Expect 22-27°C days and 14-18°C nights in Nairobi. December brings the best of both worlds to Nairobi: the tail end of the short rains clears by mid-month, temperatures are comfortable, and the city is at its most festive. Restaurants, nightlife, and parks are all busy, and the proximity of Nairobi National Park means genuinely good game viewing is available without leaving the city limits.
This guide is part of our Nairobi travel guide, which pulls the wider trip together.
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December Weather in Nairobi
Kenya has two rainy seasons. The long rains run April to June; the short rains run October to November. By December, the short rains have typically wound down, leaving the city dry and clear.
Daytime highs average 22-27°C - warm enough for outdoor dining but not oppressive. Nights cool to 14-18°C, particularly at Nairobi’s altitude (1,795 metres above sea level). A light layer is useful for evenings.
Nairobi does not have the extreme heat of coastal Kenya in December; the altitude keeps temperatures manageable. The combination of clear skies, low humidity, and comfortable temperatures makes it one of the better months for walking the city’s neighbourhoods.
Wildlife: Nairobi National Park in December
Nairobi National Park sits 7 kilometres south of the CBD - the only national park in the world with a major city skyline as its backdrop. In December, dry conditions reduce grass cover and push animals towards permanent water sources, which makes for concentrated and often excellent game viewing.
The park is home to black rhinos (one of the most significant rhino populations in Kenya), lions, leopards, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, and over 400 bird species. Entry is USD 80 for non-resident adults (as of 2026), plus vehicle fees. Guided half-day game drives from central Nairobi start from approximately KES 8,000-10,000 per person including park fees and transport.
Book a Nairobi National Park day tour
Giraffe Centre in the Karen suburb (10 kilometres from the CBD) offers the chance to hand-feed Rothschild giraffes from an elevated platform. Entry costs USD 15 for non-resident adults (as of 2026). Book online in advance during December - the centre fills quickly over the holiday period.
David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Nairobi National Park raises and rehabilitates orphaned elephants. The public visiting hour runs at 11:00 daily; entry is from USD 7 per adult with pre-booking required online.
Christmas and Festive Events
Nairobi’s shopping malls go into full festive decoration from late November. The Village Market in Gigiri and Two Rivers Mall in Runda both run Christmas markets, live music events, and family activities through December. The Junction Mall in Westlands hosts outdoor entertainment in the run-up to Christmas.
Carnivore Restaurant in Langata - the city’s most famous meat grill - runs Christmas Day and NYE dinners, with live entertainment. Tickets for the NYE event sell out early; expect KES 6,000-10,000 per person including food and entertainment.
For Christmas Eve or Christmas Day dining, most mid- and upper-range restaurants in Westlands, Kilimani, and Karen offer set menus. Book ahead - December 24 and 25 are among the busiest restaurant nights of the year.
New Year’s Eve in Nairobi
New Year’s Eve in Nairobi ranges from rooftop cocktail parties to full-scale gala dinners and outdoor concerts.
Fairmont The Norfolk in the CBD is one of Nairobi’s oldest hotels and runs a formal NYE gala with dinner, live music, and a countdown. Tickets typically start from KES 15,000 per person. Book 4-6 weeks in advance.
Radisson Blu Nairobi Upper Hill runs a rooftop NYE event with good views across the city. Clubs and bars in Westlands, along with Tribe Hotel in Gigiri and Sky Bar at the Trademark Hotel, host ticketed countdown events.
For something outside the city, Olepolos Country Club, about 35 kilometres south towards the Rift Valley, hosts a popular outdoor NYE concert. The setting - open hills above Nairobi - is hard to beat for seeing in the new year.
Where to Stay in December
Mid-range hotels in Nairobi charge more in December than at any other time of year. A decent room in Westlands or Kilimani runs KES 12,000-22,000 (approximately USD 90-165) per night in December.
Fairmont The Norfolk (CBD, from approximately USD 280/night) and Hemingways Nairobi in Karen (from approximately USD 350/night) are two of the most established luxury options. Hemingways suits travellers planning safari day trips - it is close to Karen and easy access to the national park side of the city.
For a mid-range base in a good location for both restaurants and transport, the Boma Inn in Nairobi West and Ole Sereni Hotel overlooking Nairobi National Park are both reliably well-run options at approximately USD 100-150/night in December.
Book at least 4-6 weeks ahead for Christmas and New Year dates. Hotels in Karen and Langata are particularly popular with families and safari visitors.
Day Trips in December
December’s reliable weather makes it one of the better months for day trips from Nairobi.
Nairobi to Masai Mara is a 270-kilometre drive (4-5 hours) or a 45-minute domestic flight from Wilson Airport. The Mara’s great wildebeest migration has moved on by December, but the resident lion prides, elephants, and leopards remain. A weekend in the Mara with a mid-range camp runs from approximately USD 300-500 per person per night all-inclusive.
Hell’s Gate National Park is 90 kilometres northwest near Naivasha - a 1.5-hour drive. It is one of the few Kenyan parks where cycling and walking are permitted. Combined with a stop at Lake Naivasha, it makes a full-day outing.
Amboseli National Park, 230 kilometres southeast near the Tanzanian border, offers views of Kilimanjaro (often clearest in December’s dry air) and one of Kenya’s best elephant populations.
Practical Tips
Getting around Nairobi: Uber and Bolt are widely available and are the recommended options for city travel. A typical trip within Westlands, Kilimani, or the CBD costs KES 300-800. Traffic in Nairobi is heavy on weekdays between 7:00-9:00 and 17:00-20:00 - avoid scheduling game drives or airport runs during these windows.
December prices: Hotels, flights, and safari camps all run their highest rates in December. If budget is a concern, mid-January is significantly cheaper with identical weather.
Safety: Nairobi requires the same urban caution as any large city - keep valuables out of sight, use apps for transport rather than waving down street taxis, and check current government travel advisories before your visit.
Currency: Kenyan Shilling (KES). ATMs are available at malls and main commercial streets. Most mid-range and upscale establishments take international cards.
Also read: Things to do in Nairobi · Nairobi nightlife guide · Hotels in Nairobi · 3 days in Nairobi itinerary · Kenya in December