Nairobi, Kenya: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]

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Traveling to Nairobi, Kenya? If you're planning to go to Nairobi, this article contains some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.


When to go to Nairobi, Kenya

Based on the climate and weather in Nairobi, the best time to go is February. See below for details.

Important essentials for Nairobi, Kenya

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Nairobi, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022


  • Travel insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage

    Cases are climbing again, and areas are returning to lockdown. If you or a companion get COVID-19, you may be stuck with no way home -- but travel insurance can protect you. Learn more about COVID-19 and travel insurance


  • N95 masks

    These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID protection you can have.


  • Kids' KN95 masks

    N95 masks aren't sold for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).

  • (U.S. Residents) Telehealth COVID-19 test for entry to U.S.

    U.S. residents still need a certified COVID-19 test to return home, but it can now be via Zoom. Learn more


  • Touchless thermometer

    A touchless thermometer is important to have.


  • A vaccine card protector

    Vaccine cards can wear away. An unreadable vaccination card can have severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.


  • Hand sanitizer

    This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry TSA-friendly choice.


  • Travel disinfecting wipes

    Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.

General health necessities


  • Emergency water purifier

    Some areas of this country may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's important to have an emergency water purifier like this one.


  • Travel first aid kit

    This one is a good one.


  • Emergency motion sickness relief

Don't forget these

What to wear/what to pack for Nairobi, Kenya by month

Already know when you're traveling?

January

January here is warm. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. It rains occasionally.

What to wear/what to pack:

February

February in Nairobi is a perfect temperature. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. It rains sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

March

March in Nairobi is warm. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

April

In April, Nairobi is warm. Temperatures routinely are in the 70s F (mid 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 60s F (mid 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Nairobi, with several of the days of the month having rain. In April, humidity reaches as high as 60%.

What to wear/what to pack:

May

May in Nairobi is warm. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C) to low 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

June

If you are traveling to Nairobi in June, you will notice that it is mild. Expect it to rain occasionally. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

July

If you visit Nairobi during July, you are likely to find that it is balmy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 60s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 50s F (low 10s C). Humidity is generally between 50 and 60% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

August

August in this region is balmy. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

September

If you vacation in Nairobi during September, you are likely to find that it is a perfect temperature. Temperatures tend to hover around the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 50s F (low 10s C). Humidity is generally between 40 and 50% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

October

October here is warm. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. It rains a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

November

If you are traveling to Nairobi in November, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

December

December in Nairobi is warm. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Activities for Nairobi, Kenya

Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Nairobi.

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you want to go to the majestic Jamia Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter the mosque; you should check with the Nairobi tourism authority.

If you go to Uhuru Gardens, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:


  • Good hiking shoes

    These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet


  • Small portable cooler

    Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.


  • Binoculars

    Like these


  • Ultralight day pack

    Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.

If you visit the Nairobi National Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

If you're planning to visit 14 Falls at Thika, prepare to get wet, and take these:

Check out our guides for these other locations: East Bay, California, United States of America, Istalif, Afghanistan, Bikaner Division, India, Southeastern Myanmar, Myanmar, Eden Valley, England, United Kingdom, Ko Tarutao, Thailand, Gustine, California, United States of America, Stark, New Hampshire, United States of America, Central Alberta, Alberta, Canada, Gunung Kidul, Indonesia, and Niagara Frontier, New York, United States of America.