Last updated: January 18, 2025
Osun, Nigeria, is characterized by a tropical savanna climate as defined by the Köppen-Geiger classification (Aw). The region experiences a wide temperature range, with January recording minimum values around 14°C (57°F) and peak temperatures soaring to a sweltering 39°C (103°F) in February. The annual average temperature hovers at a comfortable 26°C (79°F), indicating a warm climate that influences both the local ecosystem and human activity throughout the year.
In Osun, Nigeria, temperature patterns exhibit distinct seasonal variations throughout the year. January marks the onset of the year with cooler temperatures, where minimums drop to 14°C (57°F) and average values reach 27°C (82°F). As February arrives, the warmth escalates, with maximum temperatures peaking at 39°C (103°F). The warming trend continues into March, while temperatures start to stabilize in April and May, where average readings hover around 26-29°C (79-84°F). The onset of the rainy season in June brings a gradual decline in temperature, with monthly averages dropping to the mid-20s°C (around 76°F) by July and August. These cooler months lead into a moderate autumn in September and October, where temperatures remain mild before a slight resurgence in warmth during November and December. Overall, Osun experiences a warm climate punctuated by distinct cooler spells, reflecting the tropical savanna characteristics of the region.
Ile-Ife and Osogbo experience similar temperature ranges, with both cities recording a minimum of 17°C (62°F) in January in Ile-Ife and February in Osogbo, and a maximum of 39°C (103°F) in February for both locations. For more detailed information on monthly temperatures in Ile-Ife, visit monthly temperatures in Ile-Ife, and for Osogbo, check monthly temperatures in Osogbo.
Precipitation in Osun, Nigeria, follows a marked seasonal pattern, reflecting a clear distinction between dry and wet periods. January starts the year extremely dry with only 6 mm (0.2 in) of rainfall over a single day, setting the stage for a gradual increase in precipitation culminating in February with 26 mm (1.0 in). As the transition into March occurs, precipitation rises significantly to 77 mm (3.0 in), and this trend continues through April with 83 mm (3.2 in) as the region prepares for the wet season. The months from May to October represent the peak of rainfall, with June reaching the highest average of 205 mm (8.1 in), marking the height of the rainy season.
During the peak months of the wet season, July, August, and September see substantial accumulations, with September recording the highest precipitation at 238 mm (9.4 in). This intense rainfall coincides with frequent rainy days, averaging 25 days per month, which sustains the area's lush vegetation and contributes to local agriculture. The wet season tapers off in November with a sharp decline to 45 mm (1.8 in), followed by December, which again sees minimal rainfall at 7 mm (0.3 in). This cyclical precipitation pattern is essential for maintaining the ecological balance and supporting the livelihoods of the local population.
Sunshine duration in Osun, Nigeria, exhibits a notable seasonal progression, beginning with a gradual increase from January's 261 hours to a peak in May, where the region enjoys an impressive 304 hours of sunlight. February and March also show considerable increases, with sunshine hours reaching 283 and 295 respectively, indicating a trend towards longer, sunnier days leading into the heart of the dry season. As the months transition into the wet season, the average hours of sunlight begin to decline gradually, although June retains a respectable 287 hours, demonstrating the resilience of sunshine amid rising precipitation.
The decline continues through the peak rainy months of July and August, where sunshine hours drop to 277 and 259 respectively, suggesting that cloud cover increases significantly during this period. By September, the sunshine duration further decreases to 251 hours, reflecting the combination of rain and overcast skies typical of the season. However, as the rainy season concludes in October and November, the sunshine hours rebound to 273 and 286 respectively, culminating in December with the highest sunshine duration of 315 hours. This cyclical pattern highlights the climatic variations in Osun, where the transition between dry and wet seasons profoundly influences sunshine exposure throughout the year.
In Osun, Nigeria, the UV Index presents a persistent threat throughout the year, peaking notably during the dry season months. January and February consistently register a UV Index of 11, categorizing exposure as extreme, where brief sun exposure can result in skin damage in just 10 minutes. This extreme level continues into March, with the index rising to 12, and then surges to its highest point in April at 14, underscoring the need for effective sun protection measures during this period. The intensity remains high with the UV Index returning to 12 in May and sustaining this level through June and July, emphasizing the risk of harm from prolonged solar exposure.
As the regions transitions into the late rainy season, August and September note a slight rise to a UV Index of 13, maintaining the extreme exposure category. Subsequently, October returns to a value of 12 before dropping to 10 in November and December, which is classified as very high, allowing for a burn time of 15 minutes. Despite this slight decline, the risk remains considerable, suggesting that residents and visitors alike in Osun must remain vigilant and adopt protective practices against UV radiation across all months of the year.
UV Risk Categories
Daylight duration in Osun, Nigeria, exhibits relatively consistent patterns throughout the year, reflecting the region's equatorial location. January and February both provide approximately 11 hours of daylight, indicating shorter days typical of the early year. As the climate transitions into the spring months, daylight gradually increases, reaching 12 hours in March and remaining steady through April, May, June, and July. This steady increase contributes to an enhanced feeling of warmth and activity, allowing for longer periods of outdoor pursuits during these months.
However, as the rainy season wanes and the year progresses into the later months, daylight duration returns to approximately 11 hours in October, November, and December, reflecting a predictable cyclical pattern. This stability in daylight hours showcases the minimal variance typically experienced in equatorial regions, ensuring a familiar rhythm in daily life. Overall, Osun's daylight hours create a reliable backdrop for ecological and agricultural activities, and resonate with the social rhythms of the local communities throughout the year.
Ile-Ife, Nigeria, experiences a tropical climate marked by a distinct wet and dry season. January and February record higher temperatures, with maxima reaching up to 39°C (102°F), while the cooler months of June to September showcase average temperatures around 25°C (77°F). Precipitation peaks in June and September, exceeding 200 mm (7.9 in), contributing significantly to the region's lush vegetation. The area enjoys abundant sunshine, especially from November (283 hours) to December (313 hours), making it a bright and vibrant location. For more detailed information, visit Ile-Ife climate.
Osogbo, Nigeria experiences a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and significant rainfall. Average temperatures range from a minimum of 17°C (62°F) in January to a maximum of 39°C (103°F) in February, with the hottest months being February and March. The region sees substantial precipitation, peaking in September with 223 mm (8.8 in), while January and December are the driest months. Despite the rain, Osogbo enjoys ample sunshine, particularly in December with 313 hours. For more detailed information, visit Osogbo climate.
In conclusion, the climate of Osun, Nigeria, is characterized by distinct seasonal shifts evident in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours. The warm temperatures are complemented by a pronounced wet season, shaping the region's ecological dynamics and agricultural practices. High levels of sunshine and a consistently extreme UV Index emphasize the importance of sun protection throughout the year, particularly during peak months. Additionally, the relatively stable daylight duration underscores the predictable nature of life in this equatorial environment. Together, these climatic factors create a unique backdrop that influences not only the natural landscape but also the daily lives of the residents in Osun, reflecting the interconnectedness of local climate patterns and human activity.