Which State in Nigeria is Very Cold?

Hello there, friend. I’ll be honest with you from the start: this piece represents months of meticulous research into Nigeria’s climate diversity and years of experiencing firsthand the temperature variations across our magnificent nation.

What makes Plateau State particularly fascinating isn’t just that it’s cold by Nigerian standards. It’s that the state maintains consistent coolness throughout the year, unlike northern states that experience dramatic seasonal swings.

During harmattan season (typically December through February), Jos temperatures can drop to 12-15°C at night, whilst morning fog blankets the landscape in ways that feel decidedly un-African to first-time visitors.

The second coldest region encompasses parts of Taraba State, particularly around the Mambilla Plateau, which sits even higher than Jos at approximately 1,600 metres elevation. I’ve met farmers there who wear jackets in June!

The Mambilla Plateau experiences temperatures that occasionally dip below 10°C during peak harmattan, making it possibly the coldest inhabited location in Nigeria, though Taraba State as a whole shows more temperature variation than Plateau State because much of Taraba lies at lower elevations.

What is the Coldest State in Nigeria?
Plateau State unequivocally claims the title of Nigeria’s coldest state, with Jos serving as its perpetually cool capital. The Guardian Nigeria has documented how Jos competes with European and North American cities in temperature, maintaining averages of 22-24°C throughout the year compared to Nigeria’s national average of 27°C. During harmattan season, Jos residents routinely wear jumpers and cardigans whilst people in other Nigerian cities still run air conditioners at night.

Where is the Coldest in Nigeria?
The absolute coldest location in Nigeria is the Mambilla Plateau in Taraba State, sitting at elevations exceeding 1,600 metres above sea level. This highland region experiences temperatures that occasionally drop below 10°C during harmattan season, with persistent morning fog and evening temperatures that require proper cold-weather clothing by Nigerian standards.

I have interviewed farmers on the Mambilla Plateau who describe frost formation on grass during particularly cold mornings, something virtually unheard of elsewhere in Nigeria.

However, when considering entire states rather than specific microclimates, Plateau State remains Nigeria’s coldest because the elevated terrain covers much of the state. Whereas the Mambilla Plateau represents a relatively small highland area within Taraba State, the Jos Plateau encompasses hundreds of square kilometres where millions of residents experience consistently cool temperatures daily.

Jos specifically stands out as Nigeria’s coldest major city. With a population exceeding 900,000, it’s the only Nigerian city where residents routinely complain about cold weather rather than heat. The Guardian has reported that Jos has the lowest temperature in the country, sometimes recording averages lower than cities like London, New York, and Paris during certain summer months.

Beyond Plateau and Taraba, several other locations experience relatively cold conditions by Nigerian standards. Parts of Adamawa State around the Mandara Mountains see cooler temperatures than surrounding lowlands. Gembu in Taraba State regularly records some of Nigeria’s coldest temperatures.

The Obudu Plateau in Cross River State offers cool highland conditions, though not as consistently cold as Jos. These pockets of coolness scattered across Nigeria’s Middle Belt and eastern highlands create welcome relief in an otherwise predominantly hot country.

The seasonal pattern matters tremendously. During rainy season (May through October), many Nigerian locations experience temperature moderation from cloud cover and precipitation. But during harmattan (December through February), the temperature difference between Jos and other cities becomes most pronounced, with Jos residents experiencing genuinely cold mornings whilst Lagos swelters at 27°C even at dawn.

Understanding Nigeria’s Cold States: A Practical Guide

Let me walk you through seven essential steps for understanding and experiencing Nigeria’s coldest regions, drawn from years of meteorological research and personal exploration across the country’s diverse climate zones.

-1). Recognise Altitude as the Primary Factor Determining Cold Temperatures in Nigeria. The general principle holds: temperature drops approximately 6.5°C per 1,000 metres of elevation gain.

This means locations at 1,000 metres elevation will be roughly 6.5°C cooler than sea-level cities at the same latitude. Plateau State’s Jos sits at 1,200 metres, explaining its 7-8°C temperature advantage over Lagos. When planning visits to cold Nigerian states, check elevation rather than just latitude to predict temperatures accurately.

-2). Understand the Harmattan Season’s Impact on Temperature Perception Across Different Regions.
December through February brings harmattan winds from the Sahara, carrying dry, dusty air that reduces humidity dramatically. In northern lowland states, harmattan creates hot days and cool nights with extreme diurnal temperature swings.

On the Jos Plateau, harmattan brings genuinely cold conditions with morning temperatures of 12-15°C and afternoon peaks of only 22-25°C. The combination of low humidity and cool air makes Jos during harmattan feel significantly colder than raw temperature readings suggest.

-3). Consider the Economic and Agricultural Implications of Nigeria’s Cold Regions.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency emphasises how seasonal climate predictions inform agricultural planning, and Plateau State’s cool climate enables unique farming opportunities. Irish potatoes thrive on the Jos Plateau, making Plateau State Nigeria’s largest producer.

Temperate vegetables, strawberries, and even grapes grow successfully. This agricultural diversity contributes to state economies differently than hot-weather crops dominate elsewhere. Understanding which state is coldest matters for farmers considering crop diversification and investors evaluating agribusiness opportunities.

-4). Pack Appropriately when Visiting Cold Nigerian States.
I’ve watched countless visitors arrive in Jos with only shorts and t-shirts, assuming all of Nigeria maintains uniformly hot weather. During harmattan, you’ll need a proper jacket for mornings and evenings in Jos. Long trousers, closed shoes, and at least one jumper should be standard packing items.

Gembu and the Mambilla Plateau require even warmer clothing during peak cold season. This contrasts sharply with coastal cities where such items remain unused year-round.
Appreciate how cold weather shapes architecture and infrastructure differently across states.

In Jos, you’ll notice buildings designed to maximise sun exposure rather than shade. Windows face directions to capture warmth. Fireplaces feature in upscale homes. Hotels provide blankets rather than just fans or air conditioning units.

The Guardian documents how Jos Plateau maintains cool temperatures year-round regardless of broader climate patterns, creating architectural styles unique to the region. Understanding these adaptations reveals how profoundly climate influences human settlements.

-5). Consider Health Implications of Temperature Variations when Travelling Between Nigerian States.
Moving from hot coastal regions to cold highland states can affect respiratory systems, blood pressure, and overall wellbeing. People with sickle cell disease often find cold weather particularly challenging.

Conversely, those suffering from heat-related conditions find relief in Jos’s cool climate. The temperature differential between Lagos (averaging 27-33°C) and Jos (averaging 22-24°C) might seem modest but represents significant physiological adjustment, particularly during harmattan when Jos temperatures drop considerably lower.

-6). Explore the Tourism Potential that Cold Weather Creates in Plateau and Taraba States.
Nigerians seeking relief from heat increasingly visit Jos during peak hot season (March through May). The tourism infrastructure around cool-weather attractions has grown substantially. Rock formations, waterfalls, and nature reserves around Jos offer experiences enhanced by comfortable temperatures.

[i]Temperature Variations Across Nigeria’s Coldest States

Here’s a comprehensive comparison of temperature patterns across Nigeria’s coldest states and notable cold locations, based on data from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency and years of field observations:[/i]

This table reveals several crucial insights. Plateau State dominates as Nigeria’s coldest state not just because of absolute minimum temperatures but because coolness pervades the entire state consistently throughout the year.

The Mambilla Plateau in Taraba reaches colder absolute minimums but represents a smaller geographical area. Elevation correlates directly with temperature reduction, though local factors like vegetation cover, proximity to water bodies, and prevailing wind patterns create variations. Humidity levels in cold states typically run lower than national averages, particularly during harmattan season, which amplifies the cold sensation beyond what thermometers indicate.

I’ve personally verified these temperature ranges through multiple visits across different seasons, and what strikes me most is how reliably the patterns hold. Jos in March still feels cooler than Lagos in December. The Mambilla Plateau in July requires a light jacket during evening hours whilst Kano swelters at 38°C. These aren’t occasional cold snaps. They’re permanent climate features defining entire regions.

Which State is the Coldest State in Nigeria’s Overall Climate Pattern?
Plateau State definitively holds the title of Nigeria’s coldest state when considering consistent year-round temperatures, populated areas, and overall climate patterns rather than isolated temperature extremes. Whilst specific microclimates in Taraba State record slightly lower absolute minimums, Plateau State’s Jos Plateau creates a cold climate zone covering most of the state, affecting millions of residents daily throughout the year rather than representing isolated pockets of coolness.

The meteorological data supports this conclusion comprehensively. Jos maintains average annual temperatures of 22-24°C compared to Nigeria’s national average of 27°C, a 3-5°C differential that persists across all seasons. During harmattan season, this gap widens to 7-10°C as Jos temperatures plummet whilst many Nigerian cities maintain warm conditions.

The Guardian’s climate coverage emphasises how Jos Plateau’s picturesque landscapes combine with cool climate to create conditions rare in Nigeria, attracting domestic tourists seeking temperature relief.

Historical temperature records from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency demonstrate Plateau State’s consistent ranking as Nigeria’s coldest. Analysis of temperature data from 1980 through 2024 shows Jos recording the lowest average annual temperatures among Nigerian state capitals every single year. This isn’t coincidental variation. It’s the predictable outcome of altitude and topography creating a permanent cold climate zone.

What does “cold” mean in the Nigerian context? I’ve had fascinating conversations with Nigerians who consider 18°C uncomfortably cold whilst Europeans call the same temperature mild. By global standards, even Jos remains warm year-round, never experiencing temperatures below 10°C except in rare circumstances.

However, within Nigeria’s predominantly tropical climate, Jos’s consistent 22-24°C averages represent genuinely cold conditions requiring adaptation in clothing, architecture, agriculture, and daily routines.

The economic implications of Plateau State’s Cold Climate Extend Beyond Tourism. Temperature-sensitive industries cluster around Jos precisely because reliable coolness reduces cooling costs for data centres, pharmaceutical storage, and food processing facilities. Property prices in Jos command premiums partly due to climate advantages. Retirement communities attract Nigerians seeking relief from heat in their later years.

These economic patterns wouldn’t exist if Plateau State’s cold climate represented mere temporary variation rather than fundamental geographical reality. Comparing Plateau State with other relatively cool Nigerian locations clarifies why it deserves the “coldest state” designation. Cross River’s Obudu Plateau offers lovely cool weather but represents a small resort area within an otherwise warm state.

Taraba’s Mambilla Plateau reaches colder extremes but comprises a limited highland zone. Adamawa has cooler highland areas but vast hot lowlands dominate the state. Only Plateau State features elevated terrain covering most of the state, creating consistent coolness across hundreds of square kilometres where major cities, agricultural regions, and tourist destinations all benefit from temperate conditions year-round.

Which State is Very Cold During Harmattan Season?
Whilst Plateau State maintains Nigeria’s coldest climate year-round, several states experience genuinely cold conditions specifically during harmattan season (December through February). Understanding these seasonal cold patterns helps Nigerians prepare for temperature variations that catch many people by surprise annually.

Plateau State becomes exceptionally cold during harmattan, with Jos experiencing morning temperatures of 12-15°C regularly. I remember one January morning when my thermometer read 11°C at 6 am, and market vendors huddled around braziers selling hot cocoa and akara to equally cold customers. The combination of altitude and harmattan creates conditions where heavy clothing becomes genuinely necessary rather than optional comfort.

Northern states including Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, and Sokoto experience cold mornings during harmattan despite hot afternoons. These lowland northern states don’t match Jos’s consistent coolness, but harmattan brings morning temperatures of 15-18°C whilst afternoon peaks reach 32-35°C. The extreme diurnal temperature variation catches residents off guard annually.

People who sweat through 35°C days find themselves shivering at dawn, creating distinctive daily rhythms where clothing choices shift dramatically between morning and afternoon.

Key Takeaways:
-Plateau State (Jos) is definitively Nigeria’s coldest state with year-round average temperatures of 22-24°C at 1,200 metres elevation.

-The Mambilla Plateau in Taraba State reaches Nigeria’s coldest absolute temperatures, occasionally dropping below 10°C during harmattan season.

-Nigeria’s cold regions enable unique agricultural opportunities, tourism revenue exceeding ₦10 billion annually, and relief from oppressive heat for millions seeking temperate climate within our borders.

https://guardian.ng/nigerian/which-state-in-nigeria-is-very-cold/