Worst time to visit Nairobi
Some months in Nairobi are clearly tougher for travel — extreme heat, cold, drenching rain, or peak storm season. Here's what to skip.
Months to avoid
| Month | Why |
|---|---|
| January | very wet (15 rain days) |
| February | very wet (15 rain days) |
| March | extremely wet (21 rain days) |
| April | extremely wet (28 rain days) |
| May | extremely wet (26 rain days) |
| June | extremely wet (21 rain days) |
| July | extremely wet (18 rain days) |
| August | extremely wet (18 rain days) |
| September | extremely wet (19 rain days) |
| October | extremely wet (23 rain days) |
| November | extremely wet (29 rain days) |
| December | extremely wet (22 rain days) |
What to expect in the worst months
March. 21 rain days out of 31 means roughly 68% of days see measurable rainfall — plan flexible indoor backups for every outdoor day.
April. 28 rain days out of 30 means roughly 93% of days see measurable rainfall — plan flexible indoor backups for every outdoor day.
May. 26 rain days out of 31 means roughly 84% of days see measurable rainfall — plan flexible indoor backups for every outdoor day.
Better times to go
No month in Nairobi hits the typical 18–28 °C / low-rain comfort zone — every season has trade-offs. Choose what you can tolerate: heat, cold, rain, or storm risk.
Better in the same region in March
If you're set on Africa in March, these cities have more comfortable conditions in the same window:
If you still have to go — what to bring
- Wet: Real rain shell (not a "water-resistant" jacket), packable umbrella, dry-bag for electronics, quick-dry layers. Pre-book indoor museums and food halls.
Related Nairobi guides
The positive counterpart: which months are great and why.