The best time to visit Nigeria
The best time to visit Nigeria for warm, sunny weather is November to February, when its destinations average a Sunshine Score of 82/100 with daytime highs around 31°C / 88°F. October and March are quieter shoulder-season alternatives with still-reliable sun. Midsummer peaks in March at about 33°C / 91°F — hot for sightseeing, ideal for the coast. The sea is swimmable (21°C+) year-round, warmest in April at 31°C.
Nigeria by month, averaged across 6 destinations from long-term climate normals — the best stretch is highlighted.
| Month | Sunshine Score | Avg day high | Rain | Sea | For a trip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 86 | 31° / 88°F | 13 mm | 30° | Excellent |
| February | 79 | 32° / 90°F | 25 mm | 29° | Excellent |
| March | 65 | 33° / 91°F | 55 mm | 30° | Very good |
| April | 58 | 32° / 90°F | 107 mm | 31° | Very good |
| May | 58 | 31° / 88°F | 150 mm | 31° | Very good |
| June | 60 | 30° / 86°F | 199 mm | 30° | Very good |
| July | 62 | 29° / 84°F | 220 mm | 28° | Very good |
| August | 64 | 28° / 82°F | 232 mm | 27° | Very good |
| September | 65 | 29° / 84°F | 258 mm | 27° | Very good |
| October | 65 | 30° / 86°F | 168 mm | 29° | Very good |
| November | 76 | 31° / 88°F | 62 mm | 30° | Excellent |
| December | 86 | 31° / 88°F | 13 mm | 29° | Excellent |
When to go — and when to think twice
Best overall: November to February — Nigeria's warmest, most reliable stretch (Sunshine Score 82/100, ~31°C / 88°F days). Shoulder season: October and March — quieter, still sunny. Hottest: March, ~33°C / 91°F. Wettest: September (258 mm) — pack for showers.
Where to base yourself for sunshine: Kano (3,114 h/yr), Abuja (2,497 h/yr), Enegu (1,971 h/yr). See every Nigeria destination with a full climate card, or where it's sunny worldwide, month by month.