Nairobi Weather in January
Nairobi in January sees high temperatures, with highs around 27°C (81°F) and overnight lows of 15°C (59°F). Overall perfect conditions make it one of the better months to visit.
Rainfall in Nairobi in January
Records from the past 30 years suggest around 8 days of rain, with 39 mm (1.5 in) average for the month. The rainfall pattern this month is fairly balanced. Showers tend to be moderate rather than extreme.
Temperature in Nairobi in January
January is one of the better months to visit Nairobi. Expect 27°C (81°F) during the day and 15°C (59°F) at night. Overall, the month follows a fairly predictable daily temperature pattern. With lows of 15°C (59°F), nights are cool. If you're out after dark, an extra layer will keep you comfortable. The cooler air at night is also great for getting a good rest.
Sunshine in Nairobi in January
The city usually sees around 288 hours of sunlight, indicating many sunny days — a great month for sightseeing.
Wind Speed in Nairobi in January
Average wind conditions reach 5 m/s (10 knots) in January. This creates lively weather with fresh winds that make small trees sway noticeably. Remember this is an average: some days are less windy while others have particularly active windy conditions.If you favor pleasant temperatures and minimal rainfall, January is one of the best months to visit Nairobi.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Kenya, check out our Nairobi's climate page.
Nairobi Temperature in January
Min Temperature
15°C (59°F)
Max Temperature
27°C (81°F)
Chance of Rain
26%
Precipitation
39 mm (1.5 in)
Rainy days
8 days
Humidity
69%
Windspeed
5 m/s (10 knots)
Sunshine
288 hours
Percentage Sunshine
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2026)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Nairobi typically stay consistent throughout January, with daily highs averaging around 27°C (81°F). Nights are pleasant, with lows around 14°C (57°F).
Average temperatures in January
Daily Historical Precipitation
50-year average (1976-2026)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in January
Historical weather for Nairobi in January
Browse day-by-day weather records for Nairobi spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Nairobi historical weather extremes in January
According to our 31 years of weather records for Nairobi, the following extremes were recorded between 1994 and 2025.
- Nairobi recorded its highest January temperature of 31°C (88°F) on January 30, 2006.
- The coldest January day was on January 10, 1999, with a maximum of 18°C (64°F).
- The coldest night in January in Nairobi was on January 24, 2010, with a minimum of 7°C (45°F).
Best Places in Kenya in January
Find out more about the weather in Kenya and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of Kenya in January →
perfect weather
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tolerable
unpleasant
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What to Wear in Nairobi in January
Warm temperatures in January make for comfortable sightseeing weather. Pack breathable fabrics like cotton shirts, knee-length shorts or skirts, and comfortable walking shoes. A thin long sleeve for indoor spaces is handy. Pack a light rain jacket or compact umbrella for occasional showers. And with plenty of sunshine hours, don’t forget sunglasses, sunscreen, and maybe a sun hat.What To Do in Nairobi in January
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Kenya, check out our Nairobi's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed
See the full Nairobi climate overview or explore weather in Kenya.
