Is the weather good in Nigeria in January 2026?
For the past few decades, the average daily temperatures in Nigeria during January have been around +33°C.
In Nigeria the temperature rarely varies more than seven degrees between the different parts with the highest temperature +33°C in Abuja to +31°C in Lagos. So you should be able to pack for similar conditions wherever you go in the country.
Temperature, wind and humidity in January
- rainiest? Lagos, with an average of 1 mm of rain and humidity of 78%;
- warmest? Abuja, with daytime temperatures averaging +34°C;
- windiest? Lagos, with an average of 2 m/s;
- coolest? Lagos, with daytime temperatures averaging +31°C;
How good is the weather in Nigeria in January?
How warm is it in Nigeria during January?
This is how hot it usually is in January
- Average maximum temperature for the month: +33°C;
- Average minimum temperature for the month: +22°C;
- Highest monthly temperature: +33°C;
- Lowest monthly temperature: +22°C;
Monthly temperatures:
- Warmest: February with an average +34°C during the day;
- Coldest: August with an average +27°C of the day;
- Hottest month in hottest city: March in Abuja;
- Coldest month in coolest city: July in Lagos;
Can you swim in Nigeria in January?
Winds in Nigeria during January
January tends to offer light winds averaging 2 m/s. However, coastal cities may experience breezes during the mornings and afternoons.
Comparison between cities in January:
- Highest average wind speed: Lagos with 2 m/s;
- Lowest average wind speed: Abuja with 1 m/s;
- Windiest day of the month: Lagos with 2 m/s;
- The least windy day of the month: Abuja with 1 m/s;
Humidity and precipitation in Nigeria in January
Comparison between cities in January:
- Highest average rainfall: Lagos with 31 mm;
- Lowest average rainfall: Abuja with 2 mm;
- Most number of rainy days: Lagos with 16 rainy days;
- Least number of rainy days: Abuja with 2 rainy days;
- Highest risk of rain during the day: Lagos with 52%;
- Least risk of rain during the day: Abuja with 6%;
- Highest average humidity: Lagos with 78%;
- Lowest average humidity: Abuja with 35%;
Tips for traveling to Nigeria in January
Looking for some tips for traveling to the sun, snow, or whatever you're aiming for Nigeria? Activities, weather, and clothing are closely linked. In addition, it's important to pack only what you really need so you don't have to worry about heavy packing or paying extra baggage fees.
Here is some advice on what to pack and what kind of activities you can do in the Nigeria based on the weather that January is expected to bring. The advice applies to the country as a whole – local weather and possible activities may differ somewhat.
Pack right for January
- For light showers, an umbrella or a thin and light rain cape is usually sufficient, while more rain may require rainwear and rain boots.
- Long, hot days bring risks - weather like this is one of the most challenging things we can do to our bodies. It's best to avoid going to Nigeria when it's so hot. Secondly, keep cool by staying in the shade, the pool or in an air-conditioned room. Pack clothes for the sun, for swimming but also for hydration.
- Light winds are probably most comfortable in hot weather but is cooling in cool and cold weather. If it is hot (when the air temperature is about 30 degrees), the wind can have a warming effect. A thin, windproof jacket and long trousers help to counteract these effects.
- High humidity means that the air conducts heat to and from the skin more easily. For example, if the air is hot (above skin temperature), it will be harder to stay cool. On the other hand, if the air is cool or cold, it is more difficult to stay warm. In high humidity, the choice of clothing makes less of a difference. However, your physical activity plays a bigger role.
FAQ
What can you do outside when it's warm in Nigeria?
Is January a good time to visit Nigeria?
Monthly weather in Nigeria
Source of the data
For this page, we’ve looked at the typical weather in Nigeria, based on historical hourly weather data from January 1, 1979, to December 31, 2023.
For past dates, we show actual recorded data at the location at that time. Forecasts are based on recorded weather during that day of the year, averaged over the total years for which we have records (unless stated otherwise). The daily temperature is the highest recorded temperature in the shadow during that day.
