Spring in Lagos feels like a mix of heat, humidity, and more rain, all of which shape everyday life along the coast. You’ll get warm days with highs from 86°F to 91°F, and muggy nights that rarely fall below 73°F. This is when the city shifts from dry months into the wetter half of the year, and honestly, you can’t miss the change in the tropical climate.
As the weeks go by, more clouds roll in and rain showers pick up, turning late spring into the real start of the rainy season. Humidity stays high, but the steady sea breeze and regular daylight hours help keep things manageable, whether you’re running errands, commuting, or just hanging out by the water.
Knowing these patterns can help you plan, whether you’re thinking about outdoor events, moving through Lagos traffic, or exploring the coast. Spring weather here isn’t extreme, but you definitely need to pay attention to shifting rain and heat if you want to keep your days running smoothly.
Overview of Lagos and Its Climate
Lagos sits right on Nigeria’s Atlantic coast, mixing a tropical climate with one of Africa’s fastest-growing urban populations. The city’s location, weather, and packed streets all play a part in daily life and long-term planning for both locals and visitors.
Geographical Location of Lagos
Lagos is in southwestern Nigeria, right along the Gulf of Guinea. At about 6.45°N latitude and 3.39°E longitude, it’s basically hugging the equator, so you get warm weather all year.
The city stretches over islands, lagoons, and the mainland. Victoria Island, Lagos Island, and the Lekki Peninsula are some of the most developed coastal spots. Head inland and you’ll find districts reaching toward Ogun State.
Lagos sits very low—just about 11 meters above sea level on average. A lot of the city is even lower, under 5 meters, which means flooding can be a real issue during heavy rains or storm surges. The Atlantic, along with all those lagoons and creeks, shapes both the climate and the local economy.
Climate Classification of Lagos
Lagos has a tropical wet and dry climate, or what some call a tropical savanna climate. That means two main seasons: the wet season runs April to October, and the dry season goes from November to March.
Temperatures don’t change much through the year. Daytime highs usually sit between 30°C and 33°C (86°F to 91°F). Nights are warm, too, with lows around 24°C to 26°C (75°F to 79°F). You won’t see those big temperature swings you get in other places.
Rainfall is what really changes things up. The wet season brings frequent showers and thunderstorms, especially from May through July. Sometimes there’s a shorter, less intense rainy period in September and October. The dry season means less rain, and now and then, you’ll get the Harmattan winds blowing dust in from the Sahara.
Population and Urban Environment
Lagos stands as Nigeria’s biggest city and one of Africa’s most crowded urban centers. There are over 20 million people here, and the number just keeps climbing. This kind of density has a big impact on the urban climate.
All the concrete, traffic, and industry create a heat island effect. That means the city center feels warmer than the surrounding countryside. Air pollution and not enough green space also affect air quality and how comfortable it feels outside.
You’ll notice people here come from all over Nigeria and West Africa. Lagos is a financial hub, and with its ports and industries, it drives the national economy. But this rapid growth puts a lot of pressure on housing, transport, and infrastructure, which definitely changes how people experience the weather each day.
Spring Weather Patterns in Lagos
Spring in Lagos stays hot and humid, with only slight changes in daily temperatures. Rainfall picks up fast as the season goes on, while daylight hours slowly get longer, giving you a bit more sun even though the skies are often cloudy.
Typical Temperature Range in Spring
Daytime highs usually land between 86°F and 91°F (30°C–33°C). March tends to be the hottest, with highs close to 91°F. By late May, things cool just a bit but still stay above 85°F.
At night, lows hover around 77°F to 79°F (25°C–26°C). There’s not much difference between day and night, so evenings are still warm and humid. Unlike other cities, Lagos doesn’t really get those big spring temperature swings.
Just to make it clear:
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low |
|---|---|---|
| March | 91°F | 79°F |
| April | 88°F | 78°F |
| May | 86°F | 77°F |
With such a narrow range, you’ll want to dress for hot weather, whether you’re out in the afternoon or taking a walk by the water at night.
Rainfall and Humidity Levels
Rainfall jumps up quickly in spring. In March, there’s about a 17% chance of rain on any given day, but by May it’s over 60%. Monthly rainfall goes from about 1–2 inches in March to more than 7 inches in May.
Humidity stays high all season, with muggy air nearly every day. Dew points hang around 75°F, so the air feels thick and sticky. Even at night, humidity barely drops, keeping things damp.
Cloudy skies are the norm. Cloud cover goes from about 75% in March to over 80% in May, which can actually make the city feel even warmer, despite all the rain.
Daylight Hours and Sunshine Duration
Daylight stretches out a bit as spring moves along. In March, you’ll get about 12 hours of daylight, and by late May it’s around 12 hours 28 minutes. The change is slow, just a few minutes more each week.
Sunrise shifts from about 6:58 AM in early March to roughly 6:29 AM in late May. Sunset stays near 6:55 PM most of the season.
Even with longer days, thick clouds and frequent rain cut down on sunshine. Shortwave solar energy drops from 4.3 kWh in March to about 3.8 kWh in May, so you’ll see fewer bright, blue-sky days.
This mix of longer days but heavier clouds really defines spring in Lagos.
Monthly Breakdown of Spring Weather
Spring in Lagos means high humidity, steady warmth, and a clear move from dry to wet season. Temperatures barely budge, but rainfall and cloud cover ramp up fast as the months go by.
March Weather Overview
March usually feels like the hottest month in Lagos. Average highs reach about 91°F (33°C), and nights stay warm at 78–79°F (25–26°C). It’s rare for temperatures to drop below 73°F or climb above 94°F.
Humidity sticks around, making things feel muggy nearly all the time. Skies are a bit clearer than in later months, so you still get some partly sunny days. Early March brings the latest sunrise, around 6:58 AM, with about 12 hours of daylight.
Rain is still pretty limited, usually 1–2 inches for the month. There’s only a 17% chance of rain at the start of spring, so you’ll see a lot of dry days before the rainy season really gets going. Winds come mostly from the south at about 7 mph, keeping things humid but not too windy.
April Weather Overview
By April, you’ll notice things turning wetter. Highs dip slightly to 88–89°F (31–32°C), and lows stay near 78°F (25–26°C). The heat isn’t as harsh, but the humidity keeps the air feeling warmer than the numbers suggest.
Rain becomes more common, and by the end of April, there’s almost a 40% chance of a wet day. Rainfall averages 4–5 inches, often coming in short, heavy bursts or thunderstorms. Cloud cover increases, so you’ll see mostly cloudy skies on many days.
Daylight keeps growing, hitting about 12 hours and 20 minutes by late April. Sunrise comes earlier, around 6:40 AM. Southern winds and the sea breeze help take the edge off the heat, even as humidity builds.
May Weather Overview
May signals the rainy season’s full arrival. Highs average 86–87°F (30°C), and lows stick close to 77–78°F (25–26°C). The temperature drop isn’t huge, but thick clouds make days feel less hot than in March.
Rainfall takes off, averaging 7 inches or more for May. The chance of rain shoots past 60%, so you’ll run into frequent showers. Heavy downpours are common, though sometimes they break up into lighter rain.
Cloud cover peaks in mid-May, with overcast skies up to 84–88% of the time. Daylight reaches its longest in late May at about 12 hours and 28 minutes. Winds keep coming from the south, and ocean water off the coast stays warm near 84°F, keeping the air humid and muggy.
Sea Conditions and Coastal Climate in Spring
Along the Lagos coast, the sea stays warm and steady through spring, while humid air and more rain shape the coastal climate. Swimming conditions stay reliable, though you’ll see more currents and cloudier skies as spring moves on.
Average Sea Temperature in Spring
The sea surface temperature off Lagos holds steady, averaging about 84°F (29°C) from March to May. You can swim any time of day without worrying about cold water.
Compared to later in the year, spring is actually one of the warmest times for ocean swimming. In August, the water cools down to around 78°F (26°C), so if you love warm water, spring is a great time to hit the beach or go snorkeling.
Warm waters come from the tropical climate of southern Nigeria and the Atlantic’s influence. Since the sea temperature barely changes month to month, you won’t need to plan your activities around big shifts.
| Month | Average Sea Temperature |
|---|---|
| March | ~84°F (29°C) |
| April | ~84°F (29°C) |
| May | ~84°F (29°C) |
Beach and Surf Conditions
The sea might be warm, but keep an eye out for currents and waves along Lagos beaches. Atlantic waters are usually calm enough for a swim, but rip currents can pop up, especially after heavy rain later in spring.
Rainfall rises fast from March to May, so you’ll see more cloudy skies and choppier surf. On clear days, the beaches are great, but if you’re not a strong swimmer, it’s smart to be careful.
Humidity stays high, often hitting 100% muggy conditions, making the air feel heavy by the water. Even with clouds, the tropical sun is strong, so don’t overdo it with long hours in direct sunlight.
For surfing or boating, spring usually brings decent conditions, but storms can cut visibility. Keep an ear out for local advisories so you can enjoy the coast safely.
Impact of Spring Weather on Daily Life
Spring in Lagos brings high humidity, lots of clouds, and more rain. These factors shape how you plan outdoor activities and also affect crop growth during this period.
Outdoor Activities and Events
You’ll find Lagos spring weather hot and humid, with daily highs between 86–91°F and lows around 78°F. The air is muggy, and skies are mostly cloudy. By May, the chance of rain shoots up, making outdoor plans less predictable.
For social events, weddings, and festivals, you’ll need to prep for sudden showers. Many big gatherings move to covered spots or happen earlier in the season when there’s less rain. Sports like football still go on, but matches might pause or get rescheduled when heavy downpours hit.
Tourism adapts too. Beach trips are popular in March, but by late spring, cloudier skies and wet days make them less appealing. Sea temperatures stay warm at about 84°F, so swimming is still an option.
You can still enjoy being outside, but you’ll have to plan around frequent rain, high humidity, and fewer clear skies.
Agriculture and Growing Season
Farmers in Lagos and nearby areas depend on spring rains to get their crops started. Rainfall climbs from roughly 1.3 inches in early March to over 7 inches by late May, which really helps crops like maize, cassava, and vegetables grow.
Still, when the rain gets out of hand, it floods fields and messes up planting schedules.
Lagos enjoys a long growing season since temperatures never come close to freezing. In spring, the heat builds up fast, pushing along steady crop development.
Small-scale farmers benefit from this, and they keep the city’s massive population fed.
But there’s a catch—humidity stays close to 99% most days. That makes things tricky. Pests and plant diseases seem to pop up more easily, and storing harvested crops gets tough if you don’t have the right facilities.
Farmers juggle the good that comes from rain with the headaches that excess moisture brings.
If you time things right, spring weather sets you up for a solid harvest. But you’ve got to prepare for unpredictable rainfall and that ever-present humidity, both when planting and storing your crops.
Comparison with Other Seasons in Lagos
Spring in Lagos brings steady warmth and moderate rainfall. The climate really shifts when you compare it to the wetter summer months or the slightly cooler, breezier feel of autumn and winter.
You’ll spot changes in temperature, humidity, and rainfall patterns, and these differences shape daily life and travel in their own ways.
Differences Between Spring and Summer
During spring, Lagos usually sees daytime temperatures around 86°F (30°C), with evenings cooling down to about 79°F (26°C). Humidity hangs around, but it’s not at its worst yet.
Rainfall picks up slowly, leading up to the heavy downpours of summer.
In summer, especially in June and July, rainfall peaks. June alone averages over 300 mm of precipitation, and rainy days feel like the norm.
This much rain can put a damper on outdoor activities and sometimes causes travel delays.
Spring hands you a nice balance of warmth and manageable rain. Summer, though technically a bit cooler during the heaviest rains, often feels more stifling because of the constant humidity and thick cloud cover.
Winds pick up a bit in July and August, averaging 13 mph. That breeze helps, but honestly, it doesn’t do much to cut through the dampness.
If you’re planning to be outside, spring gives you more options. Summer might be a few degrees cooler when it pours, but the sticky, wet conditions usually make it less comfortable overall.
Contrasts with Autumn and Winter
Autumn in Lagos, especially from September to October, keeps up the rainy trend, but the storms don’t hit as hard as they do in summer. You’ll still see some heavy showers, just not as often.
Temperatures basically hover around 81–86°F (27–30°C). The main thing you’ll notice is that the rain starts to taper off.
Winter rolls in as the driest time of year. From December to February, the skies clear up, humidity drops, and rain barely shows up.
Daytime highs usually push up to 88–90°F (31–32°C). It’s honestly one of the hotter seasons, though the air doesn’t feel quite as stifling as it does in spring or summer.
Winter days come off sunnier and drier than spring. That means better visibility and it’s just nicer to be outside.
But with fewer clouds, the heat can feel more intense. Autumn kind of sits in the middle, nudging you away from summer’s rain and toward the brighter, drier days of winter.
If you’re planning a trip, spring usually balances warmth with rain. Autumn helps you shift from wet to dry, and winter brings out the clearest skies and those hotter afternoons.