Weather in Kano

Stay updated on the latest weather conditions in Kano. This section provides the most up-to-date information, including forecasts and useful weather charts.

The climate in Kano can be characterized as hot and predominantly arid. High temperatures prevail here throughout the year. The months from March to May are particularly sweltering, with maximum air temperatures often reaching 37-39.5°C. Even during the "coolest" periods, such as December and January, daytime highs usually remain at the level of 29-30°C, although nights can be fresher.

Two main seasons are clearly distinguished in the city of Kano. The long dry season usually continues from November to April, and sometimes into May. During this time, precipitation is practically absent, and days are mostly sunny and very hot. From June to September comes the rainy season, which brings some relief from the intense heat, although temperatures remain high. The greatest amount of rainfall and rainy days occurs in July and August. October is a transitional month when the rains gradually cease.

Hot weather prevails in Kano year-round, however, temperature regimes change noticeably depending on the season. The peak of the heat, which can be characterized as early arid summer, falls on April and May. During these months, the average temperature reaches 31.7-32.3°C, and daytime highs regularly soar to 38.7-39.5°C. Nights also remain very warm, with minimum temperatures around 23.9-25.8°C. A conditional "winter" period, bringing relative coolness, is observed in December and January. The average temperature at this time is 21.3-22.1°C, daytime heat softens to 29.1-29.6°C, and nights offer freshness with minimum values of 13.5-14.5°C.

The summer period in Kano can be divided into two phases. March, preceding the rainy season, already demonstrates increasing heat with an average temperature of 28.7°C and maximums up to 37.1°C, which intensifies in April-May, representing a period of dry heat. With the arrival of the rainy season, which lasts approximately from June to September, the second, wet summer phase begins. June is still very hot (average temperature 30.0°C, maximum 35.2°C), but at the peak of the rains, in July and August, daytime temperatures decrease somewhat. For example, in August, the wettest month, the average temperature is 26.1°C, and the maximum is about 29.7°C. Despite some decrease in temperature, the weather during this period is characterized as hot and humid.

The autumn months, September and October, are transitional: rains gradually stop, and temperatures remain high (averages 27.3-27.7°C, maximums again tend towards 32-34°C). The "winter" season, covering November, December, January, and February, is distinguished by more mild and cool temperatures compared to the rest of the year. In November, the average temperature is 25.4°C, gradually decreasing towards the January minimum. A key feature of these months is the significant diurnal temperature fluctuations. While during the day the air can warm up to 29-33°C, after sunset the temperature is capable of dropping by 15-17 degrees, especially in January (difference between avg. max 29.1°C and avg. min 13.5°C) and February (31.7°C and 15.7°C), bringing long-awaited nighttime coolness.

A clearly defined seasonality of precipitation is observed in Kano, dividing the year into two main periods: a long dry season and a shorter but distinct rainy season. Most of the year passes practically without any precipitation, which is a characteristic feature of the climate of this region of Nigeria.

The rainy season in Kano is usually concentrated in the summer months, starting roughly in May-June and reaching its peak in July and August. August stands out as the wettest month: on average, about 7 mm of precipitation falls, and it rains for approximately 24 days. July is also characterized by significant humidity, bringing about 5 mm of precipitation and approximately 22 rainy days. June and September can be considered shoulder months of the rainy season, with a smaller volume of precipitation (2 mm and 4 mm respectively) and fewer rainy days (11 and 15 days). Precipitation during this period falls exclusively in the form of rain; snow is not characteristic for Kano.

The prolonged dry season dominates in Kano from November to April inclusive. During these six months (January, February, March, April, November, and December), precipitation is almost completely absent, and the number of days with precipitation tends toward zero. May and October act as transitional months. In May, despite the fact that the average amount of precipitation is 0 mm, up to 3 days with insignificant precipitation can be observed, signaling the approach of the wet season. October, conversely, concludes the rainy season, bringing about 1 mm of precipitation over approximately 3 days.

When planning a trip to Kano, it is important to choose your wardrobe correctly, considering the hot climate that reigns here year-round. The basis of your luggage should be light, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics such as cotton or linen. This will help you feel comfortable at high temperatures. Do not forget sunscreen with high SPF, headwear (a hat or cap with a wide brim), and sunglasses for protection against intense solar radiation. Comfortable walking shoes are also extremely important, as you will surely want to explore the city.

Two main seasons are clearly distinguished in Kano, which should be taken into account when packing. During the long dry season (from November to April), especially in the sweltering months from March to May when the daytime temperature can reach 37-39.5°C, choose the lightest and lightest-colored clothing possible. However, it is worth remembering that in the period from December to February, despite the daytime heat, nights can be noticeably cooler (temperature drops to 13.5-14.5°C), so a light sweater, cardigan, or thin jacket will be very useful – the layering principle comes in handy here. For the rainy season (from June to September), besides light clothing, be sure to take a compact umbrella or a light waterproof cape/jacket. Although the total amount of precipitation may not be very large, it rains quite often, especially in July and August. Clothing made from quick-drying materials will also be an advantage during this period.