Nairobi Weather in December

December weather in Nairobi

December is warm, with afternoons around 27°C and cooler evenings near 15°C. Showers fall on about half the days, but there's still sunshine between them. The city feels less sticky than the humidity figure might suggest, though cloudy spells can linger.

You can visit the Karen Blixen Museum or browse the shops and cafés in Karen between showers. Nairobi National Park is also worth a try, but rain can leave some tracks muddy. Keep a city museum or restaurant visit in mind for a wet afternoon.

Christmas and Jamhuri Day

Jamhuri Day falls on December 12 and marks Kenya becoming a republic. You may see public celebrations and events around the city, though the programme can vary. Christmas brings church services, family gatherings and a festive feel, rather than one single city-wide event.

Travelling with kids? The Nairobi Railway Museum makes a handy indoor stop when rain interrupts an outdoor plan.

Crowds and local tips

December is a busy month for holiday travel, especially around Christmas and New Year. Some Nairobi residents leave town, while visitors arrive for safari trips. Prices for flights and places to stay can rise compared with quieter periods, and some small businesses close for the holidays. January is usually a calmer time to visit.

If you're heading to Nairobi National Park, ask your driver which routes are passable after rain. The park sits right beside the city, but wet tracks can change how much ground you cover. For a local meal, try nyama choma—grilled meat—at a restaurant in the city rather than squeezing it into a rainy park day.