January · Kenya
Best time to visit Nairobi in January Weather, crowds & prices
Weather in Nairobi in January
Average temperature 20°C, 43 mm of rain, about 31 days with 6+ hours of sunshine and 65% humidity — based on the five most recent complete years of ERA5 data (2021–2025).
January score
9.6/10
Ranked #5 of 12 months
- Avg temp
- 20°C
- Rainfall
- 43 mm
- Humidity
- 65%
- Days with 6h+ sun
- 31
- Crowd Density
- Peak Tourist Rush
- Average Expenses
- $$$ · Peak Season Rates ($$$)
January in Nairobi scores 9.6/10 for nature and wildlife travel - an above-average month (#5 of 12). Expect around 20°C, 43 mm of rain, and roughly 31 days with 6+ hours of sunshine this month.
Safari gateway parks and highland city energy feel best October through March.
January ranks 5th of 12 for Nairobi — one of the best windows
Trail conditions at 20°C (67°F) favour early starts and shaded routes in January; midday is for water breaks, not for exposed climbs.
With around 43 mm of rain, any showers tend to pass through rather than settle in; about 31 days with 6+ hours of sunshine and 12.2 hours of daylight fill the rest.
On our climate-comfort scale this is one of the strongest months of the year for Nairobi at 9.6/10 (5th of 12), just behind February at 9.8/10.
Pack light clothing, a hat and real sun protection, footwear you can get muddy.
Budget for peak pricing, and this is one of the busiest months here.
Frequently asked
- What is the weather like in Nairobi in January?
- In January, Nairobi averages 20°C, 43 mm of rain, and about 31 days with 6+ hours of sunshine. Its climate-comfort score is 9.6/10.
- Is January a good time to visit Nairobi?
- January earns a 9.6/10 climate-comfort score. Use the year-round chart to weigh the weather against your budget and crowd preferences.
- How much does it rain in Nairobi in January?
- Expect about 43 mm of rain in January. Average humidity is 65% and there are about 31 days with 6+ hours of sunshine.
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