The climate of Abuja
Positioned within the Tropical wet and dry area, as per the Koppen climate classification,
Abuja,
Nigeria has a predominately Aw climate. Throughout the year, temperatures range from a high of 39.9°C (103.8°F) to a low of 20.5°C (68.9°F), and encompass both the scorching heat of the tropical sun and the relief of cooler evenings. Variations in temperature are dictated by the annual cycle of the sun, with the hottest months being between
February and
April and the coolest months taking place from
July to
September.
The relative humidity changes with seasons, peaking at 87% in
August and going as low as 21% in
January. Rainfall does not distribute evenly throughout the year. Between
May and
October, the city gathers an impressive rainfall of 702mm (27.64") over a span of 128 days. From
November to April, however, Abuja reports an almost drought like condition with only 4mm (0.16") of rain over 2.6 days.
The number of sunshine hours is consistently high, ranging from 5.8 hours to 10 hours. However, the UV index ranges from a moderate 5 in August to a high 8 from
March to April, indicating the need for sun protection during peak daylight hours. Another significant aspect of Abuja's climate is the cloud cover, which is noticeably higher between
June and September, reaching a peak at 61% in August.
The Best Time to Visit Abuja
Visit
Abuja during
November and
December for an optimal blend of favorable temperatures, low rainfall, and maximum sunshine. With an average high of 36.1°C (97°F) dipping to a low of 21.3°C (70.3°F) at night, the days are pleasantly warm, perfect for exploring the city’s attractions. Rainfall is virtually nonexistent, making those months ideal for outdoor activities. The UV index is moderate, minimizing the risk of sunburn, while the hours of sunshine are at a yearly high, providing ample daylight for exploration.
The Worst Time to Visit Abuja
The period between
July and
September marks the height of the rainy season in
Abuja and may hinder outdoor activities. Persistent rains totaling 501mm (19.72") span over 78 days, while temperatures dip to an average low of 28.9°C (84°F). Despite the increase in relative humidity, sunshine hours reduce considerably, leading to overcast days.
Spring Weather in Abuja
Abuja does not have a traditional spring given its tropical location, but
March to
May serve as a transition period from the dry to the rainy season. March is typically hot, with average temperatures peaking at 39.9°C (103.8°F) during the day and dropping to 24.7°C (76.5°F) during the cooler nights.
April sees a rise in both rainfall and relative humidity, heralding the onset of the rainy season. By May, rain showers become a common sight with 123mm (4.84") of precipitation spread over 16.9 days.
Summer Weather in Abuja
Abuja’s summer, which runs from
June to
August, aligns with its rainy season due to its tropical nature. Daily temperatures average from 35.3°C (95.5°F) to 28.4°C (83.1°F), while atmospheric pressure holds steady at around 1013mb. Increased cloud cover cuts down sunshine hours, though daylight remains ample at over 12 hours. Abuja experiences its highest rainfall during these months, accumulating a significant 446mm (17.56") across 69.5 days.
Autumn Weather in Abuja
The period from
September to
November marks the end of the rainy season in
Abuja. Temperatures remain warm, averaging from 35.7°C (96.3°F) in September, decreasing slightly to 32.4°C (90.3°F) by November. Rainfall reduces markedly, dwindling to just 59mm (2.32") across 16.7 days. Relative humidity, cloud cover, and pressure gradually decline, signaling the advent of the dry season.
Winter Weather in Abuja
In contrast with colder climes,
Abuja does not experience a conventional winter season. Nonetheless,
December to
February is generally drier and cooler, making it appealing to those seeking respite from wintry conditions elsewhere. Expect daytime temperatures to vary between 37.6°C (99.7°F) and 39.3°C (102.7°F), while night times cool off to between 20.5°C (68.9°F) and 22.4°C (72.3°F). These months receive hardly any rainfall, amounting to just 3mm (0.12") in 1.8 days, making them particularly suitable for outdoor activities.
Weather in January
Beginning the year,
January in
Abuja,
Nigeria, experiences less than half a day of daylight, specifically 11.7 hours. It's an inviting period to enjoy various activities with typically clear skies and tranquil wind conditions. The visibility remains excellent, offering unhindered views of the cityscapes.
Weather in January »Weather in February
With
February arrives slightly higher humidity compared to
January. However, the region still receives ample sunshine of about 10 hours, ensuring outdoor activities remain unaffected. Despite the daytime heating, nights bring refreshing coolness, perfect for leisurely walks.
Weather in February »Weather in March
In
March, the city enters a transitional phase. The skies become a bit cloudier, leading to slightly reduced visibility compared to the previous months. This month provides the first significant increase in rainfall, denoting the onset of the rainy season.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Abuja,
Nigeria, marks a shift in weather patterns. Relative humidity increases further, and rainfall becomes more frequent. In tandem, the cloud cover obscures the sun for longer durations, reducing sunshine hours. The influx of moisture is evident with rainfall tripling from
March to 32mm (1.26").
Weather in April » Weather in May
By
May, the rainy season is underway in full swing. The increased rainfall nourishes the city's flora, framing the city in a verdant hue. The hours of sunshine experience a dip, yet daylight remains ample for all kinds of activities.
Weather in May »Weather in June
In
June,
Abuja sheds its previously clear skies for a cloudier outlook. The drop in UV index indicates a diverting shift towards cooler days. Despite the wind speed lowering slightly, the city's scenery remains vibrant and intact. The city experiences a dip in rainfall, amounting to 78mm (3.07") compared to
May's high.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
With
July, the weather patterns of
Abuja enter a cooler phase. Despite this, the overall charm created by the cloud cover and the resultant scenic beauty remains intact. The frequency of rainy days reaches a peak during this month. A notable change in wind speed is observed as it tails off to around 5.9km/h (3.7mph).
Weather in July »Weather in August
August prolongs the rainy season in
Abuja,
Nigeria. The high-pressure levels foster the formation of cloud cover, thus reducing the amount of sunlight reaching the city's surface. The city's topography shrouded in monsoon clouds is a sight to behold for nature enthusiasts.
Weather in August » Weather in September
The return of the dry season from late
September is celebrated with gusto in
Abuja. The frequency of cloudy days decreases in comparison to the preceding months, and the amount of sunshine starts to increase. A gentle shift back to cooler nights is noticed, adding a touch of tranquility.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
In
October, the city of
Abuja basks in the sunlight, as rainy days subside. As the cloud cover lessens, the daylight hours increase. The periods of sunshine become longer, revitalizing the outdoor life in the city. A significant fall in rainfall is observed with 58mm (2.28") recorded, barely a third of the precipitation witnessed in
September.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November in
Abuja symbolizes the return of the dry season. Rainfall dwindles drastically, paving the way for sunnier days. However, the transition to dry conditions doesn't affect the region's ambient pressure. The month stands out with the negligible precipitation of 1mm (0.04"), signaling the commencement of the dry season.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December, concluding the year in
Abuja, welcomes the most distinctive change in the weather conditions. The upswing in wind speed is accompanied by crisp cool nights. Pressure levels remain stable, maintaining the placid nature even amidst the changing weather conditions.
Weather in December » [Resources]