Nairobi in May
In May, Nairobi averages 24°C (75°F) during the day and 15°C (59°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 26 days of the month see precipitation (98 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.
May offers comfortable temperatures in Nairobi, with some rain to plan around.
How May compares to the rest of the year in Nairobi
May is in the middle of the year for warmth in Nairobi (9th of 12) and one of the wettest months (3rd of 12). Daytime temperature runs 1°C below the annual average (25°C). May runs 1°C cooler than April (25°C) and cools 1°C in June (23°C).
May sunrise & sunset in Nairobi
Times shown for Nairobi local time (Africa/Nairobi), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Nairobi — May
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Nairobi's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Nairobi in May
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 May's tier (Shoulder) and Nairobi's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — May in Nairobi
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.
Why this tier: comfortable tourism weather
Sun & mosquito risk — May in Nairobi
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
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow 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 May weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Nairobi in May →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Nairobi in May?
In May, Nairobi averages a high of 24°C (75°F) and a low of 15°C (59°F) — generally warm.
Does it rain a lot in Nairobi in May?
May is quite rainy in Nairobi, with about 26 rainy days on average.
Is May a good time to visit Nairobi?
May 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 May?
Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full May packing list for Nairobi for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.