Weather in Nigeria

In line with its close proximity to the equatorial belt and the Atlantic Ocean, the climate in Nigeria is tropical and the weather wet (which may come as a surprise to expats who associate Africa with only a desperate dryness). 
 

Temperatures are generally high and shockingly consistent, and seasons are more aptly characterised by the difference in rainfall than a change in the mercury. For example, in Lagos, the average high in January is 88°F (31°C) and 73°F (23°C), and in June it’s 82°F (28°C) and 73°F (23°C); though, June is the season with peak rains and in January, you’d be lucky to see the smallest drop of water squeezed from the sky. 
 

In the south of the nation, a coastal region that includes Lagos and the oil-rich area of Port Harcourt, it’s incredibly humid, but it rarely gets hotter than 90°F (32°C). This area is defined by two rainy periods, one short period and one long period. 
 

The long rainy season begins in late February or early March and lasts until July. The short rainy season starts in September and runs through October, though, rains are not nearly as heavy as in the long season. 
 

Inland and in the north of the nation, a large region that includes the capital of Abuja, the weather is incredibly hot, and the skies clear and blue for most of the year. The good news for foreigners moving from more moderate climes is that humidity is much lower than near the coast; still, expect temperatures that reach from the mid-nineties (mid-thirties in celsius) to over a hundred (the forties in celsius) during the day, and then anticipate a considerable decline during the evening (down to 72°F (22°C)).
 

In this area of Nigeria, the rainy season only starts in July and ends in September. 
 

It follows that expats moving to Nigeria would do well to bring light, loose-fitting clothes, and most importantly, an umbrella! In general, you can leave the winter jackets and long underwear behind, and you can pack your favourite costume and a high-SPF sun cream.