "short rains" from October to December were less pronounced in 2024, contributing 95.9 mm (3.8 inches).

For visitors planning a trip to Nairobi, April and May should be avoided if you prefer dry conditions. The city's total annual rainfall of 1,203.7 mm (47.4 inches) in 2024 falls heavily within this concentrated period, making outdoor activities and safari excursions more challenging. The dry months of June through September offer the most reliable weather for exploring Nairobi and the surrounding national parks.

Question 4

What is the sunniest time of year in Nairobi?

Accepted Answer

Nairobi experiences its sunniest weather from December through March, with March being the peak month for sunshine in 2024. During this period, the city recorded an average of 265.8 sunshine hours per month, which is about 20% higher than the annual monthly average.

March 2024 stood out as the sunniest month in Nairobi with 283.7 hours of sunshine, averaging 9.2 hours of sunlight per day. December and February followed closely with 274.3 and 269.1 sunshine hours respectively. These sunny months also brought warm temperatures, with daily highs reaching 30.4°C (86.7°F) in March and 30.8°C (87.4°F) in February.

In contrast, Nairobi's least sunny period occurs in July and August, when cloud cover increases significantly. August 2024 recorded just 137.7 hours of sunshine, roughly half of what March received. This coincides with the cooler dry season when temperatures are milder but skies tend to be overcast.

Throughout 2024, Nairobi accumulated a total of 2,655.6 sunshine hours, averaging 221.3 hours per month. For visitors planning outdoor activities in Nairobi, the December to March window offers the best combination of abundant sunshine and warm weather, making it ideal for sightseeing, safari trips, and enjoying the city's outdoor attractions.

Question 5

Which months are the most humid in Nairobi?

Accepted Answer

Nairobi experiences its highest humidity levels during April and May, coinciding with the long rains season. In 2024, April recorded the peak humidity at 79.4%, followed closely by May at 78.6%.

These two months also brought substantial rainfall, with April receiving 553.7mm and May adding another 288.9mm of precipitation. Despite the high moisture levels, temperatures remained mild in Nairobi during this period, averaging 19.4°C (66.9°F) in April and 18.9°C (66.0°F) in May.

November marks another humid period in Nairobi, reaching 76.8% humidity during the short rains season. The annual average humidity in the city sits at 71.8%, reflecting the generally moderate moisture conditions at this elevation of 1,677 metres.

The least humid months in Nairobi are October (63.5%), March (64.0%), and February (64.7%). This 15.9 percentage point range between the most and least humid months provides noticeable variation throughout the year.

For visitors planning outdoor activities, the period from February to March offers the most comfortable humidity levels combined with warm temperatures around 20-21°C (68-70°F). Those sensitive to humid conditions may want to avoid April and May, when the combination of high humidity and heavy rainfall can make the weather feel particularly muggy.

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FAQ

What is the driest month in Nairobi?

What are the average temperatures in Nairobi throughout the year?

Which month has the most rainfall in Nairobi?

What is the sunniest time of year in Nairobi?

Which months are the most humid in Nairobi?