Nairobi in December

In December, Nairobi averages 25°C (76°F) during the day and 15°C (59°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 22 days of the month see precipitation (76 mm total).

High season

Conditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.

December offers comfortable temperatures in Nairobi, with some rain to plan around.

25°C
Avg high
15°C
Avg low
22
Rain days
76 mm
Rainfall

How December compares to the rest of the year in Nairobi

7th
warmest month of the 12
5th
wettest month of the 12
9%
of yearly rainfall falls in December
12 h 12 min
daylight on the 15th

December is in the middle of the year for warmth in Nairobi (7th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (5th of 12). Daytime temperature matches the city's annual average. December runs 1°C warmer than November (24°C) and warms a further 2°C into January (26°C).

December sunrise & sunset in Nairobi

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
6:21 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
6:33 PM
Day length
12 h 12 min

Times shown for Nairobi local time (Africa/Nairobi), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Nairobi — December

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Nairobi's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
5:21 AM – 6:01 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
6:01 AM – 7:01 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
5:53 PM – 6:53 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
6:53 PM – 7:33 PM

📅 When to book — Nairobi in December

Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on December's tier (High season) and Nairobi's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
3-4 months
Prices are above off-season but not the absolute peak. Tuesday/Wednesday departures are usually cheaper than weekend ones.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
3-5 months
Wide selection still available at this lead time. Premium properties book first; consider 'last-minute deal' availability at 2-week mark if your dates are flexible.
⚠ Christmas / New Year travel is a global premium-pricing event — many destinations 30-50% above normal. Book 4+ months ahead if your dates are Dec 20 - Jan 2.

Crowds & pricing — December in Nairobi

High season

This is a busy month in Nairobi — not the absolute peak, but tourist numbers are clearly elevated. You'll feel it at headline attractions on weekends and in the historic centre, though side streets and lesser-known sights stay manageable. Prices are above off-season but not at their summit. A good week for first-time visitors who want everything open without the worst of the crush.

Why this tier: comfortable tourism weather

Sun & mosquito risk — December in Nairobi

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
11.8
Extreme
Stay indoors during midday hours; SPF 50+ even briefly outside, UPF clothing, wide-brim hat, sunglasses essential.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●●●○
High
Peak mosquito activity. DEET 30%+, long sleeves at dawn/dusk, sleep under nets if rural. Check current dengue/malaria advisories for the destination.

UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.

Nairobi in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 26°C / 79°F 15°C / 58°F 45 mm 15
February 27°C / 81°F 15°C / 59°F 50 mm 15
March 27°C / 81°F 16°C / 60°F 81 mm 21
April 25°C / 77°F 16°C / 60°F 175 mm 28
May 24°C / 75°F 15°C / 59°F 98 mm 26
June 23°C / 73°F 13°C / 56°F 42 mm 21
July 23°C / 73°F 13°C / 55°F 17 mm 18
August 23°C / 74°F 13°C / 55°F 28 mm 18
September 25°C / 77°F 14°C / 56°F 35 mm 19
October 26°C / 79°F 15°C / 59°F 91 mm 23
November 24°C / 75°F 15°C / 59°F 139 mm 29
December 25°C / 76°F 15°C / 59°F 76 mm 22

Other cities with similar December weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Nairobi in December →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Nairobi in December?

In December, Nairobi averages a high of 25°C (76°F) and a low of 15°C (59°F) — generally warm.

Does it rain a lot in Nairobi in December?

December is quite rainy in Nairobi, with about 22 rainy days on average.

Is December a good time to visit Nairobi?

December is warm but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with warm weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Nairobi in December?

Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full December packing list for Nairobi for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Nairobi on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.