Expand
Contents
- The climate of Port Harcourt
- The best time to visit Port Harcourt
- The worst time to visit Port Harcourt
- Spring weather in Port Harcourt
- Summer weather in Port Harcourt
- Autumn weather in Port Harcourt
- Winter weather in Port Harcourt
- Weather in January
- Weather in February
- Weather in March
- Weather in April
- Weather in May
- Weather in June
- Weather in July
- Weather in August
- Weather in September
- Weather in October
- Weather in November
- Weather in December
- Frequently asked questions
- Average temperature
- Average pressure
- Average wind speed
- Average humidity
- Average rainfall
- Average rainfall days
- Average sea temperature
- Average daylight
- Average sunshine
- Average sunshine days
- Average UV index
- Average cloud cover
- Average visibility
Climate and monthly weather forecast
The climate of Port Harcourt
Port Harcourt, a bustling Nigerian city, sits under the Koppen climate classification Am, designating it as a zone with tropical monsoon conditions. The city experiences high heat and extreme humidity year-round, compounded by infrequent but intense rainfall, commonly seen in tropical regions.
In terms of temperature, Port Harcourt's range from a low of 21.8°C (71.2°F) in August to a high of 32.8°C (91°F) in January displays minimal fluctuation throughout the year. This steady heat is accompanied by equally persistent humidity, peaking at a stifling 88% during the mid-year months and only easing slightly to 70% at the start and end of the calendar year.
Rainfall in Port Harcourt follows a rather predictable pattern with intensity building from a low 65mm (2.56") in January to a peak of 293mm (11.54") in July. Most noteworthy is the sharp contrast in the amount of rainfall between the first and second halves of the year, transitioning from relative dryness to a constant downpour. The cloud cover increases proportionally to the rainfall, illuminating another facet of the tropical monsoon climate.
In terms of temperature, Port Harcourt's range from a low of 21.8°C (71.2°F) in August to a high of 32.8°C (91°F) in January displays minimal fluctuation throughout the year. This steady heat is accompanied by equally persistent humidity, peaking at a stifling 88% during the mid-year months and only easing slightly to 70% at the start and end of the calendar year.
Rainfall in Port Harcourt follows a rather predictable pattern with intensity building from a low 65mm (2.56") in January to a peak of 293mm (11.54") in July. Most noteworthy is the sharp contrast in the amount of rainfall between the first and second halves of the year, transitioning from relative dryness to a constant downpour. The cloud cover increases proportionally to the rainfall, illuminating another facet of the tropical monsoon climate.
The best time to visit Port Harcourt
Considering weather parameters like temperature, humidity, and rainfall, the ideal time to visit Port Harcourt would be between January and March. During these three months, the rainfall remains relatively low, with levels between 65mm (2.56") to 135mm (5.31"). Combined with the highest relative sunshine hours, about 8.3 hours to 9.4 hours, and temperature highs ranging from 31.2°C (88.2°F) to 32.8°C (91°F), this period provides the best conditions for outdoor tourist activities.
The worst time to visit Port Harcourt
The months from June to September are arguably unfavorable for travel to Port Harcourt due to the city's highest relative humidity of around 87% to 88%. This period is accompanied by the heaviest rainfall, with volumes reaching between 213mm (8.39") and 293mm (11.54"). The cloud cover is most dense, reaching highs of 76% to 78%, and the sunshine hours diminish to a scant 3.4 hours to 5.2 hours.
Spring weather in Port Harcourt
During March to May, Port Harcourt experiences increased rainfall levels of 135mm (5.31") to 176mm (6.93") and a decrease in relative sunshine hours to 8.3 hours to 7.2 hours. The average maximum temperatures range from 31.5°C (88.7°F) to 30.3°C (86.5°F), while the average modest decrease in visibility to 9km (5.6mi) to 8km (5mi). The UV Index drops to 6, putting the city in the high range category.
Summer weather in Port Harcourt
Port Harcourt faces its peak monsoon characteristics between June and August, as rainfall reaches its yearly maximum at 213mm (8.39") in June to an extreme 293mm (11.54") by July. The oppressive monsoon conditions include an overwhelming humidity of around 88% and reduced sunshine hours to a mere 3.9 hours to 5.2 hours. Despite the harsh conditions, the temperature remains relatively comfortable, varying from 26.8°C (80.2°F) to 28°C (82.4°F).
Autumn weather in Port Harcourt
The autumn months from September to November see a gradual improvement in conditions as the rainfall decreases to between 256mm (10.08") to 181mm (7.13"). The city enjoys a tad more sunshine, with daily averages increasing to between 4.4 hours and 8.2 hours. The maximum temperature remains almost consistent, between 26.9°C (80.4°F) and 30.2°C (86.4°F), accompanied by reduced humidity levels of 88% to 82%.
Winter weather in Port Harcourt
Winter conditions mimic the general persistence of temperatures, as levels hover from a comfortable 30.2°C (86.4°F) to 32°C (89.6°F). Rainfall declines to just 45mm (1.77") by December, the lowest for the year, while the humidity drops to 72%. The city concludes the year with enriched sunshine hours that stretch to 9.6 hours, the highest figure for the year, and the UV index ascends back up to 7.
Weather in January
January brings a welcome change from the blistering heat of the preceding months in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. As temperature drops, it provides respite with an average low of 22.8°C (73°F) and a modest high around 32.8°C (91°F). Weather in January »
Weather in February
The February climate in Port Harcourt is marked by a deepening warmth with an increase in humidity. Notably, the sea temperature peaks to about 28.4°C (83.1°F), enticing beach lovers and aquatic adventurers alike. Furthermore, rainfall sees a marked increase compared to the preceding month. Weather in February »
Weather in March
As March unfolds in Port Harcourt, visitors and locals alike must brace for a gradual increase in overall temperature and relative humidity. This month features a considerable leap in rainfall, recording an estimated 135mm (5.31") typically spread over 26.8 days. Weather in March »
Weather in April
April marks the pinnacle of the tropical climate in Port Harcourt with temperature hovering near a high of 31.2°C (88.2°F). Furthermore, the month sees an increased trend in overall rainfall, with approximately 149mm (5.87") anticipated. Weather in April »
Weather in May
May solidifies Port Harcourt's reputation as a high-humidity destination. With rain being a regular occurrence, the wettest period of the year truly settles in. It is crucial to note, however, that despite the mounting rainfall touching 176mm (6.93"), there is no sign of extreme weather or hazards. Weather in May »
Weather in June
June in Port Harcourt manifests a typical tropical monsoon climate with a slower pace of life due to the unfailing rain and high humidity. In this month, the overall temperature witnesses a slight drop, making the long days somewhat more bearable. Weather in June »
Weather in July
July continues the monsoon trend in Port Harcourt, narrating a tale of persistent rain, subdued sunshine, and comfortable temperatures. Interestingly, this month witnesses the wind speed reaching up to 8.9km/h (5.5mph), bringing some respite from the rain-soaked surroundings. Weather in July »
Weather in August
In August, the tropical monsoon influence is prominent in Port Harcourt's weather. The city sees a further increase in wind speed, and sea temperature remains steady, offering some balance amidst the monsoon's characteristic high humidity and rainfall. Weather in August »
Weather in September
Come September, Port Harcourt starts transitioning from monsoon-laden days to drier times. A notable trend this month is the gradual decrease of rain experienced in the preceding months, signaling the nearing end of the monsoon season. Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in Port Harcourt witnesses the onset of a transition phase, characterized by a decrease in both rainfall and humidity. The month heralds the end of the lengthy monsoon season. The city sees fewer rain-laden clouds in its sky, replaced by an increased number of sunlit hours. Weather in October »
Weather in November
November marks a significant shift in Port Harcourt's weather as it moves towards the drier end of its tropical spectrum. The sun once again reigns supreme for approximately 8.2 hours a day, a clear indication of the receding monsoon. Weather in November »
Weather in December
December concludes the annual weather cycle in Port Harcourt, bearing witness to a return to the lower end of the spectrum in terms of rainfall, with a recorded average of 45mm (1.77"). This decrease corresponds with an increase in sunshine hours per day, reaffirming the arrival of the dry months. Weather in December »
Updated: Jan 25, 2024
Published by: Weather Atlas | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Published by: Weather Atlas | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Frequently asked questions
What month is the hottest in Port Harcourt?
With average high temperatures of 32.8°C (91°F) and lows of 22.8°C (73°F), January is the warmest month in Port Harcourt.
What is the least humid month in Port Harcourt?
The least humid month is January, with an average relative humidity of 70%.
How much does it rain in Port Harcourt?
In Port Harcourt, Nigeria, during the entire year, the rain falls for 310.7 days and collects up to 2138mm (84.17") of precipitation.
What is the month with the highest UV index in Port Harcourt?
January, February, April, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 7, are months with the highest UV index in Port Harcourt.
What is the month with the warmest sea water in Port Harcourt?
With an average sea temperature of 28.9°C (84°F), April is the month with the warmest seawater in Port Harcourt.
When are the longest days in Port Harcourt?
The month with the longest days in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, is June, with an average of 12h and 24min of daylight.
What are the coldest months in Port Harcourt?
Temperature readings in Port Harcourt reach their annual highs in July, averaging 26.8°C (80.2°F) and a minimum average of 21.9°C (71.4°F).
What is the most humid month in Port Harcourt?
July and September, with an average relative humidity of 88%, are most humid months.
What is the wettest month in Port Harcourt?
The month with the most rainfall in Port Harcourt is July, when the rain falls for 29.8 days and typically aggregates up to 293mm (11.54") of precipitation.
What are the months with the lowest UV index in Port Harcourt?
The months with the lowest UV index in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, are July and August, with an average maximum UV index of 5.
When is the sea coldest in Port Harcourt?
With an average sea temperature of 26.1°C (79°F), August is the month with the coldest seawater in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
What is the month with the least sunshine in Port Harcourt?
August has the least sunshine of the year in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, with an average of 3.4h of sunshine.
What is the driest month in Port Harcourt?
The month with the least rainfall is December, when the rain falls for 17.5 days and typically collects 45mm (1.77") of precipitation.
What is the month with the shortest days in Port Harcourt?
December has the shortest days of the year in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, with an average of 11h and 54min of daylight.
Is there Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Port Harcourt?
Port Harcourt does not observe Daylight Saving Time (DST). WAT timezone is used over the entire year.
What month has the most sunshine in Port Harcourt?
With an average of 9.6h of sunshine, December has the most sunshine of the year.
Average temperature
Port Harcourt, Nigeria
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is January (32.8°C).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is July (26.8°C).
The month with the highest average low temperature is March (24.3°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is August (21.8°C).
Average pressure
Port Harcourt, Nigeria
- Average pressure in January:
1010.6mbar - Average pressure in February:
1009.7mbar - Average pressure in March:
1009.8mbar - Average pressure in April:
1010mbar - Average pressure in May:
1011.2mbar - Average pressure in June:
1013mbar
- Average pressure in July:
1013.6mbar - Average pressure in August:
1013.5mbar - Average pressure in September:
1012.8mbar - Average pressure in October:
1011.3mbar - Average pressure in November:
1010.3mbar - Average pressure in December:
1010.4mbar
The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is July (1013.6mbar).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is February (1009.7mbar).
Average wind speed
Port Harcourt, Nigeria
- Average wind speed in January:
7.2km/h - Average wind speed in February:
8.3km/h - Average wind speed in March:
8.5km/h - Average wind speed in April:
8km/h - Average wind speed in May:
7.5km/h - Average wind speed in June:
8.1km/h
- Average wind speed in July:
8.9km/h - Average wind speed in August:
9.6km/h - Average wind speed in September:
8km/h - Average wind speed in October:
6.7km/h - Average wind speed in November:
6.3km/h - Average wind speed in December:
6.5km/h
The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is August (9.6km/h).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is November (6.3km/h).
Average humidity
Port Harcourt, Nigeria
The months with the highest relative humidity are July and September (88%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is January (70%).
Average rainfall
Port Harcourt, Nigeria
- Average rainfall in January:
65mm - Average rainfall in February:
86mm - Average rainfall in March:
135mm - Average rainfall in April:
149mm - Average rainfall in May:
176mm - Average rainfall in June:
213mm
- Average rainfall in July:
293mm - Average rainfall in August:
256mm - Average rainfall in September:
283mm - Average rainfall in October:
256mm - Average rainfall in November:
181mm - Average rainfall in December:
45mm
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is July (293mm).
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is December (45mm).
Average rainfall days
Port Harcourt, Nigeria
- Average rainfall days in January:
14.9 days - Average rainfall days in February:
20.7 days - Average rainfall days in March:
26.8 days - Average rainfall days in April:
26.3 days - Average rainfall days in May:
27.4 days - Average rainfall days in June:
28.8 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
29.8 days - Average rainfall days in August:
30.1 days - Average rainfall days in September:
29.8 days - Average rainfall days in October:
30.1 days - Average rainfall days in November:
28.5 days - Average rainfall days in December:
17.5 days
The months with the highest number of rainy days are August and October (30.1 days).
The month with the least rainy days is January (14.9 days).
Average sea temperature
Port Harcourt, Nigeria
The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is April (28.9°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is August (26.1°C).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Port Harcourt, Nigeria
- Average daylight in January:
11h and 5min - Average daylight in February:
12h and 0min - Average daylight in March:
12h and 1min - Average daylight in April:
12h and 1min - Average daylight in May:
12h and 2min - Average daylight in June:
12h and 2min
- Average daylight in July:
12h and 2min - Average daylight in August:
12h and 2min - Average daylight in September:
12h and 1min - Average daylight in October:
12h and 0min - Average daylight in November:
11h and 5min - Average daylight in December:
11h and 5min
The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 12h and 24min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 11h and 54min).
- Average sunshine in January:
9h and 2min - Average sunshine in February:
8h and 5min - Average sunshine in March:
8h and 2min - Average sunshine in April:
8h and 1min - Average sunshine in May:
7h and 1min - Average sunshine in June:
5h and 1min
- Average sunshine in July:
3h and 5min - Average sunshine in August:
3h and 2min - Average sunshine in September:
4h and 2min - Average sunshine in October:
6h and 2min - Average sunshine in November:
8h and 1min - Average sunshine in December:
9h and 4min
The month with the most sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 9h and 36min).
The month with the least sunshine is August (Average sunshine: 3h and 24min).
Average sunshine days
Port Harcourt, Nigeria
- Average sunshine days in January:
15.3 days - Average sunshine days in February:
6.8 days - Average sunshine days in March:
3.2 days - Average sunshine days in April:
3.2 days - Average sunshine days in May:
2.5 days - Average sunshine days in June:
0.8 days
- Average sunshine days in July:
0.8 days - Average sunshine days in August:
0.7 days - Average sunshine days in September:
0.2 days - Average sunshine days in October:
0.7 days - Average sunshine days in November:
0.8 days - Average sunshine days in December:
12.3 days
The month with the most sunshine days is January (15.3 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is September (0.2 days).
Average UV index
Port Harcourt, Nigeria
The months with the highest UV index are January, February, April, November and December (UV index 7).
The months with the lowest UV index are July and August (UV index 5).
Average cloud cover
Port Harcourt, Nigeria
The month with the most cloud cover is August (Cloud cover 78).
The months with the least cloud cover are January and December (Cloud cover 26).
Average visibility
Port Harcourt, Nigeria
The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, April and December (9km).
The months with the lowest visibility are July, August, September and October (7km).
