Did you know that there are several reasons why seasons in Nigeria are important? When it comes to weather and climate, you should be up to date.
Steve and Jessica had planned an outdoor wedding, because they thought it would be the best way for people to really get to know each other, danced away their sorrow and renew their happiness.
Just as guests were arriving, in their various Nigerian native styles the weather took a turn for the worse. There were flash-floods and a heavy downpour, which sent guests scrambling for shelter.
Saying it rained cat and dog throughout the wedding ceremony is an understatement, it rained hippopotamus and donkeys. (Lol).
The chairs were soaked, the linens were soggy, and even the caterers were struggling to keep the food away from flooding.
Rain is not beauty’s best friend (no one likes runny mascara), brideās make up was washed away by rain. The venue got flooded and they had to switch to plan B. What a pity
Nigerians are great fans of outdoor celebrations. It is so frustrating and embarrassing to Nigerians when such celebrations are disrupted by the weather e.g rain.
Are you currently in this situation, having trouble deciding the best seasons in Nigeria for your party? What’s your dream season to marry?
Here comes the fun part of it, did you know that rainy season in Nigeria can produce some of the most atmospheric, romantic shots for your pre wedding pictures?
The lighting is softer, and an experienced photographer will be able to make you pop in your photo shot.
It is important to consider the right seasons in Nigeria, because the weather could make or break the experience you and your guests will have on this special day.
How Many Seasons are there In Nigeria?
Most people know that the weather has a significant impact on the agriculture industry. Indeed, crops need the basics of moisture, warmth, and sun to thrive.
So, how many seasons are there in Nigeria?
Nigeria, just like most of West Africa countries, only experiences two seasons, the dry (harmattan) and rainy (wet) seasons.
However, these two seasons in Nigeria do not last throughout the year. If one is visiting the country, it is imperative that they know what to expect from the weather.
What are Climatic Zones In Nigeria?
The climate of Nigeria differs throughout the different regions of the country.
Southern Nigeria is equatorial, Central Nigeria is tropical, while the northern region of the country is arid.
To begin, Nigeria’s southern equatorial may also be referred to as equatorial monsoon climate. This type of tropical rain forest climate produces heavy rainfall, with a constant temperature range with little difference.
Next, the central region of Nigeria is considered to be tropical.Ā This tropical climate is referred to as a tropical savanna climate, or a tropical wet and dry climate, which Central Nigeria experiences annually.
During the wet seasons, heavy rainfall occurs. The dry season also brings high seasonal temperatures, accompanied with dust and cold.
The last climate type present in Nigeria is arid, and is present in the nation’s northern region. This type of climate experiences low rainfall, and Northern Nigeria accrues less rainfall than any other area of the country.
The rainy season in this region is short, lasting only a few months, while the rest of the year is dry and hot.
Raining Season In Nigeria Explained
Rainy season in Nigeria is a blessing and the other way,Ā based on its advantages and disadvantages.
On one hand, the people get a break from the scorching sun, temperatures drop, and the crops get enough water. Then, on the other hand, plans get ruined, traffic intensifies, and you get wet and cold. 
The rainy season in Nigeria does not start in the same months in different parts of Nigeria.
The climate in the Northern part of the country is different from the climate in Southern Nigeria. Also, rainfall distribution in Nigeria differs from the South to North.
The rainy season in Nigeria on the coast lasts seven months (from the end of March to the end of October).
The first rainy seasons in Nigeria begins around March and last to the end of July with heavy rainfall in June.
A brief break is experienced in August to begin again in September, and the season doesn’t end until late October.
This season in most parts of Northern Nigeria begins in the month of June/July and ends in September.
Most parts of Northern Nigeria, experience the peak of the rainy season during the month of August, although not as high as the heavy rainfall experienced in Southern Nigeria.
3 Types of Rainy Season
The three different rainy seasons which can be observed in Nigeria are:
- Short rainy season in Nigeria
- Wet season in Nigeria
- Long and heavy rainy season in Nigeria
Ā Short Rainy SeasonĀ Ā Ā Ā
This type of rainy season in Nigeria is very short and can be called an “August break”.
It lasts from early September to mid-October and reaches its peak period at the very end of September.
The short rains are not as heavy as those seen during the long rainy season.
The short rains are perfect for harvesting season in Nigeria, and it covers almost all southern parts of Nigeria and bring a lot of good for farmers.
August is a dry month and usually the perfect time for harvesting and planting of grains like maize or rice.
After the short dry season, which lasts for some time in August, the short rains come to supply farmers with some water for the crops planted in August.
Long and Heavy Rainy Season
More than 85% humidity and wet rainy weather in most southern parts of Nigeria is observed during this season.
The rainiest, peak period is in June and affects most parts of southern Nigeria. The long rainy season can be distinguished by thick clouds in the sky and excessively humid.
The most visible impact of the long rainy period can be noticed in the Niger Delta and on the coastal lowlands.
Long and heavy rainy season in Nigeria can be observed in the late March and usually stars with the appearance of thick clouds in the sky.
Wet Season
The wet season in Nigeria is usually between the month of June to September during which the amount and duration of rainfall increases from the south to the north of the country.
The rains during the wet season are usually heavy and short, accompanied with storms. This season brings a lot of natural disasters, such as flash floods and in some places, soil erosion.
The rain can be both beneficial and harmful to humans. Nigerians enjoy rainfalls almost all year long and even take some advantage of it, for example, planting cash crops which require a lot of water.
Disadvantages of Rainy Season
1. Ā Rain water creates flood situation everywhere and hence that kills thousands of people and animals. Also the flood damages the crops and other plants.
2. Ā Excess rainfall forces migration of the people living in the area closer to the river catchment.
3. Rain water also causes excessive load on our drainage system.
4. Excessive rain or flood situation causes many water borne diseases, which ultimately causes death of many people.
Harmattan / Dry season in Nigeria
The dry season in Nigeria is accompanied by a hot, dry and dusty conditions locally known as Harmattan. It usually starts around November or December and lasts a couple of months. 
Harmattan season is characterized by low humidity, dry skin, chapped lips, eye irritations, respiratory tract infections such as cough and catarrh. It also gets very cold, especially at night and early mornings.
The atmosphere gets very foggy during this period and as a result, flights can get grounded. It is most severe in Northern states of Nigeria.
People in Nigeria at this time are advised to wear clothes that cover most of the skin, moisturize skin well and hydrate well.
Advantages of Dry Season In Nigeria
- Fewer diseasesĀ
Nigerians suffer less from malaria and other sicknesses. Malaria is mostly spread through mosquitoes, and in the dry season, their number decreased
- Time for open space celebrations
Nigerian people aren’t into indoor celebrations. The majority of Nigerians prefer to host festivals and celebrations in a wide open space. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a wedding or dance festival
- Ā Ā The people know that you get the best out of a celebration when you have fun in the fresh air. And during the rainy season, these plans are often spoiled.
- Ā Ā Businesses flourish
It’s also a marketing fact that during the dry season, the figures of various goods and services sales is high when compared to the rainy season.
- Food preservation
The majority of Nigerians, even more so in rural areas, prefer to store their food and other produce in the sun.
In the dry season, food is preserved a lot better when out of the fridge, as the heat prevents spoilage.
- Ā Easy building maintenance
No more sudden structure collapses from prolonged exposure to rain and floods.
- No erosion process
People of Southern Nigeria know how serious a problem erosion is. So many communities disappear, roads get destroyed, chaos everywhere. The dry season is a time to rebuild, a time for peace.
Disadvantages of dry season in Nigeria
- Harmattan season in Nigeria also has harmful effects on the respiratory system.
- The dust particles may overwhelm the system and predispose it to infection.
- It is common to experience excessive sneezing, cough, catarrh and even nasal bleeding.
Facts Weather conditions
Are you planning on moving abroad because our country’s weather is crappy?
Do you want to work and serve abroad?
If yes, you lied
We must finish what we have started o
People either want to escape the weather of their own country or move to a place where the weather suits their lifestyle and tastes better.
Here are some facts:
While in this cool country, you can enjoy almost all types of climate conditions like rainfall, humidity, sunshine etc.
The hottest season usually starts sometime in February and ends around May, during this season even the nights are warm with the temperature of about 26 degree Celsius.
If you enjoy rainy season, then May and June are the ideal months for you to visit Nigeria.
There is an increase in malaria sickness during the rainy season.
Did you know that the longest river in Nigeria is river Niger and it is also the deepest river in Nigeria. See the list of major rivers in Nigeria for more information.
During the rainy season the sales of goods and services moves down to its lowest point.
The farmlands need water from the rain to grow crop plants, thus the farmers hearts are gladdened by the sight of the early rain.
Another irony, even Nigerian farmers hate the rainy season. This is because most Nigerian crop plants do not do well when there is excessive water at the roots.
Contrary to what you might have earlier believed, dry season in Nigeria is also good for planting. There are crops that can survive and thrive well in this condition, sch as tomato, pepper, cucumber, okra, eggplant, garden egg, melon, pumpkin, sweet potato, green amaranth, etc.
When listening to weather forecast on our television or radio stations, all you hear is that so so states will have 30 degree, 45 degree or 18 degree Celsius (Ā°C) . How many people understand those terminologies? I often wonder.
I love Nigeria weather forecast, but the truth is that, the forecast often seem useless to majority of Nigerians.
Season In Nigeria (Conclusion)
Since we are blessed with two seasons in Nigeria (wet and dry), why do most people especially farmers only utilize only one of the season (wet)?.
Well the excuse I have come to know is that dry season farming is expensive.Ā Why can’t we make the money during the raining season, to prepare for the dry season?
God has made everything beautiful in its time, both the dry and the rainy season, but also has its merits and demerits. So, which of the seasons in Nigeria do you actually prefer?
Like some would say ‘I prefer Rainy seasons in Nigeria because everywhere is always cool and cozy, while the dry seasons in Nigeria presents unnecessary dryness.
Others would say ‘I hate cold, I hate flood, I hate muddy roads. I prefer the dry season. Which is yours?
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