Best Time to Visit Nairobi

When to visit Nairobi

January–March is dry hot — 26–29°C, best game viewing (concentrated water). July–October is dry cool — 20–26°C, Great Migration in Masai Mara peaks August–September. April–May long rains, November short rains — safari lodges cheaper, roads muddy. Nairobi altitude 1,795 m keeps evenings cool year-round.

What each season changes

Nairobi is the only capital on Earth with a national park inside its limits, plus the world's most famous elephant orphanage — perfect 2-night wrap for Masai Mara + Amboseli safaris and the direct Morocco ↔ Kenya route.

Season and price

Hotel rates in Nairobi follow demand more closely than weather. Shifting your dates by a week either side of a peak period often moves the nightly rate more than switching hotel category — check live prices for both before committing.

Seasonal planning tips

• Apply eTA at etakenya.go.ke 3+ days before arrival — US$32.50; old visa system discontinued Jan 2024.

• Traffic murderous 7–9am + 5–8pm — allow 2× time or plan flights around it.

• Yellow-fever certificate mandatory if arriving from endemic country; malaria prophylaxis for Mara + coast add-ons.