Thinking about a fall trip to Abuja? Get ready for a season where the weather seems to shift every few weeks. Most days feel warm, with average highs climbing from about 27°C to 30°C, while nighttime temps drop from around 20°C to 17°C. That mix of warm afternoons and cooler nights gives fall a different vibe than other times of year.
Rainfall drops off fast. At the start of fall, you might still get heavy downpours, but by the end, rain almost disappears. The skies open up too, with fewer clouds as weeks pass. This shift brings a blend of wet-season freshness and the clarity that comes with dry season.
Humidity and wind don’t always grab your attention, but they still matter. Muggy days fade away as fall moves on, and gentle breezes help keep things comfortable. Shorter days and earlier sunsets round out the mood, making Abuja a great place to explore if you’re tuned in to the season’s rhythm.
Overview of Fall Weather in Abuja
In fall, Abuja moves away from the wet season and heads into the dry stretch. You’ll notice warmer days, a big drop in rain, and clearer skies compared to the heavy rains of late summer. Humidity also falls, so the air feels less sticky as you get deeper into the season.
Defining Fall Months in Abuja
Locals call September through November “fall,” though it’s not quite like autumn elsewhere. It’s a time of real change.
September still hangs onto the end of the rainy season, bringing plenty of showers and high humidity. In October, rain backs off quickly, and by November, dry conditions take over.
The days get a bit shorter too. Early September has about 12 hours of daylight, but by late November, it’s closer to 11 hours and 40 minutes. Sunsets come earlier as fall rolls on.
If you’re planning, it helps to know that September is wetter and a bit unpredictable, while November is drier and better for outdoor plans.
General Weather Patterns
During fall, Abuja’s temperatures run from 80°F to 87°F (27°C to 31°C) during the day. Nights get cooler, dropping from about 69°F (20°C) in September to 62°F (17°C) by November.
Rainfall falls off a cliff. Early September might still bring 10 inches (250 mm) of rain, but by November, rain barely shows up. The odds of a wet day plummet from over 80% in early September to nearly 0% by late November.
Clouds thin out too. In September, skies stay overcast about three-quarters of the time, but by late November, you get clear or partly cloudy skies nearly half the time. Humidity drops the same way, going from muggy in September to much drier by November.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Compared to the wet season (April–August), fall is less humid and a lot drier. You’ll see fewer thunderstorms, more blue sky, and steadier sunshine.
When you look at the dry season (December–March), fall feels a bit cooler and more pleasant. The Harmattan winds—those dusty, dry gusts in December—haven’t shown up yet.
So, fall really is a transition. You get warmth and dryness that travelers enjoy, but not the dust and harsh dryness of peak dry season. November, in particular, often brings some of Abuja’s nicest weather.
Average Temperatures During Fall
In Abuja, fall temperatures follow a pretty clear pattern. Days keep warming up, but nights cool off, so you get a bigger difference between afternoon heat and evening chill. This shift affects how you plan your days and what you wear.
Average Daytime Temperature
Daytime temps in Abuja rise steadily through fall. At first, highs average around 80°F (27°C), but by the end, they push up to about 87°F (31°C).
You won’t often see temperatures above 93°F (34°C), but you’ll definitely notice the afternoons getting hotter as weeks go by.
Here’s a quick chart:
| Month | Avg High (°F) | Avg High (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| September | 80 | 27 |
| October | 84 | 29 |
| November | 87 | 31 |
The hottest part of the day usually hits in the late afternoon, especially in October and November. If you’re out at midday, you’ll probably want shade or a cold drink.
Nighttime Temperature Trends
Nights in Abuja during fall actually cool off as days get warmer. Lows drop from about 69°F (21°C) in early fall to around 62°F (17°C) by late November.
These cooler evenings feel like a relief after a hot day. Temps rarely go lower than 57°F (14°C), so you won’t need a heavy jacket, but a light layer might come in handy later in the season.
The gap between day and night temps widens as fall goes on. In September, highs and lows differ by about 11°F, but by November, it’s closer to 25°F. That means mornings and nights can feel much cooler than the afternoons.
Temperature Fluctuations by Month
September still feels like the rainy season, with highs near 80°F (27°C) and warm nights.
By October, highs reach 84°F (29°C), and nights cool to about 65°F (18°C). You’ll notice the skies clearing and humidity dropping, which makes the temperature swings stand out more.
November brings the hottest days of fall, averaging 87°F (31°C), but also the coolest nights at 62°F (17°C). The contrast between hot afternoons and cooler evenings gives the weather a crisp, dry feel.
Rainfall Patterns in Fall
In Abuja, fall rain shifts from heavy summer storms to a steady decline in both how much and how often it rains. Showers get shorter, rainy days become rare, and by late November, the dry season is in full swing.
Monthly Average Rainfall
Rainfall from September to November drops off in a clear pattern. September brings around 230–250 mm of rain, so the ground stays moist and green. In October, you’ll see about 120–150 mm, and by November, it drops to just 40–60 mm.
This drop marks the end of the West African monsoon. September still feels wet, but by November, the dry Harmattan winds are on the way.
Here’s a look at the numbers:
| Month | Average Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| September | 230–250 |
| October | 120–150 |
| November | 40–60 |
If you’re planning outdoor stuff, keep in mind that things dry out fast over these three months.
Number of Rainy Days
Rainy days get a lot less common as fall goes on. September usually has 14–18 rainy days, often with showers in the afternoon or evening. By October, that drops to 8–12 days, and in November, you might only see 2–4 days with rain.
That makes October and November easier for travel, since you get long stretches without rain. Roads dry out, and outdoor events are less likely to get rained on.
You might still get caught in a sudden shower in September, so carrying a light rain jacket is smart. By November, you’ll almost never need it, since rain is short and rare.
Rainfall Trends in October
October stands out as the real turning point for rain in Abuja. Rainfall averages 120–150 mm, which is about half of what you get in September. Showers usually don’t last long, and storms are less intense.
You’ll see more sunny breaks, though humidity can still hang around. By now, the wet season is wrapping up, but the ground still holds enough moisture for crops and green scenery.
For travelers, October strikes a nice balance—it’s not as rainy as September, but it’s still cooler than the hot, dry days that come in November.
Wind and Humidity Conditions
In Abuja’s fall months, you start to feel the shift from rainy to dry weather. Winds slow down compared to the middle of the year, and humidity drops, making it a lot nicer to be outside. These changes affect your comfort and the feel of the city.
Typical Wind Speed in Fall
Winds in Abuja stay pretty gentle during fall. Most days, speeds sit between 5 to 10 km/h (3 to 6 mph), with the occasional stronger gust if there’s a shower in September. By October and November, winds calm down even more as the rain fades away.
The wind direction changes too. Early on, winds blow in moist air from the southwest. By November, drier northeasterly winds take over, which means the dry season is here.
Because the winds are mild, you don’t have to worry about dust storms or strong gusts. The air feels steady and easy, so outdoor plans are rarely interrupted by the weather.
Humidity Levels
Humidity in Abuja during fall drops off as the months go by. In September, you’ll still feel sticky, with relative humidity at 70–80%. By October, that falls to about 60%, and in November, it can dip to 40–50%.
This drop in humidity is a sure sign that the season’s changing. Less moisture in the air also means you’ll see more blue sky.
You’ll probably notice the difference—laundry dries faster, rooms feel less damp, and it’s just easier to breathe, especially in the evenings.
Effects on Comfort
Lighter winds and dropping humidity make Abuja feel much more comfortable. In September, muggy air can feel heavy, especially when temps hit 30°C (86°F) or more. But as humidity drops in October and November, the heat doesn’t feel as harsh.
Lower humidity also means less mold and better sleep at night. Gentle breezes keep the air moving, but you won’t feel chilly.
For visitors, these conditions make it a great time to get outside. You can walk around, hike, or check out the markets without dealing with sticky air or wind messing up your plans.
Sunshine and Cloud Cover
During fall in Abuja, days get a bit shorter, sunlight hours change, and clouds thin out as the rainy season ends. By late November, you’ll see clearer skies compared to the thick clouds of early September.
Average Daily Sunshine Hours
Sunshine increases as fall goes on. In early September, clouds block a lot of direct sun, so you get just 4–5 hours of sunshine most days. By late November, skies open up, and you can get 7–8 hours of sunshine a day.
This happens as the rain pulls back. September is still wet and cloudy, but by November, dry weather takes over. That makes it easier to plan outdoor activities.
Here’s a quick breakdown of average sunshine hours each month:
| Month | Avg. Daily Sunshine Hours |
|---|---|
| September | 4–5 hours |
| October | 5–6 hours |
| November | 7–8 hours |
If you want the best daylight for sightseeing or exploring, November is your month. September, on the other hand, tends to be cloudier and less sunny.
Frequency of Cloudy Days
Cloud cover in Abuja drops off fast during the fall. In early September, skies stay overcast or mostly cloudy about 75–80% of the time, right at the peak of the rainy stretch.
By late November, this falls to around 55%, so you get more chances for clear skies.
You’ll usually see the clearest days in late November, when almost half the time you get clear or partly cloudy skies. That’s when it’s a lot easier to enjoy city landmarks and the natural scenery without clouds blocking your view.
Even during the cloudier weeks, you’ll notice that the chance of steady rain drops sharply. By November, most days turn out dry, and the clouds feel lighter and less bothersome than the thick, rain-heavy skies you get in September.
Travel Tips for Visiting Abuja in Fall
Rainfall drops off quickly in Abuja during the fall, and skies keep clearing up as November gets closer. Temperatures stay warm, but the air feels less humid than during the peak rainy months. That makes it a pretty comfortable time for outdoor activities, local travel, and sightseeing.
Best Activities for the Season
You can really get outside and explore once the heavy rains let up. Early fall still brings some wet days, but by October and November, trails and parks are much easier to walk around.
The city’s big landmarks, like Aso Rock and Millennium Park, are way more enjoyable with less mud and clearer skies.
Markets and cultural centers get pretty lively in this season. You might check out Wuse Market for crafts or stop by the National Mosque and National Christian Centre—without worrying about heavy rain ruining your plans.
Day trips to hills and waterfalls nearby work out better once the ground dries. Usuma Dam and Zuma Rock are both popular picks, and you’ll likely get better views without weather issues.
Packing Recommendations
You’ll want to pack for mixed weather. In September, rain showers still pop up often, so a light rain jacket and water-resistant shoes come in handy.
By late October and November, rain hardly shows up, but evenings can get a bit cool, so toss in a light sweater just in case.
Bring breathable clothes for the warm days—highs usually stay in the 80s °F (upper 20s °C), and fabrics like cotton or linen feel best in the humidity.
Don’t forget a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. With fewer clouds as fall goes on, you’ll get more sun exposure.
A small umbrella makes sense in September, but you probably won’t need it much later in the season.
Travel Considerations
Traveling around Abuja gets a bit easier in the fall, especially compared to the peak rainy season. Roads usually stay clear of flooding, and airlines deal with fewer weather delays.
Still, don’t be surprised if early September throws in a few wet days. It’s smart to give yourself extra time when getting around town.
Accommodation prices mostly stay steady, but you’ll probably notice more open rooms as the heavy tourist months wind down. If you want to stay right in the center, booking ahead is still your best bet.
For your health, pack some insect repellent because mosquitoes tend to linger after the rain. And honestly, don’t forget to drink plenty of water, since warm days mixed with leftover humidity in early fall can leave you feeling pretty worn out if you’re outdoors for long stretches.