The climate of Calabar
Calabar, lying on the equator in
Nigeria, is characterized by a Tropical monsoon climate according to the Köppen climate classification. This specific climate is identified by the predominance of high temperature throughout the year and heavy rainfall, especially during the summer months.
The weather In Calabar does not fluctuate dramatically throughout the year, with average high temperatures peaking at 35.2°C (95.4°F) in
January and dipping to a still warm 28.3°C (82.9°F) in
July and
August. Alongside these, low temperatures exhibit small variations, with the highest average low temperature, 25.2°C (77.4°F), observed in
March and the lowest, 22.6°C (72.7°F), in August. Relative humidity also shows a defined pattern with the highest point, 87%, seen from
June to
September, and the lowest, 69% and 70%, in January and
December, respectively.
In terms of precipitation, Calabar receives abundant rainfall, especially during the summer months. The highest amount of rainfall, 345mm (13.58"), occurs in July, with increased rainfall also observed from
May to September exceeding 230mm (9.06") monthly. The fewest rainy days and least rain, 19mm (0.75") over 13.5 days, can be expected in December. On the brighter side, sunshine is the most reliable climatic element in Calabar as it shines all year on average for at least 4 hours per day, blooming to maximum sun time of 9.5 hours per day in December.
The best time to visit Calabar
Taking into account the various weather conditions, the best time to visit
Calabar would be between
November and
February. During these months, the weather is less humid with average relative humidity below 80%. Rainfall is on the lower side during this period, under 112mm (4.41") per month, offering dry conditions suited to outdoor activities. With high temperatures ranging between 29.9°C (85.8°F) to 35.2°C (95.4°F) and lows from 22.7°C (72.9°F) to 23.8°C (74.8°F), one can expect a tropical climate that is favorable for exploring the city.
The worst time to visit Calabar
Based on climatic conditions, the months from
June to
September would be the least recommendable times to visit
Calabar. These months are characterized by extreme amounts of rainfall, above 270mm (10.63") monthly, which could hamper outdoor activities and travel plans. In addition to this, relative humidity is at its highest, above 85%, which could add to travel discomfort.
Spring weather in Calabar
Calabar does not experience a conventional spring season due to its Equatorial climate. Instead, what can be observed during the months of
March to
May is an upswing in temperatures, from a low of 24.8°C (76.6°F) to a high of 33.6°C (92.5°F). It's worth noting that humidity also augments, rising from 76% to 81%, and the frequency of sunshine hours nods off gradually from 8.3 hours per day to 7.4 hours per day. Rainfall is hefty especially in May with an average of 130mm (5.12") spread over about 23.9 days.
Summer weather in Calabar
Summer in
Calabar spans from
June to
August. These months are marked by the highest amounts of rainfall with an unbeatable record of 345mm (13.58") in
July. With temperatures ranging from 22.6°C (72.7°F) to 29.9°C (85.8°F), the weather can be quite warm. A unique feature of the city's summer weather is the high relative humidity, which peaks at 87%, making it quite humid.
Autumn weather in Calabar
As with spring, autumn is not observed in the traditional sense in
Calabar. Thus, the
September to
November period witnesses a decrease in humidity from 87% to 79%. Concurrently, the amounts of rainfall reduce significantly, provided, it remains widespread with about 28.2 to 24.1 wet days per month. Temperature ranges from 22.7°C (72.9°F) to 32.7°C (90.9°F) making it more comfortable for outdoor activities compared to the summer months.
Winter weather in Calabar
In
Calabar, the months of
December to
February can be considered the dry winter season. It is the driest part of the year, with an average rainfall of only 19mm (0.75") in December. The temperature remains relatively stable, with an average low of 23.8°C (74.8°F) and a high of 35.2°C (95.4°F) in
January. During this time, the city enjoys the most sunshine, with an average of 13 sunny days in December and 9.5 hours of sunshine per day.
Weather in January
Commencing the year,
Nigeria's city
Calabar encounters tropical Weather. The sun blazes high, with an average sea temperature reaching 27.8°C (82°F). Notably, the Weather becomes less appealing due to the high humidity of 69%. The propensity of rainfall forecasted is also significantly low.
Weather in January »Weather in February
In
February,
Calabar's tropical climate persists, yet comparative shifts from the previous month become evident. The city experiences a slight drop in temperatures, an increased chance of rainfall accompanied by an increase in average sea temperature to 28.4°C (83.1°F).
Weather in February »Weather in March
As the year advances, a palpable shift is felt in
Calabar's climatic conditions in
March. Conforming to tropical Weather pattern, the average rainfall amount increases to 101mm (3.98"). Torn between the hot and wet season, the climate demonstrates a perfect blend of both these characteristics with an increase in relative humidity.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April brings a potent reminder of the charm of the tropical climate in
Calabar. There is a slight temperature decline compared to
March, with an increase in rainfall to 90mm (3.54"). An idyllic setting ensues with ample sunshine, sustained levels of humidity, and reasonable daylight hours.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May paints
Calabar's climatic canvas with amplified colors. A significant characteristic of the Weather in this month is the surge in rainfall, recording a high amount of 130mm (5.12"). A marked reduction in the average number of Sunshine hours is pronounced, as the city delves into the wet season.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June witnesses
Calabar fully embroiled in the throes of the wet season. With the maximum recorded rainfall of 230mm (9.06"), everything in the city exudes the freshness of the rain-washed surroundings. The mercury levels exhibit a decline, and there's a palpable increase in humidity.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July ushers in the peak of the rainy period with
Calabar recording the highest rainfall of 345mm (13.58"). Concurrently, average temperatures drop, making the climate feel relatively cooler. Distinctive July Weather attributes include persistent cloud cover, a reduction in the number of sunshine hours, and high humidity levels.
Weather in July » Weather in August
Calabar in
August feels akin to
July, with rainfall remaining conserved at 308mm (12.13"). However, temperature measures slide further down, making it one of the coolest months. While the wet season continues, the Weather holds steady with extended hours of daylight and high humidity.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September heralds a gradual retreat of the wet season in
Calabar. Despite a decrease in rainfall to 270mm (10.63"), the city braces for high humidity of 87%. As the mercury inches upwards, the city slowly begins transitioning towards hotter days.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October paints an interesting picture of
Calabar's climatic conditions. With just 196mm (7.72") of rain, it marks a visible transition from wet to hot days. The month brings back extended sunlight hours and reduced rainfall trends.
Weather in October » Weather in November
The tropical city of
Calabar in
November witnesses a notable decline in rainfall, measuring just 112mm (4.41"). Weather patterns exhibit a strong shift towards hot and dry conditions. There's an appreciable increase in the temperature levels, and humidity registers dwindling figures.
Weather in November »Weather in December
Rounding off the year, weather in
Calabar in
December brings back the familiar hot and dry conditions. The maximum temperature climbs upto 34.8°C (94.6°F), reinforcing the city's tropical climate. Rainfall drops drastically to just 19mm (0.75"), marking a sharp transition from the preceding high-rainfall months.
Weather in December »