Things to Do in Nairobi in November

November Weather in Nairobi

25°C (77°F) High Temp

15°C (59°F) Low Temp

129 mm (5.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

November marks the start of Kenya's secondary rainy season, creating lush landscapes perfect for photography and wildlife viewing at 30-40% lower accommodation prices than peak season
Cooler mornings averaging 15°C (59°F) make early safari drives and hiking comfortable, with crisp air ideal for spotting wildlife before the midday heat
Migratory bird season peaks with over 1.1 million species arriving from Europe and northern Africa - Nairobi National Park becomes a birdwatcher's paradise
The jacaranda trees bloom throughout the city, creating spectacular purple canopies along Uhuru Highway and in Karura Forest, lasting only 4-6 weeks annually

Considerations

Afternoon thunderstorms occur 60% of days, typically lasting 45-90 minutes between 2-5 PM, potentially disrupting outdoor lunch plans and walking tours
Road conditions deteriorate quickly after rain - expect 30-45 minute delays on major routes like Mombasa Road during evening commutes
High humidity at 70% makes midday temperatures feel like 30°C (86°F) despite actual temps of 25°C (77°F), requiring frequent hydration breaks

Best Activities in November

Nairobi National Park Early Morning Game Drives

November's cooler mornings and lush vegetation create optimal conditions for wildlife viewing. Lions are more active before 9 AM in 15°C (59°F) temperatures, and the rains bring newborn gazelles and zebras. The park's proximity to the city means you can complete a 4-hour drive and return before afternoon storms hit.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead for weekend slots. Early morning drives (6-10 AM) cost KES 8,000-12,000 for vehicle hire plus park fees. Choose operators with covered vehicles for sudden weather changes. See current tour options in the booking widget below.

Karura Forest Canopy Walks and Bird Watching

The forest transforms in November with over 200 bird species present during migration season. Morning mist creates ethereal conditions for the 15 m (49 ft) high canopy walkway, while afternoon rains refresh the air. The 1,041-hectare forest offers 50 km (31 miles) of trails perfect for the cooler weather.

Booking Tip: Entry costs KES 300 for residents, KES 1,000 for non-residents. Guided bird walks typically cost KES 2,000-3,500 and should be booked for early morning (6:30-9:30 AM). No advance booking needed for self-guided walks. Check current guided options below.

Nairobi Railway Museum and City Walking Tours

November's variable weather makes indoor-outdoor combination tours ideal. The railway museum provides shelter during afternoon storms, while morning walks through Nairobi's downtown showcase colonial architecture and bustling markets. The cooler morning temperatures make the 3 km (1.9 mile) typical walking circuit comfortable.

Booking Tip: Walking tours typically cost KES 3,000-5,000 per person for 3-4 hours. Book combination indoor-outdoor tours that can adapt to weather. Museum entry is KES 600 for adults. See flexible tour options in booking section below.

David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and Giraffe Centre Visits

Baby elephant feeding times (11 AM daily) coincide perfectly with November's pleasant mid-morning weather. The 1-hour visit allows time to reach Giraffe Centre 10 km (6.2 miles) away before afternoon rains. November's lush surroundings create beautiful backdrops for wildlife photography.

Booking Tip: Sheldrick Trust entry costs KES 500 adults, Giraffe Centre KES 1,500. Combined half-day tours typically cost KES 6,000-8,500. Book 3-5 days ahead as November is popular with local schools on holiday. Current combination tours available below.

Nairobi Street Food and Market Tours

November's rains bring fresh produce to markets like City Market and Maasai Market. Covered market areas provide shelter while sampling Kenyan street food. Morning tours (8-11 AM) avoid both midday heat and afternoon storms. The cooling weather makes hot ugali and nyama choma more appealing.

Booking Tip: Food tours cost KES 4,000-7,000 including tastings at 8-10 vendors. Book tours that include both indoor markets and covered outdoor stalls. Bring KES 2,000 cash for additional purchases. See current food tour options in booking section below.

Bomas of Kenya Cultural Performances

The indoor amphitheater offers perfect shelter from November's unpredictable weather while showcasing traditional dances from Kenya's 42 tribes. The 1-hour performances at 2:30 PM and 3:30 PM coincide with typical afternoon storm times, making this ideal rainy day programming.

Booking Tip: Entry costs KES 1,000 adults, performances run Tuesday-Sunday. The 10 km (6.2 miles) from city center takes 45 minutes in November traffic. Book through cultural centers or see current options below. Combine with nearby attractions for full-day indoor-outdoor flexibility.

November Events & Festivals

Early November

Nairobi International Trade Fair

East Africa's largest trade exhibition showcasing regional products, crafts, and innovations. Perfect indoor venue for rainy November days with over 1,000 exhibitors from 30+ countries. Excellent opportunity to purchase authentic Kenyan goods and sample regional cuisine.

Mid November

Nairobi Restaurant Week

Annual culinary celebration where top restaurants offer special prix fixe menus at KES 2,500-4,500. Perfect timing for November's weather as most participating venues offer indoor dining. Features fusion of Kenyan and international cuisines across 40+ establishments.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight waterproof jacket with hood - afternoon storms last 45-90 minutes and can be intense with little warning

Quick-dry hiking pants - morning dew and afternoon humidity at 70% means regular pants stay damp for hours

Closed-toe walking shoes with good grip - Nairobi's red soil becomes slippery when wet, especially on park trails

SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen - UV index of 8 at 1,661 m (5,449 ft) altitude means burns happen quickly even on cloudy days

Insect repellent with 20%+ DEET - November rains create breeding grounds for mosquitoes, especially around Karura Forest and park areas

Compact umbrella plus rain poncho - umbrellas struggle in Nairobi's gusty afternoon storms, ponchos work better for walking

Light sweater or fleece - morning temperatures of 15°C (59°F) feel cold at altitude, especially during game drives in open vehicles

Moisture-wicking underwear and socks - high humidity means cotton stays damp all day, synthetic materials dry faster

Portable phone charger - frequent power outages during storms mean your phone may die when you need navigation most

Small daypack with waterproof cover - essential for protecting camera equipment and documents during sudden downpours

Insider Knowledge

Locals call November 'short rains season' and plan indoor backup activities for every outdoor plan - adopt this mindset and book flexible tours that can adapt to weather changes

Matatu (shared taxi) prices increase 20-30% during afternoon storms due to demand - use ride-hailing apps like Uber or Bolt which maintain standard pricing during weather events

Many restaurants offer 'rainy day specials' in November with hearty Kenyan comfort foods like mukimo and githeri - ask servers about seasonal menu items not listed on regular menus

The best wildlife photography light occurs during the 30-45 minutes after afternoon storms when dust settles and animals emerge - plan to stay in parks longer rather than leaving before storms

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities between 2-5 PM when 60% of November's thunderstorms occur - locals plan indoor activities or shelter during these hours

Wearing white or light colors to national parks in November - the red mud becomes unavoidable after rains and permanently stains light fabrics

Booking accommodation near Wilson Airport without realizing flight delays increase 40% in November due to weather - allow extra buffer time for connections