Over the years, there have been questions concerning whether or not it snows in Nigeria. These questions spring because unlike in other African countries like Morocco, Algeria, South Africa, Uganda etc., where you can easily see snowfall, the case is different in Nigeria which happens to be a tropical country with very low expectations for snow.
That being said, in this article, we will find out whether it snows in Nigeria and other important information concerning the Nigeria weather.
The Seasons of Nigeria
Nigeria has two types of seasons which we will discuss here in this section of the article:
Dry Season
In Geography, we were taught in Secondary School that Nigeria has two seasons one of which is the dry season popularly known as the Harmattan season. The Harmattan season is widely known for its extreme cold in the early hours of the day, with scorching sun in the midday and extreme cold in the evening hours.
The Harmattan is more felt in the northern part of the country as it’s closer to the Sahara. You might have to be on a cardigan all through the day or stay close to the fire just to stay warm. On the other hand, the southern part of the country only experiences a glimpse of the season though and has more of the rainy season.
The rainy season is more pronounced in the southern part with Lagos experiencing rain almost throughout the whole year and a high level of flooding during this period.
Rainy Season
As we approach the end of March, we can expect the dry season to gradually come to an end, and the rainy season to begin in the coming months. Typically, the rainy season in Nigeria starts around April and lasts till November. The rainy season in Nigeria varies depending on the region, but generally, it lasts from between these months.
During this period, there is increased rainfall across the country, and the weather can be quite unpredictable. The rainy season is an important time for agriculture in Nigeria, as it provides the necessary water for crops to grow. It can also bring flooding and other weather-related hazards, so it’s important to stay up to date on weather forecasts and take necessary precautions.
Does it Snow in Nigeria?
Sorry to burst your bubbles but it doesn’t snow in Nigeria and it has never snowed in the country before. Nigeria’s climate is typically tropical, with high temperatures and humidity, making snowfall extremely unlikely.
However, if you are thinking of going on a trip to see the snow in Africa, you may want to consider countries other than Nigeria i.e Lesotho, South Africa etc. It’s also very important to check the weather and season in the region before making your trip. Keep in mind that the seasons in Africa are different from those in Europe and in other parts of the world.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How cold does it get in Nigeria?
This is one of the questions people frequently ask concerning the Nigeria weather. Nigeria experiences its coldest season during the Harmattan period which usually occurs late November to mid-March. Harmattan is a cool dry wind that blows from the northeast or east in the western Sahara.
The Harmattan season can get between 64 °F and 86 °F in temperature. However, in some parts of Northern Nigeria and during Winter the Harmattan season can drop to a minimum of 14 °F in temperature. Overall, while Nigeria doesn’t experience snowfall like other African countries, some parts especially in the North can be extremely cold during the Harmattan season.
What is winter like in Lagos, Nigeria?
Nigeria, like many other Tropical African countries, experiences just two (2) seasons and winter is not one of them. Our seasons are the Dry and Rainy seasons. During the dry season, we experience harmattan. A period when the North East trade wind blows in from the Sahara desert.
It is characterized by very cold, dry and dusty winds throughout the day and chilly breeze most times in the evenings. Most vegetation like Grasses and shrubs may dry up due to the poor moisture in the soil caused by the drought and Also in preparation for the rainy season.
Meanwhile, during the rainy season, Nigeria experiences heavy rainfall that can last for hours. The humidity is high, and the air is thick with moisture. This season is vital for agriculture, as it brings much-needed water to the crops and provides a respite from the heat of the dry season.
I hope this answers your questions
Why doesn’t it snow in Nigeria?
The answer to this question is pretty straightforward. Nigeria is located close to the Equator, meaning it has a very tropical climate with hot temperatures which happens to be all year long (except during the dry season’s early mornings when it can be cold, especially in most parts of Northern Nigeria such as Jos, Taraba etc.
That said, any precipitation will fall as rain and sometimes hail, even in low altitude parts of the country. Due to its high altitude (above 1000m) and lower temperatures, Jos receives more hail than other areas but it is often incorrectly believed to be snow because of the way it accumulates on the ground. It really can never be cold enough to snow in Nigeria.
What is the coldest Nigeria has ever been?
Potiskum, Yobe State in the northeast of Nigeria recorded Nigeria’s lowest ever temperature of 2.8 °C (37.0 °F). Alpine climate or highland climate or mountain climate are found in highlands regions in Nigeria. Highlands with the alpine climate in Nigeria, are well over 1,520 meters (4,987 ft) above sea level.
Has snow ever fallen in Jos Nigeria?
According to research, there was snow way back in 1978 in the Rukuba area of Jos. However, this occurrence is rare in recent times due to the increase in temperature in the country. What you can find nowadays in Jos are usually hail stones every year; sometimes in June/July.
