Benue River Stream

Major Nigerian river and Niger River tributary

The Benue is a major river rising in Cameroon and joining the Niger at Lokoja in Nigeria; it supports fishing, transport and riverine communities. Travelers may explore riverside towns, markets and boat trips along navigable stretches.

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A view of a bridge.jpg
AFR V3 D344 Confluence of the Kwara (Niger) and Benue.jpg

Benue River at a Glance#

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About Benue River#

The Benue River is a major west-flowing river that rises in eastern Cameroon and becomes the principal tributary of the Niger River in Nigeria. It is an important regional waterway for transport, irrigation and fisheries.

Within Cameroon the river drains parts of the Adamawa highlands and carries seasonal flows westward into Nigeria, where it meets the Niger at the confluence near Lokoja. The river has been an important geographic feature for settlements and agriculture along its banks.

The Benue plays a significant role in the hydrology of West Africa and in the connections between Cameroonian and Nigerian river systems.

Geographically the river crosses from Cameroonian highlands into the Benue valley and thence into Nigeria, linking upland source areas with the Niger basin.

  • Course: Originates on the Adamawa Plateau in eastern Cameroon and flows west into Nigeria where it joins the Niger River at Lokoja.

Best Time to Visit Benue River#

For Benue River visits and river travel, the dry months (November-February) are generally the most reliable and comfortable.

Dry season (best for travel)
November-February · ~20-30°C
Lower river levels and drier conditions make river travel, fishing and visiting riverside communities easier and more predictable.
Hot pre-monsoon
March-May · ~30-40°C
High temperatures and low water levels in some stretches can affect navigation and comfort.
Rainy season (high water)
June-October · ~24-32°C
Heavy rains raise river levels and can cause flooding or strong currents that limit safe river access.

Weather & Climate near Benue River#

Climate

Benue River's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 20°C to 35°C. Abundant rainfall (1167 mm/year), wettest in September with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 114 Unhealthy (Sg)
Best Time to Visit
JanuaryDecemberNovember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
41°
Warmest Month
12°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Ideal 21° - 32° 27° 3 mm mostly sunny 50% 1.5 m/s 1.5 very high 11.6h
February Excellent 24° - 35° 30° 9 mm partly cloudy 55% 1.6 m/s 1.5 very high 11.8h
March Very Good 26° - 35° 35° 37 mm partly cloudy 63% 1.9 m/s 1.7 very high 12.0h
April Good 26° - 34° 35° 99 mm overcast 70% 2.0 m/s 1.9 very high 12.2h
May Acceptable 24° - 33° 33° 160 mm overcast 78% 1.6 m/s 1.9 very high 12.3h
June Acceptable 23° - 31° 30° 162 mm overcast 82% 1.8 m/s 1.7 very high 12.4h
July Good 23° - 30° 27° 174 mm overcast 84% 1.9 m/s 1.6 very high 12.4h
August Good 23° - 29° 26° 181 mm overcast 85% 1.9 m/s 1.6 very high 12.2h
September Good 23° - 30° 26° 217 mm overcast 86% 1.4 m/s 1.7 very high 12.1h
October Very Good 23° - 31° 27° 116 mm partly cloudy 83% 1.3 m/s 1.8 very high 11.8h
November Excellent 23° - 33° 30° 8 mm some cloud 70% 1.5 m/s 1.8 very high 11.7h
December Ideal 20° - 32° 26° 1 mm mostly sunny 56% 1.5 m/s 1.6 very high 11.6h