The best months to visit Nairobi are Jun – Oct, Jan – Feb. Dry seasons with warm days and cool nights.
Quick facts
Currency KES (Kenyan Shilling) M-Pesa mobile money widely used
Language Swahili / English English widely spoken in the city
Timezone EAT (UTC+3) No DST
Best Months Jun – Oct, Jan – Feb Dry seasons with warm days and cool nights
Daily Budget ~$25–60 USD Budget to mid-range
Visa eTA required Apply online before arrival at etakenya.go.ke
When to go
The world's only capital city with a national park. Lions roam with skyscrapers behind them in Africa's most dynamic urban wildlife destination.
Getting Around in Nairobi
- Bolt and Uber are reliable, safe, and affordable. Use them over street taxis, especially at night
- Matatu minibuses cover the city cheaply but routes can be confusing for newcomers, so ask locals for help
- Traffic in Nairobi is severe during rush hours (7-9am, 5-8pm), so plan journeys to avoid peak times
For itineraries, costs and practical travel advice, see the full Nairobi travel guide.
Timezone: EAT (UTC+3) (No DST)
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Nairobi?
The best months to visit Nairobi are Jun – Oct, Jan – Feb (Dry seasons with warm days and cool nights), which makes for the most comfortable conditions for sightseeing and getting around. For what a trip costs day to day, see the Nairobi budget breakdown.
