Things to Do in Nairobi in August
August weather, activities, events & insider tips
August Weather in Nairobi
Is August Right for You?
Advantages
- Dry season peak with minimal rainfall - those 10 rainy days typically see brief morning drizzle rather than all-day downpours, making it easier to plan outdoor activities without constant weather disruptions
- Wildlife viewing reaches its absolute best in August as vegetation thins out in Nairobi National Park, making animals easier to spot against the drier landscape. Morning game drives from 6:30-9am offer exceptional lion and rhino sightings
- Comfortable daytime temperatures of 24°C (75°F) make walking tours through neighborhoods like Karen and Westlands actually pleasant, unlike the hotter months where you're seeking shade by 11am
- August falls outside major holiday periods for both European and American travelers, meaning popular sites like the Giraffe Centre and David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust see 30-40% fewer visitors compared to July or December peaks
Considerations
- Mornings can be genuinely cold at 12°C (54°F), especially if you're staying at higher elevations around Karura Forest or Ngong Hills - that 12-degree temperature swing from morning to afternoon catches first-timers off guard
- Dust levels increase significantly as the dry season continues, which affects air quality particularly in traffic-heavy areas like Uhuru Highway and Mombasa Road during rush hours (7-9am, 5-7pm)
- Higher accommodation rates compared to the rainy season months, with mid-range hotels in Westlands and Kilimani charging 20-35% more than their April or May rates due to peak safari season demand
Best Activities in August
Nairobi National Park Morning Game Drives
August's dry conditions make this the single best month for wildlife viewing in the park. The sparse vegetation means you'll actually spot the big five against golden grasslands, and animals congregate around remaining water sources. The 6:30am temperature of around 12°C (54°F) keeps animals active longer before they seek shade. You'll typically see giraffes within the first 30 minutes, and lion sightings happen on roughly 60% of morning drives this month.
Karura Forest Walking and Cycling
The forest trails are at their driest and most accessible in August, with minimal mud even after those occasional morning showers. The 15 km (9.3 miles) of maintained paths through indigenous forest offer a complete escape from city noise, and the waterfalls still flow despite the dry season. Mornings from 7-10am give you the best bird watching opportunities with over 200 species active. The cooler temperatures make the 5 km (3.1 mile) waterfall circuit actually enjoyable rather than sweaty.
Giraffe Centre and Karen Blixen Museum Combined Visits
August's pleasant afternoon temperatures around 22°C (72°F) make the Karen suburb area perfect for a half-day exploration. The Giraffe Centre's outdoor platforms are comfortable without the oppressive heat you'd get in February or March. The endangered Rothschild giraffes are most active during feeding times at 10am and 2pm. Combining this with the nearby Karen Blixen Museum gives you a solid 3-4 hour cultural and wildlife experience in one area, avoiding Nairobi's traffic by staying in one neighborhood.
Bomas of Kenya Cultural Performances
August coincides with cultural performance season when traditional dance groups from different Kenyan communities are most active. The outdoor amphitheater benefits from August's dry weather - performances rarely get rained out this month. The 2:30pm daily show runs about 90 minutes and showcases dances from Maasai, Kikuyu, Kalenjin, and coastal communities. The homestead village tour before the show gives genuine insight into traditional architecture and daily life across Kenya's 42+ ethnic groups.
Ngong Hills Hiking
The dry trails and clear August skies make this the ideal month for the 7-peak Ngong Hills hike. On clear days, which happen about 70% of the time in August, you'll get views across the Rift Valley on one side and Nairobi National Park on the other. The full ridge walk covers roughly 12 km (7.5 miles) and takes 4-5 hours. Start early at 6:30am when temperatures are cool around 10°C (50°F) at the summit, and you'll finish before afternoon winds pick up around 2pm.
Nairobi Street Food and Market Tours
August's dry weather makes exploring outdoor markets like Maasai Market and City Market far more pleasant than during rainy months. The evening food scene in neighborhoods like Kilimani and Westlands comes alive around 6pm when temperatures cool to around 18°C (64°F). You'll find nyama choma (grilled meat), mukimo (mashed vegetables), and mandazi (fried dough) at their best. Thursday and Friday evenings see the most active street food scenes as locals kick off the weekend.
August Events & Festivals
Nairobi International Trade Fair
This major agricultural and commercial exhibition typically runs for 7-10 days in late August at the Jamhuri Park grounds. You'll see everything from farming equipment to local crafts, plus food vendors showcasing regional cuisines from across Kenya. It's genuinely worth visiting if you want to see what ordinary Kenyans are buying and how local businesses operate, rather than just the tourist-facing side of the city. Entry is usually around 200-300 KES.