Things to Do in Nairobi in December

December Weather in Nairobi

26°C (78°F) High Temp

14°C (58°F) Low Temp

86 mm (3.4 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Peak wildlife viewing at Nairobi National Park - December's short rains end, leaving lush green landscapes with concentrated animals around water sources, perfect visibility 7am-10am before heat
Ideal hiking weather in Karura Forest and Ngong Hills - morning temperatures of 14°C (58°F) warm to comfortable 26°C (78°F) by afternoon, with 70% less crowds than July-August peak season
Christmas safari season offers 20-30% lower accommodation rates than dry season, with December being shoulder season before January peak - book lodges 4-6 weeks ahead for best deals
Perfect outdoor dining weather - Nairobi's restaurant terraces and rooftop bars are at their most comfortable with evening temperatures dropping to 18°C (64°F) and minimal chance of evening rain

Considerations

Afternoon thunderstorms occur 10 days of the month, typically 2pm-4pm lasting 30-45 minutes - can disrupt outdoor activities and create traffic chaos on flooded roads like Mombasa Road
December 23rd-January 2nd sees exodus of locals to coast and upcountry, meaning many neighborhood restaurants and some attractions operate reduced hours or close entirely
Muddy conditions in Nairobi National Park after rains make some tracks impassable for 2WD vehicles - budget extra for 4WD safari vehicle rentals at KES 8,000-12,000 per day versus KES 5,000 for 2WD

Best Activities in December

Nairobi National Park Early Morning Game Drives

December's post-rain conditions create exceptional wildlife viewing as animals concentrate around remaining water sources. The park's unique skyline backdrop is most dramatic in December's clear post-storm light. Morning temperatures of 14°C (58°F) mean comfortable open-vehicle drives from 6am-10am before afternoon heat and potential storms. Lions are most active during cooler morning hours.

Booking Tip: Book 4WD vehicles through Kenya Wildlife Service or licensed tour operators 7-10 days ahead. Typical costs KES 6,000-10,000 for half-day tours including park fees. Entry opens 6am - arrive early for best wildlife activity. Reference booking widget for current tour options with vehicle upgrades.

Karura Forest Canopy Walks and Cycling

December's lush post-rain forest offers the most spectacular canopy views of the year. The 15m (49ft) high canopy walkway provides stunning perspectives over Nairobi's green belt. Morning mist creates mystical atmosphere between 7am-9am. Cool morning temperatures make the 5.5km (3.4 miles) cycling trails comfortable, while afternoon shade provides refuge from 26°C (78°F) heat.

Booking Tip: Entry KES 300 for residents, KES 1,200 for non-residents. Bike rentals typically KES 500-800 per day from operators near main gate. Best visited mornings 7am-11am before afternoon heat. No advance booking needed for entry but guided nature walks should be booked 2-3 days ahead.

Ngong Hills Hiking Adventures

December offers perfect hiking conditions with cooler morning starts at 14°C (58°F) and clear post-rain visibility extending 50km (31 miles) to Mount Kenya on clear days. The seven hills challenge provides 4-6 hour treks across 2,460m (8,071ft) peaks. December's green landscape and wild flowers create ideal photography conditions, while reduced tourist numbers mean peaceful trails.

Booking Tip: Guided hikes typically cost KES 3,000-5,000 per person including transport from Nairobi. Start by 7am to avoid afternoon storms and heat. Proper hiking boots essential for muddy post-rain conditions. Book with certified mountain guides 5-7 days ahead through tour operators listed in booking section below.

Cultural Village Tours and Bomas of Kenya

December showcases traditional harvest celebrations and year-end cultural festivals across Kenya's 42 tribes. Indoor cultural centers provide perfect rainy afternoon alternatives. The traditional dance performances are particularly vibrant during December festivities. Air-conditioned venues offer comfortable refuge during 26°C (78°F) afternoon heat and 70% humidity.

Booking Tip: Entry typically KES 2,000-3,500 for cultural centers including performances. Book afternoon slots 12pm-4pm to avoid morning game drive conflicts and utilize covered venues during potential afternoon storms. Many venues offer combination packages with traditional lunch. Check current schedules in booking widget below.

Coffee Farm Tours in Kiambu County

December marks coffee harvesting season in Kenya's highlands just 30km (18.6 miles) from Nairobi. Experience hand-picking red coffee cherries during harvest time while enjoying 20°C (68°F) temperatures at 1,800m (5,905ft) elevation. December's rains create lush green coffee plantations with optimal growing conditions visible firsthand. Cool highland climate provides relief from Nairobi's humidity.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours typically cost KES 4,000-7,000 including transport, tastings, and harvest participation. Book 7-14 days ahead as December harvest season is popular with locals. Tours run 8am-2pm to maximize harvest activity viewing. Many farms offer lunch packages featuring locally-grown produce.

Nairobi City Walking Tours and Museums

December's variable weather makes indoor-outdoor combination tours ideal. Start with outdoor city center walks during cool 14°C (58°F) mornings, then transition to air-conditioned museums like National Museum during afternoon heat. December's reduced business district crowds make photography easier at Parliament Buildings and City Square. Covered walkways downtown provide shelter during brief afternoon showers.

Booking Tip: Walking tours typically cost KES 2,500-4,500 for 4-6 hours including museum entries. Museum combo tickets offer savings at KES 1,500 versus individual entries. Book morning starts (8am-9am) to maximize outdoor time before potential afternoon storms. Many operators offer flexible indoor backup plans during rain.

December Events & Festivals

Mid December

Nairobi Festival of Lights

Annual December celebration featuring cultural performances, traditional food vendors, and artisan markets at Uhuru Gardens. Local families gather for evening festivities showcasing Kenya's diverse communities with traditional dances, music, and seasonal celebrations. Perfect introduction to Kenyan culture during holiday season.

Early to Mid December

Coffee Harvest Celebrations

Traditional harvest festivals occur across Kiambu County's coffee farms throughout December. Local communities celebrate the annual harvest with traditional songs, dances, and coffee ceremonies. Visitors can participate in picking, processing demonstrations, and taste the season's first fresh roasts.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket with hood - December's 10 rainy days feature sudden 30-45 minute downpours, often starting around 2pm

Layered clothing for 12°C (22°F) temperature swings - mornings at 14°C (58°F) require light fleece, afternoons at 26°C (78°F) need breathable cotton

Waterproof hiking boots - essential for Ngong Hills and Karura Forest muddy trails after December rains, regular sneakers become unusable

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 at Nairobi's 1,795m (5,889ft) altitude, higher UV exposure than coastal areas

Quick-dry pants and shirts - 70% humidity makes cotton slow to dry, synthetic blends essential for comfort

Insect repellent with DEET - December rains create breeding grounds for mosquitoes, especially around Nairobi Dam and park water sources

Compact umbrella - backup for rain jacket during sudden storms while walking downtown or visiting outdoor markets

Warm layer for evening game drives - temperatures drop to 14°C (58°F) in open safari vehicles during early morning and evening drives

Binoculars - December's excellent wildlife visibility at water sources makes good optics essential, 8x32 ideal for safari vehicles

Portable phone charger - frequent power outages during December storms, backup power essential for navigation and bookings

Insider Knowledge

Locals avoid driving 2pm-4pm during December storm season - plan indoor activities during this window or use ride-sharing apps that monitor weather and adjust routes around flooded areas like Mombasa Road underpass

December 23rd-January 2nd sees 60% of Nairobi residents travel upcountry for holidays - this means empty restaurants in residential areas but normal operation in tourist zones like Westlands and Karen

Nairobi National Park's Ivory Burning Site monument offers the best skyline photos during December's clear post-rain light - most tourists miss this spot 2km (1.2 miles) from main gate

Coffee farms in Kiambu offer 40% discounts on fresh beans during December harvest versus Nairobi retail prices - buy directly from farms during tours for authentic Kenyan AA coffee at KES 800-1,200 per kg versus KES 2,000+ in city shops

Avoid These Mistakes

Wearing white or light colors to Nairobi National Park - December's muddy conditions and red soil make dark colors essential, white clothing becomes permanently stained

Planning only outdoor activities without indoor backups - December's afternoon storms are unpredictable and can last 45 minutes, leaving tourists stranded without covered alternatives

Booking accommodation in December 20-25th period assuming normal rates - this is peak local holiday season with 40-60% price increases and limited availability, book by October for reasonable rates