Winter in Lagos doesn’t bring cold air or snow. The season actually stays hot and humid, with daytime temperatures often reaching the low 90s °F. Nights stay in the upper 70s to low 80s °F.
You can expect warm conditions all season, so Lagos feels nothing like the winter climates in many other parts of the world.
Rainfall drops a lot in these months, and most days are dry, though you might get a few light showers. Sunshine is pretty common, but clouds can still show up now and then.
The sea along the coast stays warm, so beach and water activities are basically always comfortable.
If you know these patterns, you’ll plan better—whether you want to enjoy outdoor activities, check out the city, or just relax by the water.
Lagos gives you a consistent tropical setting in winter, shaped by its coastal spot and equatorial climate.
Overview of Lagos Winter Climate
Lagos, Nigeria, has a tropical climate that stays warm all year. In winter, you’ll notice steady heat, high humidity, and a lot of cloud cover, with only small changes in rainfall and wind.
Typical Winter Weather Patterns
Winter in Lagos never brings cold temperatures like you’d get in temperate places. Instead, you get stable warmth, high humidity, and more cloudiness as the season goes on.
Skies shift from partly clear in December to more overcast by February.
Rainfall stays light compared to the peak rainy months. Early December is usually dry, but by late February, the chance of rain bumps up a bit.
On average, rainfall ranges from 0.6 inches in December to about 1.3 inches by February.
Daylight barely changes, with around 12 hours of sunlight each day. Sunrise happens close to 6:45–7:00 AM, and sunset is near 6:30–7:00 PM.
Lagos doesn’t do daylight saving time, so the timing really doesn’t shift.
Wind speeds slowly pick up as the season goes on. December usually feels calm, but February brings stronger breezes, mostly from the south.
This helps cool things off a little, but you won’t get actual cool air.
Temperature Ranges in Winter
Temperatures in Lagos stay consistently warm during winter.
Daily highs average about 90°F (32°C), with lows near 75–77°F (24–25°C). You almost never see temps below 70°F or above 94°F.
December and January usually bring the warmest conditions, while February gets a slight uptick in humidity and cloud cover.
Even at night, the air stays warm, so forget about the cool evenings you’d find in other cities.
The sea surface temperature near Lagos holds steady at around 82–83°F (28°C). This keeps coastal air humid and supports the tropical vibe.
Since there’s never any freezing, the growing season just keeps rolling all year.
Humidity and Atmospheric Conditions
Humidity in Lagos during winter stays really high. Most days, the chance of muggy conditions sits above 85–90%.
You’ll often feel sticky, especially in the afternoon and evening.
The dew point barely drops, so you almost never get that dry feeling.
Even when nighttime temperatures dip a bit, the air stays heavy with moisture.
This can make it feel hotter than the thermometer says, especially if you’re outside.
Cloud cover ramps up as the season moves along. December usually starts with clearer skies, but by February, overcast conditions show up nearly three-quarters of the time.
That means less direct sunshine, but humidity doesn’t really drop.
With steady warmth, high dew points, and plenty of clouds, winter in Lagos feels consistently tropical. There’s not much relief from the heat.
Winter Temperatures in Lagos
Winter in Lagos stays warm and humid, with barely any difference between day and night.
You’ll get steady tropical heat and mild nighttime relief, but the main changes come from cloud cover and rainfall, not temperature.
Average Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures
Daytime highs in Lagos during winter average around 90°F (32°C).
It’s rare for temperatures to drop below 86°F (30°C) or go above 94°F (34°C). So, afternoons are always hot, but not wild compared to the hottest months.
At night, you’ll see temps fall to about 77°F (25°C). Nights don’t really cool off, rarely dipping below 70°F (21°C).
Early January brings the coolest nights, averaging about 75°F (24°C).
Because both day and night temps stay high, most people use air conditioning or fans for comfort.
You definitely won’t need extra layers or blankets in Lagos during winter.
Monthly Temperature Trends
From December to February, Lagos weather barely changes.
December usually starts with highs near 89–90°F (32°C) and lows around 76–77°F (25°C).
January is a touch cooler, with the lowest average nighttime temperature of 75°F (24°C), but daytime highs still hover near 90°F (32°C).
By February, things warm up a bit again. Highs hit about 91°F (33°C), and lows return to 77–78°F (25–26°C).
So, you’re basically getting the same warmth all season.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low |
|---|---|---|
| December | 89–90°F | 76–77°F |
| January | 89–90°F | 75–76°F |
| February | 90–91°F | 77–78°F |
Comparison With Other Seasons
Winter in Lagos feels a lot like the rest of the year in terms of temperature.
The main thing that changes is the rainfall, which is lower than during the heavy wet season in June and September.
During the hottest time of year in March, highs can reach 91°F (33°C), with warm nights around 79°F (26°C).
Even in the coolest period in August, you still get 75–82°F (24–28°C), which isn’t much different from winter.
So, winter in Lagos isn’t about cold—it’s just steadier and drier.
Travelers will find the temperatures reliably warm, and you don’t have to worry about big swings, so packing is easy.
Precipitation and Rainfall During Winter
Winter in Lagos brings a noticeable drop in rainfall compared to the wetter months.
You’ll see lighter precipitation, fewer rainy days, and more stable weather, though short showers still pop up sometimes.
These patterns can affect your daily plans, travel, and outdoor activities.
Rainfall Amounts and Frequency
Rainfall in Lagos during winter is much lower than in the wet season.
January is usually the driest month, with about 37 mm of rain over just 2 to 3 days.
December and February are pretty dry too, with totals often below 50 mm.
You’ll probably experience way more dry days than wet ones.
Showers that do happen tend to be brief and local, clearing up quickly.
Unlike the long, heavy rains in June or July, winter showers rarely mess up your day.
For planning, it makes sense to think of winter as a time when rain shows up, but it’s not a big deal.
A light rain jacket might come in handy, but you won’t see many long downpours.
Probability of Wet Days
The odds of hitting a wet day in Lagos during winter are pretty low.
In January, the chance of rain on any day drops to under 10%, compared to over 50% in peak rainy months.
December and February look about the same.
Most days stay dry, with only a small risk of sudden showers.
When it does rain, it usually doesn’t last long and isn’t as heavy as in the wet season.
Visitors will find the weather more predictable.
Outdoor plans like beach trips or walking tours are less likely to get interrupted.
The lower risk of wet days also means roads are better and flooding is less of a problem, which matters in the wetter months.
Seasonal Changes in Precipitation
Winter marks a clear shift in Lagos weather.
Rainfall drops sharply after the big downpours in September and October.
By December, the city hits its driest stretch, which lasts until March.
This change ties back to the movement of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), which brings in moist air during the wet season and drier air in winter.
Because of this, humidity drops a bit and skies clear up.
While rain is rare in winter, it never totally disappears.
You’ll still get the odd shower, but it’s short, less intense, and much less frequent than in the rainy season.
That makes winter a safer bet for outdoor activities and travel.
Cloud Cover and Sunshine Hours in Winter
In winter, Lagos skies often stay cloudy for long periods, and sunshine hours drop compared to other seasons.
You’ll still get consistent daylight, but the mix of bright sun and cloud cover definitely changes.
Cloudiness Trends
Cloud cover builds up in Lagos as winter goes on.
The sky is overcast or mostly cloudy about 56% of the time in early winter, rising to around 74% by late winter.
So, you’re more likely to see gray skies than clear blue ones.
The wet season is over by now, but humidity and the coast still keep things hazy and cloudy.
You’ll notice fewer bright afternoons, and mornings and evenings often look dull or hazy.
Clouds cut down on harsh sunlight, but they also trap heat, making the city feel even warmer and more humid.
Average Hours of Sunshine
The number of sunshine hours in Lagos falls off during winter.
On average, you get 3 to 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, depending on the month.
The lowest sunshine happens in July, August, and September, with only about 3 hours daily.
By December, sunshine increases to about 6 and a half hours per day.
Here’s a quick look at average daily sunlight hours:
| Month | Avg. Sunlight Hours |
|---|---|
| July | 3h 00m |
| August | 3h 00m |
| September | 3h 06m |
| December | 6h 36m |
This limited sun can make outdoor plans trickier, so you might want to schedule things for midday when the sky is brightest.
Daylight Duration
Daylight in Lagos barely changes in winter since the city sits close to the equator.
The shortest day lasts about 11 hours 37 minutes, and the longest reaches 12 hours 22 minutes.
The gap between the longest and shortest days is less than an hour.
You won’t get those wild seasonal changes in daylight like in temperate places.
Expect about 12 hours of daylight year-round, which is plenty for outdoor plans even if cloud cover cuts down on direct sunshine.
For travelers, this steady daylight makes planning a lot easier.
Sea and Coastal Conditions
Lagos sits on the Atlantic coast, so the sea really shapes its winter climate.
Water temperatures stay warm, and coastal weather barely shifts, making the shoreline a solid choice for both visitors and locals who love the outdoors.
Sea Surface Temperatures
During winter, sea surface temperatures in Lagos stay consistently warm.
You’ll see averages between 27.9°C and 28.6°C (82°F–83°F) from December through February.
These numbers barely change, so the water’s always comfortable for swimming and other activities.
Unlike places with big seasonal changes, Lagos doesn’t get cold seas in winter.
Being so close to the equator keeps the water steady, and you don’t have to worry about sudden chills.
Most travelers won’t need wetsuits or special gear.
The sea feels warm enough for a quick dip or a long swim.
This reliability makes Lagos’ coastline a great pick if you want predictable swimming conditions.
Beach and Outdoor Activity Weather
Lagos’ coastal weather in winter? It’s hot by day, warm at night. Daytime highs usually hit 32°C–34°C (89°F–93°F). Nights stay near 26°C–27°C (79°F–81°F).
Humidity runs high, but you’ll barely see any rain—maybe 0–2 rainy days per month.
You’ll get lots of sunshine. December and January usually bring over 23 sunny days each. By February, there’s a bit more cloud cover, but the sea still looks inviting.
These conditions make outdoor activities like beach walks, sunbathing, and water sports pretty appealing. The sun’s strong, though, so you’ll want to think about UV protection.
If you plan to be outside for a while, don’t forget shade, sunscreen, and plenty of water.
With calm seas and warm air, Lagos’ beaches offer a solid spot for relaxation or active fun all winter.
Geographical and Climatic Influences
Lagos gets its warm winter weather from its coastal position, low elevation, and tropical climate. The city’s location near the Atlantic Ocean, along with global land cover and satellite data, helps explain its seasonal patterns.
Location and Topography
You’ll find Lagos in southwestern Nigeria, right along the Gulf of Guinea. The city sits low, averaging about 7–39 meters (23–129 feet) above sea level.
Most of the area is flat, with lagoons, wetlands, and barrier islands shaping the scene.
Because of this flatness, air circulation stays pretty steady. There’s not much difference between inland and coastal temperatures.
Winter temperatures rarely drop sharply since the land doesn’t rise enough to create cooler upland climates.
The Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) mapped out Lagos’ elevation in detail. Turns out, there aren’t any big hills or mountains here.
This lack of high ground keeps winter weather consistently warm, just with slight changes from day to night.
Impact of the Atlantic Ocean
The Atlantic Ocean really shapes Lagos’ winter weather. Warm sea surface temperatures keep the air humid and block the cooler winter conditions you’d get farther north.
From December to February, rainfall drops to its lowest, often below 20–40 mm per month. Still, humidity stays high, thanks to the ocean.
This mix brings warm, dry, and just a little muggy weather.
Sea breezes help keep daily temperatures in check, with highs around 31–33°C (88–91°F) and lows near 22–24°C (72–75°F).
If it weren’t for the ocean, Lagos would probably see bigger temperature swings, but the coast keeps things stable in winter.
Role of Global Land Cover and Remote Sensing Data
Remote sensing tools like the Global Land Cover Share database give you a better way to see Lagos’ environment. They map out vegetation, wetlands, and urban expansion, which is honestly pretty fascinating if you care about how cities change.
These land cover types shape how heat and moisture move around in the atmosphere. When the city grows, it holds onto more heat, while wetlands and lagoons nearby keep adding moisture.
All of this combines to create Lagos’ unique microclimate, especially those warm winter nights that never really cool off.
Missions like SRTM use satellite data to show how Lagos’ flat terrain interacts with different land covers. This kind of information can help people predict flooding, keep an eye on coastal erosion, and maybe even understand why Lagos’ winters stay hot and humid instead of cooling down.