Nairobi in March

In March, Nairobi averages 27°C (81°F) during the day and 16°C (60°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 21 days of the month see precipitation (81 mm total).

Shoulder

Conditions are warm and beach-friendly. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.

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

27°C
Avg high
16°C
Avg low
21
Rain days
81 mm
Rainfall

How March compares to the rest of the year in Nairobi

2nd
warmest month of the 12
6th
wettest month of the 12
9%
of yearly rainfall falls in March
12 h 7 min
daylight on the 15th

March is one of the warmest months in Nairobi (2nd of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (6th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 2°C above the annual average (25°C). March runs roughly the same as February (27°C) and cools 2°C in April (25°C).

March sunrise & sunset in Nairobi

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
6:38 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
6:45 PM
Day length
12 h 7 min

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

Photography light in Nairobi — March

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

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
5:38 AM – 6:18 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
6:18 AM – 7:18 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
6:05 PM – 7:05 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
7:05 PM – 7:45 PM
Milky Way galactic core
Fair
Core only briefly above the horizon — a marginal month even from dark sites near Nairobi.

📅 When to book — Nairobi in March

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 March's tier (Shoulder) and Nairobi's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
6-10 weeks
Sweet spot for value. Major fare-sales (US: Black Friday, EU: post-Easter) hit hardest in shoulder months for shoulder travel.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
4-8 weeks
Lots of selection. Look for shoulder-season packages — many hotels add value (free breakfast, spa credit) to fill rooms.

Crowds & pricing — March in Nairobi

Shoulder

Nairobi is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.

Sun & mosquito risk — March in Nairobi

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
13
Extreme
Stay indoors during midday hours; SPF 50+ even briefly outside, UPF clothing, wide-brim hat, sunglasses essential.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●●●●
Severe
Severe mosquito season with active disease transmission risk. DEET 30%+, picaridin 20%, long sleeves day and night, treated nets, and check CDC/WHO travel advisories before going.

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 March weather

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

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Nairobi in March?

In March, Nairobi averages a high of 27°C (81°F) and a low of 16°C (60°F) — generally warm.

Does it rain a lot in Nairobi in March?

March is quite rainy in Nairobi, with about 21 rainy days on average.

Is March a good time to visit Nairobi?

March 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 March?

Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full March 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.