Weather in Port Harcourt

Stay up to date with the meteorological conditions in Port Harcourt before embarking on your journey. This section presents current weather data, detailed forecasts, and clear charts.

The climate of Port Harcourt can be described as typical tropical, with high humidity and consistently hot weather throughout the year. An atmosphere of eternal summer reigns here, where temperature fluctuations between seasons are minimal. Travellers should expect warm, and sometimes sweltering days, when the thermometer confidently stays in the range of +25°C to +34°C, creating ideal conditions for those who love the heat.

The year is clearly divided into two distinct periods: a short dry season and a prolonged rainy season. The dry period, lasting approximately from December to February, is characterised by minimal rainfall and the highest temperatures. This is a time when the sun shines brightly, and the chance of getting wet tends to zero. However, it is worth noting that even in these months, air humidity remains palpable due to the proximity to the ocean and rivers.

The rainy season in Port Harcourt is quite intense and occupies most of the year, starting in March and peaking in the summer months and September. During this period, it can rain almost daily (up to 30 days a month), bringing thick cloud cover and a slight decrease in daytime heat. Despite the frequent downpours, the weather remains warm, so instead of warm clothes, it is more important for tourists to take care of reliable rain protection.

The climate in Port Harcourt is characterised by high temperatures throughout the year, so the concept of cold is practically absent here. The hottest period falls at the beginning of the year: in February, the average temperature reaches its peak around 29.4°C, and the daytime maximum often rises to 34.1°C. January and March are also distinguished by sweltering weather, when the thermometer confidently stays above the 30-degree mark, creating an atmosphere of true tropical summer even during the calendar winter.

Interestingly, the traditional summer months bring relative coolness to the city. From June to September, the heat subsides slightly, and the average air temperature drops to 25.6°C — 26.2°C. The "coolest" month can be considered July, when daytime maximums rarely exceed 28°C. This time may be more comfortable for travellers who do not tolerate the extreme heat characteristic of the beginning of the year well.

Throughout the year, noticeable fluctuations between day and night temperatures are observed, especially in the drier months such as December and January. The difference can be about 10 degrees: after a hot day with temperatures near 33°C, a warm and pleasant night follows, when the air cools down to 23.6°C. Overall, night temperatures in Port Harcourt are very stable and rarely drop below 23°C, so you are unlikely to need warm clothes on your trip.

The climate of Port Harcourt is characterised by a clear division into wet and dry seasons, with rain being a frequent and familiar phenomenon here. Since the city is located in the tropical zone, precipitation falls exclusively in the form of rain, and snow does not occur here. Travellers should keep in mind that an umbrella will be a necessary accessory for most of the year.

The true rainy season comes into full force in summer and lasts until mid-autumn. The wettest months are July and September, when the highest volume of rainfall is recorded. In the period from June to October, it rains almost daily: statistics show up to 29–30 rainy days per month, making sunny days a great rarity at this time.

The most favourable time for a trip, if you want to avoid constant dampness, is December and January. These are the driest months of the year: rainfall levels drop to a minimum (about 1 mm), and the number of rainy days decreases to 9–11. Although the probability of short-term precipitation remains even in winter, it is not as prolonged and intense as in the summer period.

Since Port Harcourt is distinguished by a consistently hot climate year-round with an average air temperature from +25°C to +29°C, the basis of your luggage should consist of light clothing made from natural breathable fabrics, such as cotton and linen. T-shirts, shorts, loose shirts, and summer dresses will ensure maximum comfort. Given the active sun, especially in the dry season (December and January), be sure to take a wide-brimmed hat, high-quality sunglasses, and cream with a high SPF level.

Particular attention should be paid to protection from moisture. According to statistics, the rainy season here lasts for most of the year, and from May to October, precipitation falls almost daily. Therefore, a reliable umbrella and a light, compact raincoat are mandatory items in a tourist's suitcase. You will not need warm jackets, as even during downpours the temperature rarely drops below +23°C; it is better to prefer a thin waterproof windbreaker.

When choosing shoes, settle on comfortable walking models that dry quickly or are water-resistant, for example, quality sandals or textile mesh trainers. Due to the high humidity and heat, it is worth having a change of clothes with you to feel fresh throughout the day. It is also recommended to bring one light long-sleeved top: it will come in handy in rooms with strong air conditioning or for protection against insects in the evening.