Things to Do in Nairobi in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
Shoulder Season · Good Value
December Weather in Nairobi
Temperature, rainfall and humidity at a glance
78°F (25°C)
High Temp
58°F (14°C)
Low Temp
3.4 inches (86 mm)
Rainfall
70%
Humidity
Is December Right for You?
Weigh the advantages and considerations before booking
Advantages
- + December serves Nairobi at its greenest. November's short rains have swapped the plains dust for lush carpet. Nairobi National Park now feels like real wilderness, not dry-season savannah. Worth it.
- + The weather strikes a perfect balance. Mornings stay crisp, clear, 16°C (61°F), smelling of wet earth and blooming jacaranda. Afternoons warm just enough to make a cold Tusker on a Karen terrace feel earned.
- + Crowds stay thin. You have skipped the summer safari peak, and the Christmas diaspora has not yet landed. At the Sheldrick orphanage you can breathe, not queue like a theme park.
- + It is festival season. Beyond Christmas, you will catch the tail of the culture calendar. Spontaneous music nights erupt at the Alchemist. Art pop-ups occupy Westlands warehouses before everyone flees to the coast.
Considerations
- − Rain keeps company on its own terms. It rarely pours all day. Yet classic Nairobi afternoon showers arrive sudden and heavy. A dirt road can turn to slick mud and cancel a Ngong Hills hike without warning.
- − December is a shoulder month for a reason. Some family-run operators wind down or limit availability. Booking that last-minute Lake Naivasha day trip may take extra calls compared with July.
- − The sun is sneakily fierce. The 25°C (77°F) high pairs with a UV index of 8. At 1,795 m (5,889 ft) altitude, pale skin burns in under an hour without factor 50. Pack it.
Best Activities in December
Top things to do during your visit
Nairobi in December slows down. The city sheds its usual rhythm for something quieter, marked by soft afternoon showers and a sky that cycles between brilliant blue and moody gray. The air stays warm, never heavy, carrying the damp green scent of jacaranda blossoms mixed with woodsmoke from evening braziers. There are no major festivals this month. Locals prepare for the year's end. The landscapes outside the urban sprawl reach a lush, vivid peak after the short rains. The dust of dry seasons has settled. The world feels washed clean, offering clarity for the vistas ahead. December presents a Nairobi of contrasts. The city's famous wildlife parks are framed by emerald grasses. Cooler mornings begin with a crispness that gives way to gentle warmth. It is a practical month for exploration. Carrying a light rain jacket becomes second nature. An occasional shower sends you into cafés filled with the aroma of roasting Kenyan coffee. The climate data shows this period is notably wetter than the bone-dry months from June to September. The rainfall is interspersed with generous stretches of sunshine. This creates a dynamic environment that is neither the arid peak of safari high season nor the drenched weeks of the long rains.
3 days Masai Mara on Private 4x4 Land Cruiser
adventureThis journey is about immersion, with days spent under the wide African sky and nights filled with the sounds of the bush. You will watch lion prides dozing in the dappled shade of acacia trees. You will hear the thunderous hooves of a wildebeest herd moving across the plains. You will feel the vehicle navigate the soft, rain-dampened tracks.
It offers the freedom to chase sightings deep into the reserve from sunrise until dusk, dictated by wildlife movements rather than a fixed schedule.
Insider tip: The December rains mean some tracks can be muddy; a skilled driver in a capable 4x4 is essential, and the lush landscape often results in excellent photographic light with dramatic cloud formations.
This month: The grasslands are thick and green in December, which can make spotting some predators more challenging but also supports a high density of grazing animals and newborn calves.
Nairobi Park Wildlife Safari
otherYou can see giraffes silhouetted against Nairobi's skyline. You can hear the distant roar of lions echoing not far from the hum of urban traffic. The experience is a jarring, fascinating contrast of wild and metropolitan, all within a short drive from your hotel.
It is one of the few places on earth where you can photograph a rhinoceros with a backdrop of urban towers.
Insider tip: Visit the animal orphanage within the park in the mid-morning to see young animals being fed. The keepers' talks provide intimate insights into conservation efforts.
Masai Mara 3 Days Tour Safari Private 4WD Landcruiser
guided_experienceYou will feel the cool, damp morning air on your face during a sunrise drive. You will taste the distinctive, smoky flavor of nyama choma grilled over coals at your camp. Guided by an expert who can interpret the subtlest signs, a flick of a tail in the tall grass, the alarm call of a bird.
The private vehicle and guide create a tailored experience, allowing you to linger at a leopard sighting or pursue a rare bird without compromise.
Insider tip: Discuss your specific interests, birdwatching, big cats, photography, with your guide at the outset so they can adapt the game drive routes accordingly.
2-Day Private Tour in Masai Mara with Pick Up
private_tourA concentrated burst of wilderness, good for those with limited time. You will cover significant ground in a strong 4x4, crossing rolling hills dotted with zebra. You will feel the vehicle's suspension absorb the terrain. You will spend a night under a canvas tent serenaded by the sounds of hyenas whooping in the distance.
It delivers the essence of a Mara safari, vast landscapes and prolific wildlife, in an efficient, private format without the longer commitment.
Insider tip: Pack a warm layer for the evening; December nights on the Mara can be surprisingly cool after the daytime warmth.
Safe and Executive Airport transfer in Nairobi
transportThis pre-booked transfer provides an immediate sanctuary. A courteous driver meets you with a name card, handles your luggage into a clean vehicle, and delivers a smooth, commentary-free ride into the city, letting you absorb your first glimpses of Nairobi.
It eliminates the stress of arrival haggling and ensures a safe, direct journey to your accommodation at any hour.
Insider tip: Confirm your flight details with the operator the day before travel; Nairobi traffic, in December, can be heavy, and a driver tracking your flight's real-time status is invaluable.
Masai Mara 3 Days Luxury Tented Safari
otherYou retire from a day of dust and sun to a spacious tent with a proper bed, a hot shower, and a meal served with crisp linens and fine wine. The experience balances the thrill of hearing elephants rustle nearby with the tactile pleasure of a warm towel and a sundowner drink in your hand.
It proves that deep immersion in a wild environment does not require forgoing elegance and refined comfort.
Insider tip: Choose a camp located near a river or marsh if possible. These water sources attract a constant parade of animals, offering wildlife viewing right from the tent's deck.
This month: The camps are open. But it is wise to book well in advance as the holiday period can see increased demand.
Where to Stay in Nairobi in December
Hand-picked hotels across price tiers for December travellers.
December Events & Festivals
What's happening during your visit
Mid to Late December
Kenyatta Market Christmas Festival
No official event, yet a phenomenon. The week before Christmas, Kenyatta Market transforms. Tailors' machines and vegetable vendors now share space with tinny carols from a dozen speakers. Pine scent from artificial trees mingles with spices. Stalls overflow with festive fabrics, decorations, treats. It is the best spot to feel the city's frenetic, joyful holiday prep and to score a kitenge-print Santa hat.
Packing Checklist
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Insider knowledge and common pitfalls to avoid
Insider Knowledge
Nairobi traffic in December has its own special rhythm. The week before Christmas is gridlock amplified as everyone runs last-minute errands. If you have a flight to catch, leave for Jomo Kenyatta Airport at least an hour earlier than you think you need to. No excuses.
Want to see the Giraffe Centre or Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage without the school groups? Go right at opening time. By 10:30 AM, the queues form, and the experience becomes more transactional. Early wins.
The best nyama choma spots aren't in guidebooks. Look for places with a steady stream of local cars in the evening, plenty of smoke, and plastic chairs. Lang'ata Road has several legendary, no-sign establishments. Follow the smoke.
If a downpour catches you in the city center, don't fight for a taxi. Duck into the Sarova Stanley's Thorn Tree Cafe. Order a pot of coffee, watch the chaos outside, and you'll be living a Nairobi tradition dating back to the 1900s. Classic move.
Avoid These Mistakes
Underestimating the cold. That 58°F (14°C) low, with humidity, feels much chillier than the number suggests, at dawn on a safari vehicle. Everyone forgets a sweater, and everyone regrets it. Pack fleece.
Packing only safari beige. In the green of December, you'll stick out like a sore thumb in the bush. Darker greens, browns, and blues are better for blending in and for hiding the inevitable red dust. Ditch beige.
Trying to do too much in one day. The rain and traffic are wild cards. Schedule one major activity per day (a park drive, a lake trip) and keep the afternoon flexible for exploring neighborhoods or relaxing. Slow down.
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