Nairobi National Park (NNP), situated at an elevation ranging from 1,511 to 1,754 meters (4,957 to 5,755 feet) above sea level, experiences a mild, temperate climate characterized by moderate temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons.
The park’s altitude contributes to its pleasantly cool mornings and evenings, with average minimum temperatures ranging from 11°C (52°F) in July—the coolest month—to 15°C (59°F) during the warmer months like February and March. Daytime temperatures are typically warm but not extreme, peaking at around 26°C (79°F) during the hottest periods.
Annual rainfall averages between 800 and 1,100 mm, distributed across two primary rainy seasons: the long rains from March to May, with April being the wettest month (160 mm), and the short rains from October to December, where November records around 110 mm. The dry season, spanning from June to September, is marked by reduced precipitation (as low as 13 mm in July and August) and clearer skies, offering optimal wildlife viewing conditions.
The park’s climate fosters a mix of savannah grasslands, scattered acacia woodlands, and riverine forests, supporting its diverse ecosystems. The relatively stable temperatures and rainfall patterns, influenced by its altitude and equatorial location, make NNP a year-round safari destination, with variations in vegetation density and wildlife activity depending on the season.
NNP Temperature:
Nairobi National Park (NNP), situated at an elevation ranging from 1,511 to 1,754 meters (4,957 to 5,755 feet) above sea level, experiences a temperate savannah climate influenced by both its altitude and proximity to the equator. The park’s temperatures remain relatively mild throughout the year, with modest fluctuations between seasons compared to more extreme climates. This stability is largely due to Nairobi’s equatorial location, which minimizes significant seasonal variations in temperature but still presents distinct monthly patterns.
🌡️ Month-to-Month Temperature Variation
| Month | Min Temp (°C) | Max Temp (°C) | Average Temp (°C) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 14 | 25 | 19.5 |
| February | 15 | 26 | 20.5 |
| March | 15 | 26 | 20.5 |
| April | 15 | 26 | 20.5 |
| May | 14 | 25 | 19.5 |
| June | 12 | 23 | 17.5 |
| July | 11 | 22 | 16.5 |
| August | 12 | 23 | 17.5 |
| September | 13 | 24 | 18.5 |
| October | 14 | 25 | 19.5 |
| November | 14 | 25 | 19.5 |
| December | 14 | 25 | 19.5 |
📊 Key Temperature Trends and Variations
1. Warmest Months: February to April
- Average Temperature: ~20.5°C (68.9°F)
- Distinct Features:
- Higher maximums reaching up to 26°C (79°F).
- These months fall just before and during the onset of the long rainy season, leading to humid conditions with warm afternoons and mild mornings.
- Despite the heat, temperatures are moderate compared to other safari destinations in Kenya due to the park’s altitude.
2. Coolest Months: June and July
- Average Temperature: ~16.5°C (61.7°F)
- Distinct Features:
- Minimum temperatures drop to as low as 11°C (52°F), especially during early mornings and nights.
- Days remain cool, with highs peaking at only 22–23°C (72–73°F).
- The coolness is accentuated by overcast skies and occasional mist, creating a refreshing, crisp atmosphere—perfect for early morning game drives.
3. Moderate Transition Months: May, August, and September
- Average Temperature: ~17.5–19.5°C (63.5–67.1°F)
- Distinct Features:
- Transitional months with fluctuating temperatures as the seasons shift.
- August sees temperatures gradually rising from the July lows, while May and September act as buffers between the extremes of the wet and dry seasons.
- These months are characterized by mild daytime warmth and cool evenings, offering comfortable safari conditions.
4. Stable Temperatures in Late Year: October to December
- Average Temperature: ~19.5°C (67.1°F)
- Distinct Features:
- Temperatures stabilize after the cool season, with both minimums and maximums averaging around 14°C (57°F) and 25°C (77°F), respectively.
- This period coincides with the short rainy season, bringing refreshing rains that keep temperatures mild without the extremes of earlier in the year.
Rainfall Variations at Nairobi National Park (NNP)
Nairobi National Park (NNP) experiences a bimodal rainfall pattern, characterized by two distinct rainy seasons—the long rains and the short rains—interspersed with relatively dry periods. Situated at an elevation ranging from 1,511 to 1,754 meters (4,957 to 5,755 feet) above sea level, NNP’s rainfall is influenced by its altitude, proximity to the equator, and broader East African climatic systems, including the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).
🌧️ Month-to-Month Rainfall Variation
| Month | Rainfall (mm) | Season |
|---|---|---|
| January | 46 | Dry Season |
| February | 42 | Dry Season |
| March | 72 | Start of Long Rains |
| April | 160 | Long Rains (Peak) |
| May | 117 | Long Rains (Tapering Off) |
| June | 27 | Dry Season |
| July | 13 | Dry Season |
| August | 13 | Dry Season |
| September | 17 | Transition Period |
| October | 43 | Start of Short Rains |
| November | 110 | Short Rains (Peak) |
| December | 69 | Short Rains (Declining) |
📊 Key Rainfall Trends and Seasonal Variations
1. The Long Rains (March to May)
- Total Rainfall: Approximately 349 mm over three months.
- Peak Month: April with 160 mm, making it the wettest month of the year.
- Distinct Features:
- March marks the onset, with sporadic showers increasing in frequency and intensity as the month progresses.
- April experiences heavy, consistent downpours, often in the afternoons, leading to lush, green landscapes and higher humidity levels.
- May shows a gradual decline in rainfall, though the ground remains saturated, and sporadic showers continue.
Impact on Safari Experience:
- The park is vibrantly green, with dense vegetation, which can make wildlife spotting more challenging.
- Birdwatching is exceptional during this period, with migratory species present.
- Roads can become muddy and slippery, necessitating 4×4 vehicles.
2. The Dry Season (June to September)
- Total Rainfall: Around 70 mm across four months.
- Driest Months: July and August, each receiving just 13 mm on average.
- Distinct Features:
- Clear, sunny skies dominate, with very little cloud cover.
- Air is crisp and cool, particularly in the mornings and evenings.
- Water sources become scarce, leading to high wildlife concentration around remaining waterholes and rivers.
Impact on Safari Experience:
- This is the best period for wildlife viewing, as animals gather around predictable water sources.
- The dry, dusty environment improves visibility for spotting predators and other iconic species.
- Cool mornings can be chilly, so layered clothing is recommended.
3. The Short Rains (October to December)
- Total Rainfall: Approximately 222 mm over three months.
- Peak Month: November with 110 mm.
- Distinct Features:
- October signals the return of rainfall after the long dry spell, with light showers that gradually intensify.
- November sees heavier rains, often in the afternoons, creating lush greenery.
- December experiences a decline in rainfall, with intermittent showers and increasingly dry days towards the end of the month.
Impact on Safari Experience:
- The landscape turns green and vibrant, enhancing scenic beauty.
- Newborn animals are commonly seen, as this period coincides with many species’ calving season.
- The park is less crowded than in the peak dry months, offering peaceful game drives.
🌦️ Transitional Periods: January–February & September
- January & February: Though part of the dry season, occasional light showers (46 mm in January, 42 mm in February) occur, maintaining some greenery without significantly impacting safari conditions.
- September: Marks the end of the long dry season, with light showers (17 mm) hinting at the upcoming short rains.
🌍 Climatic Drivers Behind Rainfall Patterns
- Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ):
The ITCZ, a band of low pressure near the equator, shifts north and south throughout the year, bringing rain during its passage over Kenya. Its movement explains the bimodal rainfall pattern—once during the long rains (March–May) and again during the short rains (October–December). - Altitude Effects:
NNP’s elevation enhances orographic rainfall, particularly during the wet seasons, as moist air is forced upward, cools, and condenses, leading to precipitation. - Proximity to Nairobi:
Urbanization around Nairobi can slightly influence local microclimates, but the park retains its natural seasonal patterns, with more pronounced rain during the equinox transitions.
⭐ Summary of Rainfall Insights for Nairobi National Park
- Wettest Month: April (160 mm)
- Driest Months: July & August (13 mm each)
- Annual Rainfall: Approximately 600–700 mm
- Best Time for Wildlife Viewing: June–October (Dry Season)
- Best for Birdwatching & Lush Landscapes: November–April (Wet Seasons)
Despite the seasonal shifts, Nairobi National Park remains a year-round safari destination, with each period offering unique landscapes and wildlife behaviors. Understanding these rainfall patterns helps optimize safari planning, whether for wildlife concentration during dry spells or lush, scenic beauty during the rains.
NNP Weather by Month(Temperature, Rainfall)
Nairobi National Park, located at an altitude ranging from 1,511 to 1,754 meters (4,957 to 5,755 feet), offers a temperate climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. Here’s an expert month-by-month breakdown of what to expect in terms of temperature, rainfall, and overall safari experience:
January
- Min Temp: 14°C (57°F) | Max Temp: 25°C (77°F)
- Rainfall: 46 mm
- What to Expect:
January is part of the dry season with warm, sunny days and cool mornings. The clear skies and dry conditions make it excellent for wildlife viewing, as animals gather around waterholes. The vegetation is sparse, offering great visibility for spotting predators like lions and leopards.
February
- Min Temp: 15°C (59°F) | Max Temp: 26°C (79°F)
- Rainfall: 42 mm
- What to Expect:
February is one of the hottest months, with dry, dusty conditions. The sun can feel intense, but early mornings and late afternoons remain comfortable. It’s a prime time for photography, with golden light and dramatic sunsets. Wildlife is easy to spot as animals frequent remaining water sources.
March
- Min Temp: 15°C (59°F) | Max Temp: 26°C (79°F)
- Rainfall: 72 mm
- What to Expect:
March marks the transition to the long rainy season, with occasional afternoon showers. Mornings are still sunny and good for game drives, but the landscape starts to turn lush and green. Expect beautiful scenery, though some areas may become muddy, affecting off-road driving.
April
- Min Temp: 15°C (59°F) | Max Temp: 26°C (79°F)
- Rainfall: 160 mm (wettest month)
- What to Expect:
April is dominated by heavy, consistent rains. The park is lush and vibrant, with abundant greenery and blooming wildflowers. While wildlife can be harder to spot due to thick vegetation, birdwatching is exceptional with migratory species present. Roads may be slippery—4×4 vehicles are essential.
May
- Min Temp: 14°C (57°F) | Max Temp: 25°C (77°F)
- Rainfall: 117 mm
- What to Expect:
The rains begin to subside, but the park remains green and beautiful. Animals start emerging more frequently as water becomes less abundant. Fewer tourists mean quieter safaris and more intimate wildlife encounters.
June
- Min Temp: 12°C (54°F) | Max Temp: 23°C (73°F)
- Rainfall: 27 mm
- What to Expect:
June marks the start of the cool dry season. Mornings and evenings can be chilly, so layered clothing is recommended. The skies are mostly clear, making it ideal for game drives. Animals congregate around permanent water sources, and the park’s scenery remains lush from recent rains.
July
- Min Temp: 11°C (52°F) | Max Temp: 22°C (72°F)
- Rainfall: 13 mm (driest month)
- What to Expect:
July is the coolest and driest month. Early morning game drives can feel cold, so warm clothing is essential. Despite the chill, this is a great time for safaris, with excellent visibility and concentrated wildlife around water points. The cool air also makes long game drives comfortable.
August
- Min Temp: 12°C (54°F) | Max Temp: 23°C (73°F)
- Rainfall: 13 mm
- What to Expect:
Similar to July, August is cool and dry. The park’s grasses are short, making it easier to spot animals like rhinos, lions, and cheetahs. The crisp air and clear skies create perfect conditions for photography and scenic landscapes.
September
- Min Temp: 13°C (55°F) | Max Temp: 24°C (75°F)
- Rainfall: 17 mm
- What to Expect:
Temperatures start to rise slightly, signaling the end of the cool dry season. Wildlife viewing remains excellent, with many animals still congregating around water sources. The park’s landscape begins to show hints of new growth as occasional light showers return.
October
- Min Temp: 14°C (57°F) | Max Temp: 25°C (77°F)
- Rainfall: 43 mm
- What to Expect:
October ushers in the short rainy season, but showers are usually brief and occur in the afternoon. The landscape becomes greener, and newborn animals can be spotted, particularly among antelope species. Bird activity also increases with the arrival of migratory species.
November
- Min Temp: 14°C (57°F) | Max Temp: 25°C (77°F)
- Rainfall: 110 mm
- What to Expect:
November is one of the wetter months, with frequent afternoon downpours. However, the mornings are often sunny, making it a great time for early game drives. The park’s scenery is lush, attracting diverse wildlife. Expect fewer crowds compared to peak seasons.
December
- Min Temp: 14°C (57°F) | Max Temp: 25°C (77°F)
- Rainfall: 69 mm
- What to Expect:
The short rains begin to taper off, leaving behind a vibrant, green landscape. December is a popular time for tourists due to the holidays, but the park’s lush scenery, active wildlife, and mild weather make it a rewarding time to visit. The temperatures are comfortable, and birdwatching is excellent.
🌍 Summary: Best Times to Visit Nairobi National Park
Best for Lush Scenery: April to May & November to December – Vibrant landscapes, though rain may limit some activities.
Best for Wildlife Viewing: June to October (Dry Season) – Clear skies, sparse vegetation, and abundant animals around waterholes.
Best for Birdwatching: November to April – Presence of migratory birds during the rainy seasons.