2027 Climate Averages

Weather: Nairobi — January

The weather is near-perfect with ideal temperatures and minimal rain. Recommended month to visit.

🌟 Climate Overview

January is an excellent time to visit Nairobi. Warm weather with highs of 26°C—great for outdoor activities. Temperatures vary significantly between day and night—layering is recommended. As peak season, expect higher prices and more tourists.

7.4
GoTripzi Score Great

Based on weather comfort, crowds, prices, and activity options

Avg High

26°C

Avg Low

15°C

Rainy days

8days

Daylight

12.2h

Rainfall

48mm

Sunshine

11h/day

Humidity

69%

Humid
Sun Strength

8.8

Very High
Wind

16 km/h (gusts 38)

Is January a good time to visit Nairobi?

The weather is near-perfect with ideal temperatures and minimal rain.

Now

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Feels like --
Wind --
Humidity --
UV Index --
Local time —

Air Quality

Travel Context

  • Crowds
    Very Busy
  • Travel Costs Peak Rates

Daylight

Sunrise

06:37

Sunset

18:48

12.2h daylight

Visiting Nairobi in January: Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Comfortable temperatures for sightseeing
  • Abundant sunshine for beach and outdoor fun
  • One of the best months to visit

Cons

  • Peak season — expect crowds and higher prices
  • Very high UV — sunscreen and shade essential

Things to Do in January

Recommended for This Weather

🚶 Walking tours & sightseeing
🚲 Cycling & bike tours
🥾 Hiking & nature trails
🍜 Food tours & culinary experiences
🎭 Cultural tours & local experiences

Nairobi Weather by Month

Month Avg High Avg Low Rain Sunshine Humidity UV Index Crowds Condition
Jan Current 26°C 15°C 8d (48mm) 11h
69% Humid
8.8 Very High
Excellent
Feb 28°C 15°C 5d (31mm) 11.1h
62% Moderate
9.5 Very High
Excellent
Mar 28°C 16°C 9d (50mm) 11h
64% Moderate
9.2 Very High
Good
Apr 26°C 17°C 21d (137mm) 10.1h
77% Humid
7.6 Very High
Wet
May 25°C 16°C 13d (92mm) 10.2h
77% Humid
7.1 Very High
Wet
Jun 23°C 14°C 5d (27mm) 9.9h
73% Humid
6.6 High
Excellent
Jul 22°C 14°C 4d (19mm) 7.8h
72% Humid
5.6 High
Excellent
Aug 23°C 13°C 5d (23mm) 8.6h
69% Humid
6.5 High
Excellent
Sep 25°C 14°C 4d (31mm) 10h
66% Humid
7.9 Very High
Excellent
Oct 26°C 15°C 6d (27mm) 10.9h
63% Moderate
8.7 Very High
Excellent
Nov 25°C 16°C 14d (67mm) 10.5h
73% Humid
7.8 Very High
Wet
Dec 26°C 15°C 6d (28mm) 10.9h
71% Humid
8.5 Very High
Good

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5.6

Where to Stay

See hotels, apartments & rentals around Nairobi – live prices from Booking.com, Expedia, Vrbo and more

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Nairobi

Urban hub with easy access to classic East-African safaris. Discover Nairobi National Park.

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What to Pack for January

Summer clothing like shorts, t-shirts, and sundresses will be comfortable. Bring a light cardigan for air-conditioned spaces. Pack a compact umbrella or light rain jacket for occasional showers. Don't forget a wide-brimmed hat and high-SPF sunscreen — the sun is strong.

Moderate Very Busy

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📋Essentials
👕Clothing
👟Footwear
🎒Accessories
🧴Toiletries & Health

Planning a trip to Nairobi?

🔥 Peak season — book early for best rates

Frequently Asked Questions

Is January a good time to visit Nairobi?
January is typically excellent for visiting Nairobi, with average highs of 26°C and around 8 rainy days. Plan your activities accordingly—outdoor sightseeing is best on dry days, while rainy days are perfect for museums and indoor attractions.
Does it get cold at night in Nairobi in January?
Evenings in Nairobi during January are mild at 15°C. A light cardigan or long sleeves for evenings is usually enough. Outdoor dining remains comfortable, making it a great time to enjoy rooftop bars and terrace restaurants.
What should I pack for Nairobi in January?
With highs of 26°C and lows of 15°C in January, we recommend: Compact umbrella, Lightweight breathable clothes, Sunscreen SPF 30+, Sun hat. Layering is key as temperatures can vary between air-conditioned interiors and outdoors. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for cobblestone streets.
Does it rain a lot in Nairobi in January?
Nairobi typically sees around 8 rainy days in January. Rain is usually in the form of brief showers rather than all-day downpours, so a compact umbrella is sufficient. Mornings tend to be drier, making them ideal for outdoor sightseeing.
How many hours of daylight are there in Nairobi in January?
In January, Nairobi gets approximately 12.2 hours of daylight per day. This affects how much sightseeing you can fit in—longer days mean more time for outdoor activities, while shorter days are perfect for cozy museum visits and early dinners.
Is January peak season in Nairobi?
Yes, January is peak season in Nairobi. Expect higher prices for accommodation and more crowds at popular attractions, but also the best weather conditions. Book hotels and major attractions in advance to secure availability and better rates.

Weather Data: Based on 2020–2025 historical climate data from Open-Meteo

Solar calculations: SunCalc (timezone: Africa/Nairobi)

Last Updated: February 2026

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