Things to Do in Nairobi in May

May Weather in Nairobi

24°C (76°F) High Temp

14°C (58°F) Low Temp

102 mm (4.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Long rains season brings brilliant clear mornings - perfect 22°C (72°F) temperatures until 11am for game drives and outdoor activities before afternoon clouds roll in
Lush landscapes transform Nairobi National Park into verdant savanna - animals gather at water sources making wildlife spotting 40% more predictable than dry season
Tourist crowds drop 30% compared to peak January-March season, meaning shorter queues at David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and better photo opportunities at Giraffe Centre
Hotel rates decrease by 25-35% from peak season while maintaining excellent service - luxury properties in Karen and Westlands offer best value of the year

Considerations

Afternoon rains arrive predictably between 2-5pm lasting 45-90 minutes, requiring indoor backup plans and limiting late afternoon outdoor activities
Red murram soil turns muddy on unpaved roads - some conservancies like Ol Pejeta may have challenging access requiring 4WD vehicles
High humidity makes the 24°C (76°F) temperature feel closer to 28°C (82°F), particularly uncomfortable for visitors from dry climates

Best Activities in May

Nairobi National Park Game Drives

May's long rains create optimal game viewing conditions as animals concentrate around permanent water sources. Morning drives (6:30-11am) offer crystal clear visibility before afternoon clouds form. The park's grasslands are lush green, providing stunning contrast for photography. Rhino sightings increase 45% during rainy season as they frequent open areas near water points.

Booking Tip: Book morning slots (6:30am-11am) to avoid afternoon rains. Park entry costs typically 1,500-2,000 KES for residents, 5,000-6,000 KES for non-residents. Book guides through Kenya Wildlife Service or see current tour options in booking section below.

Coffee Estate Tours in Karen

May marks harvest season at Nairobi's high-altitude coffee farms around Karen and Kiambu areas. Tours include picking ripe cherries, processing demonstrations, and cupping sessions. The 1,700m (5,577 ft) elevation provides cooler temperatures, and estate gardens are at peak blooming. Perfect indoor-outdoor combination as processing facilities provide shelter during afternoon showers.

Booking Tip: Harvest tours run daily 9am-4pm during May. Half-day experiences typically cost 2,500-4,000 KES including transport from city center. Book 5-7 days ahead during harvest season.

Indoor Cultural Experiences

May's afternoon rains make this ideal for exploring Nairobi's world-class museums and cultural centers. National Museum showcases early human fossils, while Nairobi Gallery features contemporary East African art. The Karen Blixen Museum offers 90-minute guided tours of the colonial-era farmhouse. Air-conditioned venues provide comfortable escape from humidity.

Booking Tip: Museum entry typically 800-1,200 KES for non-residents. Guided tours available 9:30am-5:30pm. Book combination tickets for multiple venues to save 20-30%. Check current cultural tour packages in booking section below.

Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Centre Visits

May's cooler mornings are perfect for these iconic Nairobi experiences. David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage feeding time (11am-12pm) sees playful baby elephants in comfortable temperatures. Giraffe Centre's Rothschild giraffes are most active during 9-11am window before afternoon heat. Reduced tourist numbers mean better interaction opportunities.

Booking Tip: Elephant orphanage visits cost 500 KES adults, 200 KES children. Giraffe Centre entry 1,500 KES non-residents. Arrive 30 minutes before feeding times. Book accommodation packages including transfers for 15-20% savings.

Maasai Market Shopping Tours

May's variable weather makes covered market experiences ideal. Rotating Maasai Markets (Tuesday-Westlands, Friday-City Market, Saturday-Maasai Lodge) offer authentic crafts under shelter. Afternoon rain crowds drive better bargaining opportunities as vendors prefer sales to packing up early. Local guides provide cultural context and negotiation assistance.

Booking Tip: Markets operate 8am-6pm on designated days. Budget 2,000-5,000 KES for quality souvenirs. Guided cultural shopping tours typically cost 3,000-4,500 KES including transport. See current market tour options in booking section below.

Ngong Hills Hiking

May's intermittent rains create dramatic cloud formations over Ngong Hills, offering spectacular photography opportunities. The 2,460m (8,071 ft) peaks provide panoramic Rift Valley views between weather systems. Cooler temperatures make the 3-hour round trip more comfortable than dry season. Start early (7am) to complete hike before afternoon rains.

Booking Tip: Entry fee 300 KES residents, 1,000 KES non-residents. Guided hikes typically cost 4,000-6,000 KES including transport. Essential to have 4WD vehicle access during rainy season. Weather can change rapidly - flexible booking recommended.

May Events & Festivals

Mid May

Nairobi Restaurant Week

Annual culinary celebration featuring prix fixe menus at top restaurants across Westlands, Karen, and CBD. Three-course meals typically offered at fixed prices (2,500-4,500 KES) allowing sampling of high-end dining. Indoor venues perfect for May's rainy afternoons.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight waterproof jacket with breathable fabric - May's afternoon showers last 45-90 minutes with 70% humidity making non-breathable rain gear uncomfortable

Quick-dry hiking pants and shorts - red Nairobi soil becomes muddy clay that stains regular fabrics permanently

Closed-toe walking shoes with good grip - wet murram roads and park paths become slippery, avoid canvas shoes that retain moisture

SPF 50+ broad spectrum sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 even on cloudy days due to 1,795m (5,889 ft) elevation

Moisture-wicking cotton or merino wool base layers - synthetic fabrics become uncomfortable in 70% humidity

Compact umbrella for afternoon downpours - essential for walking between venues during 2-5pm rain window

Insect repellent with DEET - May rains increase mosquito breeding, especially around water sources in parks

Warm layer for early morning game drives - temperatures drop to 14°C (58°F) at dawn, then rise quickly

Waterproof phone case and camera protection - sudden downpours can damage electronics within minutes

Cash in small denominations - many local markets and park vendors don't accept cards, especially during rain disruptions to mobile payment systems

Insider Knowledge

Book game drives for 6:30-10:30am slot - local drivers know afternoon rains start precisely at 2pm and roads become impassable by 3pm in some park sections

Many restaurants in Westlands and Karen offer 'rainy day' specials during May - extended happy hours from 2-6pm when outdoor terraces empty due to weather

Matatu (public transport) fares increase 30-50% during afternoon rains as demand spikes - book Uber/Bolt rides before 1:30pm to avoid surge pricing

Nairobi National Park's Hippo Pool trail closes during heavy rain periods - check with KWS rangers at main gate before driving to distant park sections

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities after 2pm - locals know May afternoon rains are predictable and plan indoor activities from 2-5pm daily

Wearing white or light-colored clothing to parks - Nairobi's red soil stains permanently when wet, and May guarantees muddy conditions

Not carrying cash for park fees and market purchases - rain disrupts mobile payment networks frequently, and card machines often fail during power outages