Last updated: January 18, 2025
Edo, Nigeria exhibits a Tropical savanna climate according to the Köppen-Geiger classification (Aw), characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. The region experiences a minimum temperature of 14°C (58°F) in January, providing cooler conditions early in the year. Typically, average temperatures hover around 27°C (81°F), creating a warm atmosphere conducive to rich biodiversity. Peak temperatures soar to a striking 41°C (106°F) in February, presenting a stark contrast that underscores the climate's variability. Such temperature dynamics play a significant role in shaping the ecological and agricultural landscapes of Edo.
Edo, Nigeria presents a notable seasonal rhythm in temperature patterns throughout the year. The first quarter begins with cooler months, as January and February witness minimums of 14°C (58°F) and 16°C (61°F), respectively, alongside maximums reaching up to 41°C (106°F) in February. As the region transitions into the hotter months of March and April, minimum temperatures rise to 21°C (71°F), maintaining peak values of around 40°C (104°F). However, by May, a slight cooling trend becomes apparent, with maximum temperatures averaging 38°C (101°F) and further declining into the rainy season from June to August, where both average temperatures and peak highs drop, stabilizing around 25°C (78°F) to 26°C (79°F). The decline in temperatures continues into the latter part of the year, with November seeing a maximum of 37°C (99°F) before temperatures fluctuate again in December, rounding off the year with a minimum of 16°C (62°F). Overall, Edo's climate exhibits a clear transition from the extreme heat of early year to milder conditions during the rainy season, reflecting the region’s tropical savanna characteristics.
Benin City experiences a notable temperature range throughout the year, with January having a minimum temperature of 16°C (61°F) and February reaching a maximum of 39°C (102°F). This variance highlights the region's warm climate, particularly as it transitions from the cooler winter months to the hotter summer period. For a detailed overview of the monthly temperatures in Benin City, you can refer to the provided link: monthly temperatures in Benin City.
Edo, Nigeria experiences a distinct seasonal pattern in precipitation, characterized by a marked increase from the beginning of the year to the onset of the rainy season. January starts relatively dry with only 12 mm (0.5 in) of rainfall, gradually increasing to 31 mm (1.2 in) in February. The region then sees a dramatic surge in precipitation during March and April, with rainfall amounts skyrocketing to 85 mm (3.3 in) and 114 mm (4.5 in), respectively. The crescendo of the rainy season occurs in June and July, where monthly totals exceed 239 mm (9.4 in) and 241 mm (9.5 in), demonstrating the intense moisture characteristic of this tropical climate.
As the rainy season progresses, Edo experiences peak rainfall in September, reaching an impressive 306 mm (12.0 in) over 27 days of rain, marking it as the wettest month of the year. Following this climax, precipitation begins to taper off, with October receiving 208 mm (8.2 in) and November dropping to 61 mm (2.4 in), indicating the conclusion of the rainy season. The final month of the year, December, sees a return to drier conditions with only 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, aligning with the broader climatic trend observed in this region. This precipitation pattern plays a crucial role in the local agricultural practices and overall ecosystem health.
Edo, Nigeria showcases a vibrant pattern of sunshine duration throughout the year, with notable peaks and dips that highlight the seasonal changes. Beginning with January, the region enjoys 256 hours of sunshine, which gradually increases each month, peaking in May with a remarkable 295 hours. This period marks the transition into the warmest months, reflecting the increasing intensity of the sun as the region approaches the height of its dry season. Following May, sunshine hours begin to slightly decline in June and July but remain appreciable at 278 hours and 268 hours, respectively.
As the year progresses, a noteworthy resurgence of sunshine occurs in December, where the region basks in 308 hours of sunlight, the highest annual total. The months from August to September witness a decrease to 270 hours and 248 hours, respectively, possibly influenced by the rainy season, which can obscure sunlight. Overall, the consistent rise in sunshine duration from late winter into summer enhances the agricultural potential of the region, while the fluctuations toward the year’s end underline the cyclical nature of Edo’s tropical climate.
Edo, Nigeria experiences a notably high UV index throughout the year, indicating significant solar intensity and a heightened risk of harm from sun exposure. The year commences with a UV index of 10 in January, classified as very high, with a burn time of 15 minutes. As February approaches, the UV index escalates to 11 and reaches its zenith in April at 14, categorizing these months as extreme in terms of sun exposure. The month of March also registers a UV index of 12, while May sees a slight reduction back to 12, maintaining an extreme classification. This trend reflects the increasing solar impact as the region transitions into hotter and drier conditions.
The summer months, particularly from June to August, consistently show a UV index of 12, indicating sustained extreme exposure risks. Interestingly, September peaks slightly at 13 before returning to 12 in October, suggesting that even as temperatures may begin to decrease, solar intensity remains remarkably high. As the year draws to a close, November and December see the UV index drop to 10 and 9, returning to a very high exposure category but still necessitating caution. Overall, the prolonged periods of extreme UV exposure in Edo underscore the importance of sun protection measures, especially during the peak months of the year.
UV Risk Categories
Edo, Nigeria experiences a relatively consistent pattern in daylight duration throughout the year, with minimal fluctuations that reflect its equatorial location. In the early months of January and February, residents enjoy approximately 11 hours of daylight, providing a stable amount of sunlight as the year begins. As the transition into the warmer months occurs, daylight extends slightly in March to 12 hours, which is sustained across several months, including April, May, and the rainy season from June to September. This consistency manifests the region's climatic stability, fostering an environment well-suited for agricultural practices.
As the year progresses towards its end, daylight duration gradually returns to 11 hours in October, November, and December. This shift marks a subtle transition back to the shorter days typical of the later months of the year. Despite these minor fluctuations, the overall stability in daylight hours throughout the year allows for a regular rhythm of daily activities and ecological cycles in Edo, emphasizing the importance of daylight in sustaining both community life and local ecosystems.
Benin City, Nigeria, experiences a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and significant rainfall, especially from March to October. The warmest months are February and March, with maximum temperatures reaching up to 39°C (102°F). Rainfall peaks in September with 413 mm (16.3 in), while the driest months are January and December. Sunshine hours are relatively consistent, with May enjoying the highest at 273 hours. For more detailed information, visit Benin City climate.
In conclusion, Edo, Nigeria, showcases a dynamic climate characterized by distinct temperature variations, substantial precipitation, high UV exposure, and consistent daylight duration throughout the year. The transition from cooler months to the extremities of heat during the dry season highlights the region's tropical savanna climate, while the annual rainfall patterns underscore the significance of the rainy season in agriculture and ecosystem health. With notably high UV indices persisting alongside stable daylight hours, residents are encouraged to adopt protective measures against sun exposure, particularly during the peak months. Collectively, these climatic elements shape life in Edo, determining agricultural cycles, ecological balance, and the daily activities of its inhabitants.