Weather in Ilorin

Planning a trip to Ilorin? Here you will find the latest information on weather conditions, including up-to-date forecasts and visual charts to help you better prepare for your journey.

Ilorin welcomes travellers with a hot tropical climate, typical for this part of Nigeria. The weather here remains warm throughout the year, making the city excellent for sun and heat lovers. Temperature fluctuations during the year are not too sharp, but travellers should be prepared for consistently high air temperatures, which often exceed 30°C, especially during daytime hours.

Two seasons are clearly distinguished in the city's climatic cycle: dry and wet. The dry season, lasting approximately from November to March, is characterised by clear days and an almost complete absence of precipitation. This is the hottest time of the year when average temperatures reach their peak values. It is during this period that tourists can count on cloudless skies, which is convenient for planning excursions and walks.

With the arrival of April, the weather begins to change, giving way to the rainy season which lasts until October. At this time, especially from July to September, the number of rainy days increases significantly — precipitation can fall on more than 20 days per month. Interestingly, it is at the height of the wet season that a slight decrease in average temperature is observed, bringing relative coolness compared to the sultry spring months.

The climate in Ilorin can be described as hot tropical, with high temperatures throughout most of the year. The sultriest period falls at the beginning of the year, immediately before the rainy season. The absolute peak of heat is observed in March, when the average temperature is about 31.2°C, and daytime maximums can reach an exhausting 37.6°C. February and April are also distinguished by high figures, so travellers sensitive to heat should consider this factor when planning a trip.

Calendar summer, on the contrary, brings relative coolness thanks to cloud cover and precipitation. The "coldest" months of the year are August and September, when the average temperature drops to a comfortable 25-26°C. During this period, the daytime heat subsides, and the thermometer rarely exceeds the 29-30°C mark, making being outdoors more pleasant, despite possible humidity.

Winter months (December and January) in Ilorin are distinguished by dry weather and significant temperature changes during the day. During the day, the sun warms the air up to 34-35°C, however, nights bring long-awaited freshness: the temperature can drop to 20°C. Such a contrast, reaching almost 15 degrees, allows for comfortable rest after a hot day, but a light cardigan might be needed for evening walks.

Ilorin's climate is characterised by a clear division into a dry season and a rainy season, which is typical for this part of Nigeria. The dry period lasts approximately from November to February. During these months, the probability of precipitation tends to zero: statistics show that in December and January there are practically no rainy days, and the sky remains clear.

The rainy season begins in spring, gradually gaining strength. The number of wet days noticeably increases from May, reaching its peak in the summer months and early autumn. The wettest period is considered the stretch from July to September, when precipitation can fall on more than 20 days a month. September often becomes the record holder for rain frequency — about 23 days with precipitation.

By October, the intensity of rains begins to gradually subside, although the number of rainy days still remains noticeable (about 15). Travellers should consider that due to the warm climate, precipitation falls exclusively in the form of rain. When planning a trip in the middle of the year, be sure to take an umbrella or a raincoat with you.

Since Ilorin is distinguished by a hot climate all year round, the basis of your wardrobe should be items made from natural breathable fabrics, such as cotton and linen. This is especially relevant for the dry season from November to March, when the daytime temperature often exceeds 35°C. Be sure to take a hat, sunglasses, and high-protection sunscreen with you to protect yourself from the active sun.

In the period from May to October, it is worth being prepared for the rainy season: at this time, precipitation falls frequently, and the number of rainy days in July and September can exceed 20 per month. A compact umbrella and a light raincoat will become mandatory items in your luggage. Despite the rains, the air temperature remains high (on average 26°C), so a warm jacket will not be needed, however, a light cardigan or a long-sleeved shirt will come in handy for evenings when the temperature drops to 22°C, or for protection from air conditioners.

Pay special attention to the choice of footwear: it should be comfortable for long walks. For the dry season, sandals are perfect, and for the wet season — closed trainers or shoes made of quick-drying materials with non-slip soles. It is also recommended to take repellents with you, as protection against insects will be relevant at any time of the year in a humid tropical climate.