Lagos Weather & Climate: Best Time to Visit

Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best time to visit Lagos.

Climate overview of Lagos

The climate in Lagos is mainly determined by the warm Gulf Stream creating a Mediterranean climate. This means warm and dry summers and mild winters. The average annual temperature is 17°C (63°F). Due to the fact that Lagos is not far from the Atlantic Ocean, the average temperature is a few degrees below the more inland areas during the summer months.

Rain is mostly seen winter months and together with the wind this can cause it to feel slightly cooler.

Lagos Weather by Month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Lagos — and find the best time to visit.

Monthly Temperature in Lagos

The climate in Lagos experiences moderate temperature changes, with mild shifts between seasons. Average maximum daytime temperatures range from a comfortable 26°C (79°F) in August, the warmest time of the year, to a moderate 16°C (61°F) during cooler months like January.

At night, you can expect temperatures ranging from 19°C (66°F) in August to around 11°C (52°F) during January.

Check out our detailed temperature page for more information.

Temperature ranges by month

Rainfall in Lagos

Lagos has a relatively dry climate with low precipitation, averaging 495 mm (19 in) of rainfall annually. Significant seasonal changes in precipitation occur throughout the year. In the wettest month, December it receives moderate rainfall, averaging 84 mm (3.3 in) of precipitation, recorded across 11 rainy days. In contrast, the driest month July brings less rainfall, with 1.3 mm (0.1 in) over a single rainy day. For more details, please visit our Lagos Precipitation page.

The mean monthly precipitation over the year, including rain, hail, and snow

Sunshine Hours in Lagos

Seasonal changes in sunshine hours are quite dramatic in Lagos. While July receives considerable daily sunshine with up to 12.7 hours, January marks the darkest time of the year, where sunshine is scarce with only 5.2 hours of sunlight per day.

Visit our detailed sunshine hours page for more information.

Monthly hours of sunshine

Daily hours of sunshine

Best Time to Visit Lagos

During the months of March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November, Lagos enjoys pleasant weather with average temperatures ranging from 18°C (65°F) to 26°C (79°F). These months are perfect for sightseeing and exploring.

Rainfall during this time ranges from 1 mm (0.04 in) in July to 69 mm (2.7 in) in November. This means you can expect a mix of sunny days and occasional showers.

Seeking the perfect travel destination for this year? We've created a tool that suggests locations matching your desired weather. Let our weather planner guide your travel decisions.

Frequently asked questions about the climate in Lagos

What is the best time to visit Lagos?

May, June, July, August, September and October typically offer the most optimal weather in Lagos. In contrast, January, February and December tend to have less optimal conditions. Lagos has a distinct dry season from May to September.

What temperatures can I expect in Lagos?

Daytime highs range from 16°C (61°F) in January to 26°C (79°F) in August. Nighttime lows range from 11°C (52°F) to 19°C (66°F).

How much rain does Lagos get?

Annual rainfall is around 495 mm (19 in). December is the wettest month with 84 mm (3.3 in), while July is the driest with 1.3 mm (0.1 in).

How sunny is Lagos?

Lagos receives around 3,012 hours of sunshine per year. July is the sunniest month with 381 hours, while January is the cloudiest with just 157 hours. Overall, Lagos enjoys abundant sunshine.

Lagos 3-Day Forecast

Lagos 3-Day Forecast

Lagos on the map

Lagos is highlighted — select any city to see its climate.

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