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Weather in Nigeria in May – is it worth traveling to?

Is the weather pleasant in Nigeria? See historical weather data for May to see if it meets your needs.
Check flight prices to Nigeria on Avionero:
May

Is the weather good in Nigeria in May 2025?

OK Weather
Hot
🌧️
Rainy

For the past few decades, the average daily temperatures in Nigeria during May have been around +31°C.

In Nigeria the temperature rarely varies more than seven degrees between the different parts with the highest temperature +31°C in Abuja to +30°C in Lagos. So you should be able to pack for similar conditions wherever you go in the country.

Temperature, wind and humidity in May

Average
Abuja
Lagos
☀️
+31°C
Avg. max. temperature
+21°C
Min.
+40°C
Max.
165 mm
Total precipitation
81%
Avg. humidity
2 m/s
Avg. wind
0 ☀️
Sunny Days
3 ⛅️
Cloudy
23 🌦
Rainy
Our opinion: Nigeria has OK weather in May.
Nigeria in May – what city is the…
  • rainiest? Lagos, with an average of 6 mm of rain and humidity of 84%;
  • warmest? Abuja, with daytime temperatures averaging +31°C;
  • windiest? Lagos, with an average of 2 m/s;
  • coolest? Lagos, with daytime temperatures averaging +30°C;

How good is the weather in Nigeria in May?

During May, the Nigeria is characterized by variable weather with air pressure around 1011 HPa and therefore elements of sun, rain, and wind – with a little extra emphasis on the latter two. The humidity in May ranges between 78% in Abuja and 84% in Lagos.

How warm is it in Nigeria during May?

Variable weather with sun, rain and wind: +31°C in average daily temperature.

This is how hot it usually is in May

The average daily temperatures above don't tell you everything about how hot it can be in Nigeria. For example, cold nights can make a big difference for those staying in tents or unheated houses. Extra hot days, on the other hand, can make a big difference for those who plan to engage in demanding physical training or competition. So here are some more temperatures for May:
Average
Abuja
Lagos
  • Average maximum temperature for the month: +31°C;
  • Average minimum temperature for the month: +24°C;
  • Highest monthly temperature: +32°C;
  • Lowest monthly temperature: +24°C;

Monthly temperatures:

Average
Abuja
Lagos
  • 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 May?

Here are the minimum and maximum water temperatures in cities in Nigeria in May:
Lagos
🔥
Very warm
28°C - 30°C
You can definitely swim in Lagos in May, with the water temperature of +28°C and up.

Winds in Nigeria during May

Wind speed in Nigeria in May based on historical data:
Average
Abuja
Lagos

May tends to offer light winds averaging 2 m/s. However, coastal cities may experience breezes during the mornings and afternoons.

Comparison between cities in May:

  • 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 May

Amount of rainfall in mm during May in Nigeria based on historical data:
Average
Abuja
Lagos
May tends to be an extremely humid month with 75% humidity and 122 mm rainfall. In general the humidity tends to be a little lower in mountainous regions and more humid closer to water.

Comparison between cities in May:

Average
Abuja
Lagos
  • Highest average rainfall: Lagos with 194 mm;
  • Lowest average rainfall: Abuja with 135 mm;
  • Most number of rainy days: Abuja with 23 rainy days;
  • Least number of rainy days: Lagos with 22 rainy days;
  • Highest risk of rain during the day: Abuja with 74%;
  • Least risk of rain during the day: Lagos with 71%;
  • Highest average humidity: Lagos with 84%;
  • Lowest average humidity: Abuja with 78%;

Tips for traveling to Nigeria in May

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 May is expected to bring. The advice applies to the country as a whole – local weather and possible activities may differ somewhat.

rainy, hot weather with light winds and very high humidity in May
Avionero

Pack right for May

The weather makes a difference when it comes to packing - especially which items should go in your suitcase. The tips below are designed to help you pack light and right without carrying more than necessary.
  • 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

Frequently asked questions about the weather in Nigeria in May:

What can you do outside when it's warm in Nigeria?

Bathing and sunbathing can be suitable. Warm (but not hot) days are also good for activities that are not so physically demanding: sightseeing on foot, by boat, on a scooter, camel riding. You can also exercise easily as long as you make sure to cool down and quench thirst.

Is May a good time to visit Nigeria?

It’s always a good time to visit Nigeria, but the weather is changeable in May, so plan a mix of indoor and outdoor activities and exploring, and pack for every eventuality.

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.