WHEN TO TRAVEL TO Nigeria

Choosing the right period for your trip to Nigeria can make all the difference. It's important to consider climatic elements, seasonal events and busy tourist periods to maximize your travel experience.

Photo d'un paysage localisé en Nigéria

Location

Climate

January 19.3→33.9°C
0.03mm
6:43→18:25
February 21.3→35.4°C
0.31mm
6:42→18:35
March 23.3→36°C
0.7mm
6:30→18:37
April 23.9→33.6°C
2.32mm
6:14→18:36
May 23.1→30.2°C
6.38mm
6:04→18:39
June 21.8→28.2°C
8.59mm
6:05→18:46
July 21→26.8°C
11.59mm
6:12→18:49
August 20.6→26.3°C
14.42mm
6:15→18:42
September 20.7→27.3°C
12.12mm
6:14→18:26
October 20.9→29°C
6.21mm
6:12→18:10
November 20→32.2°C
0.77mm
6:17→18:03
December 19.1→33.4°C
0.03mm
6:31→18:10
19.3→33.9°C
21.3→35.4°C
23.3→36°C
23.9→33.6°C
23.1→30.2°C
21.8→28.2°C
21→26.8°C
20.6→26.3°C
20.7→27.3°C
20.9→29°C
20→32.2°C
19.1→33.4°C
Jan 6:43→18:25
Feb 6:42→18:35
Mar 6:30→18:37
Apr 6:14→18:36
May 6:04→18:39
Jun 6:05→18:46
Jul 6:12→18:49
Aug 6:15→18:42
Sep 6:14→18:26
Oct 6:12→18:10
Nov 6:17→18:03
Dec 6:31→18:10
0.03mm
0.31mm
0.7mm
2.32mm
6.38mm
8.59mm
11.59mm
14.42mm
12.12mm
6.21mm
0.77mm
0.03mm

Low and high season periods

The low tourist season generally runs from May to September, when rainfall is higher and humidity can be very high. Prices for accommodation and other tourist services tend to be lower during this period. It will then be easier to find interesting offers. The high season runs from October to April, with a peak between December and February. During this period, the climate is drier and temperatures more pleasant. Beaches are also more suitable for swimming and water sports. However, hotel and flight rates can be higher due to increased demand.

Intermediate months: November and March

If you want to avoid the crowds as much as possible and benefit from low fares, it may be a good idea to leave during the months of November and March. The climate is still pleasant and rainfall less than in the middle of the rainy season.

Major cultural events

Nigeria is a country rich in traditions and cultural events, providing opportunities to discover and appreciate the diversity of its people and their heritage. Here are some of the main events not to be missed during your stay:
  • Eyo Festival Yoruba Festival: Usually held in February or March, this unique festival takes place in the city of Lagos and celebrates Nigeria's Yoruba heritage. Participants wear traditional costumes and parade through the streets to honor their history and ancestors.
  • Argungu Festival Kebbi Festival: This annual event takes place in March and celebrates fishing and sporting competitions within the Kebbi community. The highlight of the festival is a pirogue race on the Niger River that draws thousands of spectators.
  • New Yam Festival Also called Iri Ji Ohuru in Igbo, this festival celebrates the yam harvest in August or September. There is dancing, singing and offerings to the gods to ensure a good harvest for the coming year.

Public holidays and closures

Public holidays are an opportunity for Nigerians to get together with family and friends to share festive and convivial moments. They can also mean the closure of banks, stock exchanges and other public services. Here is a non-exhaustive list of these days off:
  • New Year's Day January 1st: Celebrated on January 1st, this day is usually marked by fireworks and celebrations all over the country.
  • Labor Day May 1st is a public holiday that honors workers and celebrates their contributions to Nigerian society.
  • Democracy Day Commemorated on June 12, this day marks the anniversary of the 1993 presidential election, considered the first free and fair election in Nigeria.
  • Independence Day On October 1, Nigerians celebrate their independence from the United Kingdom, achieved in 1960.
  • Christmas Celebrated on December 25, Christmas is an important holiday for Nigerian Christians.

Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr closures

As Nigeria is a predominantly Muslim country, you should also take into account the fasting periods of Ramadan and the Eid al-Fitr celebrations. During the holy month of Ramadan, the opening hours of shops, restaurants and other services may be modified, and certain tourist activities restricted. Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, is a public holiday in Nigeria and may give rise to additional closures.

Insurance

Your credit card does not cover you in all situations, that is whyIt is essential to take out insurance before you leave to avoid any unpleasant surprises. If you need to see a doctor or be hospitalized, in some countries, medical costs are very high and you will then find yourself having to pay several thousand euros.

Our partner Chapka Insurance proposes the contract CAP ASSISTANCE 24/24 with many essential guarantees.

Flights

Your flight has been cancelled or delayed ?
You may be eligible for a compensation of up to €600 ! For this, lawyers are responsible for handling your claim with the airline and are only paid when the reimbursement is effective.

In conclusion, no financial risk for you, only advantages!

The different types of Nigerian visas and their applications

Nigeria offers several types of visa for foreigners wishing to visit. Here are the main ones:
  • Visitor visa (B-1) This visa is intended for people wishing to visit Nigeria for professional reasons, such as attending conferences, training courses or business meetings.
  • Student visa (F-1) As its name suggests, this visa is reserved for foreign students who have been accepted at a Nigerian higher education institution.
  • Work visa (H-1B) This type of visa is for skilled workers who have received a job offer from a Nigerian company.
  • Temporary residence visa (R-1) : This visa is granted to people wishing to settle temporarily in Nigeria for family, professional or humanitarian reasons.
  • Tourist visa (L-1) This visa is intended for people wishing to visit Nigeria for tourism purposes.
According to data provided by the Nigerian National Statistical Office, demand for Nigerian visas has risen steadily in recent years. In 2019, there were almost 200,000 visa applications registered with the country's embassies and consulates around the world. The most popular visas are for temporary residence and work.

Key immigration figures for Nigeria

Migrant arrivals and asylum applications

Over the past few years, Nigeria has seen an increasing number of migrants from other African countries arrive on its territory, particularly from neighboring countries such as Benign, THE Niger and the Chad. According to available data, an estimated 1.5 million people entered Nigeria as migrants between 2015 and 2020. At the same time, the number of asylum applications filed in Nigeria has also increased. Between 2015 and 2019, almost 45,000 people sought international protection from the Nigerian authorities. The majority of these asylum seekers come from countries experiencing armed conflict or humanitarian crises, such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan and Syria.

Naturalizations and deportations

As far as naturalizations are concerned, official figures show an upward trend in recent years. Between 2015 and 2019, almost 10,000 people acquired Nigerian nationality through naturalization, an increase of over 50 % compared to the 2010-2014 period. By contrast, data on removals (expulsions and deportations) show a slight decline. In total, around 7,500 foreigners were removed from Nigerian territory between 2015 and 2019, compared with 8,000 for the 2010-2014 period.

International tourism in Nigeria in figures

Foreign tourist arrivals

While Nigeria is not yet a major tourist destination on the African continent, it nevertheless attracts a growing number of foreign travelers every year. According to the World Tourism Organization, international tourist arrivals to Nigeria have risen from 1.1 million in 2016 to 1.3 million in 2019.

Tourism revenues

Revenues generated by the Nigerian tourism sector have also been on the rise in recent years. In 2019, revenue from foreign visitors reached $1.2 billion, an increase of 6 % on the previous year. Tourist spending mainly concerns accommodation, catering, and cultural and leisure activities.

The main tourist markets

Tourists to Nigeria mainly come from Europe, North America and other African countries. Among the main nationalities represented are Britons, Americans, South Africans and Ghanaians. The Asian market, though smaller in terms of volume, is also experiencing significant growth, with increasing numbers of Chinese, Indian and Japanese tourists.