Christmas in Port Harcourt brings warm days and mild nights. Rainfall drops off compared to the rest of the year.
You’ll usually get daytime temperatures around 32°C (about 90°F). Nights cool down to around 23°C (73°F), and December has fewer rainy days, making it one of the most comfortable months for being outside.
The air still feels humid. But those heavy downpours from the wet season let up, giving you clearer skies and more chances to explore the city.
This is the dry season, so you’ll notice a shift from the thick cloud cover of midyear to longer spells of sunshine. The combo of warmth and less rain makes it easier to plan holiday gatherings and outdoor events.
Travel across the region gets simpler too. You don’t have to dodge storms or sudden showers as much.
Overview of Port Harcourt’s Climate
Port Harcourt sits in southern Nigeria and keeps a warm climate year-round. High humidity and seasonal rain shape the weather.
Temperatures don’t really swing much through the year. Rainfall and sunshine, though, change with the tropical monsoon cycle.
Tropical Monsoon Climate Characteristics
You’ll experience a tropical monsoon climate (Am) in Port Harcourt. That means high heat, plenty of humidity, and clear wet and dry stretches.
Unlike places with big seasonal jumps, the temperature here stays pretty steady. Average daily highs usually land between 30°C and 33°C (86°F to 91°F). Nights rarely drop below 22°C (72°F).
You won’t really notice dramatic temperature changes from month to month. Humidity is a big deal too.
Levels often hover between 70% and 88%, so the air can feel heavy and damp. This gets more noticeable during the rainy months when clouds block airflow.
Rain falls often, but the amount changes with the season. Even in drier months, you’ll get the occasional short shower.
Peak monsoon months bring long, heavy rains. Sunshine hours go up and down too, from about 9.5 hours in the dry season to less than 4 hours when it’s really wet.
Seasonal Weather Patterns
The year splits into a wet season and a dry season. The wettest time hits from June through September.
Rainfall often tops 250–290 mm per month during this stretch. Humidity peaks close to 88%, and there’s not much sunshine.
The dry season runs from December through February. Rainfall drops fast—sometimes to under 50 mm in December—and skies clear up.
Sunshine hours climb to about 9–10 hours per day. This is the brightest part of the year.
Between these, you get transition months. March to May brings more rain, and October to November sees storms fade away.
These changes happen gradually, but they still shape travel, outdoor plans, and comfort. The seasonal rhythm really defines the city’s climate.
Typical Weather Conditions During Christmas
Christmas in Port Harcourt usually means warm days, fewer rain showers, and a bit less humidity than the wet season. Temperatures stay steady, rainfall is limited, and while the air stays muggy, it’s a little more tolerable.
Average Daytime Temperature in December
Daytime temperatures in December are steady and warm. Highs usually hit around 85°F (29°C), and nights cool to about 71–73°F (22–23°C).
It’s rare for temps to fall below 65°F or climb above 88°F. The range is tight, so you don’t get wild swings in heat.
Evenings feel cooler, but humidity sticks around, so light clothing works best. If you want to be outside, mornings and late afternoons feel nicest.
Midday can get hot with the sun, but the air temperature doesn’t change much.
| Time of Day | Average Temperature |
|---|---|
| Morning | 73–75°F (23–24°C) |
| Afternoon | 84–86°F (29–30°C) |
| Night | 71–73°F (22–23°C) |
Rainfall and Precipitation Levels
December marks the start of the drier season in Port Harcourt. Rainfall drops quickly, from about 1.8 inches early in the month to less than 1 inch by the end.
The chance of a rainy day falls from 18% at the start of December to around 8% by Christmas week. So, you’ll see more dry days than wet ones.
Rain, when it happens, is usually brief and not a big storm. Still, expect cloudy skies on many days, though clouds thin out as December goes on.
| Period in December | Avg. Rainfall | Chance of Rainy Day |
|---|---|---|
| Early December | ~1.8 in | 15–18% |
| Late December | ~0.8 in | 8–10% |
Humidity and Comfort Levels
Humidity stays high in December, but it’s not as intense as during the peak wet months. At the start of the month, muggy conditions hit almost every day (over 95% of the time).
By late December, that drops closer to 78%. You’ll still feel the air as heavy and damp, especially in the afternoons.
Evenings bring a bit of relief, though humidity never really disappears. Because of the high dew point, sweating doesn’t cool you off much.
Wearing light, breathable clothes and drinking plenty of water helps. Relative humidity often sits between 75% and 90%, so expect a sticky feel most days, even with clearer skies.
Sunshine Hours and Daylight Around Christmas
December brings a mix of moderate sunshine and steady daylight. The days aren’t long, but sunrise and sunset times don’t change much.
Average Daily Sunshine Hours
During December, Port Harcourt gets about 308 hours of sunshine for the month, which works out to roughly 10 hours per day. That’s the total daylight—actual direct sunshine is a bit less.
On average, you’ll get around 9 hours of effective sunshine per day. December is one of the brighter months, especially compared to the rainy season.
Cloud cover is lighter than in June through September, so skies usually look clearer. This means you can spend more time outside without worrying about rain.
If you’re planning activities, mornings and early afternoons are best. Sunshine is strong enough for sightseeing, travel, and outdoor gatherings, though you’ll still deal with some humidity.
Length of Daylight in December
Daylight in Port Harcourt barely changes during December. The shortest day lasts about 11 hours 43 minutes, and the longest day is about 11 hours 50 minutes.
You won’t notice big seasonal shifts. The sun rises a little before 6:30 a.m. and sets close to 6:15 p.m.
This steady pattern lets you plan your day without worrying about sudden changes in daylight. Compared to places farther from the equator, Port Harcourt’s daylight hours stay stable all year.
Around Christmas, you get almost 12 hours of daylight, so there’s plenty of time for both indoor and outdoor plans.
Wind Speed and Air Quality in December
In December, you’ll feel steady but not intense winds. The air stays humid but generally breathable.
Sun exposure during the day is something to keep in mind, so knowing about wind and UV levels can help you plan outdoor activities comfortably.
Typical Wind Speed
Winds in Port Harcourt during December are usually light to moderate. Most days, speeds fall between 6 to 10 km/h (4 to 6 mph).
These gentle breezes offer a little relief from the heat, but they’re not strong enough to kick up dust or cool things down much. Evenings feel calmer, with lighter winds than midday.
Since the city sits inland but not far from the coast, breezes tend to be steady, not gusty. This makes outdoor events, boat rides, or evening walks more enjoyable.
Air quality in December is generally fine for most people. Humidity is moderate, and lower rainfall means less mold and dampness.
Vehicle emissions can still bother sensitive groups, though. If you have asthma or allergies, you might want to carry a mask or avoid busy traffic hours.
UV Index During the Holiday Season
The UV index in December usually sits in the high range, around 8 to 10 at midday. Unprotected skin can burn pretty quickly, even if the sky looks partly cloudy.
Since daylight lasts about 12 hours, you’ll want to be careful if you’re outside for long stretches. It’s simple—use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, wear sunglasses with UV protection, and bring a light cover-up if you’ll be out between late morning and early afternoon.
Kids and travelers with lighter skin should be extra cautious. The tropical sun near the equator is more direct.
Even locals use hats or umbrellas for shade. If you manage your sun exposure, you can enjoy the warm weather without getting uncomfortable.
Impact of Rivers and Geography on Local Weather
Port Harcourt’s location in the Niger Delta, with its many rivers, shapes the city’s climate. The waterways and low-lying land affect rainfall, humidity, and seasonal temperature changes.
Influence of Rivers on Humidity and Rainfall
The Niger Delta and its network of rivers—including the Bonny and New Calabar—keep humidity levels high. Water surfaces release moisture, so relative humidity stays near or above 80% most of the year.
In December, you’ll notice this most in the evenings and early mornings. The air feels damp even when it’s not raining.
The rivers also drive localized convection, encouraging cloud formation and frequent showers during the wet months.
Even in the drier season, rivers help keep the soil moist and support vegetation. That’s why Port Harcourt rarely gets completely dry, unlike inland areas of Nigeria.
By December, rainfall drops off compared to peak months, but the rivers still shape the atmosphere. You get a mix of warm days and humid nights that really define the city’s holiday weather.
Geographical Features Affecting Climate
Port Harcourt sits low—about 13 meters above sea level. The flat landscape lets moist air from the Atlantic Ocean drift inland without much getting in the way.
The city’s closeness to the Gulf of Guinea keeps a steady flow of maritime air, which helps moderate the heat.
Unlike northern Nigeria, where higher elevation and distance from the coast bring bigger seasonal swings, Port Harcourt’s geography keeps things stable. In December, you’ll see daytime highs around 32°C and cooler nights near 23°C.
The surrounding wetlands and mangrove forests also matter. These areas trap moisture and help keep temperature swings smaller between day and night.
Together with the rivers, they create a humid environment that sticks around all year, even when rainfall changes.
Weather Variability and Climate Trends
Port Harcourt’s weather at Christmas falls within the dry season, but it doesn’t play out the same way every year. Temperature, rainfall, and humidity can shift from year to year, and those changes affect both your short-term plans and what to expect in the long run.
Interannual Weather Variability
December in Port Harcourt usually falls in the drier season, thanks to the northeast trade winds. Still, the weather can surprise you from year to year.
Some Decembers bring brief bursts of rain. Other years, things stay almost bone dry.
Daytime highs tend to hang around 30–32°C. At night, temps usually drop to about 22–23°C.
Some years, though, you’ll notice cooler nights or even hotter days, depending on how regional winds and pressure systems behave.
Humidity jumps around too. December often feels less muggy than the rainy season, but sometimes it creeps above 80%.
Other years, humidity falls closer to 70%. That can really change how comfortable things feel, especially when haze sits heavy in the early morning.
Even during the dry stretch, the rain doesn’t disappear completely. Light showers or mist may roll in now and then, though it’s nothing like the wet months.
So, if you’re planning activities, it makes sense to prep for anything from dry to a bit damp.
Recent Climate Change Effects
In the past few decades, Port Harcourt has started showing some clear signs of shifting climate trends. Long-term studies actually show the rainy season lasts longer now, sometimes pushing into November, while the dry season feels shorter and warmer.
December feels hotter than it used to. Maximum temperatures, which used to hover near 30°C, now land more often above 31–32°C.
The dry season just feels hotter. Nights, although still pretty mild, have warmed by about a degree too.
Rainfall patterns have changed. December is technically still the dry season, but you’ll notice isolated showers popping up more often than they did in the past.
This matches a broader trend of heavier rainfall across the Niger Delta.
Humidity creeps up during parts of the dry season. When that happens, and with a bit less sun on some days, the skies get hazier and visibility turns unpredictable.
Honestly, these changes fit right in with what’s happening in other coastal regions dealing with global warming.
If you’re planning to visit, expect Christmas weather that’s a bit warmer and more humid than before, with a small chance of unexpected rain.