What Is The Best Time To Travel To Nigeria?
In this article, we will provide you with comprehensive information on the best time to travel to Nigeria if you are planning to come into the country from abroad for the first time. Nigeria need definitely be at the top of your list if you want to witness some of Africa’s ages-old customs.
Visitors are always drawn to the northern half of the country, where intricately patterned indigenous architecture and historically significant emirates await; in the southern half of the country, there are plenty of colourful marketplaces, caves, waterfalls, and festivals to enjoy.
For those who love modern culture, Nigeria’s creative sector is booming and becoming more and more renowned worldwide. Africans have been entertained for decades by Nollywood, the country’s own film industry, while young Nigerian musicians are touring the world to sold-out venues and exporting Afrobeat rhythms.
Nigeria doesn’t have a peak or low season; travelling to this part of the world is enjoyable throughout the year. But the second part of the year, when the rainy season has peaked and the dry season is gradually easing in, is when you may see Nigeria at its best, so when is the best time to visit Nigeria you may ask? The answer lies in the accompanying texts. Join us as we explore Nigeria and let you in on when best to visit the country.
FULL BREAKDOWN OF THE BEST TIMES TO TRAVEL TO NIGERIA
The following are the best times to visit Nigeria and enjoy a wide variety of things that the country has to offer:
AUGUST – OCTOBER: FESTIVALS
If you want to take part in Nigeria’s vibrant festivals, schedule your vacation around August, when the festival season begins and villages celebrate the successful harvest of fresh crops. There is the Leboku New Yam Festival in Ugep, South South Cross River State. The great Ofala Festival in Onitsha serves as the season’s crescendo in the South Eastern States.
The Badagry Heritage Festival takes place in August as well. A memorial march honouring the millions of people who were lost to slavery through the Badagry port is part of this celebration of the culture and legacy of the Egun people. The fitila procession, in which participants try to reenact the gruelling march to the Point of No Return, is the highlight of this event. There have been naming ceremonies for African diasporans who attend in the past years.
In honour of the river goddess Osun, the two-week Osun-Osogbo celebration culminates in a magnificent procession during the third week of August. It has attracted followers from the African diaspora, Europe, and South America for many years.
You can visit the Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove, a Unesco World Heritage Site, outside of the festival. The most extravagant Durbar feasts take place in the north during the celebrations of Eid el Kabir. Grand equestrian spectacles are what they are, a legacy that dates back at least a century.
NOVEMBER: CREATIVE ARTS
Nigeria is bursting with creative arts events in November. Lagos is the hub for most events, including fashion shows, literary meetings, and film and theatre festivals.
Felabration, a week of nightly performances honouring Fela Anikulapo Kuti, the pioneer of the Afrobeats movement and one of the nation’s most prominent cultural exports, usually kicks off the celebration in mid-October. The Muson Festival, which encourages appreciation of classical music, comes practically shortly after.
The month of November culminates with the Lagos Books and Arts Festival (LABAF), which is referred to as the “biggest book party in Africa.” Art X Lagos is an international fair that honours the creative prowess of artists on the continent and in the diaspora.
However, if you happen to be in the country in the early months of the year, you should check out the well-attended Kaduna Arts and Books Festival in March or the popular Jos Festival of Theatre in April, both of which have been going for 20 years.
There’s a lot in between as well. Events like Lagos Fashion Week, Lagos Poetry Festival, Lagos Design Week, and Lagos Fringe Festival solidify Lagos’ unrivalled position as Nigeria’s centre of the creative sector. Also aim for the Renda Con (Animation & Visual Effects Film Festival) and Lagos Comin Con for comic book and animation enthusiasts.
DECEMBER: CONCERTS, MUSIC, DETTY DECEMBER AND FESTIVITIES
The most outstanding month for music and performances is December. Nigerians enjoy giving their year a spectacular finish. Everyone looks forward to the end of the year, not only to party hard but also to spend more time with friends and family.
The hotel sector is at its busiest and liveliest nationwide, with Lagos, the nation’s economic and entertainment hub, in the epicentre of the “Detty December” celebrations. Purchase tickets to the events planned for the month if you want to fully immerse yourself in the Afrobeats craze.
The state-sponsored One Lagos Fiesta, which takes place in each of the city’s five administrative areas, is the culmination and climax of the celebration. A month-long celebration that culminates with the annual Calabar Carnival draws attendees from Nigeria and a few other nations down south in Cross River State.
NOVEMBER – MARCH: WILDLIFE SPOTTING
Nigeria’s abundant ecotourism offerings are best explored during the dry season, which begins in November. However, February and March are the best months to visit since it’s easier to see wildlife due to the dry, sparse vegetation. Though there are several State and national parks to select from, Yankari Game Reserve, Cross River National Park, Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary, and Old Oyo National Park are the most visited.
JANUARY – FEBRUARY: BUDGET TRAVELLING
January is the low season in Nigeria. January is a more subdued month after the wild revelry of the Christmas and New Year holidays. It is not until the middle of the month that residents of the larger cities return to their bases, and regular activities resume in February. There is less traffic, and lodging is less expensive.
