Spending Christmas in Lagos means swapping out snow and cold for warmth and humidity. Around Christmas, you’ll see average daytime temperatures close to 28°C (82°F), and nights usually stay mild at about 23°C (73°F).
The air feels humid, though it’s not as stifling as it gets during the rainy months. Skies are often partly cloudy, but plenty of sunshine breaks through.
You probably won’t need to worry about rain at this time of year. December sits in the dry season, so rainfall drops off compared to the middle of the year.
The sea stays warm, making beach trips and coastal activities pretty tempting.
This blend of warm air, gentle breezes, and less rain creates a comfortable backdrop for outdoor gatherings and holiday events. Travel across the city feels easier too.
If you’re curious how things like cloud cover, winds, and seasonal shifts shape Christmas in Lagos, just keep reading.
Typical Christmas Weather in Lagos
In December, Lagos stays hot and humid, with rain showing up only rarely. You’ll get steady warmth day and night, and high humidity definitely shapes how the outdoors feels.
Average Temperatures in December
During December, Lagos usually sees daytime temperatures climb to 30–31°C (86–88°F). At night, it cools down a bit to about 25–26°C (77–79°F).
The range is pretty narrow, so you won’t notice huge swings from morning to evening.
Rainfall drops off compared to the wet season. The city averages about 40 mm of rain spread over 1–3 days all month.
December stands out as one of the drier periods in Lagos, which is probably why visitors find the climate easier to handle than during the wetter months.
The air stays warm, but breezes from the Atlantic Ocean sometimes offer relief. If you’re planning outdoor activities, you can expect hot conditions, though temperatures rarely go above the low 30s Celsius.
Humidity and Comfort Levels
Humidity stays high in Lagos year-round, and December doesn’t really break that trend. Relative humidity averages around 80–82%, so the air feels heavier than the temperature might suggest.
This kind of humidity often brings a sticky feeling, especially if you’re outside in the middle of the day. Sweat just doesn’t evaporate quickly, so light, breathable clothes are a must.
Indoors, most people use air conditioning or fans to stay comfortable. If you’re not used to tropical climates, the mix of heat and humidity can get tiring, but taking breaks in the shade helps.
Daytime and Nighttime Conditions
Daytime in December brings lots of sunshine. Lagos typically gets around 190–200 hours of sun in the month, so skies are often clear or just partly cloudy.
UV levels run high, so sunscreen and hats are smart if you’re outside.
At night, temperatures rarely drop below 25°C (77°F). Even after sunset, it stays warm and humid, so you probably won’t need a jacket.
The steady warmth means evenings work well for outdoor dining or walking. Mosquitoes can be active, though, so keep that in mind.
Rain showers don’t happen often, but they’re not impossible. Carrying a light umbrella isn’t a bad idea.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
December in Lagos lands right in the dry season, so rain shows up far less often than it does midyear. You’ll mostly see dry days that are good for outdoor plans.
Likelihood of Rain During Christmas
By December, Lagos has moved well into its dry season. The chance of rain around Christmas stays pretty low compared to the heavy rains of June or July.
On average, you might only see a couple of rainy days all month.
Any rain that does fall is usually brief and light, not the kind of storm that ruins your plans. You can count on most holiday activities and travel going off without much weather trouble.
Humidity sticks around since Lagos sits on the coast, but without heavy downpours, the air feels less oppressive than it does in the wet season.
You’ll still need to deal with warm, humid air, but you don’t have to plan for frequent showers.
You can plan outdoor events with some confidence. While a passing shower could happen, long stretches of rain during Christmas are rare.
Rainfall Amounts in December
Rainfall totals in Lagos during December are among the lowest of the year. Average precipitation comes in at about 19–55 mm (0.75–2.2 inches), while June can see 250–300 mm (10–12 inches).
This limited rainfall matches the dry season pattern, when moisture from the Atlantic weakens and storms fade away.
Rainy days usually average just 2–4 days in December, compared to over 15 days in peak rainy months.
Even when it rains, showers are light and don’t last long. Flooding or travel delays are pretty unlikely in December.
That’s great news for holiday travelers. Roads are more reliable, skies are clearer, and outdoor attractions are easier to enjoy without heavy rain getting in the way.
Cloud Cover and Sunshine
Around Christmas, Lagos skies bounce between cloudy spells and brighter periods. You’ll get a mix of mostly cloudy days and moderate sunshine, which affects how comfortable it feels outside and how far you can see.
Mostly Cloudy Versus Clear Days
December weather in Lagos leans toward partly cloudy or mostly cloudy skies. Endless blue isn’t common, but the clouds don’t usually block out daylight entirely.
Clouds tend to show up more in the mornings and evenings, with clearer breaks around midday. If you plan outdoor activities, aim for the brighter hours.
Clear days aren’t as common as up north in Nigeria, but Lagos still gives you enough light for sightseeing, beach trips, and walks.
On average, expect a balance of filtered sunlight and shaded skies. You probably won’t see long stretches of overcast weather.
If you’re planning travel, it helps to know that December’s cloud cover is lighter than in the wettest months like June or July. The holiday season is just easier for being outdoors, even if you don’t always get full sun.
Sunlight Hours and Visibility
In December, Lagos gets about 6 to 6.5 hours of sunshine per day. That’s more than you’ll see during the rainy season, when sunshine can drop to about 3 hours a day.
Daylight lasts roughly 11.5 to 12 hours, so you have a wide window for outdoor stuff, even if clouds hang around.
The sun’s angle isn’t extreme, so the light feels steady and not too harsh.
Visibility is generally good, with just a bit of haze now and then. That makes city travel, coastal views, and outdoor gatherings easier.
If you’re into photography or sightseeing, mornings and late afternoons usually give you the best light. Midday is brighter but can feel warmer and stickier.
Winds and Atmospheric Conditions
In December, Lagos weather shows off its dry season side with light rainfall and steadier skies. Wind and air pressure shape comfort, while dew point values affect how humid it feels.
Typical Wind Speeds in December
Winds in Lagos during December mostly come from the southwest and west, though the Harmattan sometimes brings shifts toward the northeast.
Average wind speeds sit around 6 to 10 mph. That’s gentle and doesn’t usually cause problems.
These breezes help cut down the heavy humidity from the wet season. Near the coast, the breeze feels steady, especially in the evenings, making outdoor life a little easier.
The Harmattan—a dry, dusty wind from the Sahara—can sometimes reach Lagos in December. When it does, visibility drops and the air feels drier, but its impact is weaker here than up north.
For travelers, these light winds are a plus. They cool things off a bit during the day and offer relief at night, without causing issues for flights, ferries, or beach outings.
Air Pressure and Dew Point
Air pressure in Lagos during December averages around 1011 to 1014 mb. That’s pretty stable and means storms are rare.
The dew point usually falls between 70°F and 74°F (21°C to 23°C). The air stays humid but feels less heavy than during the peak rainy months.
When the Harmattan is in play, the dew point drops a little, and things feel drier. If you’re outside, you might notice your skin and throat aren’t as damp as usual.
The dew point in December is high enough to remind you you’re in the tropics, but low enough for more pleasant mornings and evenings than during the wet season.
Comparison to Other Times of Year
Around Christmas, Lagos stays hot but less rainy, with clearer skies and slightly lower humidity than in other months. The difference stands out when you compare December to the peak wet season or to other seasonal changes during the year.
How Christmas Weather Differs From Wet Season
In December, daytime highs in Lagos usually reach 88–89°F (31–32°C), and lows hover near 76°F (24°C).
Rainfall is minimal—less than 0.5 inches on average—and most days stay dry. Skies are clearer, offering more sunshine than the cloud-heavy wet season.
From April through October, the wet season brings frequent rain, with June averaging over 8 inches and nearly 20 wet days. Humidity gets pretty intense, and cloud cover often tops 80%, so direct sun is rare.
December gives you a break from all that. You’ll still feel humidity, but it’s not as suffocating as in May or June. Less rain also means flooding is unlikely, which can be a real headache in wetter months.
If you’re hoping for outdoor activities, Christmas weather feels more reliable. You’re not likely to get stuck indoors by long stretches of rain, and beach trips or city tours are easier to plan.
Seasonal Weather Trends in Lagos
Lagos really has two seasons: a dry season from November to March, and a wet season from April to October. The dry season means fewer rainy days, clearer skies, and steady high temperatures.
The hottest period comes between February and April, when highs often hit 90–91°F (32–33°C). The coolest stretch runs from late June to September, with highs closer to 82–84°F (28–29°C).
Christmas falls early in the dry season, so you get warm but stable weather. Rainfall is low, skies are partly clear, and winds are calmer than in August, when gusts can reach almost 9 mph.
Daylight stays steady at about 12 hours, so you don’t see big changes in sun exposure. The biggest shift is between the dry, clear days of December and the wet, overcast days of midyear.
Weather Impacts on Christmas Activities
Warm and humid weather shapes how you’ll spend Christmas in Lagos. High daytime temperatures, lots of sunshine, and just a little rain open up plenty of options for outdoor fun, though the humidity and occasional showers might affect your comfort and travel plans.
Beach and Outdoor Plans
In December, Lagos stays hot, with daytime highs around 31°C (88–90°F) and nighttime lows near 26°C (78°F).
Humidity often sits above 80%, so the air can feel heavy even on clear days.
You’ll get mostly sunny days, with about 190 hours of sunshine for the month. Rain is rare—just 1–2 wet days and about 40 mm total.
That makes beach outings, boat rides, and picnics practical during the holidays.
Since the sun is strong, you’ll want to plan for UV protection. Light cotton clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats all help. The middle of the day can feel uncomfortable for long stretches outdoors, so early mornings and late afternoons are better for activities.
Evenings stay warm enough for open-air events, concerts, and family gatherings by the water. With less cloud cover than in the wet season, you also get clearer views and more reliable outdoor plans.
Travel Considerations
In December, Lagos roads and airports usually see a boost from the dry weather. You won’t have to worry much about the heavy rains or flooding that hit earlier in the year.
Still, traffic gets wild during Christmas. Markets, beaches, and event spots turn into real hotspots, and congestion ramps up fast.
Airports get crowded too. The weather mostly stays calm, but sometimes the Harmattan haze rolls in and makes things tricky. That haze pops up more inland, but it can still mess with Lagos flights now and then.
Plan to give yourself extra time for both driving and flying. If you want a good seat or a decent hotel, booking early is your best bet since everyone’s trying to do the same thing.
You might want to toss some light rain gear into your bag, just in case. Still, you’ll probably find that people, not the weather, cause most delays this time of year.