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
- When to go to Nairobi
- Important essentials for Nairobi
- Activities for Nairobi
- Nairobi in January: weather and what to pack
- Nairobi in February: weather and what to pack
- Nairobi in March: weather and what to pack
- Nairobi in April: weather and what to pack
- Nairobi in May: weather and what to pack
- Nairobi in June: weather and what to pack
- Nairobi in July: weather and what to pack
- Nairobi in August: weather and what to pack
- Nairobi in September: weather and what to pack
- Nairobi in October: weather and what to pack
- Nairobi in November: weather and what to pack
- Nairobi in December: weather and what to pack

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
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N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID protection you can have.
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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).
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(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
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Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
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A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards can wear away. An unreadable vaccination card can have severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
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Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry TSA-friendly choice.
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Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
General health necessities
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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.
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Travel first aid kit
This one is a good one.
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Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
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Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
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Money/passport pouch
Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.
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Emergency phone
For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Nairobi may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.
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For families with young children
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Luggage protection
Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.
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Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. This one should be sufficient for most places, but you should check with your hotel.
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Airplane or car necessities
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:
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Sunscreen lotion
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be vital in heavy rain.
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Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We suggest:
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:
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Extra socks
-
Sandals
-
Light skirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Bug repellent
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We suggest:
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:
-
Extra socks
-
Light skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We recommend:
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:
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Light skirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Bug repellent
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We suggest:
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:
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Light skirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We suggest:
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:
-
Light skirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Extra socks
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Bug repellent
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We like:
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:
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Dresses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
Extra socks
-
Pants or jeans
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We like:
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:
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Extra socks
-
Bug repellent
-
Light skirts
-
Sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We like:
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:
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Extra socks
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light skirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We like:
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:
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Light skirts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We like:
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:
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Light skirts
-
Sandals
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Extra socks
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Bug repellent
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We suggest:
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:
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Extra socks
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light skirts
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We like:
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.
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Scarf for women
You may need to wear something to cover your head. This is a good option.
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Dressy pants/trousers
Your pants should cover your knees:
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Socks
You will need to take your shoes off.
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Long sleeve shirts/blouses
If you go to Uhuru Gardens, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:
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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.
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Binoculars
-
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:
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Comfy walking shoes
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Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
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Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
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.