The climate of Zaria
Zaria, located in
Nigeria, adheres to the Köppen climate classification Aw, otherwise known as a tropical wet and dry or savanna climate. This is characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons, with substantial variations in rainfall while temperatures remain consistently high throughout the year.
In Zaria, average high temperatures hover well above 28.3°C (82.9°F) even in the coolest months. The warmest month typically sees averages soaring to around 38.6°C (101.5°F). Contrarily, during the coldest months, the average low temperatures usually do not fall below 14.8°C (58.6°F). This confirms a generally high-temperature profile in Zaria throughout the year.
Relative humidity fluctuates significantly across the year. The dry season, which coincides with lower humidity levels, witnesses an average relative humidity as low as 16% while the wet season sees a spike to averages as high as 82%.
With respect to rainfall, Zaria experiences a remarkable contrast. Throughout the dry months, little to no rainfall is registered, whereas the opposite can be said for the wet months where rainfall can reach up to 184mm (7.24"). The number of rainfall days follows a similar pattern with an absence of rainfall days in the dry months and peaks of up to 28 days in the wet season months.
Wind speeds average around 10km/h (6.2mph) throughout the year with few variations from month to month.
The best time to visit Zaria
Due to the high temperatures and low rainfall typical of
Zaria's dry season, it can be considered the most favourable time to visit the city. The periods from
January to
March, and
November to
December offer clement conditions with average high temperatures varying from 32.1°C (89.8°F) to 38.6°C (101.5°F) and minimum rainfall.
During this time, visitors may enjoy exploring the city, its colourful markets and sites of cultural significance under clear skies. Furthermore, lower humidity levels during these months ensure a more comfortable environment.
The worst time to visit Zaria
The months from
May to
September are regarded as the least advisable periods to visit
Zaria due to high rainfall. During this time, rainfall totals vary between 52mm (2.05") to 184mm (7.24"), coupled with high relative humidity levels reaching up to 82%.
This high amount of rainfall could prove inconvenient for visitors envisaging outdoor activities. Moreover, high humidity can lead to discomfort and harder breathing, particularly for those not acclimated to such conditions.
Spring weather in Zaria
In the context of the climate in
Zaria, the months equivalent to Spring for temperate climates, namely
March to
May, represent the transition from the dry to wet season. During these months, the average high temperatures range from 35.4°C (95.7°F) to 38.6°C (101.5°F) while the average minimum temperatures climb from 17.1°C (62.8°F) to 24.8°C (76.6°F).
This period also marks substantial variances in rainfall, ranging from just 1mm (0.04") in March to 52mm (2.05") in May. Wind speeds remain fairly consistent, averaging around 10km/h (6.2mph).
Summer weather in Zaria
Zaria's wet season, which panels
June,
July, and
August, is marked by high rainfall, humidity, and fairly warm temperatures. Average high temperatures persist between 33.7°C (92.7°F) to 36.6°C (97.9°F), while low temperatures fluctuate between 23.3°C (73.9°F) to 24.8°C (76.6°F).
Rainfall peaks during these months, with the highest levels particularly recorded in August, which obtains up to 184mm (7.24") of rainfall. Conversely, wind speeds drop below the yearly average from 10.5km/h (6.5mph) to 8.7km/h (5.4mph).
Autumn weather in Zaria
The
Zaria version of autumn, spanning from
September to
November, witnesses a return to drier conditions. Though September still receives significant rainfall averaging at 78mm (3.07"), by November, the city is back to a dry spell where the average rainfall is zero.
The average temperatures during these months range from a high of 32.8°C (91°F) to a low of 19.4°C (66.9°F). With humidity levels falling back to approximately 25%, it represents the end of the wet season and the onset of the more visitor-friendly dry season.
Winter weather in Zaria
Zaria's 'winter', covering
December,
January, and
February, is a period of consistently high temperatures and low rainfall. During these months, the average high temperatures vary between 32.1°C (89.8°F) and 33.1°C (91.6°F), while low temperatures range from 14.8°C (58.6°F) to 17.1°C (62.8°F).
Rainfall is essentially absent, with monthly averages of zero millimeters. Meanwhile, average wind speeds pick up again, ranging from 11.7km/h (7.3mph) in February to 12.8km/h (8mph) in December. This period signifies the dry season typical of a savanna climate, characterised by warm temperatures and clear skies.
Weather in January
January exhibits dry and hot weather in
Zaria,
Nigeria. This month shows the lowest relative humidity and the average wind speed kicks off the year with a tenacious 12.6km/h (7.8mph)r. This harsh, sun-scorched condition is accompanied by pressure that remains relatively steady at 1013.1mb.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Rolling into
February, the weather remains dry without any significant shift in temperature, registering a high of 35.4°C (95.7°F). Pivoting from
January, UV levels are on the rise, making February advisable for precautionary measures against sun effect.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Shifting towards
March,
Zaria presents a slight increase in rainfall and humidity. Witnessing a minor drop, the temperature finally eases up, reaching a peak level of 37.9°C (100.2°F). Despite the very marginal increase in rainfall, the city witnesses a virtually continuous sunshine all-throughout the month.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
The weather in
April presents interesting variations compared with
March. Surpassing the previous records, temperatures rise toward an all-time annual high of 38.6°C (101.5°F). Indicating the month's uniqueness, April signifies the onset of first noticeable rainfall season in the year.
Weather in April »Weather in May
Weather conditions in
May undergo a significant transition from the preceding months. The discernible decline in temperature is a relief as compared to the heat of
April, with highs settling at 36.6°C (97.9°F). Significantly, this month underscores the highest ascend in rainfall all year, transitioning from the arid heat towards a wetter climate.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June is characterized by the beginning of the true rainy season in
Zaria. Temperatures continue to show a descending trend, making the atmosphere more amenable. Amid the declining temperature, the wind speed regardless succeeds in maintaining a uniform route.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Weather in
July introduces a moderate atmosphere accompanied by a marked drop in temperature, to a high of 30.1°C (86.2°F). Significantly, the cloud cover intensifies considerably, hinting at the surging monsoon. In the transition from the previous months, July showcases the lowest number of sunshine hours in the year.
Weather in July »Weather in August
The weather in
August brings the year's peak monsoonal impact in
Zaria. A further decline in the monthly high temperature signifies the transition towards a cooler phase, with a top value of 28.3°C (82.9°F). The month records the highest amount of rainfall in the year, making it the rainiest month.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September, however, tends to serve as a bridge between the wet and dry seasons in
Zaria. Notably, the temperature starts to rise again and there is a significant decrease in rainfall, compared to
August. The weather is moderately balanced with mild temperature fluctuations and a reduction in relative humidity.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October's comprehensive picture presents a decreasing trend in rainfall with a corresponding rise in temperature, reaching a high of 32.8°C (91°F). Compared with
September, a significant drop in the number of rainfall days marks October's weather characteristics.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Zaria characterizes the advent of a dry season. It is noteworthy that the temperature continues to rise, recording a high of 33.1°C (91.6°F). Seizing the trend of the preceding months, November encounters a drastic drop in rainfall, becoming a completely dry month.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Zaria sets the stage for the recurring dry season with the continuation of the
November patterns. With a consistent temperature trend, the month hits a high of 31°C (87.8°F). The month experiences no rainfall and the relative humidity reaches its second lowest point of the year.
Weather in December » [Resources]