January Weather in Onitsha, Nigeria

Last updated: August 27, 2025

January in Onitsha, Nigeria, boasts a maximum temperature soaring to 40°C (104°F), while the average temperature settles at a comfortable 29°C (85°F). The month experiences a minimum temperature of 19°C (66°F), creating a warm climate favorable for outdoor activities. With only 5 mm (0.2 in) of precipitation over just one day, January remains largely dry, complemented by a low humidity level at 31%. This combination of warm temperatures and minimal rainfall offers an inviting environment for both residents and visitors.

January Temperature in Onitsha

In January, Onitsha experiences a warm start to the year, with temperatures ranging from a comfortable 19°C (66°F) at night to a sweltering 40°C (104°F) during the day. The average temperature hovers around 29°C (85°F), setting the stage for the hotter months to come. As the month progresses, temperatures consistently rise, leading into February where daytime highs reach a peak of 40°C (105°F). This trend continues through March and April, but a slight dip in average temperatures is noticeable as the rainy season approaches, particularly in June when the average declines to 27°C (81°F). Ultimately, while January starts the year with considerable heat, the subsequent months reveal a gradual transition toward cooler, more temperate conditions as the rainy season advances, making for a dynamic climate pattern in Onitsha.

January Weather in Onitsha: Daily Temperature Highs, Lows, and Averages

The chart illustrates January temperature patterns in Onitsha, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends. In Onitsha, January typically has an average temperature of {2}°C ({3}°F), with highs reaching up to {4}°C ({5}°F) and lows dropping to around {6}°C ({7}°F).
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec848686848280797979808284
Data source: Temperature data for Onitsha generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
Choose your preferred temperature unit
The average of daily temperatures (24 hours) calculated across all days in the month.

January Precipitation in Onitsha

In Onitsha, Nigeria, January marks the start of the year with a notably dry climate, receiving only 5 mm (0.2 in) of precipitation over just one day. This minimal rainfall is a stark contrast to the following months, where a gradual increase is observed. February sees a slight uptick with 16 mm of rain, paving the way for a significant surge beginning in March that culminates in the height of the rainy season by June. By mid-year, Onitsha experiences a dramatic rise to 193 mm (7.6 in), with precipitation days climbing to 23. This trend indicates a shift from the early dry spells of January and February to a vibrant and wet environment as the year progresses, highlighting the distinct seasonal patterns characteristic of the region.

January Precipitation Trends in Onitsha

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Onitsha, with values for each month alongside January’s data, which is highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the amount of precipitation, providing insights into how January’s conditions compare to those of other months. In Onitsha, January typically receives around {2} mm ({3} inches) of precipitation spread over approximately {4} days.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec5164786128193201181249173305
Data source: Precipitation data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
Choose your preferred precipitation unit

January Humidity in Onitsha

In January, Onitsha experiences relatively low humidity levels at approximately 31%, making it one of the driest months of the year. As the months progress into February, humidity begins to rise to 36%, marking the start of increasing moisture in the air. By March, the humidity escalates significantly to 60%, indicating the onset of the humid season. This trend continues through the months, with April and May witnessing a steep climb to 73% and 84%, respectively. The situation peaks during the mid-year months of June to August, where humidity levels soar to an impressive 86% to 90%. Following this peak, a gradual decline occurs in September and October, settling at around 91% and 90%. As the year winds down, November experiences a sharp drop to 82%, before January again ushers in a fresh start with its characteristically dry air, showcasing a cyclical pattern of humidity that defines Onitsha’s climate.

January Average Humidity in Onitsha

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Onitsha, with January’s data highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the fluctuation in humidity throughout the year, helping you understand how conditions vary by season. In January, average humidity in Onitsha is approximately {2}%, offering insight into how humid the weather typically is during this month.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec31%36%60%73%84%86%87%90%91%90%82%63%
Data source: Humidity data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

January UV Index in Onitsha

In January, Onitsha experiences a UV Index of 10, categorizing the exposure as very high with a burn time of just 15 minutes. As the months progress into February and March, the UV Index escalates to 11, falling into the extreme exposure category, where the risk of sunburn rises significantly, allowing only 10 minutes of safe exposure. This intense pattern continues through April and May, peaking at a staggering UV Index of 13 in April. The extreme conditions persist well into the mid-year months, with 11 to 12 being the norm from June to September, demanding caution for sun exposure. Only in November and December does the index drop back to 9, returning to a very high category with burn times extending to 15 minutes. Such trends underscore the importance of sun safety in Onitsha, particularly in the peak months. For detailed information, check the Onitsha UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Onitsha for January

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Onitsha in January, representing the highest UV radiation level. The UVI measures the intensity of ultraviolet radiation from the sun, indicating the potential risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues. In January, the maximum UV index in Onitsha typically reaches {2}, which falls under the {3} exposure category.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec1011111312111211121299
Data source: Onitsha January UVI data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

  •  Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
  •  Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
  •  High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
  •  Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
  •  Low (0-2): No protection needed.

January Sunshine in Onitsha

In January, Onitsha basks in a generous 254 hours of sunshine, setting the tone for a vibrant start to the year. As the months progress, the city experiences a noticeable increase in sunlight, peaking in May with an impressive 297 hours. This bright trend continues until June, where sunshine slightly dips to 277 hours. Interestingly, from July onward, a gradual decline ensues, with September witnessing the lowest at 252 hours. However, as the year comes to a close, the sun graces Onitsha once more with a warm embrace, culminating in December with a remarkable 304 hours of sunlight. This yearly pattern showcases a dynamic interplay of light and warmth that characterizes Onitsha's climate, highlighting its enchanting rhythm between the dry season's brilliance and the lush onset of the rainy months.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Onitsha: January Highlighted

The January sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Onitsha experiences direct sunlight during the month of January, excluding cloudy or obstructed periods. This chart compares the sunshine duration of January with the other months of the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec254h279h286h278h297h277h265h275h252h264h270h304h
Data source: Onitsha January Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Onitsha During January

In Onitsha, Nigeria, January stands out as a month with a notable likelihood of sunny weather, boasting a 52% chance of sun. This optimistic outlook contrasts sharply with the subsequent months, where the probability of sunshine steadily declines. By February, the chance dips to 38%, and further plummets to just 25% in March, indicating a shift towards a wetter season. As the year progresses into the heart of the rainy period from April through July, the chances of sunny days decline dramatically, reaching a low of only 14% in July. However, as the calendar shifts back towards the end of the year, the likelihood of sunshine gradually begins to recover, with December rising to 48%. This trend highlights January as a bright beacon of sunshine amidst the predominantly gray skies that follow.

Percentage of Sunny Days in January in Onitsha

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Onitsha throughout the year, with January highlighted. It highlights the variation in sunshine across each month and provides an overview of the typical frequency of sunny days, offering insights into how often Onitsha experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec52%38%25%23%21%22%14%9%11%19%30%48%
Data source: Onitsha January chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Onitsha in January

In January, Onitsha enjoys approximately 11 hours of daylight, a duration that remains consistent through February. However, as the year progresses into March, the days gradually lengthen, peaking at 12 hours from March to August. This steady 12-hour daylight period reflects the region's equatorial climate, where daylight remains relatively stable. As September approaches, daylight begins to shorten once again, returning to 11 hours in October and continuing through December. This rhythmic cycle highlights a predictable but vibrant shift in daylight that shapes the daily life and activities of Onitsha's residents.

Average Daylight Hours in Onitsha for January

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Onitsha throughout the year, with January highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec11h 47m11h 54m12h 4m12h 14m12h 23m12h 27m12h 25m12h 17m12h 7m11h 57m11h 49m11h 45m
Data source: Onitsha daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

January Winds in Onitsha

In January, the winds in Onitsha typically blow with an average speed of 1.9 m/s (4 mph), setting the stage for a mild start to the year. As the month transitions to February, there's a slight increase to 2.0 m/s (5 mph), hinting at the subtle warming that accompanies the early dry season. In March, this trend continues, with winds picking up to 2.4 m/s (5 mph). However, the breezes reach their peak in April at 2.5 m/s (6 mph), providing a refreshing contrast to the rising temperatures. Following April, wind speeds gently decline, averaging 2.3 m/s in May and tapering back to 1.9 m/s by June. This fluctuation marks the seasonal shift towards the rainy months, where January's gentle breezes give way to calmer conditions, stabilizing around 1.8 m/s from September through December. Overall, January’s winds serve as a prelude to the shifting patterns that characterize the subsequent months, reflecting a balance of warmth and refreshing air that plays into Onitsha's unique climate narrative.

Average January Wind Speed in Onitsha

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Onitsha, with values for each month shown alongside January's data, which is highlighted for easy comparison. It illustrates the average wind speed, offering insights into how January's wind conditions compare to the rest of the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec1.9 m/s2.02.42.52.31.92.22.01.81.81.81.7
Data source: Onitsha January wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How January Weather in Onitsha Compares to Other Months

Weather in Onitsha varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares January’s weather to other months in Onitsha, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.

In January, the weather is characterized by temperatures ranging from a minimum of 19°C (66°F) to a maximum of 40°C (104°F), with an average temperature of 29°C (85°F). The month sees very little rainfall, with only 5 mm (0.2 in) over just one day, and humidity levels are relatively low at 31%. In contrast, February experiences a slight rise in average temperature to 30°C (87°F). It also receives more precipitation, totaling 16 mm (0.6 in) over three days, and humidity increases to 36%. For more detailed insights, check out Onitsha weather in February.

In January, the weather in Onitsha is characterized by a minimum temperature of 19°C (66°F) and an average high reaching 40°C (104°F), accompanied by low humidity of 31% and minimal precipitation of just 5 mm over a single day. In contrast, March experiences slightly warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 23°C (75°F) and an average high of 40°C (104°F), but the humidity rises significantly to 60%. Moreover, March sees a considerable increase in rainfall, totaling 47 mm over about ten days, making it a noticeably wetter month. For more details, you can check the Onitsha weather in March.

In January, Onitsha experiences warm temperatures ranging from a minimum of 19°C (66°F) to a maximum of 40°C (104°F), with an average temperature of 29°C (85°F). The month is characterized by low precipitation, averaging just 5 mm (0.2 in) over 1 day, and a relatively low humidity level of 31%. In contrast, April sees a rise in minimum temperatures to 23°C (74°F) while maintaining a similar average temperature of 29°C (84°F) and a maximum of 40°C (103°F). However, April is markedly wetter, with 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain spread over 15 days, contributing to a much higher humidity level of 73%. For more detailed weather information, check Onitsha weather in April.

In January, Onitsha experiences warm weather with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 19°C (66°F) to a maximum of 40°C (104°F), averaging around 29°C (85°F). The month sees very little precipitation, with only 5 mm recorded over just 1 day, and the humidity is relatively low at 31%. In contrast, May brings a more humid climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 23°C (74°F) to a maximum of 37°C (98°F), averaging slightly cooler at 28°C (83°F). However, this month is marked by significant rainfall, totaling 128 mm over 20 days, resulting in a much higher humidity level at 84%. For more details, visit Onitsha weather in May.

January and June present stark contrasts in weather patterns. January boasts higher temperatures, with average highs reaching up to 40°C (104°F), while humidity is relatively low at 31%, and precipitation is minimal, recording just 5 mm over a single day. In contrast, June experiences cooler temperatures, with average highs of 34°C (94°F) and significantly increased humidity at 86%. Furthermore, it sees a dramatic rise in rainfall, accumulating 193 mm over 23 days, which underscores the shift to a much wetter climate. For more details on the weather in June, check out Onitsha weather in June.

In January, the weather is characterized by higher temperatures, with a minimum of 19°C (66°F) and averages reaching up to 29°C (85°F), peaking at a scorching 40°C (104°F). The month is relatively dry, recording just 5 mm (0.2 in) of precipitation over one day and maintaining a low humidity level of 31%.

In stark contrast, July experiences a significant drop in temperature, with a minimum of 22°C (72°F) and an average of 26°C (79°F), while the maximum temperature peaks at 33°C (92°F). This month is marked by a substantial increase in rainfall, totaling 201 mm (7.9 in) spread over 26 days, leading to much higher humidity at 87%.

For more details, check out Onitsha weather in July.

January and August present a stark contrast in weather conditions. In January, temperatures range from a pleasant 19°C (66°F) at night to a scorching 40°C (104°F) during the day, accompanied by minimal rainfall of just 5 mm (0.2 in) over a single day, resulting in a dry humidity level of 31%. Conversely, August sees cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 22°C (73°F) and a maximum of 33°C (91°F), but it also experiences substantial rainfall totaling 181 mm (7.1 in) over 23 days, leading to a high humidity level of 90%. For a more detailed look at the weather during this month, check out Onitsha weather in August.

January and September exhibit stark contrasts in weather. In January, temperatures range from a minimum of 19°C (66°F) to a scorching maximum of 40°C (104°F), accompanied by low humidity at 31% and minimal precipitation of just 5 mm over one day. In contrast, September experiences milder temperatures, with a minimum of 23°C (73°F) and a maximum of 34°C (93°F). However, it is significantly wetter, with an average precipitation of 249 mm spread over 26 days and humidity soaring to 91%. For more detailed insights, check Onitsha weather in September.

January and October present contrasting weather conditions. In January, temperatures range from a minimum of 19°C (66°F) to a scorching maximum of 40°C (104°F), with an average of 29°C (85°F) and very little precipitation, totaling just 5 mm (0.2 in) over 1 day. The humidity level is relatively low at 31%, creating a dry heat. In stark contrast, October experiences milder temperatures, with a minimum of 23°C (73°F) and a maximum of 34°C (93°F), averaging 27°C (81°F). However, it is significantly wetter during this month, receiving 173 mm (6.8 in) of rainfall over 24 days, coupled with high humidity levels at 90%. For more specific details on October weather, you can explore Onitsha weather in October.

In January, the weather is characterized by higher temperatures, with a minimum of 19°C (66°F) and maximum reaching up to 40°C (104°F), making it a distinctly hotter month. The average temperature of 29°C (85°F) is paired with low humidity at 31% and minimal precipitation, receiving only 5 mm (0.2 in) over just one day. In contrast, November presents a milder climate with a minimum temperature of 23°C (73°F) and a maximum of 35°C (96°F), averaging around 28°C (82°F). This month experiences significantly higher humidity at 82% and more rain, with 30 mm (1.2 in) spread over eight days. For a detailed look at the weather conditions in November, you can check Onitsha weather in November.

In January, the weather remains quite warm, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 19°C (66°F) to a maximum of 40°C (104°F), and an average of 29°C (85°F). The month experiences minimal precipitation, just 5 mm (0.2 in) over the course of a single day, alongside lower humidity levels at 31%. Conversely, December features slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 18°C (65°F) and a maximum of 38°C (100°F), while maintaining the same average temperature of 29°C (84°F). Interestingly, December sees no recorded precipitation and a significantly higher humidity level of 63%. For more detailed insights, you can check Onitsha weather in December.

Compare Onitsha's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From January Weather in Onitsha

In January, Onitsha experiences a stark contrast to the wetter seasons that follow, characterized by high temperatures and remarkably low precipitation. With an average temperature reaching a sizzling 29°C (85°F) and minimums that rarely dip below a comfortable 19°C (66°F), this month lays the foundation for warm days and nights. Unlike the subsequent months that often bring heavy rains, January typically sees just about 5 mm of rain over a single day, complemented by low humidity levels around 31%. This unique blend of heat and minimal moisture makes January a standout month in Onitsha's weather calendar. For more insights into the weather patterns in this vibrant city, visit Onitsha Climate.