Things to Do in Nairobi in January

January Weather in Nairobi

27°C (80°F) High Temp

14°C (57°F) Low Temp

58 mm (2.3 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect dry season weather with minimal rainfall - only 58mm (2.3 inches) over the entire month makes this ideal for safari drives and outdoor exploration
Excellent wildlife viewing conditions as animals congregate around water sources and vegetation is sparse, improving visibility at Nairobi National Park
Comfortable temperatures ranging 14-27°C (57-80°F) allow for full-day activities without the exhausting heat of other East African destinations
Post-holiday low season means 30-40% lower accommodation rates and fewer crowds at major attractions like David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage

Considerations

Dusty conditions from dry weather create hazy skies that can affect photography and respiratory comfort, especially during midday hours
Higher altitude at 1,795m (5,889 ft) above sea level can cause mild altitude adjustment for some visitors arriving from sea level
Limited green scenery compared to rainy months - landscapes appear brown and parched, which some find less photogenic

Best Activities in January

Nairobi National Park Game Drives

January's dry conditions create optimal game viewing as animals gather at remaining water sources and sparse vegetation improves visibility. Early morning drives (6:00-9:00 AM) offer the best wildlife activity and comfortable temperatures of 16-22°C (61-72°F). The park's unique urban-wilderness contrast is most striking in clear January weather.

Booking Tip: Book park entry online in advance to avoid queues. Self-drive costs KSh 430 for residents, KSh 1,200 for non-residents. Guided safari vehicles typically cost KSh 8,000-15,000 for half-day tours. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Karen Blixen Museum and Giraffe Centre Tours

Perfect January weather allows comfortable outdoor walking between attractions in Karen suburb. The 70% humidity is manageable in the cooler morning hours (8:00-11:00 AM), and the dry season means guaranteed clear views of the Ngong Hills backdrop. Giraffe feeding is most active during cooler parts of the day.

Booking Tip: Combine both attractions in one morning trip. Entry fees: Karen Blixen Museum KSh 1,200, Giraffe Centre KSh 1,500 adults. Allow 3-4 hours total including 30-minute drive from city center (20 km/12.4 miles). Book through licensed tour operators for current package deals.

Maasai Market Shopping Experiences

January's comfortable temperatures make browsing outdoor markets enjoyable throughout the day. The Maasai Market rotates locations: Tuesday (Haile Selassie Avenue), Friday (Village Market), Saturday (High Court parking). Dry weather means no muddy conditions and better preservation of textiles and crafts.

Booking Tip: Visit on weekday locations (Tuesday) for better prices and fewer crowds. Bargain aggressively - start at 30% of asking price. Allow 2-3 hours and bring cash (KSh 500-5,000 for quality items). Current market schedules available through local tour guides in the booking section.

Bomas of Kenya Cultural Shows

Indoor-outdoor cultural performances benefit from January's stable weather patterns. The 2:30 PM and 3:30 PM shows run reliably without rain cancellations. Post-show homestead tours are comfortable in the moderate afternoon temperatures around 25°C (77°F).

Booking Tip: Shows run daily except Mondays. Entry KSh 600 adults, KSh 300 children. Arrive 30 minutes early for good seating. Located 10 km (6.2 miles) from city center via Langata Road. Book cultural tour packages through operators listed in the booking widget below.

Ngong Hills Hiking Adventures

January's dry trails and clear skies create ideal hiking conditions on this 2,460m (8,070 ft) ridge. The 7-hill trek takes 4-5 hours with panoramic views of the Rift Valley. Morning starts (6:00 AM) avoid afternoon heat and potential afternoon cloud buildup.

Booking Tip: Mandatory to hire local guides (KSh 1,500-2,500 per group) for security and navigation. Bring 2+ liters water and snacks. The 45-minute drive from Nairobi covers 25 km (15.5 miles). Current guided hiking packages available through registered operators in the booking section.

Kazuri Beads and Pottery Workshops

Indoor artisan workshops provide perfect respite during the hottest midday hours 12:00-3:00 PM when temperatures peak at 27°C (80°F). January's stable weather means consistent workshop schedules and comfortable working conditions for hands-on pottery experiences.

Booking Tip: Free factory tours run hourly 8:00 AM-4:30 PM weekdays. Pottery workshops cost KSh 2,000-4,000 including materials. Located in Karen, easily combined with other Karen attractions. Book workshop slots 2-3 days ahead through current tour operators listed below.

January Events & Festivals

Late January

Kenya International Trade Fair

Annual trade exhibition showcasing Kenyan businesses, crafts, and innovations. Excellent opportunity to see local products and meet artisans in a covered venue perfect for January's variable weather conditions.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight dust mask or scarf - January's dry conditions create dusty air, especially during midday hours and on game drives

Layered clothing system for temperature swings from 14°C (57°F) mornings to 27°C (80°F) afternoons - pack light fleece and cotton t-shirts

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 8 at Nairobi's 1,795m (5,889 ft) elevation with intense equatorial sun

Closed-toe hiking boots for Ngong Hills and nature walks - trails can be rocky and dusty in dry season conditions

Light rain jacket for 10 potential rainy days - afternoon showers typically last 30-60 minutes but can be heavy

Moisturizer and lip balm - 70% humidity combined with dust can dry skin quickly

Binoculars for wildlife viewing - dry season animal spotting opportunities are exceptional but require good optics

Cash in small denominations (KSh 100-500 notes) - many attractions and markets don't accept cards or large bills

Reusable water bottle - altitude and dry air increase dehydration risk, and plastic bottles are banned in national parks

Camera lens cleaning kit - dust is unavoidable during January game drives and outdoor activities

Insider Knowledge

Local Kenyans take advantage of January's dry weather for outdoor weddings and festivals - expect weekend traffic jams around venues in Westlands and Karen areas

Matatu (shared taxi) fares don't change seasonally, but bodaboda (motorcycle taxi) drivers charge 20-30% more during morning rush hours when many tourists book early game drives

January school holidays (early January) mean local families visit attractions like Nairobi National Park - visit weekdays for smaller crowds and better wildlife photography opportunities

Supermarkets like Carrefour and Naivas stock imported goods that become expensive due to post-holiday shipping delays - buy toiletries and snacks at local shops for 40-50% savings

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking afternoon game drives (2:00-5:00 PM) when animals are less active in 25-27°C (77-80°F) heat - morning drives offer 60% more wildlife sightings

Wearing dark colors that show dust and attract heat - light colors reflect sun better and hide inevitable dust accumulation

Not carrying cash for park fees and market purchases - many locations don't accept mobile money from foreign visitors or have unreliable card machines