Things to Do in Nairobi in February

February Weather in Nairobi

28°C (82°F) High Temp

14°C (57°F) Low Temp

36 mm (1.4 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect dry season weather with 28°C (82°F) highs and minimal rainfall - only 36mm (1.4 inches) across 10 days makes outdoor activities reliable
Wildebeest calving season in Maasai Mara means abundant wildlife viewing with newborns attracting predators for dramatic game drives
Cool 14°C (57°F) mornings ideal for early safari departures and hiking in Ngong Hills without afternoon heat exhaustion
Post-holiday shoulder season means 30-40% lower accommodation rates compared to December-January peak period

Considerations

Dusty conditions from minimal rainfall create hazy photography conditions and require frequent vehicle window cleaning during game drives
Tourist influx from Valentine's Day weekend (February 14-16) drives up safari lodge rates by 25-35% for that specific period
Afternoon temperatures can spike to uncomfortable levels for walking tours between 1-4pm, limiting urban exploration windows

Best Activities in February

Maasai Mara Wildlife Conservancy Game Drives

February's wildebeest calving season creates exceptional predator activity as lions and cheetahs target vulnerable newborns. Dry weather means excellent road access to remote conservancy areas impossible during rainy months. Morning drives at 6am capitalize on 14°C (57°F) temperatures before animals seek shade.

Booking Tip: Book conservancy access 2-3 weeks ahead through certified operators. Expect KES 8,000-12,000 per person for full-day conservancy visits. Private conservancies offer better wildlife density than main reserve. Reference booking widget below for current operators.

Nairobi National Park Early Morning Safaris

Only 7km (4.3 miles) from city center, February's dry conditions concentrate animals around permanent water sources. Cool mornings mean active wildlife until 10am, while proximity allows return before afternoon heat peaks at 28°C (82°F). Nairobi skyline backdrop creates unique photos impossible elsewhere.

Booking Tip: Enter at 6am when gates open for best animal activity. Day passes cost KES 1,500 for residents, KES 4,340 for non-residents. Vehicle hire with driver typically KES 8,000-15,000. Book through Kenya Wildlife Service or see current tour options in booking section below.

Cultural Walking Tours in Kibera and Mathare

February's dry weather makes unpaved paths in informal settlements accessible for respectful community tours. Morning temperatures of 20°C (68°F) create comfortable walking conditions while supporting local guide initiatives. Authentic perspective on Nairobi's urban realities unavailable through traditional tourism.

Booking Tip: Book through community-based organizations that share profits with residents. Tours typically cost KES 2,500-4,000 per person for 3-4 hours. Always go with authorized local guides. Morning departures essential before afternoon heat. See current community tour options below.

Karen Blixen Coffee Farm and Giraffe Centre Tours

February's clear, dry conditions provide perfect photography lighting for giraffe interactions and colonial-era museum visits. Comfortable temperatures allow leisurely exploration of extensive grounds without weather concerns. Peak coffee flowering season offers aromatic plantation walks.

Booking Tip: Combine both attractions in half-day tour for efficiency - they're 2km (1.2 miles) apart in Karen suburb. Individual entry fees: Giraffe Centre KES 1,500, Karen Blixen Museum KES 1,200. Private transport typically adds KES 5,000-8,000. Book morning slots before crowds arrive.

Ngong Hills Hiking Adventures

February's dry trails and cool morning temperatures make the 4-peak hike achievable for moderate fitness levels. Clear skies offer spectacular Rift Valley views from 2,460m (8,070ft) summit. Minimal rainfall means stable footing on ridge walks that become treacherous in wet season.

Booking Tip: Start by 7am to complete 4-5 hour hike before afternoon heat. Hire local guides for KES 2,000-3,000 for safety and route knowledge. Matatu transport to trailhead costs KES 100-200. Weekday visits avoid weekend crowds. Check current guide availability in booking section.

Nairobi Railway Museum and City Heritage Walks

February's pleasant weather makes outdoor exhibits and colonial architecture exploration comfortable throughout the day. Dry conditions preserve historical artifacts and allow unrestricted access to train carriages and outdoor displays. Cool mornings perfect for downtown walking tours combining multiple heritage sites.

Booking Tip: Railway Museum entry KES 600 for adults. Combine with nearby heritage sites like McMillan Memorial Library and August 7th Memorial Park for full cultural day. Guided city walks typically KES 3,000-5,000 for 4-6 hours. Book heritage specialists through cultural centers.

February Events & Festivals

Mid February

Nairobi International Book Fair

East Africa's largest literary gathering featuring local and international authors, with particular focus on African literature and educational resources. Held at Sarit Centre with daily author readings, book launches, and cultural performances celebrating Kenya's rich storytelling traditions.

Late February

Kenya Fashion Week

Showcases emerging and established African designers with runway shows, pop-up markets, and fashion industry networking events. Venues across Nairobi including Sarit Centre and various hotels feature sustainable fashion and traditional textile innovations.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight long-sleeve shirts for game drives - morning temperatures drop to 14°C (57°F) in open safari vehicles

Dust mask or scarf - February's dry conditions create significant dust during game drives and outdoor activities

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 at 1,795m (5,889ft) altitude with intense equatorial sun exposure

Comfortable hiking boots - for Ngong Hills trails and uneven terrain in national parks and cultural sites

Light rain jacket - despite dry season, occasional afternoon showers occur on 10 days during February

Breathable cotton clothing - 70% humidity combined with 28°C (82°F) temperatures make synthetic fabrics uncomfortable

Wide-brimmed hat - essential protection during midday outdoor activities and open-vehicle game drives

Binoculars for wildlife viewing - February's excellent visibility conditions maximize game viewing opportunities

Insect repellent containing DEET - mosquitoes remain active despite dry conditions, especially near water sources

Portable phone charger - long game drives and early morning departures drain batteries quickly during extended outdoor days

Insider Knowledge

Locals avoid downtown Nairobi between 1-4pm during February heat - schedule city activities for early morning or after 5pm when temperatures drop

Supermarket chains like Nakumatt and Tuskys offer better exchange rates than airport bureaus, and most accept international cards for cash advances

February school holidays (mid-month) mean Kenyan families visit national parks - book weekend accommodations 3-4 weeks ahead to avoid local demand

Matatu public transport costs increase by 20-30% during morning rush (7-9am) and evening peak (5-7pm) - travel mid-morning or mid-afternoon for standard fares

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling game drives after 10am - animals seek shade during February heat, reducing wildlife viewing dramatically after morning hours

Wearing dark colors on safari - February's intense sun makes black or navy clothing unbearably hot, while dark colors also attract tsetse flies

Booking Valentine's weekend (February 14-16) without checking premium rates - many lodges implement 25-35% surcharges for this romantic travel period