Dry, sunny days and cooler nights with busy travel and holiday crowds, especially around major cities and tourist sites. December is peak season for coastal and cultural tourism.
SeasonHigh SeasonTemperature 21-33°C (70-91°F)Crowds HighPrices High
Average daily low and high (°C) and monthly rainfall. The badge shows how it feels, allowing for humidity.
Temperature map
-30°-20°-10°0°10°20°30°40°
Average temperature across Nigeria in December.
Where to Go in Nigeria in December
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.
Events & Festivals in December
Calabar Carnival
Calabar Carnival runs through December and is one of Nigeria's largest annual parades and cultural festivals, attracting many visitors to Cross River State.
Planning a trip to Nigeria?
See how December compares with the rest of the year, then read the full guide.
