Nairobi in the rain

When is the rainy season in Nairobi?

Twice a year: the long rains from March to May, usually peaking in April, and the short rains from October to December, per KMD.

The short rains are no light drizzle. KMD says the October to December season brings over 30% of Nairobi's annual rain. Tours keep running through both seasons; you plan around the weather, not away from it.

The drier stretches fall in between: January to February and June to September. Pack a warm layer for a dawn game drive whatever the month.

What is the forecast for the 2026 short rains in Nairobi?

Above-average rain. KMD's October to December 2026 forecast lists Nairobi among the counties where above-average rainfall is expected, with the rains starting in the second to third week of October and continuing into January.

The driver is a strong El Niño, which adds rain when it lines up with a positive Indian Ocean Dipole, KMD says. It also expects warmer than average temperatures over the season.

KMD's forecast warns of urban flooding and waterlogged roads. For a tour that means slower traffic on a wet morning, so be ready at pickup on time and let the driver pick the route. Check KMD's daily and weekly forecasts the evening before.

Do Giraffe Centre and safari tours run in the rain?

Yes. The Giraffe Centre is open from 9am to 5pm every day, and the Sheldrick nursery visit runs from 11am to noon daily except 25 December. Tours go ahead unless the operator tells you otherwise.

At the Giraffe Centre the Tea House is a good place to wait out a shower with a drink and watch the giraffes. The 1.5 km nature trail down to the Gogo River is the part to skip on a downpour day. Weekday mornings at opening are quieter, rain or shine.

Operators keep some room to move. The private safari's listing says the itinerary may be adjusted depending on traffic, weather conditions or attraction schedules. Anne (Oct 2026) about the park, orphanage and giraffes day: “Excellent trip! Wonderful guide! Very accommodating to our schedule!”

Is Nairobi National Park good in the rainy season?

Yes. The grass turns green, the dust settles and the morning light is soft. A vehicle with a pop-up roof lets you stand up and watch without getting soaked.

KWS describes the park as open grass plains with endangered black rhino and over 400 bird species, a short drive from the city centre. In the wet months you may see rhinos against green grass with the skyline behind them; no sighting is guaranteed, in any season.

For muddy tracks, a 4x4 is the comfortable choice. The early-morning 4x4 game drive uses a Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof, not a minivan, and the private safari gives you your own Land Cruiser for the day. Dave (Oct 2026) on the shared park day: “Great photo access from the raised roof on the safari vehicle”.

A 6am pickup and first light in the park from a 4x4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof.

★ 5.0 · 4 hours · from $33

Explore the early-morning 4x4 game drive → Tour details

How do tour operators handle bad weather and cancellations?

Every tour on this site has free cancellation up to 24 hours before, per the listings, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the forecast the day before and move your date if needed.

On the day, the driver-guide reads the weather and the roads for you. The Sheldrick hour is fixed, 11am to noon, and cannot be moved, so the day is built around it. The giraffes are flexible: the centre is open until 5pm.

Keep a spare morning in your Nairobi plan in the wet months. If the first day is a washout, you still have the second.

What should you pack for Nairobi in the rainy season?

A rain jacket, a warm layer, shoes with grip and clothes you do not mind getting muddy, plus your passport and a card for the park fee.

The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust says the nursery can be muddy in the rainy seasons, March to April and October to December. Derek (Oct 2026) found out first hand: “Got covered in dust and mud but loved every second. [...] Suggest wearing old clothes!”

• A light rain jacket. You are in and out of the vehicle all morning.
• A warm layer and a hat. The Karen Blixen tour asks guests to wear warm cotton clothing and a hat.
• Shoes with grip for the platform steps and the muddy ground at the nursery.
• Muted colours. The 4x4 game drive's listing advises avoiding bright colours, which attract insects.
• A reusable dry bag for your phone. Plastic carrier bags are banned in Kenya.
• Your passport, a card for the park fee on eCitizen and US dollars in cash for the elephants.

Frequently asked questions