Background:
Urban climate adaptation in rapidly urbanising African cities depends on climate-risk awareness as well as social and institutional conditions. Yet context-specific evidence on how these dimensions relate to residents' adaptation-related responses remains limited, particularly in Nigerian cities. Such evidence can inform urban environmental management and climate resilience.

Objectives:
This study examined associations between climate change awareness, perceived sociodemographic influences, and perceived sociocultural dimensions of climate adaptation among residents of Benin City, Nigeria, and compared awareness and perceived sociocultural dimension scores.

Methods:
A cross-sectional online survey was completed by 150 residents. The questionnaire contained 20 positively worded Likert statements across four five-item domains: awareness, perceived sociodemographic influences, sociocultural influences, and institutional support. Five-item composite indices (range: 5–25) were analysed using descriptive statistics, Cronbach's alpha, principal component analysis (PCA) with varimax rotation, Pearson correlations, ordinary least squares regression, and a paired-samples t-test. Regression diagnostics were examined.

Results:
Awareness correlated positively with perceived sociodemographic influences (r = 0.373, p < 0.001) and perceived sociocultural dimensions of climate adaptation (r = 0.380, p < 0.001); the latter also correlated with perceived sociodemographic influences (r = 0.372, p < 0.001). In regression, awareness (β = 0.280, p = 0.001) and perceived sociodemographic influences (β = 0.267, p = 0.001) were significant positive predictors. The model was significant (F(2,147) = 19.05, p < 0.001; R² = 0.206). Awareness and response scores differed (mean difference = −3.88, t(149) = −11.010, p < 0.001; |d| = 0.90). PCA identified five components explaining 67.44% of variance. Internal consistency was limited for the perceived sociodemographic index (α = 0.547) and moderate for perceived sociocultural dimensions of climate adaptation (α = 0.664).

Conclusion:
Awareness and perceived sociodemographic influences are relevant, but incomplete, correlates of perceived sociocultural dimensions of climate adaptation. The findings support integrated urban climate-management approaches linking risk communication with enabling social and institutional conditions. Cross-sectional online data preclude causal conclusions and limit generalisability.