Winter in Port Harcourt isn’t your typical cold season. Temperatures stay warm, with daytime highs hanging around 30°C and lows close to 22–23°C.
You’ll notice consistently warm and humid conditions, with barely any difference between day and night.
Clouds roll in more often as winter goes on, so the sky turns gray more frequently than clear blue. Rainfall starts to pick up, especially by February, but early January tends to be drier.
Humidity stays high, making the air feel heavy, even without rain.
Daylight hours barely change, giving you about 12 hours of light each day. Winds shift a bit between west and north, but they’re gentle.
If you’re planning to be outside, expect warm, muggy air, lots of cloudy skies, and quick bursts of rain instead of long dry spells.
Overview of Winter Weather in Port Harcourt
Winter in Port Harcourt means warm, humid, and cloudy days. Temperatures don’t swing much, rainfall creeps up as the season goes on, and the air often feels muggy thanks to high humidity.
Typical Winter Temperatures
Daytime highs usually sit around 30°C (86°F) during winter. Temperatures rarely dip below 27°C (81°F) or climb above 32°C (90°F), so you get steady warmth.
At night, lows hover near 23°C (73°F). Even on the coolest nights, it usually stays above 22°C (72°F), so cold weather just doesn’t happen here.
The gap between the warmest and coolest days is small.
For example:
| Date | Average Low | Average High |
|---|---|---|
| Early January | 22°C | 30°C |
| Mid-February | 23°C | 31°C |
This narrow range makes winter in Port Harcourt one of the most predictable times for weather.
Seasonal Rainfall Patterns
Rainfall in Port Harcourt during winter is lighter than in the wettest months, but showers still show up. The chance of a rainy day starts around 18% in December and goes up to about 26% by February.
Rainfall totals also rise as winter moves along. In early January, the average 31‑day total is about 45 mm, and by late February it edges up to 62 mm.
Heavy downpours don’t happen as often as in the peak rainy season, but you’ll still get hit by short, sudden showers. Rain is more scattered, and December and early January often bring longer dry spells.
If you like drier weather, early winter is the best time for outdoor plans.
Humidity and Cloud Cover
Humidity stays high all winter. Most days, the chance of muggy conditions is over 80%, so the air feels heavy and damp both day and night.
Clouds are a regular sight. The sky is overcast or mostly cloudy about 70–79% of the time, with December offering a few more clear days than January and February. The clearest day usually pops up in late December.
High humidity plus frequent clouds make the air feel warmer than the thermometer says. You get about 12 hours of daylight, but cloud cover often blocks the sun.
Monthly Breakdown of Winter Conditions
Temperatures stay warm all season, but you’ll notice changes in rainfall, cloudiness, and wind. Humidity sticks around, and daylight hours barely shift. These patterns shape how comfortable the weather feels each month.
December Weather Summary
December kicks off the dry season in Port Harcourt. Daily highs average around 30°C (86°F), and lows stick close to 23°C (73°F). Nights feel humid, but not any cooler than the rest of winter.
Rainfall is at its lowest, with about 45 mm for the month. The chance of a wet day is around 18%, so December is one of the driest months. Less rain also means clearer skies than you’ll see later.
Clouds still dominate, with overcast or mostly cloudy skies nearly 70% of the time. The clearest day usually lands in late December, giving you a bit more sunshine.
Winds stay calm, averaging 5.3 km/h, the lowest for the season. Breezes blow mostly from the west, but you might notice a shift toward the north by the end of December.
January Weather Summary
January stays warm, with highs around 30°C and lows near 22°C. It’s technically the coolest part of the season, but the difference is barely noticeable, so it still feels tropical.
Rainfall edges up a bit. The average 31‑day total is about 50 mm, with the season’s lowest point, around 18 mm, often showing up in mid‑January. The chance of rain is still modest, about 20% most days.
Humidity is high, with muggy conditions on about 80–85% of days. Cloud cover increases compared to December, so there are fewer breaks in the clouds.
Wind picks up a little, averaging 6 km/h, and shifts more between north and west. These breezes offer some relief from the muggy air.
February Weather Summary
February takes the crown for warmest winter month. Daily highs reach about 31°C (88°F), and lows stay near 23°C (73°F). Mid‑February often brings the hottest day of the year.
Rainfall keeps climbing, with averages near 62 mm. The chance of a wet day jumps to 25–26%, so showers happen more often, especially late in the month.
Cloud cover gets heavier, with overcast or mostly cloudy skies nearly 80% of the time. Sunshine hours are shorter, and the air feels even more humid.
Winds get a bit stronger, averaging 6.8 km/h, usually blowing from the west. These breezes help with the afternoon warmth, but humidity still sticks around.
Temperature Fluctuations and Extremes
Winter in Port Harcourt doesn’t bring cold snaps, but you’ll notice steady warmth with only mild changes between day and night. Rainfall is limited compared to the wet season, so temperature shifts are what you’ll pay attention to during this period.
Daytime Highs and Nighttime Lows
During December, January, and February, daytime highs usually land between 30°C and 33°C (86°F–91°F). These numbers don’t change much, and January often feels most comfortable thanks to slightly lower humidity.
At night, temperatures drop to around 22°C–24°C (72°F–75°F). This 8–10 degree swing gives you a bit of relief after a hot afternoon. Nights rarely get chilly, but lower humidity at night makes things more tolerable.
December and January bring fewer rain days—about 10 to 14 days monthly—so you get clearer skies and more stable temperatures. This stability makes it easier to plan outdoor activities or travel.
Record Temperatures in Winter
Extreme temperatures in Port Harcourt aren’t dramatic. Historical records show winter highs rarely go past 35°C (95°F), and lows almost never drop below 20°C (68°F). This tight range matches the city’s tropical monsoon climate.
Expect the hottest winter afternoons in February, when dry spells allow for more heating. December and January usually stay closer to average highs.
Cold extremes are very rare. Even in odd years, nighttime lows haven’t fallen below the upper 60s °F. You don’t need heavy clothing, but light, breathable fabrics are a good idea for both day and night.
Rainfall and Precipitation Trends
Rainfall in Port Harcourt stays high year-round, but winter months clearly dry out compared to the long wet season. You’ll see fewer rainy days and lighter totals, though humidity and clouds don’t really let up.
Frequency of Rainy Days
You’ll get fewer wet days in winter compared to the peak rainy months of June through September. In January, rain usually falls on about 3 days, making it one of the driest months. December and February are similar, often with 3–6 rainy days.
This drop in rainy days makes outdoor plans easier. Still, you should be ready for sudden showers, but they’re short and less disruptive than in midyear. Fewer rainy days also mean more chances for clear skies, which helps if you want to travel or spend time outside.
Compared to the wettest months, when rain can come down on 15–20 days, winter feels noticeably calmer. This is one reason visitors often prefer this season.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
Winter rainfall totals in Port Harcourt stay much lower than during the wet season. In January, the city averages about 54 mm of rain. December and February follow the same pattern, with totals rarely topping 100 mm.
By contrast, the June peak can reach over 350 mm, showing just how much lighter winter months are. This difference matters for travel, since less rain means less flooding and fewer delays.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Month | Avg. Rainfall (mm) | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|
| December | ~70–90 | 4–6 |
| January | ~54 | 3 |
| February | ~80–100 | 4–6 |
| June (peak) | ~360+ | 18 |
Lighter rainfall and fewer rainy days combine to make winter’s climate easier to handle. Humidity sticks around, but with less rain, the weather is just more comfortable.
Other Winter Weather Factors
In Port Harcourt’s winter, there’s more going on than just warm temperatures. Wind, sunshine, visibility, and air pressure all shape how the season feels and affect your comfort and plans.
Wind Speed and Direction
Winds in Port Harcourt during winter usually stay light to moderate. Most days, speeds hover around 2 to 7 mph, with calm days outnumbering breezy ones. Strong winds don’t show up often, so you get steady, gentle air movement.
Wind direction shifts with the season. In the drier months, you might feel more northeasterly breezes tied to the Harmattan, though Port Harcourt doesn’t get the full dry, dusty effect seen in northern Nigeria.
The city’s coastal spot means sea breezes play a role too. These winds can bring slightly cooler air in the afternoon, which helps balance out the warm days. Outdoor activities feel more comfortable, especially in open spaces.
Sunshine Hours and Visibility
Winter skies in Port Harcourt are often cloudy. Overcast conditions increase, with cloud cover ranging from 69% to nearly 80% of the time. This cuts down on sunshine, so you might only see the sun for a few hours each day.
Average sunshine can dip to about 3–5 hours per day in mid-season. Less sunlight affects visibility, which also drops when humidity is high. Sometimes you get haze, but thick fog is rare.
Clear skies boost visibility quickly. On those days, you’ll notice bright conditions, but they don’t come often. If you’re traveling, plan for softer daylight, which might affect photography or outdoor sightseeing.
Atmospheric Pressure
Atmospheric pressure in Port Harcourt during winter holds steady. Average readings sit around 755 inHg (25.6 inHg in standard units), with only minor daily shifts. These stable conditions mean you rarely get sudden weather changes.
The city’s low elevation near sea level helps keep things consistent. Inland areas get more pressure swings that can signal storms, but Port Harcourt’s coastal climate keeps variation mild.
For you, this means fewer weather surprises. Stable pressure also helps keep flight schedules on track, so air travel is less likely to get delayed by weather at this time of year.
Long-Term Climate Patterns and Historical Data
Port Harcourt’s winter climate fits the broader tropical patterns of southern Nigeria, where it stays warm all year but rainfall and humidity shift with the seasons. Historical records show steady warmth, with changes in rainfall and humidity shaping how comfortable winter feels.
Comparing Winter with Other Seasons
In Port Harcourt, the so-called winter months—December, January, and February—stay warm. Highs usually hit 86–89°F (30–32°C), and lows sit close to 74–76°F (23–24°C).
Locals notice these months feel drier than the rainy stretch in the middle of the year. For instance, average rainfall in January barely reaches 1 inch. By July, though, rain can pour down, sometimes topping 10 inches.
Humidity in winter hovers around 79–82%. That’s not as sticky as the rainy months, when it can climb up to 87–88%.
The air feels lighter in winter, especially when you think about July or September. You also get more sunshine hours, so clear days and better visibility are pretty common.
What really stands out between the seasons is the rain. Winter stays mostly dry, but from May to October, the wet season rolls in with lots of showers and cloudy skies.
This big swing in weather shapes travel, outdoor plans, and even how folks approach farming.
Decadal Changes in Winter Climate
When you look at historical weather data from the past few decades, you’ll notice winter in Port Harcourt has stayed pretty warm. It’s gotten a bit wetter lately, though, which is interesting.
Back in the day, December and February usually saw less than 1.5 inches of rain. Now, some years push up to 2, sometimes even 3 inches when it’s particularly wet.
Temperature changes? Honestly, not much to write home about. Average highs still hover around 88°F, and lows stick close to 74°F.
But humidity, that’s a different story. It’s been creeping up, making winter feel stickier than it used to.
Wind speeds haven’t really budged, holding steady at 10–12 mph. Rainfall, on the other hand, comes and goes in less predictable ways now.
If you’re thinking about visiting, keep in mind the dry spells don’t last as long as they once did.