Start of the drier season · Weather & things to do
Nairobi in January
Nairobi edges warmer than December, with highs of 81°F (27°C), lows of 56°F (14°C) and about 1.5 in (39 mm) of rain.
At 92/100 for comfort (the top score of the year), it's one of the best months to visit.
- Avg high
- 81°F (27°C)
- Avg low
- 56°F (14°C)
- Rain
- 1.5 in (39 mm)
- Humidity
- 63%
- Cloud cover
- 51%
- Daylight
- ~12 h 04 min
- Comfort score
- 92/100 · Great
What January feels like
Days are warm, averaging 81°F (27°C), easy weather for being outside from morning to evening.
Mornings start much cooler: lows average 56°F (14°C), about 14°C (24°F) below the afternoon high.
About 1.5 in (39 mm) of rain falls in a typical year's January.
Plan around January
January is one of Nairobi's best months on the climate data.
- Last of the best-scoring months: by February, the score drops to 86/100.
- Comfort improves from 87/100 in December to 92/100.
- Our Kenya & Tanzania Safari route recommends Jun – Oct, so January falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for January
- Light, breathable clothes81°F afternoons
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hatstrong sun this month
- A warm layer for eveningsnights drop to 56°F
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Nairobi in January
January is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
The Talisman
Garden restaurant in a Karen villa mixing Asian, Middle Eastern and European plates.
Why now January scores 92/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Giraffe Centre
Raised platform for feeding endangered Rothschild giraffes, run by the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife.
Why now Highs near 81°F and 1.5 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Nairobi National Park
Savanna park with lions, rhinos and giraffes grazing against the city skyline.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
Orphaned elephant nursery inside Nairobi National Park, open to visitors for a daily one-hour viewing.
Carnivore Restaurant
Long-running open-fire grill where waiters carve skewered meats at the table until you lower your flag.
Nearby in January
- Maasai Mara in January~117 mi · highs 82°F, 4.2 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, wetter
- Serengeti in January~155 mi · highs 81°F, 4.7 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, wetter
- Ngorongoro in January~160 mi · highs 76°F, 5.6 in rain · 3°C (5°F) cooler by day, wetter
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Nairobi in January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Nairobi?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 92/100. Expect highs of 81°F (27°C) and 1.5 in (39 mm) of rain. Our Kenya & Tanzania Safari route recommends Jun – Oct, so January is outside its suggested window.
How hot is Nairobi in January?
Average highs are 81°F (27°C) and average lows 56°F (14°C), making it the 5th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Nairobi in January?
Not much: about 1.5 in (39 mm) of rain falls across January on average, the 6th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 23.7 in (601 mm).
What should I pack for Nairobi in January?
Bring light, breathable clothes (81°F afternoons), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (strong sun this month), a warm layer for evenings (nights drop to 56°F) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Nairobi
Planning Nairobi in January?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.