Things to Do in Nairobi in February
February weather, activities, events & insider tips
February Weather in Nairobi
Is February Right for You?
Advantages
- Nairobi National Park wildlife viewing is exceptional in February - animals congregate around water sources during the dry spell, making game drives 40-60% more productive than rainy months. You'll spot lions, rhinos, and giraffes against Nairobi's skyline backdrop with much better visibility.
- February sits in shoulder season between peak tourist months, meaning accommodation prices drop 20-30% compared to July-August, and major attractions like the Giraffe Centre and David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage have manageable crowds - you'll actually get quality time with the animals instead of jostling with tour groups.
- The jacaranda trees start their early bloom cycle in late February, painting neighborhoods like Kilimani and Lavington in purple canopies. It's genuinely one of the most photogenic times in the city, and locals consider it the unofficial start of Nairobi's most pleasant season.
- February weather is remarkably stable for outdoor activities - mornings are crisp and clear (perfect for 6am game drives), midday temperatures stay comfortable at 24-26°C (75-79°F), and those occasional afternoon showers usually pass within 20-30 minutes. You can actually plan your day without weather constantly disrupting things.
Considerations
- The 14°C (57°F) morning temperatures catch first-timers off guard - Nairobi sits at 1,795 m (5,889 ft) altitude, so early mornings and evenings get genuinely chilly. You'll see tourists shivering in their tropical vacation clothes while locals wear sweaters until 10am.
- February falls during school holidays in Kenya (typically first two weeks), which means local family tourism spikes at places like Nairobi National Park and Bomas of Kenya on weekends. Weekday visits become essential for avoiding crowds.
- The city experiences occasional dust storms when dry conditions meet strong winds - not a daily occurrence, but maybe 3-4 times during the month you'll get that fine red dust coating everything. Contact lens wearers find this particularly annoying.
Best Activities in February
Nairobi National Park Morning Game Drives
February's dry conditions make this the prime month for wildlife spotting in the world's only national park bordering a capital city. Animals gather at remaining water sources, vegetation is lower, and the crisp morning air (around 14-16°C or 57-61°F at 6am) means animals are more active. The park sits just 7 km (4.3 miles) from the city center, so you can do a proper 3-4 hour game drive and still be back for a business lunch. February specifically offers better rhino sightings than the muddy months - the park has over 50 black rhinos, and visibility is exceptional right now.
Karura Forest Hiking and Cycling
This 1,063-hectare urban forest offers 50 km (31 miles) of trails that are actually manageable in February's weather - not too hot, not muddy. The forest sits at about 1,830 m (6,004 ft) altitude in the city's northern suburbs, and February temperatures make the 10-15 km (6.2-9.3 miles) loop hikes genuinely pleasant rather than exhausting. The waterfalls are still flowing from earlier rains but trails are dry enough for comfortable walking. Locals pack the place on weekend mornings for good reason - it's proper nature therapy 20 minutes from downtown.
Karen Blixen Museum and Giraffe Centre Combined Visits
The Karen suburb sits about 16 km (10 miles) southwest of downtown, and February weather is perfect for exploring this area's colonial-era attractions. The Giraffe Centre's outdoor platform experience works brilliantly in February's mild temperatures - you're standing outside feeding Rothschild giraffes at eye level, and 24°C (75°F) midday heat is comfortable, not sweltering. The adjacent Karen Blixen Museum (Out of Africa fame) involves walking through gardens that look spectacular right now. Plan 3-4 hours for both sites, and the area has excellent cafes for lunch.
Nairobi Railway Museum and City Walking Tours
February's comfortable temperatures make walking around downtown Nairobi actually enjoyable - you're not melting in equatorial heat or dodging heavy rains. The Railway Museum near the main station offers proper historical context for understanding Kenya's colonial and independence history, and it's genuinely fascinating if you care about how cities develop. Combine this with walks through the Central Business District, visiting the Kenyatta International Convention Centre viewing platform at 105 m (344 ft) for city panoramas, and the nearby National Archives. February's clear skies mean excellent visibility from high points.
Bomas of Kenya Cultural Performances
This cultural center about 10 km (6.2 miles) from downtown showcases traditional dances, music, and homesteads from Kenya's 42+ ethnic groups. February timing is excellent because the daily 2:30pm performances happen during comfortable afternoon temperatures, and the outdoor village walks don't involve trudging through mud. It's touristy, obviously, but it's actually well-done touristy - the performances are energetic, the dancers are skilled, and you'll learn something about Maasai, Kikuyu, Kalenjin, and Luo cultures in a condensed 2-3 hour visit.
Nairobi National Museum and Snake Park
When those occasional February afternoon showers hit, the National Museum becomes your best backup plan. It's the country's flagship museum with excellent exhibits on human evolution (Kenya is the cradle of mankind, after all), tribal cultures, and natural history. The adjacent Snake Park has live reptiles and actually interesting interpretive information. The museum sits in pleasant grounds near Uhuru Park, and February weather makes the outdoor sculpture garden walkable. Budget 2-3 hours for a thorough visit.
February Events & Festivals
Nairobi Restaurant Week
Typically runs for 10-14 days in early to mid-February, featuring prix fixe menus at 60+ participating restaurants across the city. Three-course meals are offered at fixed prices (usually around 1,500-2,500 KES depending on restaurant tier), giving you access to high-end dining at significant discounts. It's become a genuine food scene event where locals book weeks ahead. Restaurants span everything from Indian and Italian to contemporary Kenyan fusion cuisine.