You've probably heard that Kenya is all about scorching sun and dusty savannahs. Honestly, if you land at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in July expecting a heatwave, you're in for a massive shock. You’ll likely be shivering in your fleece while wondering where the "tropical" weather went.
Nairobi is a bit of a rebel.
It doesn't follow the rules you'd expect for a city sitting practically on the Equator. Because the city sits at an elevation of about 1,795 meters (roughly 5,889 feet) above sea level, the weather in Nairobi Kenya is surprisingly temperate. It’s more like a "perpetual spring" than a tropical furnace. But even that spring has its moods—and those moods are shifting lately thanks to some pretty erratic climate patterns.
The Two-Rain Reality (And Why It’s Getting Weird)
Traditionally, Nairobi plays a game of two halves. You have the "Long Rains" and the "Short Rains."
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The Long Rains usually kick off in mid-March and stick around through May. This isn't just a light drizzle; we're talking about serious, afternoon-cleansing downpours that can turn the city’s drainage systems into miniature rivers. If you're visiting during this time, you’ll see the city transform. The dust disappears, and everything becomes an impossibly vibrant shade of green.
Then you have the Short Rains. These typically pop up in November and December. They're usually more manageable—short, sharp bursts of rain that clear up quickly enough for you to head out for a sundowner.
But here is the thing: the 2025/2026 season has been a bit of a wildcard.
The Kenya Meteorological Department recently noted that the "Short Rains" of late 2025 were actually quite suppressed in many areas. We’ve been seeing the influence of a persistent La Niña pattern. For Nairobi, this often means drier-than-usual conditions when we should be seeing puddles. In fact, as we move through January 2026, the outlook is predominantly hot and dry.
Is it climate change? Mostly, yeah. Local experts like Kennedy Thiong’o from the Met Department have pointed out that while global drivers like La Niña are at play, the local distribution of rain is becoming "erratic." You might get a flood in the Upper Hill district while the CBD stays bone dry.
Temperature: The Great Nairobi Jacket Mystery
If you ask a local about the weather in Nairobi Kenya, they’ll tell you to dress like an onion. Layers are your best friend.
Nairobi’s temperature fluctuations within a single 24-hour period can be wild.
- The Early Morning (6:00 AM): It’s crisp. Often around $12^{\circ}C$ ($54^{\circ}F$). You’ll see people in heavy puffer jackets and beanies on their way to work.
- The Midday Peak (1:00 PM): The sun is directly overhead. It bites. Temperatures climb to $25^{\circ}C$ ($77^{\circ}F$) or $28^{\circ}C$ ($82^{\circ}F$). Suddenly, those puffer jackets look ridiculous.
- The Evening (9:00 PM): As soon as the sun drops, the chill returns.
July and August are the "winter" months here. Don't expect snow—obviously—but do expect "The Grey." Nairobi gets blanketed in a thick, overcast sky that can last for weeks. It’s damp, it’s chilly (highs might only hit $20^{\circ}C$), and it's the time of year when everyone is a little bit more grumpy because they haven't seen the sun in four days.
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Contrast that with February. February is basically the Sunday afternoon of months—hot, dry, and incredibly sunny. It’s usually the warmest month of the year, with temperatures regularly hitting $28^{\circ}C$ ($82^{\circ}F$) or higher.
How the Weather Changes Your Safari Plans
Nairobi is the only city in the world with a full-scale National Park within its borders. You can literally see lions with a backdrop of skyscrapers. But the weather in Nairobi Kenya dictates exactly what you’ll see in that park.
During the dry months (January, February, and June through September), the grass is short. Animals are forced to congregate around the permanent water holes. This is the "Easy Mode" for safari-goers. You don't have to look hard; the lions are hanging out near the water because they’re thirsty, and the zebras are right there with them.
When the rains hit in April, the park changes. The grass grows tall—sometimes tall enough to hide a leopard or a pride of lions completely. It becomes a game of hide-and-seek. However, the light for photography during the rainy season is unmatched. The air is clear of dust, and the "Great Rift Valley" views from the edges of the city are sharp and breathtaking.
Packing for the "Nairobi Microclimate"
Don't just pack for "Africa." Pack for a high-altitude city.
If you’re coming in the middle of the year, bring a real jacket. Not a light windbreaker—something with a bit of substance. If you’re here in January, focus on high-SPF sunscreen. Because of the altitude, the UV rays are significantly stronger than they feel. You’ll get a sunburn in 20 minutes without realizing it because the breeze feels so cool.
Basically, the weather here is a conversation starter. You’ll find yourself checking the sky constantly. Is that a "rain cloud" or just a "passing cloud"? In Nairobi, it’s often both.
Actionable Insights for Your Trip
- Avoid April if you hate mud: The "Long Rains" are no joke. Logistics in the city become difficult, and traffic (which is already legendary) turns into a standstill when it pours.
- Target February for the best "Summer" feel: If you want blue skies and poolside weather, this is your month.
- Bring a portable umbrella: Even in the "dry" season, Nairobi can surprise you with a 10-minute flash storm.
- Watch the "Short Rains" forecast: For 2026, the La Niña influence means things are drier than usual, so don't expect the usual November gloom.
- Early morning game drives require a hat and gloves: Even if it's going to be $27^{\circ}C$ later, an open-top safari vehicle at 6:30 AM is freezing.
Nairobi’s weather is a living, breathing thing. It doesn't sit still, and it doesn't fit into a neat little "tropical" box. But once you understand the rhythm of the altitude and the rains, it’s arguably one of the most comfortable climates on the planet. Just remember the jacket. Seriously.