Let’s face it—when the rainy season hits, it can feel like everything slows down. But that doesn’t mean your short let should. While weekend trips and casual getaways might dip but rainy season bookings are still happening. Travel may shift, but it doesn’t stop completely. In cities like Lagos and Abuja, there’s still demand—you just need to position your property for it.
At Homely, we’ve seen how short let hosts can stay booked all year, even during the wet months. With the right approach, rainy season bookings can become a solid opportunity—not a setback. Here are a few tips on how to make it work for you:
1. Business travel doesn’t stop for rain
Even when casual travel dips, business trips continue. Corporate guests, consultants, and remote workers still need a comfortable and reliable space near major business districts like VI, Ikoyi, Ikeja, Wuse, and Maitama. Now’s the time to highlight the essentials: stable Wi-Fi, a designated workspace, backup power, and easy access to key commercial areas. These are the features business travelers prioritize—and they’re more likely to choose a short let that offers the comforts a hotel can’t.
2. Guests are thinking about location—so should you
During the rainy season, accessibility becomes a major concern. No one wants to get stuck in traffic or navigate flooded roads. That’s why locations like Lekki Phase 1, Chevron, Asokoro, and Ikeja GRA tend to perform better—they offer easier mobility and less flooding risk. Make sure to mention these benefits in your listing. Simple phrases like “good road access,” or “close to business centers” help build trust and make your space more appealing on platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, or Nigeria Property Centre.
3. Comfort matters more than ever
Rainy weather means guests spend more time indoors, so the experience inside your apartment needs to feel calm, dry, and cozy. A well-kept, inviting space stands out more in this season than ever. Think about freshening up the space with soft lighting, clean curtains, warm rugs, and maybe a few indoor plants. Make sure leaks are sealed, the space smells fresh, and you’ve stocked the little things—extra towels, tea, a smart TV, or board games. The goal is to make guests feel like they’ve found a peaceful retreat.
4. Flexibility builds confidence
Uncertain weather can make people hesitant to book. That’s why offering flexible cancellation or rescheduling options can give you an edge. Guests feel more secure knowing they have options, and you increase the chance of converting casual browsers into actual bookings. At Homely, we help hosts set policies that feel fair to guests but still protect your income. It’s all about building confidence and removing booking hesitation.
5. Use slow moments to refresh your listing
If bookings do slow down, take that time to work on your listing and setup. Update your photos, rewrite descriptions using rainy-season-friendly keywords like “long stay,” “business-ready,” or “private apartment,” and fine-tune your pricing to match market demand. This is also a great season to attract remote workers, expats between leases, or families doing longer stays. Offering slight discounts for week-long or month-long bookings can also help you fill gaps while maximizing your occupancy.
Rainy season bookings don’t have to be a challenge. With a little creativity, some seasonal updates, and a clear focus on what guests need most, you can keep your short let performing—no matter the forecast.
Want help optimizing your apartment or getting listed across top platforms? We’ve got you covered. Visit joinhomely.com to get started or learn more about how we support hosts through every season.
