Nairobi Weather in May
Nairobi in May sees high temperatures, with highs around 25°C (77°F) and overnight lows of 16°C (61°F). Rainfall is fairly high at around 90 mm (3.5 in) on average, so pack waterproofs just in case.
Rainfall in Nairobi in May
Historically, the month has about 16 days of rain, averaging 90 mm (3.5 in) in total. Rain this month is fairly typical, a standard mix of wet and dry days with no particularly heavy or persistent showers.
Temperature in Nairobi in May
May is one of the better months to visit Nairobi. Expect 25°C (77°F) during the day and 16°C (61°F) at night. This kind of day-to-night contrast is typical for this time of year. At 16°C (61°F) overnight, it can feel quite a bit cooler after dark. Worth packing something warmer for evenings, but the cooler temperatures are ideal for sleeping.
Sunshine in Nairobi in May
The area enjoys a balanced 175 hours of sunlight, ensuring it's neither too overcast nor too sunny.
Wind Speed in Nairobi in May
Average wind conditions reach 2 m/s (4 knots) in May. This creates comfortable weather with light winds that gently move vegetation. Keep in mind this is an average. Daily conditions range from near-calm to more noticeable wind.If your ideal day consists of dry skies and pleasant temperatures, January, February, March, May, June, July, August, September, October and December typically offer the best circumstances for 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 May
Min Temperature
16°C (61°F)
Max Temperature
25°C (77°F)
Chance of Rain
52%
Precipitation
90 mm (3.5 in)
Rainy days
16 days
Humidity
78%
Windspeed
2 m/s (4 knots)
Sunshine
175 hours
Percentage Sunshine
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Nairobi typically stay consistent throughout May, with daily highs averaging around 25°C (77°F). Nights are pleasant, with lows typically ranging from 14°C (57°F) to 16°C (61°F).
Average temperatures in May
Daily Historical Precipitation
50-year average (1976-2025)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in May
Historical weather for Nairobi in May
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 May
Our historical data for Nairobi spans 1991 to 2025, revealing these weather extremes.
- The hottest May day on record in Nairobi reached 32°C (90°F) (May 12, 2025).
- The lowest daytime temperature in May was 19°C (66°F), recorded on May 13, 1991.
- The coldest night in May in Nairobi was on May 28, 1992, with a minimum of 8°C (46°F).
Best Places in Kenya in May
Find out more about the weather in Kenya and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of Kenya in May →
perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor
What to Wear in Nairobi in May
Warm but pleasant conditions in Nairobi in May. Focus on lightweight, maybe with natural fabrics, cotton blend shirts, comfortable shorts, and breathable footwear. A light cover-up for sun protection is smart too. Expect heavy rainfall, so bring good rain protection and waterproof bags. Sunglasses could come in handy during the sunnier parts of your trip.What To Do in Nairobi in May
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.
