Lagos — Climate Guide
Monthly temperatures, rainfall, humidity and best time to visit Lagos.
Lagos climate at a glance
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 32°C | 22°C | 28mm | 77% |
| Feb | 33°C | 23°C | 46mm | 78% |
| Mar | 33°C | 24°C | 102mm | 80% |
| Apr | 32°C | 24°C | 150mm | 84% |
| May | 31°C | 24°C | 188mm | 86% |
| Jun | 29°C | 23°C | 313mm | 88% |
| Jul | 28°C | 23°C | 278mm | 87% |
| Aug | 28°C | 23°C | 64mm | 85% |
| Sep | 29°C | 23°C | 152mm | 87% |
| Oct | 30°C | 23°C | 206mm | 87% |
| Nov | 31°C | 23°C | 61mm | 84% |
| Dec | 32°C | 22°C | 25mm | 79% |
Climate overview
Lagos is Nigeria's largest city, spread across islands, lagoons and mainland along the Gulf of Guinea. Its climate is tropical savanna (Aw): hot and humid throughout the year, with average highs of 28–33°C and lows of 22–24°C. Humidity rarely drops below 75%, so the heat feels heavier than the numbers suggest.
Rain is what really changes through the year. Lagos receives about 1,600 mm annually, mostly in two rainy seasons: a long one from April to July, peaking in June at about 313 mm, and a shorter one in September and October. Between them comes the 'August break', a short, drier pause. From November to March, the dry season is shaped by the harmattan wind from the Sahara.
Köppen classification: Aw — tropical savanna
Lagos through the seasons
Dry season
November – MarchThe sunniest time of year, with highs of 31–33°C. February and March are the hottest months. From December to February, the harmattan can bring dry, dusty air and hazy skies, sometimes for days at a time.
Long rainy season
April – JulyRain increases from April and peaks in June. Heavy downpours and thunderstorms are frequent, and flooding is common in low-lying areas. Temperatures ease slightly, with highs around 28–31°C.
August break
AugustA short drier spell, with August averaging about 64 mm of rain and highs near 28°C — the coolest month of the year.
Short rainy season
September – OctoberRain returns, often heavily, with October averaging about 206 mm. By November, conditions dry out again.
What makes Lagos's weather distinctive
Flooding is the most significant weather issue in Lagos. Intense rain, low elevation, high tides and drainage challenges mean that heavy downpours can quickly flood streets, slow traffic for hours and affect homes. During the rainy seasons, it is wise to allow extra travel time.
The harmattan is the other notable phenomenon. In some years, the dust haze is thick enough to reduce visibility and delay flights. It also lowers humidity slightly, which can make dry-season mornings feel fresher.
Best time to visit Lagos
November to March is the best time to visit Lagos, during the dry season, with less rain, fewer floods and more sunshine. December is lively, with festivals and events. If you travel in the rainy season, July and August's 'break' can offer some drier days.
What to pack
- Lightweight, breathable clothing
- A sturdy umbrella and waterproof footwear in the rainy season
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Insect repellent
- A light scarf or mask for dusty harmattan days
Frequently asked questions
When is the rainy season in Lagos?
The main rainy season runs from April to July, peaking in June, with a second, shorter one in September and October.
What is the harmattan?
A dry, dusty northeasterly wind from the Sahara that affects Lagos mainly from December to February, bringing haze and lower humidity.
What is the hottest month in Lagos?
February and March, with average highs of 33°C.
Related reading
About this data: Monthly figures are rounded long-term averages consistent with published climate normals from national weather services and the World Meteorological Organization. Individual years can differ noticeably, and recent summers in many cities have run warmer than these averages. For current conditions and the next few days, use the live dashboard (data from WeatherAPI.com). Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it.
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