Nairobi in October

In October, Nairobi averages 26°C (79°F) during the day and 15°C (59°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 23 days of the month see precipitation (91 mm total).

Shoulder

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

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

26°C
Avg high
15°C
Avg low
23
Rain days
91 mm
Rainfall

How October compares to the rest of the year in Nairobi

4th
warmest month of the 12
4th
wettest month of the 12
10%
of yearly rainfall falls in October
12 h 8 min
daylight on the 15th

October is in the middle of the year for warmth in Nairobi (4th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (4th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 1°C above the annual average (25°C). October runs 1°C warmer than September (25°C) and cools 2°C in November (24°C).

October sunrise & sunset in Nairobi

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
6:14 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
6:22 PM
Day length
12 h 8 min

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

Photography light in Nairobi — October

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

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
5:14 AM – 5:54 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
5:54 AM – 6:54 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
5:42 PM – 6:42 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
6:42 PM – 7:22 PM
Milky Way galactic core
Poor
Core barely rises (or hasn't yet returned for the season). Consider a different month.

📅 When to book — Nairobi in October

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 October'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 — October 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.

Why this tier: comfortable tourism weather

Sun & mosquito risk — October in Nairobi

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
12.8
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 October weather

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

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Nairobi in October?

In October, Nairobi averages a high of 26°C (79°F) and a low of 15°C (59°F) — generally warm.

Does it rain a lot in Nairobi in October?

October is quite rainy in Nairobi, with about 23 rainy days on average.

Is October a good time to visit Nairobi?

October 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 October?

Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full October 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.