Weather overview
The weather in Накуру remains mild year-round, with temperatures rarely straying far from the comfortable range. The city sits at an elevation that softens the heat, making even the warmest months feel manageable. January and February are the driest, offering plenty of sunshine, while April and November bring heavier rains that transform the landscape.
Travelers to Накуру will notice two distinct rainy seasons: the long rains in April and May, and the short rains in November. Between these periods, the weather settles into a pattern of warm days and cool nights, with June through September being particularly dry and pleasant for outdoor activities.
Temperature
Daytime temperatures in Накуру hover between +24 °C and +28 °C for most of the year, peaking in February and March at +28.4 °C and +28.7 °C respectively. Nights are cooler, often dropping to +12.5 °C in January or +14.4 °C in April, so a light jacket is useful after sunset.
The coolest months in Накуру are July and August, when daytime highs reach only +24.2 °C and +24.6 °C, while nighttime temperatures dip to around +13 °C. This slight chill is brief, as temperatures begin climbing again in September, returning to the warmer range by October.
| Month | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| January | 12.5 | 27 |
| February | 13.2 | 28.4 |
| March | 14 | 28.7 |
| April | 14.4 | 25.5 |
| May | 14.1 | 25 |
| June | 13.2 | 24.8 |
| July | 13.3 | 24.2 |
| August | 13 | 24.6 |
| September | 13.3 | 24.9 |
| October | 13.1 | 25.6 |
| November | 13.5 | 24.5 |
| December | 13 | 25.9 |
Precipitation
Rainfall in Накуру is highly seasonal, with the heaviest downpours occurring in April (200.1 mm) and November (174.7 mm). These months can see frequent showers, sometimes lasting for days, which may affect travel plans. Roads and trails around Накуру can become muddy, so waterproof gear is advisable if visiting during these periods.
The driest months in Накуру are February (24.7 mm) and June (25.6 mm), when rain is rare and skies are mostly clear. July through September also see minimal rainfall, making this a popular time for exploring the region’s national parks and lakes without the interruption of heavy showers.
| Month | Precipitation |
|---|---|
| January | 41.5 |
| February | 24.7 |
| March | 69.4 |
| April | 200.1 |
| May | 116.5 |
| June | 25.6 |
| July | 67 |
| August | 57.3 |
| September | 93.8 |
| October | 69.5 |
| November | 174.7 |
| December | 73.6 |
What to pack
For a trip to Накуру in the dry months of January, February, or June, pack lightweight clothing for daytime, along with a sweater or light jacket for cooler evenings. A hat and sunscreen are essential year-round, as the sun can be strong even when temperatures feel mild.
If visiting Накуру during the rainy seasons in April or November, waterproof footwear and a compact umbrella will help navigate the wet conditions. Quick-drying layers are useful, as mornings may start dry before rain arrives in the afternoon. A light raincoat is a practical addition to any suitcase during these months.
| Month | Wind speed |
|---|---|
| January | 1.6 |
| February | 1.9 |
| March | 1.7 |
| April | 1.1 |
| May | 1.7 |
| June | 1.4 |
| July | 1.5 |
| August | 1.5 |
| September | 1.2 |
| October | 1.1 |
| November | 1.1 |
| December | 1.2 |