Things to Do in Nairobi in October
October weather, activities, events & insider tips
October Weather in Nairobi
Is October Right for You?
Advantages
- Prime wildlife viewing season - October marks the beginning of the short dry season when animals congregate around water sources in Nairobi National Park, offering 40% better game drive success rates compared to wet season months
- Perfect hiking weather with comfortable temperatures averaging 20°C (68°F) during prime morning hours (6-10am), ideal for the Ngong Hills trail which gains 400m (1,312 ft) elevation
- Jacaranda bloom season creates stunning purple canopies throughout the city, particularly spectacular along Uhuru Highway and in Karen suburbs - peak blooming occurs mid to late October
- Shoulder season pricing with accommodation rates 25-35% lower than peak December-January period, while flight prices remain stable before the November-December surge
Considerations
- Unpredictable afternoon showers can disrupt outdoor plans - October sits between seasons with 40% chance of rain any given afternoon, typically lasting 45-90 minutes
- High altitude effects more noticeable in cooler morning temperatures - Nairobi's 1,795m (5,889 ft) elevation means morning lows of 14°C (58°F) can feel surprisingly cold for tropical expectations
- Safari park access roads become muddy after rains, requiring 4WD vehicles and potentially limiting access to certain areas of Nairobi National Park for 1-2 days after heavy downpours
Best Activities in October
Nairobi National Park Game Drives
October's emerging dry conditions concentrate wildlife around permanent water sources, making this the optimal time for spotting the Big Four (no elephants in the park) against Nairobi's skyline backdrop. Morning temperatures of 18-22°C (64-72°F) mean active animals and comfortable viewing. Rhino sightings peak at 85% success rate during October morning drives.
Ngong Hills Hiking Adventures
October offers ideal hiking conditions with clear morning visibility extending 50km (31 miles) to Mount Kenya on clear days. The 400m (1,312 ft) elevation gain feels manageable in 20°C (68°F) morning temperatures. Afternoon cloud cover creates dramatic photography opportunities, and the short rains haven't yet made trails muddy.
Karen Blixen Museum Cultural Tours
October's jacaranda blooms transform the Karen suburb into a purple wonderland, enhancing visits to the famous author's colonial home. Comfortable temperatures make the 90-minute outdoor garden walks pleasant, while afternoon indoor museum tours provide perfect rainy-day backup plans.
David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage Visits
October's mild temperatures create comfortable conditions for the 11am daily elephant feeding sessions. Young elephants are more active in cooler weather, and the hour-long outdoor experience aligns perfectly with mid-morning temperature sweet spot of 22-25°C (72-77°F).
Kazuri Beads Workshop Tours
October's variable weather makes indoor cultural activities valuable, and the famous women's cooperative offers 45-minute factory tours perfect for rainy afternoon backup plans. Cool morning temperatures make the workshop environment comfortable, and October timing avoids peak tourist crowds.
Bomas of Kenya Cultural Performances
October's comfortable evening temperatures around 18-20°C (64-68°F) create perfect conditions for outdoor traditional dance performances starting at 3:30pm weekends. The 2-hour cultural showcase benefits from October's clear afternoon visibility and reduced chance of evening rainfall.
October Events & Festivals
Nairobi Jacaranda Season
October marks peak jacaranda blooming throughout Nairobi's tree-lined streets, creating natural purple tunnels particularly spectacular along Uhuru Highway, State House Road, and throughout Karen and Kileleshwa suburbs. Early morning light (7-9am) provides optimal photography conditions.
Kenya Music Festival Regional Preliminaries
Local schools and cultural groups compete in traditional music and dance performances across various Nairobi venues. Provides authentic cultural immersion opportunities away from tourist-focused performances, with events typically held at Kenya National Theatre and local schools.