The climate of Afikpo
Afikpo, positioned in
Nigeria, falls under the Am or Tropical monsoon category in the Köppen climate classification. This type of climate is characterized by a pronounced monsoon season with high humidity and abundant rainfall.
The temperatures across the year do not fluctuate extensively, maintaining a velocity primarily in the high 20s and 30s degree Celsius. On warmer months, temperature peaks at 36.9°C (98.4°F) while dropping to 28.6°C (83.5°F) during colder months. The lowest temperature recorded ranges from 22.7°C (72.9°F) to 25.9°C (78.6°F).
In terms of rainfall, Afikpo experiences a significant variation throughout the year, with the highest recorded rainfall reaching up to 242mm (9.53") in a month, and the lowest declining to 7mm (0.28") per month. Correspondingly, the humidity levels also show a marked change with the highest at 88% and the lowest at 51%.
Relating to wind speed, the town experiences a relatively moderate wind range. The maximum recorded speed peaks at 11.4km/h (7.1mph) with gusts reaching up to 11.3km/h (7mph).
The best time to visit Afikpo
Considering the climate throughout the year, the ideal time for a visit would be during the months known for lower levels of rainfall and humidity. The stretch from
November to
March demonstrates lower rainfall rates, ranging from 7mm (0.28") to 57mm (2.24"). Humidity levels are also comparably lower in these months, especially
December and
January with 53% and 51% respectively.
These months also bring plenty of sunshine and less cloud coverage, making them amenable for visitors. Ample daylight hours ranging from 11.8 to 12.3 hours are also a characteristic of these months.
The worst time to visit Afikpo
With the monsoon in full swing, the months from
April to
October could be less ideal for visitors due to constant downpours and higher humidity levels. The rainfall from
May to October climbs up to between 126mm (4.96") and 242mm (9.53").
Consequently, the humidity also rises drastically, increasing up to 79-88%, making the climate overall uncomfortable. The daylight hours reduce slightly, but the important point to note is the drop in sunshine duration thanks to higher cloud coverage.
Spring weather in Afikpo
Spring, from
March to
May, brings a flourishing climate to
Afikpo. The temperatures rise gradually, with monthly averages of 30.4°C (86.7°F) to 34.8°C (94.6°F), while the night temperatures stay between 23.2°C (73.8°F) to 25.9°C (78.6°F).
As spring proceeds, rainfall becomes more prominent reaching 126mm (4.96") in May. Humidity levels also show an ascent, with values rising from 71% in March to 79% by May.
Summer weather in Afikpo
Witnessing the height of the monsoon, summer in
Afikpo from
June to
August can be especially wet. The descending temperatures hover around 29.1°C (84.4°F) to 30.4°C (86.7°F) while nights maintain a cool range of 22.7°C (72.9°F) to 23.2°C (73.8°F).
These months present the highest rainfall with 219mm (8.62") in August being the annual peak. Humidity stays high throughout these months, fluctuating between the values of 86% and 88%.
Autumn weather in Afikpo
Autumn in
Afikpo, ranging from
September to
November, marks the retreat of monsoon and brings relief from incessant rainfall. Though beginning with 206mm (8.11") in September, the rainfall drops drastically to 57mm (2.24") by November.
However, the temperatures remain mild from 29.3°C (84.7°F) to 33.2°C (91.8°F) during the day and 22.7°C (72.9°F) to 23.8°C (74.8°F) at night.
Winter weather in Afikpo
Winter, commencing in
December to
February, is the driest season in
Afikpo. The rainfall decreases significantly to 7mm (0.28") and 12mm (0.47") in December and
January, while rising to 36mm (1.42") in February.
As for temperatures, they rise steadily with the onset of winter, peaking at 36.9°C (98.4°F) in February and falling to 30.8°C (87.4°F) in December. The night temperatures are within manageable values, staying between 22.9°C (73.2°F) to 24.6°C (76.3°F).
Weather in January
Starting the year,
January in
Afikpo,
Nigeria, sets a benchmark for how the forthcoming weather conditions in the city will unfold. The first month experiences warm temperatures and moderate humidity, true to the region's tropical monsoon climate.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Stepping from
January into
February,
Afikpo's weather continues to be warm, although there's a moderate increase in both temperatures and humidity. Gradually, rain starts to become a more common occurrence, hinting at a wetter season around the corner.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March in
Afikpo represents a significant shift from the relatively dryer months to the early phase of the wet season. Steadily increasing rain showers accompany the rising humidity. In comparison to its predecessor, March presents more grey skies as clouds start to gather, not to mention wind speeds that start to pick up.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
As
Afikpo moves into
April, the city is now well within the grasp of the wet season. Torrential downpours mark a stark contrast to the relatively restrained showers in
March. Coupled with this, cloud cover heightens and lower visibility becomes commonplace.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May is when
Afikpo is truly in the monsoon's grip. The weather pattern remains largely consistent with that of
April, though there are a few subtle changes to note. Higher humidity levels add to the city's overall dampness, and the diminished hours of sunlight signify that the wet season holds sway.
Weather in May » Weather in June
Transitioning from
May to
June in
Afikpo, the weather exhibits the ever-present dominance of the wet season. Higher cloud cover results in less daily sunshine hours, keeping the city darker than usual. With wind gusts maintaining their previous speed, it's quite a scene to witness the monsoon in full swing.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
When
July rolls around in
Afikpo, the city is right in the middle of the rainy season. Weather patterns from
June carry forward into this month, though changes, albeit minor, can be seen. July sees the peak of humidity, and the cloud cover is nearly constant, resulting in scarce sunshine hours.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August in
Afikpo presents conditions similar to those of
July, signifying the continuation of the rainy season. The weather hovers around peak humidity levels and precipitation is still plentiful. However, there comes a slight dip in temperatures, and the wind gusts remain committed to their speed from July.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September indicates a change of scene in
Afikpo's weather. Monsoon still dictates the climate, though there are signs of it losing its grip. Reduced rainfall, even if slight, hint at the rainy season tapering off. Humidity levels resume their decline and sunshine hours start to increase, painting a picture of brighter days ahead.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
As
Afikpo moves into
October, the city is subtly readjusting towards the dryer months. Telltale sign is the gradual increase in sunshine hours and an overall clearer sky. The wind continues to drop in speed, and temperatures begin to show a slight augmentation.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November in
Afikpo signifies a distinctive shift in weather. Embracing the sunny side again, the city experiences fewer rain showers and longer hours of sunshine. Humidity levels drop significantly, and the wind gusts continue their decline from
October.
Weather in November » Weather in December
To finish off the year,
Afikpo's weather in
December continues the drying trend set up by
November. The city eases into a much drier climate with clearer skies and longer hours of sunlight. While nights remain pleasantly cool, days become progressively warmer.
Weather in December » [Resources]