Things to Do in Nairobi in September

September Weather in Nairobi

26°C (79°F) High Temp

13°C (55°F) Low Temp

18 mm (0.7 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is September Right for You?

Advantages

Cool mornings perfect for early safari drives - temperatures start at 13°C (55°F) before dawn, ideal for spotting wildlife when animals are most active in Nairobi National Park
Minimal rainfall with only 18mm (0.7 inches) expected means clear skies for photography and outdoor activities, especially crucial for helicopter tours over the Rift Valley
September marks the tail end of dry season - roads to conservancies like Ol Pejeta are in excellent condition, reducing travel time by 30-40% compared to wet months
Jacaranda blooming season begins - the city transforms with purple blossoms along Uhuru Highway and in residential areas like Karen, creating spectacular photo opportunities

Considerations

Dust levels peak during September's final dry weeks - afternoon winds can reduce visibility and affect those with respiratory sensitivities, particularly in areas like Eastleigh
Wildlife viewing requires early starts (5:30-6:00 AM) as animals retreat during midday heat when temperatures reach 26°C (79°F)
Shoulder season pricing begins as October rains approach - accommodation rates start increasing 15-20% from mid-September compared to July-August lows

Best Activities in September

Nairobi National Park Early Morning Game Drives

September's cool mornings at 13°C (55°F) create perfect conditions for 6 AM game drives when lions, leopards, and rhinos are most active. The dry conditions mean excellent road access and dust hasn't yet become problematic. Wildlife congregates around water sources, making sightings more predictable than in wet months.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through Kenya Wildlife Service-licensed operators. Morning drives typically cost KSh 4,000-6,000 per person including park fees. Choose operators with open-roof vehicles for photography. See current tour options in the booking section below.

David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage Visits

Cool September mornings are ideal for the 11 AM feeding sessions when baby elephants are most playful. The minimal rainfall means the red earth areas where elephants play aren't muddy, providing better viewing and photography opportunities. September visitor numbers are moderate, allowing better positioning for photos.

Booking Tip: Visit during weekdays for smaller crowds. Entry costs KSh 500 for residents, USD 7 for non-residents. No advance booking required but arrive by 10:45 AM. Combine with nearby Giraffe Centre for efficient day planning. Check current visiting arrangements in booking section below.

Karen Blixen Museum and Coffee Estate Tours

September's moderate humidity and warm afternoons create perfect conditions for walking the coffee estates where beans are ripening. The jacaranda trees surrounding Karen begin blooming, creating the purple-lined avenues Blixen wrote about. Clear skies provide stunning Ngong Hills views from the museum grounds.

Booking Tip: Coffee tours typically cost KSh 2,500-4,000 including tastings. Book morning slots (9 AM-11 AM) to avoid midday heat. Museum entry is KSh 1,200 for non-residents. Combine with lunch in nearby Langata for efficient day planning. See current tour options below.

Maasai Market Cultural Shopping

September's dry conditions mean outdoor markets like Tuesday's Maasai Market at Westlands operate without weather interruptions. The 70% humidity is comfortable for browsing handcrafted goods, and clear afternoons provide excellent lighting for examining textile quality and colors. Local artisans have fresh stock following the dry season craft-making period.

Booking Tip: Markets rotate locations daily - Tuesday (Westlands), Friday (Village Market), Saturday (High Court). Budget KSh 3,000-8,000 for quality souvenirs. Bring cash and negotiate respectfully. Arrive early (10 AM) for best selection before crowds build. Current market schedules available through local guides in booking section.

Ngong Hills Hiking and Paragliding

September offers ideal conditions for Ngong Hills activities - clear morning skies, moderate winds, and excellent visibility across the Rift Valley. The 2,460m (8,070ft) elevation provides natural air conditioning when city temperatures reach 26°C (79°F). Minimal rainfall means reliable trail conditions for the 3-hour ridge walk.

Booking Tip: Hiking permits cost KSh 300 per person through Kenya Forest Service. Paragliding typically costs KSh 8,000-12,000 for tandem flights. Book paragliding 5-7 days ahead as weather windows are specific. Start hikes by 7 AM to avoid afternoon heat and wind. See current adventure tour options below.

Bomas of Kenya Cultural Performances

September's comfortable afternoon temperatures make the 3:30 PM outdoor cultural shows enjoyable without the oppressive heat of later dry months. The traditional homesteads and cultural demonstrations benefit from clear skies and good visibility. September timing aligns with harvest celebrations in various Kenyan communities, adding authenticity to performances.

Booking Tip: Shows run Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and weekends at 3:30 PM. Entry costs KSh 2,000 for non-residents including the performance and homestead tour. Arrive 30 minutes early for seating. Combine with nearby Langata attractions for efficient scheduling. Current cultural tour packages available below.

September Events & Festivals

Mid September

Nairobi Fashion Week

East Africa's premier fashion event showcasing contemporary African design. Features runway shows, designer exhibitions, and cultural performances across venues in Westlands and CBD. Excellent opportunity to experience Nairobi's creative scene and meet local designers.

Late September

Blankets and Wine Festival

Monthly outdoor music festival featuring local and international artists. September edition benefits from perfect weather conditions - warm but not hot, minimal rain risk. Held at Uhuru Gardens with food vendors, craft displays, and family-friendly atmosphere.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing for 13°C-26°C (55°F-79°F) temperature range - lightweight fleece for early morning safari drives, breathable cotton for afternoon heat

Dust mask or bandana - September winds kick up significant dust, especially when driving to conservancies outside the city

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 and high altitude (1,795m/5,889ft) intensifies sun exposure during midday activities

Comfortable walking boots with ankle support - for Ngong Hills hikes and uneven paths at cultural sites, plus protection from thorns during nature walks

Light rain jacket - while rainfall is minimal at 18mm (0.7 inches), brief afternoon showers can occur on 10 days during the month

Camera lens cleaning kit - dust conditions require frequent lens maintenance for quality photos, especially during game drives

Warm sleeping clothes if staying in elevation areas like Karen - nights can drop to 13°C (55°F) and many accommodations don't have heating

Insect repellent containing DEET - mosquito activity increases slightly with occasional evening showers, particularly in leafy areas like Lavington

Comfortable day pack - for hiking Ngong Hills (3-hour trek) and carrying water during cultural site visits in afternoon heat

Cash in KSh denominations - many cultural sites, markets, and local guides prefer cash, and ATM availability varies in conservancy areas

Insider Knowledge

Book safari lodge transfers for early morning (5:30 AM departure) - September's cool starts make this comfortable and you'll avoid traffic that builds after 7 AM on Langata Road

Shop for flowers at City Market on Thursday mornings when fresh shipments arrive from upcountry farms - September's dry weather means longer-lasting blooms perfect for photography

Use Uber or Bolt after 6 PM rather than matatus - September dust combines with evening traffic to create challenging visibility conditions on major routes like Thika Road

Visit Karura Forest on weekday afternoons (2-4 PM) when most tourists are elsewhere - September's moderate temperatures make forest walks comfortable and you'll have trails mostly to yourself

Avoid These Mistakes

Underdressing for early morning activities - many tourists pack only for the 26°C (79°F) highs and freeze during 6 AM game drives when temperatures are 13°C (55°F)

Skipping dust protection - visitors often don't realize September is peak dust season, leading to respiratory discomfort and equipment problems during outdoor activities

Booking afternoon activities without shade considerations - September's UV index of 8 combined with 1,795m (5,889ft) altitude creates intense sun exposure that catches visitors off-guard