Question 1

Which months are the wettest in Nairobi, and how much rain does the city get in a year?

Accepted Answer

Nairobi received about 638 mm (25.1 inches) of rain across 2025, and April was the wettest month of the year. This reflects the city's classic "long rains" season, which peaks in April and May.

In 2025, April brought the heaviest rainfall at 140.9 mm (5.5 inches), followed closely by July with 132.5 mm (5.2 inches). The March-to-May long-rains period alone delivered 244.7 mm (9.6 inches), making it Nairobi's wettest stretch of the year. April was also the most humid month, averaging 79.6% relative humidity.

At the other extreme, February was completely dry with 0 mm of rain, while November (12.5 mm) and August (22.0 mm) were also notably parched. Despite the rainy spells, Nairobi stayed mild throughout, with an annual average temperature of 19.1°C (66.4°F).

For travelers, this means the April-May window in Nairobi is the time to pack a rain jacket and expect short, intense downpours, often in the afternoon. The drier months of January, February, and the September-to-November period offer more reliable sunshine for safaris and outdoor sightseeing, making them the more popular choices for visiting Nairobi.

Question 2

When are the warmest and coolest months in Nairobi?

Accepted Answer

Nairobi's warmest month is **February** and its coolest is **August**, though the city's high-elevation, near-equatorial setting (1,677 m / 5,502 ft) keeps temperatures remarkably steady all year. Across 2025, the average temperature varied by only about 4.1°C (7.4°F) between the warmest and coolest months.

In February 2025, Nairobi recorded an average temperature of 21.3°C (70.3°F), the highest of the year, with daytime highs peaking around 31.1°C (88.0°F). The coolest stretch came in August 2025, when the average dropped to 17.2°C (63.0°F). The chilliest nights occurred in July, with monthly minimums near 10.3°C (50.5°F).

Across the full year, Nairobi averaged 19.1°C (66.4°F), with typical daily highs of 28.3°C (83.0°F) and overnight lows of 12.1°C (53.8°F). The warm, sunny period runs from December through March, while the cooler, cloudier months of June through August coincide with reduced sunshine.

For visitors, this means Nairobi has no extreme hot or cold season to plan around. Pack light layers year-round, but bring a light jacket for cool evenings, especially during the June–August period when nights can feel crisp. The warmer, brighter weather from January to February is ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities, while the milder mid-year months remain comfortable for exploring the city.

Question 3

What is the sunniest time of year in Nairobi?

Accepted Answer

The sunniest time of year in Nairobi is during the dry season from December to March, with **January and February 2025 being the brightest months**. These months benefit from clearer skies between the city's two rainy seasons.

In 2025, Nairobi recorded a remarkable **296.6 hours of sunshine in January** and **293.0 hours in February**, averaging roughly 9.6 and 10.5 sunny hours per day respectively. March followed with 261.3 hours and December with 259.7 hours, keeping the late-year and early-year window consistently bright.

By contrast, the cloudiest stretch came during the cooler middle of the year, with **August seeing just 119.3 hours and July 132.7 hours** of sunshine. Over the full year, Nairobi enjoyed a generous **2,646.6 total hours of sunshine in 2025**, working out to an annual average of about 7.3 hours of sun per day.

This sunshine pattern in Nairobi aligns closely with comfortable temperatures, as the sunniest month, February, also posted a mild average of 21.3°C (70.3°F), while January averaged 20.0°C (68.0°F). With low rainfall in February (effectively 0 mm) and humidity dropping to around 51%, the December-to-March period offers the best combination of bright skies and dry conditions.

For travelers, the early months of the year are the ideal time to visit Nairobi for sightseeing, safaris, and outdoor activities, when long sunny days and warm, dry weather are most reliable.

Question 4

How much do temperatures vary throughout the year in Nairobi?

Accepted Answer

Nairobi has remarkably stable temperatures throughout the year, with the difference between its warmest and coolest months reaching only about 4°C (7°F) in 2025. Thanks to its position near the equator and its high elevation of roughly 1,677 m (5,500 ft), the city avoids the dramatic seasonal swings seen in temperate climates.

Across 2025, Nairobi's monthly average temperatures ranged narrowly from 17.2°C (63.0°F) in the coolest month, August, to 21.3°C (70.3°F) in the warmest month, February. The annual mean held steady at 19.1°C (66.4°F), confirming just how consistent the climate is from month to month.

The real temperature variation in Nairobi happens within each day rather than across the seasons. In 2025, the average daily high was 28.3°C (83.0°F) while the average daily low fell to 12.1°C (53.8°F), giving a typical day-to-night swing of about 16°C (29°F). The year's absolute extremes stayed moderate too, peaking at 31.1°C (88.0°F) in February and dipping to 10.3°C (50.5°F) in July.

For travelers and residents, this means Nairobi's weather is dependably mild all year, so there is no distinct hot or cold "season" to plan around. The bigger practical consideration is the daily range: warm, pleasant afternoons can turn noticeably chilly after sunset, so it is wise to carry a light jacket or sweater for evenings in Nairobi regardless of the month you visit.

Question 5

What is the weather like in Nairobi in July?

Accepted Answer

July is one of the coolest and cloudiest months in Nairobi, sitting in the heart of the city's cool dry season. In July 2025, Nairobi averaged a mild 17.7°C (63.9°F), with comfortable daytime highs around 24.0°C (75.2°F) and cool nights near 12.5°C (54.6°F).

July 2025 was noticeably overcast for Nairobi, recording just 132.7 hours of sunshine, or roughly 4.3 hours per day — among the lowest of the year. Temperatures stayed in a narrow, jacket-friendly range, with the warmest afternoon reaching 27.5°C (81.5°F) on July 26 and the coolest night dipping to 10.3°C (50.5°F) on July 24.

Rainfall told a story of two halves. The month delivered 132.5mm (5.22 in) of precipitation across 13 rainy days, but almost all of it — about 130.9mm — fell during the first two weeks. After July 15, Nairobi turned dry, with the final two weeks adding barely 1.6mm. The wettest single day was July 11, with 25.3mm (1.00 in). Humidity averaged 69.3% and winds were light at 5.7 km/h (3.5 mph).

For visitors, July in Nairobi means packing layers: pleasant, spring-like days but chilly mornings and evenings. If you prefer drier, sunnier conditions, the second half of the month was the better bet in 2025, while early July saw frequent showers and grey skies.

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FAQ

Which months are the wettest in Nairobi, and how much rain does the city get in a year?

When are the warmest and coolest months in Nairobi?

What is the sunniest time of year in Nairobi?

How much do temperatures vary throughout the year in Nairobi?

What is the weather like in Nairobi in July?