Climate and monthly weather forecast
Maiduguri, Nigeria

Maiduguri, Nigeria, adheres to the BSh, a subtropical steppe climate according to the Köppen climate classification. This desert-like climate type, combined with its geographical position in northeastern Nigeria, gives Maiduguri a relatively warm, dry and constant weather trend throughout the year.

Elements of stability yet with clear distinctions persist in this climate, with notable variations in temperature and rainfall seen monthly. Temperature highs for the year hover markedly from 31.9°C (89.4°F) to a sweltering 40.1°C (104.2°F), while low temperatures present a narrower range from 12.6°C (54.7°F) to 25.5°C (77.9°F). Rainfall fluctuates considerably, with a stark contrast between the dry months recording values of 0mm (0") to the peak of the rainy season in August measuring 193mm (7.6"). Hours of daylight maintain modest fluctuations, oscillating from 11.4 to 12.8 hours across the twelve months.

A unique weather pattern defines Maiduguri: an arid spell dominating most months but interrupted by a well-defined rainy season from April to September. Furthermore, the hottest month on record is April, with high temperatures reaching up to 40.1°C (104.2°F), and the coldest month in contrast is January, with the temperature dipping to a minimum of 12.6°C (54.7°F).

The optimal time for a visit to Maiduguri is often within the cooler months, primarily between November and February, with January marking the lowest temperature drop to 12.6°C (54.7°F). The conditions in these months present a more bearable and comfortable atmosphere, particularly for those unaccustomed to the intense heat that characterizes the location. Additionally, the absence of rainfall during this period ensures a dry and clear climate, further enhancing the conditions for a hassle-free visit.

Conversely, the least favorable period for a visit to this subtropical region would be the exceedingly hot months, particularly March to May. The height of discomfort might be reached in April, with an average high of an oppressive 40.1°C (104.2°F). Furthermore, the prominent rainy season commencing in June might pose its challenges, as the months of June to September record relatively heavy rainfall, with an extreme in August reaching 193mm (7.6").

Spring months in Maiduguri, from March to May, are characterized by sharp increases in temperature with April hitting the year’s recorded high of 40.1°C (104.2°F). As the transition phase towards the rainy season, rainfall during these months gradually increases from an almost negligible 0mm (0") in March to a significant 31mm (1.22") in May.

Summer extends from June to August in Maiduguri, coinciding with the peak of the rainy season. From modest showers in June rainfall increases intensively to reach the annual maximum of 193mm (7.6") in August. Simultaneously, temperatures remain high, fluctuating between 33.2°C (91.8°F) and 36.4°C (97.5°F), although a slight relief from the intense heat of the spring can be felt.

In autumn, from September to November, both temperature and rainfall begin to decrease. Temperatures drop from a high of 36.4°C (97.5°F) in September to a more moderate 34.2°C (93.6°F) in November. Rainfall begins to recede, from 83mm (3.27") in September to a negligible 0mm (0") in November, marking the eventual end of the rainy season.

Winter sees a significant fall in temperatures, especially in the nights. The lowest temperature of 12.6°C (54.7°F) is recorded in January. However, daylight hours remain consistent, ranging from 11.4 hours in December to 11.5 hours in January. Rainfall is practically non-existent during these months, further emphasizing the arid characteristics of this season.

January in Maiduguri, Nigeria, welcomes the New Year with cool evenings and relatively warm days. The climate remains arid with an absence of precipitation, indicative of the city's dry season. Daylight hours sit at a moderate 11.5. Weather in January »

The climate pattern in February remains similar to January with an absence of rainfall. Nonetheless, there's a gradual increase in both daytime highs and nighttime lows, indicating a slow transition towards the warmer months. An interesting factor about February is the average daylight hours at 11.8. Weather in February »

The weather in Maiduguri, Nigeria, in March signals the end of the dry season with a scant 0mm (0") of rainfall. Daylight hours continue to increase and temperature ranges continue to expand, teasing the onset of the tropical rainy season. Weather in March »

The change in weather is more pronounced in April as Maiduguri, Nigeria, experiences a significant increase in rainfall to 13mm (0.51"). The tropical climate takes full effect with increased humidity and consistently high temperatures. Weather in April »

By May, in Maiduguri, Nigeria, the wet season is established, as evidenced by the increased precipitation of 31mm (1.22"). Temperature reduction around this time is relatively minimal; however, there's a notable increase in nighttime temperatures to 25.5°C (77.9°F). Weather in May »

June is among Maiduguri's wettest months, recording a substantial rise in precipitation to 74mm (2.91"). Consequently, there's a noticeably lower average high temperature and a cooler nighttime low temperature. The daily sunlight hours reach a peak of 12.8 hours. Weather in June »

Combine a dip in daily sunlight hours to 12.7 hours with Maiduguri's highest recorded rainfall of 147mm (5.79"), and July emerges as the city's rainiest month. It's an interesting deviation from the usual warm and sunny weather the city is known for. Weather in July »

August continues Maiduguri's rainfall trend as daily sunlight hours recede to 12.5 hours. It also has the second highest rainfall of the year at 193mm (7.6"). Notably, this marks a decrease in temperature, fluctuating from a low of 22.3°C (72.1°F) to a high of 32°C (89.6°F). Weather in August »

September presents a shift away from the intense rainfall of previous months with a decrease to 83mm (3.27"). The daylight hours shorten to 12.2 hours, heralding the impending arrival of the dry season. Cooler nights with an average low temperature of 22.4°C (72.3°F) and a high of 33.7°C (92.7°F) during the day replace the intense summer humidity. Weather in September »

As Maiduguri heads into October, there's a significant drop in rainfall to 11mm (0.43"). Temperatures remain pleasant with varying degrees from 20.7°C (69.3°F) to 36.4°C (97.5°F). A decrease in daylight to 11.9 hours further reiterates the start of the dry season. Weather in October »

November in Maiduguri, Nigeria, signals a return to the dry climate with negligible rainfall recorded. A contraction in temperature variation with a low of 16°C (60.8°F) and a high of 34.2°C (93.6°F) grows apparent. The daylight hours drop to 11.6, indicating shorter days. Weather in November »

Rounding out the year, December maintains the absence of rainfall, save for a minimal 0mm (0"). Daylight hours further recede to 11.4 hours, marking the shortest days of the year. Temperatures fluctuate from 13.1°C (55.6°F) during the coolest parts of the morning to around 32.3°C (90.1°F) in the afternoon. Weather in December »