Nakuru weather in short
Lake Nakuru lies at an altitude of 1,754 m in the Rift Valley. Days are warm rather than hot, nights are cool, and the rain comes in distinct seasons.
March to May is the rainy season in Nakuru County, and October to December brings a further rainy period. Rain is not limited to those months. A dry-looking stretch can still bring a heavy shower, and a wet month can include bright days.
This page gives typical monthly values as a rough comparison. They are older averages, not measurements for 2026, so use them to compare months and check a current forecast a few days before you travel. If your plans depend on a day trip, compare Lake Nakuru tours from Nairobi and check the terms for changes in bad weather.
Nakuru weather month by month
Average daily highs and lows and monthly rainfall, as a rough guide and not a forecast.
| Month | High | Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 26.4 °C | 12.1 °C | 20 mm |
| February | 27.6 °C | 12.9 °C | 20 mm |
| March | 26.3 °C | 12.6 °C | 60 mm |
| April | 24.7 °C | 13.4 °C | 180 mm |
| May | 23.0 °C | 14.1 °C | 140 mm |
| June | 22.9 °C | 13.3 °C | 120 mm |
| July | 22.3 °C | 11.3 °C | 150 mm |
| August | 23.0 °C | 12.8 °C | 190 mm |
| September | 23.6 °C | 12.8 °C | 100 mm |
| October | 23.7 °C | 11.8 °C | 50 mm |
| November | 22.5 °C | 12.4 °C | 50 mm |
| December | 24.2 °C | 12.2 °C | 40 mm |
The highs are averages of the daily maximum, the lows averages of the daily minimum, and the rainfall is the monthly total in millimetres. They are older averages and show the general pattern, not a promise for any single month.
In this table January and February show the least rain and April and August the most. October to December can bring a rainy period even though the averages in this table are lower, so treat every month as one that can bring rain. For most visitors the sensible plan is to pick dates by what you want to do, and keep a flexible day for weather.
Our pick: a safari for the drier months
Lake Nakuru fits well into a longer trip; this camping safari combines it with the Mara and Amboseli.
Hand-picked tours, booked through Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Lake Nakuru tours in every season
Day trips from Nairobi, safaris and combinations with Lake Naivasha, with live prices and availability.
Rainy seasons in Nakuru
What rain changes on the ground.
Campsites can flood
Campsites can flood after heavy rain. Ask the park administration about the state of your campsite before you travel. The hotels guide lists the campsites and how to reserve them.
Roads and water levels
The lake has risen in recent years, and roads inside the park have flooded. A gate that is open does not mean every track is passable. Ask at the gate which roads are open that day. The history guide explains the flooding.
Driving in wet weather
The speed limit in the park is 40 km/h, and leaving the roads is not allowed. On wet ground, drive slowly and stay on the marked tracks.
Viewpoints in cloud and rain
Views depend on clear air, so check the weather in the morning before you drive to a viewpoint. The viewpoints guide lists Baboon Cliff, Makalia Falls and the other stops.
Weather and planning your Lake Nakuru visit
There is no single best month for Lake Nakuru. The weather decides how muddy the tracks are, but the wildlife is there in every month, and a good chance of seeing rhinos, giraffes, zebras and buffalo does not depend on one season.
Flamingos are a different matter. They can move between lakes within a few weeks, and there is no fixed month for them at Lake Nakuru. The water level and the chemistry of the lake matter more than the calendar. Read the flamingo guide for the changes at the lake before you plan around them.
Pack in layers: warm clothes for the early game drive and the cool nights, a rain jacket, a hat and sun protection for midday. The gates open at 06:00 and close at 18:00.
If you are comparing Kenyan parks, the weather in Nairobi is a useful point of reference for your first and last days.
Plan the rest of your trip
Pages that help once you know the season.
Nakuru weather: frequently asked questions
What is the weather like in Nakuru?
Days are mild and nights are cool, because Lake Nakuru lies at 1,754 m. An older average shows highs of about 22 to 28 °C and lows of about 11 to 14 °C through the year.
When are the rainy seasons?
March to May is the rainy season in Nakuru County. October to December brings a further rainy period. Rain can fall in other months too, so keep a flexible day.
Is there a best time to see the flamingos?
No fixed month can be promised. Flamingos can move between lakes within a few weeks, and the water level at Lake Nakuru has changed their numbers. See the flamingo guide for details.
Does rain close the roads in the park?
Roads have flooded in recent years, and campsites can flood after heavy rain. Ask at the gate or the park administration which roads and campsites are open on your day.
What should I pack for Nakuru?
Layers for the cool mornings and nights, a rain jacket, a hat and sun protection. The gates are open from 06:00 to 18:00, so many visitors start with an early drive.
Are the monthly values official climate figures?
No. They are older averages and serve as a rough comparison between months. Check a current forecast before you travel.