This write up is a compilation of the coldest states in Nigeria especially during harmattan season or winter period.
In the 36 states in Nigeria and FCT, the weather conditions experienced in each varies. Some states in Nigeria as result of their geographical location and environment experience extreme weather conditions at different periods of the year.
Already, we have earlier discussed about the hottest states in Nigeria, this particular post will look at the coldest Nigeria states during harmattan season.
These are states that has very low temperature during harmattan period of the year. This information gives you tips on how best to get prepare incase you decide to visit any of these cold states in Nigeria.
One of the ways we were able to ascertain which state is among coldest states in Nigeria is to look at the states with lowest temperature during harmattan and rainy season.
Harmattan season is same period as winter in Europe and North America. So, generally, temperature are usually low across Nigeria.
However, some states do get very low temperature during this time which leads to very cold weather. These are states we refer to as the coldest states in Nigeria.
So, get ready to find out coldest states in Nigeria and their temperature.
Which Place is the Coldest in Nigeria?
Let examine some of the states in Nigeria with lowest temperature during harmattan. Majority of coldest states in Nigeria can be found in northern Nigeria.
This is not surprising as the region is very close to the Sahara desert and borders. These are list of coldest states in Nigeria where temperature can drop to as low as 11°C.
The top 10 coldest states in Nigeria by temperature is discussed below. State in Nigeria with Cold weather.
Plateau State
Plateau state in northern Nigeria is adjudged the coldest states in Nigeria. Temperature in Plateau state can plumppet as low as 14 degrees during day time and even drop lower to about 8°C early in the morning. It is widely known as the coldest state in Nigeria and fondly regarded to as the Europe of Nigeria.
During harmattan season, it get even more cold in plateau state as temperature can drop to as low as 8 degrees especially early in the morning. Plateau and it’s capital Jos is indeed the coldest place in Nigeria.
Taraba State
Taraba state also in the northern part of Nigeria is one of the coldest states in Nigeria. The capital of Taraba, Jalingo can go as low as 11 degrees at night down to early morning especially during harmattan season.
Gembu town in Taraba state is one of the coldest towns in Nigeria. It a boarder town between Nigeria and Cameroon. Temperature at Gembu town can to as low as 9°C between November and January.
Katsina State
Katsina State can be extremely cold between December and January when temperature can drop to as low as 14 degrees. It is one of the coldest states in northern Nigeria. During this period, extreme dryness and wind can be experienced. Some days during harmattan, the weather can reach 11 degrees.
Kaduna State
Kaduna is one of the 3 K- states in Nigeria where extreme cold can be experienced during harmattan period. Temperature gets low during early morning with fall of dew. Favourite early morning meal at this time becomes very hot tea and coffee. Temperature at Kaduna during cold times can go as low as 17 degrees.
Enugu State
It is not surprising that Enugu state is one of the coldest places in Nigeria. The state is characterized by valleys, hills and mountains. Between late November early January, it can get very cold at Enugu. Particularly, a major suburb called Nsukka is the coldest town in Enugu with low temperature of about 18-20 degrees. Enugu is the coldest state in southeast Nigeria.
Ekiti State
Ekiti State is one of the coldest states in southern Nigeria. It is the coldest states in South-West equally. During winter also known as harmattan season in Nigeria, temperature at Ekiti State can go as low as 23°C. The state is characterized by rocks, hills and water falls. It is indeed a cold place in Nigeria especially during the end of the year.
Bauchi State
Another northern state in Nigeria that is listed among coldest state is Bauchi state. According to weather experts, the lowest temperature witnessed in Bauchi state is 18°C. The state is home to some of Nigeria’s natural and forests reserves.
It is one of the best places in Nigeria to witness nature at its best. So, if you are asking if it’s there is cold in Bauchi, it is yes. But it is prevalent during year end.
Kano State
Kano state is the largest commercial city in northern Nigeria and equally ranked among coldest Nigeria state. Temperature in Kano state can be very high during middle of the year. But as the year winds down, it can get very cold in Kano with temperature reaching 23 degrees. This is just to say that the 3 -K states are amongst the coldest places you can visit in Nigeria.
Sokoto State
At Sokoto state, you will be experiencing two extreme weather conditions. This is because the state is one of the Nigeria’s hottest states as well as Nigeria’s coldest places too. It is usually hot in Sokoto during the middle of the year. But harmattan season in the state comes with extreme cold and strong winds. Also, during this period, dryness can be experienced.
FCT
Nigeria’s federal capital territory during harmattan season can experience a very low temperature of about 22°C. At this time, extreme cold is usually felt especially in the early morning. Also, the province is surrounded by rocks and hills which might have been a factor in making Abuja a cold place in Nigeria during harmattan season.