Lagos
Nigeria
- Lekki Conservation Centre
- Freedom Park
- Tafawa Balewa Square
- Nike Art Gallery
- Badagry
About Lagos
Lagos, on the Atlantic coast, is Nigeria's largest city and its commercial hub. It was the capital until 1991 and sprawls across lagoons and islands.
A thriving music scene, art galleries, busy markets and the Lekki shoreline reflect its energy, while Badagry recalls the history of the slave trade.
Natural phenomena and seasons
- Harmattan (December–February) — From December–February, the dry, dusty harmattan wind from the Sahara reduces visibility and leaves a haze in the air. A mask can help people with sensitive airways.
How many days do you need?
Allow three days: one for Freedom Park, Tafawa Balewa Square and the markets on Lagos Island, one for the Lekki Conservation Centre and Nike Art Gallery, and one for the historic sites of Badagry. Because of traffic, keep each day to one area.
Where to stay
- Victoria Island — Hotels, restaurants and business districts; the most practical base for many visitors.
- Ikoyi — Quieter, greener and well established.
- Ikeja — Close to the airport; handy for short stays.
From the airport to the city
Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) is on the mainland in Ikeja. The trip to the islands can take a long time depending on traffic; an airport taxi or a pre-arranged transfer is the safest option.
Getting around
BRT buses run in dedicated lanes on main roads, and the Lagos Rail Mass Transit Blue and Red lines serve parts of the city. Ferries also cross the lagoon. Ride-hailing apps are widely used.
Good to know
- Check current official travel advisories before you travel.
- The rainy season runs roughly from April to October; November to March is drier but can bring harmattan dust.
- The official language is English and Yoruba is widely spoken. The currency is the Nigerian naira.
Useful links
- Lagos State Government lagosstate.gov.ng
When to go?
Best time to visit for the weather: August and November–May. The warmest month is February (average high 86 °F); the wettest is June (10.2 in).
Monthly climate
| Month | Avg. high °F | Rain in | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 84.7 | 0.85 | Good |
| February | 85.8 | 1.31 | Good |
| March | 85.5 | 3.04 | Good |
| April | 85.1 | 4.40 | Good |
| May | 84.2 | 6.87 | Good |
| June | 82.4 | 10.16 | Cool or rainy |
| July | 81.1 | 8.25 | Cool or rainy |
| August | 80.8 | 5.15 | Good |
| September | 81.5 | 10.02 | Cool or rainy |
| October | 82.6 | 8.25 | Cool or rainy |
| November | 84.4 | 3.26 | Good |
| December | 84.9 | 0.96 | Good |
Source: NASA POWER (MERRA-2 reanalysis), 2005–2024 monthly averages of daily high temperature and total rainfall. Values are estimates for an area of about 50 km and may differ from the city-centre weather station.
Public holidays 2027
- New Year's DayJanuary 1
- Id el Fitr *March 9 (2 days)
- Good FridayMarch 26
- Easter MondayMarch 29
- Worker's DayMay 1
- Id el Kabir *May 16 (2 days)
- Children's DayMay 27
- Islamic New Year *June 6
- Democracy DayJune 12
- Birthday of Muhammad (Mawlid) *August 14
- Independence DayOctober 1
- National Youth DayNovember 1
- Christmas DayDecember 25
- Boxing DayDecember 26
* Date follows the lunar calendar and may shift by a few days.
Sources: date-holidays and python-holidays open data projects; for Northern Cyprus, its public holidays law.
Practical info
- CurrencyNigerian Naira (₦)
- Dialling code+234
- Plugs & voltageType D, G · 230 V · 50 Hz
- Emergency112
- DrivingOn the right
Sources: IEC plug types, Wikidata, Wikipedia; unverified details are left blank.