Nairobi Weather in November

🇰🇪 Kenya

23°C

High

15°C

Low

Rain Days

10h

Sunshine

82%

Humidity

Africa › 🇰🇪 Kenya › Nairobi

Updated: March 2026

Is November a Good Time to Visit Nairobi?

5/10

Fair

November is a fair time to visit Nairobi (5/10). With 10 daily sunshine hours and only 19 rain days, this month delivers genuinely reliable outdoor conditions, ranking it 9th sunniest of the year in Nairobi. Culture-focused travellers and those who prefer lighter crowds will find November a practical choice, with prices running lower than peak January without sacrificing all the good weather. December offers a similar profile at lower hotel rates if dates are flexible. Watch out for prolonged rain stretches: with 19 wet days, a fully outdoor itinerary is risky. Build in museum days and covered market visits as contingency. Planning tips: accommodation is generally available without long lead times, and flight prices are typically lower than peak season. Flexible travellers will find the best deals by booking 2-4 weeks ahead. Mid-week arrivals consistently unlock lower hotel rates than weekend check-ins.

vs October:25°C avg high

November weather in Nairobi is defined by a daily temperature swing from 15°C at night to 23°C during the afternoon. Humidity averages 82%, and you can count on around 10 sunshine hours each day. That combination makes November warm and lush, though dressing in breathable fabrics keeps things manageable.

23°C

Avg High

15°C

Avg Low

19 days

Rain Days

10h

Sunshine

82%

Humidity

Temperature in Nairobi in November

The 8°C day-night temperature range is typical for continental climates: a light jacket in the morning that you shed by midday and need again after sunset. At 82% humidity, the 23°C daytime high feels 2-4°C warmer in practice: quick-dry fabrics and shade-seeking between noon and 3pm are the sensible response. UV index averages 8 this month, classed as high to very high. SPF 30+ sunscreen, a brim hat, and sunglasses are not optional between 10am and 4pm. Wind averages 16 km/h, light enough to be refreshing on warm days but noticeable in open coastal areas or elevated viewpoints. In Fahrenheit: 73°F average high, 59°F overnight low. Data sourced from Open-Meteo ERA5 climate reanalysis (1991–2020 normals).

Temperature in November

Monthly Precipitation (mm)

What to Wear in Nairobi in November

Morning15°CBefore the day warms up

Afternoon23°CPeak daytime temperature

Evening18°CAfter sunset cools down

Packing for Nairobi in November means dressing for 23°C days and 15°C evenings. A light cotton tee with a casual overshirt works well at 23°C, the overshirt doubles as a layer for air-conditioned venues. Evening temperatures settle at 15°C, a modest 8°C drop that a light cardigan or denim jacket covers. Comfortable walking trainers are the versatile choice for both outdoor sightseeing and indoor venues. With 19 rain days expected, a compact travel umbrella is worth the bag space. A waterproof jacket is better than an umbrella if you plan full-day outdoor routes. At 82% average humidity, quick-dry synthetic or bamboo fabrics dry overnight and stay comfortable longer than cotton.

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Local tip: Nairobi sees heavy rain periods where a compact travel umbrella can feel inadequate. A packable waterproof jacket offers better coverage for prolonged downpours and leaves both hands free for maps and cameras.

Events in Nairobi in November

November has no major festivals or public holidays in Nairobi, which is one of its practical advantages for independent travellers. Attractions run at lower capacity than during peak event periods, queues are shorter, and accommodation is easier to find without needing to book many months in advance. Local restaurants, markets, and transport operate at a relaxed pace, making this an ideal time for visitors who prefer a more authentic, unhurried experience of everyday city life rather than large crowds drawn in by a single major headline event.

What to Pack for Nairobi in November

Based on 23°C average highs and 19 rainy days

Light layers for morning and evening
Breathable T-shirts and comfortable trousers
UV-protective sunglasses
Compact folding umbrella
Waterproof outer layer or packable rain jacket
Quick-dry clothing that recovers fast after a shower
SPF 30+ sunscreen
Comfortable walking shoes (a second pair lets the first air out overnight)
Universal travel adapter
Small day pack for city exploration
Reusable water bottle

Best Activities in Nairobi in November

Explore outdoor markets and street food stallsMid-morning (10am-12pm)At 23°C, the temperature is ideal for extended walking without overheating
Guided walking tour of the historic centreMorning or late afternoonComfortable temperatures allow several hours on foot without fatigue
Visit rooftop viewpoints and observation decksGolden hour (1 hour before sunset)Warm clear evenings provide exceptional visibility for panoramic photography
Day trip to the surrounding countryside or coastFull day (depart by 8am)November is reliably dry enough for rural day trips without weather risk
Spend a morning in the national or city art museumOpens at 10am; arrive earlyWith 19 rain days expected, having a full-day indoor plan is practical insurance
Cooking class focused on regional cuisineHalf-day sessions run 10am-1pm or 3-6pmIndoor activity that fills a rainy half-day with genuine cultural content
Visit covered historical sites: cathedral, palace, or bazaarAny time; most crowded middayRoofed monuments and covered markets provide exploration without weather exposure
Visit the main botanical garden or city park at seasonal peakYear-round; best light in morningNovember brings distinct seasonal changes to public green spaces worth exploring
Try the seasonal farmer's market for local produce and street foodSaturday morning markets typically 8am-1pmNovember seasonal produce is at peak availability, offering dishes not found at other times of year

Why is Nairobi mild in November?

In November, Nairobi sits in the dry season corridor, as the ITCZ shifts away from the region and trade winds bring drier, more stable air. This produces reliably sunny days reaching 23°C, with lower humidity than the wet months. Overnight lows of 15°C offer a pleasant reprieve from the midday heat. Climate data: Open-Meteo ERA5 (1991–2020).

Sunshine Hours

The average number of hours per day with direct sunlight. Calculated from satellite measurements. Days with more than 7 hours of sunshine are ideal for outdoor activities. Under 3 hours means overcast conditions dominate.

UV Index

A scale from 0-11+ measuring ultraviolet radiation intensity. UV 0-2: Minimal risk. UV 3-5: Moderate -- wear sunscreen. UV 6-7: High -- hat and SPF 30+ essential. UV 8-10: Very High -- limit midday exposure. UV 11+: Extreme -- seek shade between 10am-4pm.

Rain Days

A rain day is counted when precipitation exceeds 0.1mm. This threshold captures even light drizzle. Unlike total rainfall in mm, rain days tells you how often you might need an umbrella, which is useful for planning outdoor activities.

Humidity

Relative humidity as a percentage. Below 40%: Dry -- skin and throat may feel parched. 40-60%: Comfortable -- ideal for most people. 60-80%: Sticky -- light, breathable fabrics recommended. Above 80%: Muggy -- heat feels more intense; quick-dry clothing is essential.

Frequently Asked Questions: Nairobi in November

In November, Nairobi experiences average highs of 23°C (73°F) and lows of 15°C (59°F). Expect around 19 rainy days and 10 hours of sunshine per day, with humidity averaging 82%. The 8°C gap between daytime and overnight temperatures is worth planning around: light layers work for most visitors during the day, but an overshirt or cardigan handles the cooler evenings. UV index averages 8, so sun protection is advisable on clear days.

Nairobi typically sees 19 rainy days in November, with total precipitation of around 97mm. This is a notably wet period. A waterproof jacket or compact umbrella is essential, and it is worth building indoor alternatives into your daily itinerary for the inevitable rainy stretches. For context, the driest month in Nairobi typically sees 4-6 fewer rain days than November.

Pack light layers, a light jacket for evenings, comfortable walking shoes, and sunscreen for Nairobi in November. Daytime temperatures of 23°C are pleasant, but the evening drop to 15°C means a jacket is essential if you plan to be out after dark. With 19 rainy days, bring a compact umbrella or waterproof jacket for unexpected showers. Comfortable walking shoes are a priority given the amount of ground most visitors cover.

November is a reasonable time to visit Nairobi. Expect 19 rainy days, so pack a light rain layer for flexibility. Average temperatures of 23°C make outdoor exploration comfortable during the dry periods. With 10 daily sunshine hours, there are reliable windows of good weather to plan outdoor activities around, even if the month is not the driest on the calendar.

The average high temperature in Nairobi in November is 23°C (73°F), and the average low is 15°C (59°F). The mean daily temperature is approximately 19°C (66°F). The day-to-night range of 8°C is moderate, meaning a single light jacket covers most situations. These are 30-year climate normals based on the 1991 to 2020 reference period; individual years will vary, particularly in transitional months like spring and autumn.

The best month to visit Nairobi is generally January. January offers the most sunshine at 11 hours per day and only 7 rainy days. Average temperatures reach 26°C, making it comfortable for sightseeing, outdoor dining, and exploring the city. If your travel dates are flexible, planning your trip around January gives you the best chance of dry, bright weather.

November is shoulder or low season in Nairobi, meaning fewer tourists and generally lower prices than peak months. With 10 sunshine hours and 19 rainy days, the weather is less of a draw for mass tourism. This is an advantage for travellers who prefer a quieter, more relaxed experience with shorter queues and easier accommodation availability.

In November, Nairobi suits a range of activities thanks to mild temperatures around 23°C. With frequent rain, indoor activities and covered attractions are a smart choice. Top options include exploring historic neighbourhoods, visiting museums and galleries, local food markets, and day trips to surrounding areas. With 10 hours of sunshine, parks and waterfront walks are particularly enjoyable.

November ranks 9th sunniest of the year in Nairobi, with an average 10 daily sunshine hours. The driest months are July, September, and August. February is the hottest month (27°C avg high); June is the coolest (22°C). From here, temperatures rise 1°C into December. Compared to last month (October: 25°C high, 10 rain days), November is cooler and wetter. November sits in the middle of the annual sunshine ranking for Nairobi, offering a reasonable balance of good weather and manageable crowds.

Year-Round Climate

Month	High	Low	Rain Days	Sun	Details
January	26°C	14°C	7	11h	View
February	27°C	15°C	6	11h	View
March	27°C	16°C	11	11h	View
April	25°C	16°C	20	10h	View
May	23°C	15°C	16	10h	View
June	22°C	14°C	8	9h	View
July	22°C	12°C	4	8h	View
August	22°C	13°C	5	8h	View
September	24°C	13°C	4	10h	View
October	25°C	15°C	10	11h	View
November	23°C	15°C	19	10h	View
December	24°C	14°C	11	11h	View

Other Months in Nairobi

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Plan Your Trip to Nairobi

Best Time to Visit Nairobi

Data Sources for Nairobi

Nairobi on Wikipedia Open-Meteo Climate API NOAA National Centers UK Met Office WMO GeoNames

Climate normals represent 30-year averages (1991-2020). Individual years may vary.