The climate of Jos
With regards to geographical placement,
Jos,
Nigeria is situated in the Köppen climate category of Aw. This indicates a tropical wet and dry climate, commonly referred to as the savanna climate and typical to certain parts of the world situated around the equator.
The general annual weather pattern demonstrates significant variations. Temperatures fluctuate between 30.5°C (86.9°F) and 25.1°C (77.2°F) during the day and descend to a range of 21.4°C (70.5°F) and 14.2°C (57.6°F) at night. The relativity humidity can vary significantly, ranging from 87% in
August to a parched 22% in
February.
Rainfall is decidedly seasonal, with very little to none from
November to
March, and a maximum recorded availability of 284mm (11.18") in
July. One of the more exceptional characteristics of this remote location emerges with the fluctuating rainfall. With zero millimeters throughout most of the dry season, the rainfall then peaks spectacularly in
June, July, and August, with an inundating 204mm (8.03") to 284mm (11.18") falling across the landscape.
The best time to visit Jos
Optimal periods to visit
Jos can be identified by analyzing climatological parameters for each month. The best time suggested for this visit in terms of favorable weather conditions is definitely during the dry period from
November to
March. This is when the climate remains relatively cool, and rainfall is virtually nonexistent, allowing sightseeing and outdoor activities to flourish unhindered.
The worst time to visit Jos
Conversely the period to avoid for a visit to
Jos would be from
June to
August. During this period, rainfall surges dramatically, rising to over 200mm (7.87") per month, and accumulated over a majority of the month's days, with up to 30.5 days in
July experiencing rainfall. Such a climate could hamper travel plans and limit outdoor engagement.
Spring weather in Jos
The Spring period in
Jos from
March to
May, shows relative temperature highs moving from 34.5°C (94.1°F) to 31.4°C (88.5°F) and lows from 19.5°C (67.1°F) to 21.4°C (70.5°F). Rainfall begins to mark its presence, escalating from a mere 9mm (0.35") in March to a substantial 117mm (4.61") by May. Daylight hours extend slightly over this period, offering 12.1 hours in March to 12.6 by May.
Summer weather in Jos
Summers in
Jos run from
June to
August and are characterized by a cooling trend. Temperatures decrease from 29.2°C (84.6°F) to 25.1°C (77.2°F), and minimum temperatures hover between 20°C (68°F) and 18.3°C (64.9°F). The highlight of this season is the heavy rainfall ranging from 204mm (8.03") to 272mm (10.71"). The number of daylight hours remains relatively constant, with an average of approximately 12.6 hours in June diminishing slightly to 12.4 hours in August.
Autumn weather in Jos
Autumn in
Jos transpires between
September to
November. Autumn demonstrates a decline in rainfall from a substantial 190mm (7.48") in September to zero by November.
October and November stand out as the driest months with almost no rainfall recorded. Simultaneously, temperatures increase from 26.9°C (80.4°F) to 30.1°C (86.2°F) during daytime and 18.5°C (65.3°F) to 17.5°C (63.5°F) at night.
Winter weather in Jos
Winter in
Jos, observed during the months of
December to
February, is characterized by the lowest levels of humidity, dropping as low as 22% in February. Daytime temperatures range from 29.5°C (85.1°F) to 32.9°C (91.2°F) and nighttime temperatures between 15°C (59°F) and 16.1°C (61°F). Virtually no precipitation occurs during these months, contributing to the distinctly dry and arid winter climate.
Weather in January
In
Jos,
Nigeria,
January presents clear, mostly sunny conditions. Humidity remains relatively low allowing for comfortable outdoor activities. Maximum temperatures are around 30.5°C (86.9°F), providing residents with warmth beneficial for the commencement of agricultural activities, considering the low rainfall of precisely 0mm (0").
Weather in January »Weather in February
In
February, the city experiences a minor change from
January's pattern. Sweat-inducing high temperatures peak at 32.9°C (91.2°F); this increase in warmth complements the slightly elevated humidity, making it a season of twin merchandise for sunscreen and water bottle vendors.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March announcing the arrival of spring is associated with the first showers in
Jos. Without causing any significant drop in temperature, the slight rainfall sees the dusting off of rain boots and umbrellas. Despite these changes, the temperature still reaches a sultry 34.5°C (94.1°F), representing the peak heat period in Jos.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Jos ushers in a discernible transformation in the city's weather dynamics. April stands at the intersection of rising humidity and increased rainfall of about 45mm (1.77"), setting the tone for the rainy season that's about to take full effect.
Weather in April » Weather in May
The weather in
May exhibits a dramatic shift from the preceding months as the wet season in
Jos Nigeria hits with full force. The rainfall in May soars to a splashy 117mm (4.61"), ushering in a period marked by high levels of humidity and frequent downpours.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June guarantees inhabitants to keep their raincoats at arm's length, as rainfall levels skyrocket to a substantial 204mm (8.03"). This period sees
Jos become a hub for indoor activities, as few dare to challenge the dominance of the rain.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July carries forward
June's torrential legacy as the rain charts a sky-high 284mm (11.18"), making it the rainiest month of the year in
Jos,
Nigeria. With this deluge, days of sunshine become a rarity and indoor activities continue to rule.
Weather in July » Weather in August
The wet season in
Jos continues into
August, though the downpours reduce slightly to 272mm (10.71"). Despite the slight decline, the city remains enveloped in a moist ambiance as late afternoons often give way to thunderstorms. The wettest quarter of the year gradually withdraws, seeing a marginal recede in rainfall levels.
Weather in August »Weather in September
In
Jos,
September plays a crucial role in the weather transition, marking a decline in the rain amount to 190mm (7.48"). This gradual shift earmarks better days for outdoor adventurers, waiting for a break in the rain clouds.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
With the arrival of
October, residents finally stow away their raincoats as
Jos experiences a significant drop to 107mm (4.21") of rainfall. October records warmer days under a clear sky, replenishing the city's tropical spirit, once again dominated by the sun.
Weather in October »Weather in November
As
November greets
Jos, the city welcomes substantial relief from the rainy months. The weather becomes mostly dry with no rainfall at all, paving the way for sunny and warm days. With clear skies and comfortable temperatures at night, November delivers a delightful combination of warmth in the day and respite from the heat in the night.
Weather in November »Weather in December
In
Jos,
December is synonymous with festive spirit and admirably clear weather. Joining the league of
November, December also records a dry spell with no rainfall. The consistency of the dry pattern makes the city a pleasant destination for Christmas celebrations.
Weather in December » [Resources]