Planning a trip to Lagos? You’ll want to think about the weather. Lagos has a tropical climate, and you’ll notice two main seasons: dry and rainy.
You’ll find the best time to visit Lagos is during the dry season, from November to March. It’s just more comfortable, with way less rain.
During these months, expect warm days, lots of sunshine, and humidity that’s not nearly as intense as the rest of the year.
It’s a great stretch for getting outdoors, lounging on the city’s beaches, and soaking up the lively culture without having to dodge downpours.
If you know how Lagos weather changes through the year, you can plan your trip better.
Once you get the hang of the dry and wet seasons, you’ll have an easier time picking the right time for sightseeing, beach days, or even just enjoying the nightlife.
Understanding Lagos Weather Patterns
Lagos stays warm all year, but the rain and humidity swing back and forth between wet and dry seasons.
If you know when those changes hit, you can plan activities and avoid getting caught in heavy rain. It’s just more comfortable for exploring the city’s beaches and outdoor spots.
Climate Overview
Lagos sits right along the Atlantic coast, so it gets a tropical savanna climate.
Daytime temps usually hover between 28°C and 31°C, while nights cool off to around 24°C to 27°C.
Humidity? It’s high—often over 75%. That can make the air feel even hotter than the thermometer says.
Rainfall is no joke either. Lagos gets about 1,700 mm a year.
The city’s climate splits into a rainy season and a dry season.
Rainy months bring lots of showers and clouds, while the dry season means clearer skies and less humidity.
These swings really shape how comfortable it feels outside and how easy it is to get around.
Seasonal Variations
You’ll find the rainy season usually arrives in April and sticks around until October.
June is the wettest month, often getting over 300 mm of rain in just a couple of weeks.
Flooded roads are common, and outdoor plans can get washed out.
The dry season kicks off in November and runs through March.
January and February are the driest, with barely any rain.
You’ll see a lot more sunshine and clearer skies then.
Humidity really spikes in the rainy season—up to about 87% in June. By March, it drops closer to 76%.
Even though the temperature doesn’t change much, that humidity shift makes a big difference in how it feels.
Monthly Temperature Trends
Lagos doesn’t have wild temperature swings from month to month.
February tends to be the hottest, with days near 31°C and nights around 27°C.
By August, which lands in the heart of the rainy season, daytime highs dip to about 28°C, and nights cool to 24°C.
It might not sound like much, but the rain and clouds make the air feel heavier.
Here’s a quick look at the averages:
| Month | Avg. High | Avg. Low | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 30°C | 25°C | 37 |
| June | 29°C | 25°C | 313 |
| August | 28°C | 24°C | 200+ |
| December | 30°C | 25°C | 40 |
So, you don’t have to worry much about extreme heat. It’s really the rain and humidity that matter most.
Dry Season: Optimal Months to Visit
The dry season, from November through March, brings lower humidity, cooler nights, and barely any rain.
These months are the safest bet for outdoor fun, festivals, and exploring Lagos’s beaches.
Weather Conditions During the Dry Season
In the dry season, Lagos usually sees daytime temps between 27°C and 32°C (81°F–90°F).
Nights cool off a bit, dropping to the mid-20s°C (mid-70s°F).
Rain is rare—just a few light showers each month.
You might notice the harmattan winds from the Sahara in December and January. They can make the sky hazy and the air drier.
The haze isn’t always pretty, but it does lower the humidity and make the heat easier to handle.
Humidity often drops below 70%. That’s a big difference from the wet season and makes it a lot nicer to be outside.
If you want weather you can count on, this is the time.
Benefits of Visiting in the Dry Season
You’ll get more time outdoors without having to duck for cover from heavy rain.
Flooded roads are less of an issue, so traffic jams caused by water are rare.
Beaches like Tarkwa Bay and Elegushi are at their best, with calm water for swimming and water sports.
You can also check out the Lekki Conservation Centre and other outdoor spots without worrying about muddy trails or getting soaked.
Hotels and flights fill up fast from December to February, so prices can spike.
But you get the bonus of peak cultural events and reliable weather.
If you want to save, try November or March. The weather still holds up, but the crowds thin out.
Key Events and Festivals
The dry season brings a bunch of cultural events that make Lagos even more exciting.
- Lagos Carnival (December): Expect parades, music, and wild costumes.
- Felabration (October, sometimes stretching into the dry months): A festival for Fela Kuti, packed with live shows.
- Lagos Fashion Week (late October/November): A big deal for Nigerian and African designers.
- New Year festivities: Outdoor concerts, beach parties, and fireworks light up the coast.
If you want to see Lagos at its liveliest, these events are worth planning for.
Wet Season: What to Expect
When the wet season rolls in, Lagos gets heavy rain, high humidity, and sometimes serious flooding in certain areas.
These conditions can slow you down, impact your travel plans, and even affect hotel prices and availability.
Knowing what’s coming helps you get ready for the ups and downs of the season.
Rainfall and Humidity Levels
The wet season usually runs from April to mid-November, with the heaviest rain in June and July.
Downpours can get intense, mostly in the afternoons or evenings.
It doesn’t rain all day, but when it does, it can really mess with outdoor plans.
Humidity stays high, often above 80%. The air feels warmer than it actually is, with temps usually between 25°C and 32°C (77°F–90°F).
Flooding happens fast in low areas, especially on Lagos Island and main roads.
After a heavy rain, water can stick around for hours, making traffic crawl.
If you’re exploring the city, expect some delays due to waterlogged streets.
Travel Considerations in the Wet Season
Traveling now means you’ll need to plan ahead.
After rain, Lagos roads get packed, and traffic slows down a lot.
Give yourself extra time if you’ve got places to be or flights to catch.
Indoor spots become more appealing—think museums, art galleries, and restaurants. They’re open all year and don’t care about the weather.
Hotels tend to be cheaper now compared to the busy December–February stretch.
If you’re on a budget, you might snag a deal, but pick places with good drainage and backup power. Heavy rain can knock out electricity.
Carry a small umbrella or waterproof jacket to stay dry.
If you’re heading out of town, check the forecast. Rural areas can get even more rain and have tricky roads.
Monthly Breakdown: Lagos Weather by Month
Lagos has a tropical climate with a dry season from November to March and a rainy season from April to October.
It’s always warm, but the rain, humidity, and sunshine shift a lot month to month.
January to March
From January to March, Lagos heats up.
Daytime highs often sit between 33°C and 34°C, and nights stay warm at 23–25°C.
Humidity is moderate, making it a bit easier to handle.
Rain barely shows up in January and February—less than 50 mm each month.
March brings a little more rain, but it’s still manageable.
You’ll get 5–6 hours of sun each day, so there’s plenty of daylight for outdoor fun.
The sea is warm, around 28–29°C, perfect for beach trips and swimming.
Winds are usually light, though sometimes you’ll notice hazy skies from the Harmattan.
Travelers love this time for the mix of heat, low rain, and good visibility.
If you like it dry, this is your window.
April to June
April signals the start of the wet season.
Rain picks up fast, jumping from about 140 mm in April to nearly 300 mm in June—the year’s wettest month.
Showers are often short but heavy, sometimes with a thunderstorm thrown in.
Temps stay high, with days at 29–30°C and nights rarely below 22°C.
Humidity climbs over 80%, making it feel even hotter.
Sunshine drops as clouds roll in. In June, you might only see 4 hours of sun a day.
You’ll need to stay flexible, since rain can hit without much warning.
The sea stays warm, averaging 28–29°C.
You can still swim, though the water might be a bit murkier from all the rain.
July to September
July and August bring a short “August break,” when the rain eases up a bit.
Showers still happen, but rainfall drops to 70–200 mm, depending on the month.
September gets wetter again, with over 200 mm of rain.
Temps cool off slightly. Daytime highs hit 28–29°C, and lows are near 22°C.
These are the mildest months, but humidity stays high at 85–87%.
Sunshine is scarce in July and August—maybe 3–4 hours a day.
The sea cools to about 25.5–26.5°C in August.
Swimming is still possible, but the water won’t feel as warm.
This isn’t the most popular time for tourists, mostly because of the rain and cloudy skies, but if you don’t mind dodging showers, it’s doable.
October to December
By October, Lagos starts shifting back to the dry season.
Rain drops from about 180 mm in October to under 25 mm in December.
Rainy days become rare, so planning outdoor stuff gets a lot easier.
Temps climb again, with days at 30–33°C and nights at 22–23°C.
Humidity eases, especially by December, making the air feel lighter.
Sunshine returns, with 5–6 hours a day, and skies clear up.
November and December are especially good for exploring.
The sea warms back to 28–29°C, great for swimming and water sports.
Winds stay light, and you might see a bit more Harmattan haze in December, but it’s usually mild in Lagos.
This stretch is one of the most reliable for travel—warm weather, hardly any rain, and lots of daylight.
Choosing the Best Time to Visit for Your Interests
Weather shapes how you’ll experience Lagos.
Dry months are best for outdoor adventures, festival season is packed with energy, and the rainy months can mean cheaper prices and fewer crowds.
Outdoor Activities and Sightseeing
If you want to hit the beach or check out some landmarks, the dry season from November to February usually brings the best weather. The harmattan winds during these months cool things down, drop the humidity, and clear up the skies.
This is honestly the best period for visiting Tarkwa Bay Beach, Lekki Conservation Centre, or hopping on a boat ride across Lagos Lagoon. You can stroll through markets like Balogun without stressing about getting caught in heavy rain.
March still works for sightseeing, since the rain stays pretty light, but you’ll definitely notice the heat and humidity ramping up. From April through July and September, heavy downpours often flood the streets and cause traffic jams, so outdoor adventures get tricky.
For the most comfort, plan your sightseeing in the dry months and try to get started early, before the afternoon sun gets too harsh.
Cultural Experiences and Festivals
Lagos always has something happening on its cultural calendar. If you time your trip around key events, you’ll get a much richer experience. December gets wild, with concerts, art shows, and nightlife—people call it “Detty December” for a reason. Holiday markets, stage plays, and big city parties take over the scene.
In April, festivals like the GTCO Food & Drink Festival and Lagos International Jazz Festival bring together local and international talent. October and November are also packed with culture, thanks to Lagos Fashion Week, ARTXLagos, and the Lagos Book & Art Festival, which always draw big crowds.
Even when it’s pouring outside, Lagos keeps its cultural life buzzing indoors. Spots like Terra Kulture and Muson Centre put on plays, concerts, and art shows all year, so you’ll still have plenty to do if the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Budget-Friendly Travel Periods
If you’re looking to save on flights and hotels, try visiting during the rainy season between March and July or in September. Prices usually drop because fewer tourists show up.
The downside? You’ll deal with hot, sticky days and frequent rain that can mess up outdoor plans. Still, restaurants, art galleries, and nightlife stay open and lively no matter what.
August and October can also work well for budget-conscious travelers. August usually brings a short break from the rain, and October has nicer weather before December’s rush. If you book early in these months, you can snag lower rates before the holiday prices kick in.
Travel Tips for Visiting Lagos Based on Weather
Lagos has a tropical climate, and you’ll notice a big difference between the dry and rainy seasons. If you pack smart and prep for the usual health and safety stuff, you can enjoy the city in comfort, whatever the weather decides to do.
What to Pack for Each Season
During the dry season (November–March), pack lightweight cotton or linen to stay comfortable in the heat. Evenings in December and January might feel a bit chilly because of the harmattan, so toss in a light jacket or sweater. Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat are must-haves—the sun doesn’t play around.
For the rainy season (April–October), bring a small umbrella and waterproof shoes. Streets flood fast, so water-resistant shoes or sandals with good grip really help. Light, breathable clothes are still best, but quick-dry fabrics make life easier when those sudden showers hit.
A power bank is always handy, since Lagos traffic and power cuts are just part of the deal. If you’re planning a beach day at Tarkwa Bay or Elegushi, don’t forget swimwear, flip-flops, and a towel.
Packing checklist by season:
| Season | Essentials |
|---|---|
| Dry (Nov–Mar) | Light clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses, light jacket |
| Rainy (Apr–Oct) | Umbrella, waterproof shoes, quick-dry clothes |
| Both | Power bank, insect repellent, reusable water bottle |
Health and Safety Considerations
Lagos heat and humidity can really sneak up on you and cause dehydration. I recommend carrying bottled or filtered water—drink often, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
Don’t trust the tap water. Stick with sealed bottles from vendors you know are reliable.
Mosquitoes swarm, especially when it’s rainy. Slather on insect repellent with DEET. If you’re staying somewhere without much air conditioning, sleep under a treated net.
You might want to talk to your doctor about antimalarial meds before you go.
Traffic gets even worse during heavy rain. Try to plan for extra travel time.
Flooded streets often hide potholes, so walking or driving can get risky fast. I’d stick to main roads and use trusted ride-hailing apps. Avoid informal taxis if you can.
Air quality takes a hit during harmattan months when dust blows in from the Sahara. If you have asthma or allergies, bring a mask or your usual meds.
Sunglasses help too—dust can be brutal on your eyes.
When it comes to food, pick well-known restaurants or busy street vendors. That way, you lower your chances of getting foodborne illnesses, which pop up more in hot, humid weather.