Jos Plateau
Plateau Flat-topped Nigerian highland with unique ecosystems
Central Nigeria’s Jos Plateau offers cooler highland air, laterite rock formations and rocky outcrops. Visitors hike, explore hilltop villages, see colonial-era buildings in Jos town and browse local markets.
The Jos Plateau is an upland region in central Nigeria centred on the city of Jos. It is an elevated tableland known for a cooler temperate climate, wooded hills and distinct rock outcrops compared with the surrounding savannah.
The landscape includes granite inselbergs, rolling hills and pockets of montane vegetation; places such as the Shere Hills immediately above Jos are locally popular for short hikes and scenic viewpoints. The plateau supported significant tin-mining activity from the colonial era into the 20th century, which influenced the region’s economy and settlement patterns.
Geographically the plateau occupies central Nigeria within Plateau State and forms a distinct highland island in the country’s interior; the city of Jos is the principal urban centre on the plateau.
- Elevation and climate: Average elevation of the plateau is around 1,200 metres, producing a notably cooler climate compared with surrounding lowland areas.
- Mining legacy: The plateau has a long history of tin mining and quarrying that shaped local settlement and economy during the 20th century.
What to See #
- Shere Hills: A band of rocky, wooded ridges and escarpments near the city of Jos that are popular for hiking, day trips and local rock-climbing activity.
How to Get to Jos Plateau #
Jos Plateau is the upland area surrounding the city of Jos in central Nigeria. Fly to Jos (Yakubu Gowon Airport, JOS) from Abuja or Lagos, or drive into Jos by road; once in Jos the plateau and its viewpoints are reached by short local drives (typically a few kilometres) from the city centre or by taxi from Jos bus stations.
Tips for Visiting Jos Plateau #
- Visit in the dry season (roughly November-March) and aim for early morning for clearer views and cooler conditions-the plateau's mist and cloud cover are more common in the rainy months and can obscure scenery.
- Base yourself in Jos city and approach major sights (Shere Hills, nearby waterfalls and viewpoints) via the main paved roads out of Jos; avoid attempting remote unpaved tracks after rains when they become impassable.
- Plan visits with current security information and local guidance-Plateau State has had periodic unrest, so check official travel advisories and local contacts before traveling to remote parts of the plateau.
Best Time to Visit Jos Plateau #
Visit in the dry season (November-February) for cooler, clearer weather and easier access across the plateau.
Weather & Climate near Jos Plateau #
Jos Plateau's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with hot summers (peaking in April) and warm winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 16°C to 35°C. Abundant rainfall (1093 mm/year), wettest in August with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 16°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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February
February is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 18°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is warm with highs of 34°C and lows of 21°C. Light rainfall.
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April
April is the hottest month, feeling like 29°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is hot, feeling like 29°C. Significant rainfall (116 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 21°C. Significant rainfall (155 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. Heavy rain (225 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 20°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (268 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (199 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 20°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 18°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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December
December is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 16°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
