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Lagos

Lagos travel guide

Most populous city in Nigeria

Flights from$3,496 round trip
Best time to visitAll year round
Nearest airportLOS · 10 mi from centre
Time zoneUTC+1
Population15,070,000

About Lagos

Lagos, or Lagos City, is a large metropolitan port city in southwestern Nigeria. As of November 2025, the size of the city's population has been estimated to be between 17 and 21 million residents, making Lagos the largest city in Nigeria, the most populous urban area on the African continent, and one of the fastest-growing megacities in the world.

Cheap flights to Lagos

The lowest round-trip fare found by Destina Holidays travellers in the last 30 days was $3,496 from Charlottetown, travelling 19 Dec – 15 Jan. These are the cheapest fares from the most searched cities.

Airlines travellers compared most often: Air Canada.

Prices are per adult in US dollars, taken from searches between 23 Sep and 23 Oct 2026. Fares change often, so search your dates for live prices.

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Where to stay in Lagos

Popular hotels in Lagos, out of 430 properties you can book.

See all hotels in Lagos

Best time to visit Lagos

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Lagos is all year round, when average daytime highs are around 81–89°F and rain falls on about 17 days a month.

MonthTemperature (°F)Rain days
Jan 78° – 89° 7
Feb 79° – 88° 8
Mar 81° – 88° 15
Apr 81° – 89° 18
May 80° – 87° 18
Jun 77° – 84° 27
Jul 76° – 81° 19
Aug 76° – 81° 22
Sep 76° – 82° 25
Oct 77° – 83° 24
Nov 78° – 86° 16
Dec 78° – 87° 8

Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.

Lagos weather forecast

  • Fri 23 Oct 87° 82° 100%
  • Sat 24 Oct 85° 77° 85%
  • Sun 25 Oct 86° 80° 100%
  • Mon 26 Oct 84° 77° 80%
  • Tue 27 Oct 84° 79° 99%
  • Wed 28 Oct 86° 77° 100%
  • Thu 29 Oct 87° 77° 90%

Know before you go

Currency
Nigerian naira (NGN)1 US dollar ≈ ₦1,325
Language
English
Calling code
+234
Driving
On the right
Time zone
Africa/LagosUTC+1
Capital
Abuja

Upcoming public holidays in Nigeria

  • National Youth Day
  • Christmas Day
  • Boxing Day
  • New Year's Day
  • Good Friday
  • Easter Monday

Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.

Getting to Lagos

These are the airports closest to central Lagos. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.

  • LOS Murtala Muhammed International Airport10 mi (16 km) from the city centre
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Getting around Lagos

If traveling around Lagos, be sure to be accompanied by a tourist guide who is familiar with the routes. In Lagos, there are street signs on every single street corner making it easy to locate places and landmarks. With the city spending huge budgets on security, there has been a huge reduction in crime generally. For the most part, it's safe to move about during the day. If you are going out at night, be sure to go in groups, and stick to known routes.

By bus

The Lagos's Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is a network of high-capacity buses that run on dedicated lanes along major corridors and thus run faster than private cars stuck in traffic. It is regulated by LAMATA and is one of the most reliable and affordable ways to move around Lagos, especially during peak traffic. The buses are coloured red or blue.

By car

The road network of Lagos for the most part is good, but sometimes traffic congestion and limited parking space especially during working hours is rife. There are one-way roads and streets to look out for. Make sure to avoid driving in the BRT Bus lanes.

By taxi

With the older taxi cabs you are expected to negotiate the price before you enter and pay on arrival. The cabs are relatively safe. Through public-private partnerships, new cabs are being introduced regularly by licensed cab operators. Fares can be as low as ₦500 also for modern taxis, depending on the distance. Taxis can be found almost everywhere, and all the new cabs have numbers on them that you can call for a pick up.

Lagos travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Lagos?

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Lagos is all year round, when average daytime highs are around 81–89°F and rain falls on about 17 days a month.

What is the weather like in Lagos?

January is usually the warmest month in Lagos, with average highs of 89°F (31°C). August is the coolest, with average lows of 76°F (24°C). The wettest month is typically June, with about 228 mm of rain.

Which airport is closest to Lagos?

Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) is the closest airport, about 10 miles (16 km) from the centre of Lagos.

How much are flights to Lagos?

The cheapest round-trip fare Destina Holidays travellers found to Lagos in the last 30 days was $3,496 from Charlottetown, travelling 19 Dec – 15 Jan.

What currency is used in Lagos?

Lagos uses the Nigerian naira (NGN). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ ₦1,325.

What time zone is Lagos in?

Lagos uses the Africa/Lagos time zone (currently UTC+1). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.

How do I get around Lagos?

If traveling around Lagos, be sure to be accompanied by a tourist guide who is familiar with the routes. In Lagos, there are street signs on every single street corner making it easy to locate places and landmarks. With the city spending huge budgets on security, there has been a huge reduction in crime generally.

Where should I stay in Lagos?

Popular areas for hotels in Lagos include Victoria Island, Ikoyi and Lagos. Well-reviewed options include Lagos Continental Hotel  and The Federal Palace Hotel & Casino.

How many hotels can I book in Lagos?

Destina Holidays currently lists 430 properties in and around Lagos, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.