Nigeria in December: Weather, Crowds & What to Expect
Climate Map for December
Average temperature across Nigeria in December.
City Weather in December
| City | High | Low | Rain | UV | Feels |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lagos | 32° | 23° | 20 mm | very high | Hot |
| Kano (city) | 30° | 14° | 0 mm | very high | Mild |
| Ibadan | 33° | 22° | 13 mm | very high | Hot |
| Abuja | 33° | 18° | 1 mm | very high | Warm |
| Port Harcourt | 31° | 22° | 47 mm | very high | Warm |
| Kaduna | 32° | 16° | 0 mm | very high | Warm |
| Benin City | 33° | 21° | 25 mm | very high | Hot |
High / low are average daily temperatures (°C). “Feels” reflects how hot or cold it feels, allowing for humidity.
Far North (Sahel & Semi‑arid north - Maiduguri, Sokoto, Katsina)
Dry harmattan conditions and sharp diurnal temperature swings dominate December: cold mornings can dip into the low teens °C on the Jos edges and warm only to the mid‑20s-low‑30s°C by afternoon. The sky is usually clear and dusty, offering excellent visibility for landscape photography and short flights, but the dust aggravates respiratory issues and coats cameras and clothing. Lightweight warm layers for mornings and a face scarf for dusty winds are smart packing choices.
Northern Savanna & Sahel Transition (Kano, Kaduna, Zaria)
A full harmattan sets in December with dry, dusty air and chilly mornings around 15-20°C in the interior; afternoons remain pleasantly warm. This is one of the best months for visiting old city areas and open‑air cultural events because rain is absent, but the dust can be irritating - sunglasses and nasal protection help. Nighttime can feel surprisingly cool for travelers used to coastal humidity.
Middle Belt & Jos Plateau (Jos, Plateau State, Abuja approaches)
An unmistakable dry chill returns to the Jos Plateau in December with clear skies and brisk mornings - nights are cool enough for a sweater while days remain comfortable. Holiday traffic increases as Nigerians visit relatives and festivals occur in towns, so book ahead if arriving mid‑month. It’s an ideal month for sightseeing and walking the highland trails before the next wet season.
Southwest & Lagos Coast (Lagos, Ibadan, Akure)
The harmattan often reaches the southwest in December with dry, hazy mornings and cooler nights, though effects are less extreme than in the north; Lagos experiences comfortable days and clear evenings ideal for nightlife and the Calabar/Lagos seasonal celebrations. Coastal winds can be brisk and sand may flick across exposed beaches, so pack a light windbreaker. Expect higher prices and busier venues around the holidays.
Niger Delta & Southeast (Port Harcourt, Warri, Calabar, the Delta creeks)
December is warm, generally drier and ideal for waterfront festivals - Calabar’s carnival season peaks in December (though dates vary), drawing visitors statewide and making the city lively. River travel is comfortable and the creeks are calmer, but pack repellent for evenings and expect busier town centers with holiday traffic. This is one of the best months to experience coastal culture and accessible nature trips before the next rainy cycle.