Climate and monthly weather forecast
Niger

Situated in West Africa, Niger's terrain is predominantly desert plains and sand dunes, with flat to rolling savanna in the south. This geography greatly influences its weather patterns. The country's climate largely falls under the hot desert climate classification (BWh), with a smaller portion classified as a tropical savanna climate (Aw), indicating a dry winter. Consequently, Niger experiences high temperatures throughout the year and limited rainfall. The annual precipitation varies from 150mm (5.91") in the desert regions of the north to 600mm (23.62") in the southern savannas. Evaporation typically exceeds rainfall, leading to a net water deficit. Daytime temperatures regularly rise above 40°C (104°F), especially from March to June. The coldest months, December and January, witness temperatures around 20°C (68°F).

The best period to visit Niger is during the cool dry season, which runs from November to February. During this period, temperatures are relatively moderate, ranging between 20°C (68°F) to 30°C (86°F). This is an ideal time for outdoor activities and exploring the country's natural and cultural attractions, including the stunning Air Mountains and the lively Gerewol festival in In-Gall. The cool nights, reaching as low as 15°C (59°F), offer a pleasant contrast to the scorching heat experienced during other parts of the year.

The least advisable period to visit Niger would be the hot dry season, between March and May. During this time, daytime temperatures often rise above 40°C (104°F) and can reach a maximum of 48°C (118.4°F). The intensity of the heat combined with the high evaporation rates can make it uncomfortable for visitors, especially those unaccustomed to such conditions. Additionally, the country experiences a weather phenomenon known as the Harmattan, a dry and dusty trade wind that blows from the Sahara desert, reducing visibility and air quality, which can impede travel and exploration.

Though Niger is situated near the equator and does not experience a traditional spring season as temperate regions do, the period from March to May is often considered a transitional phase between the cool dry season and the rainy season. During these months, temperatures start to rise significantly, often reaching over 40°C (104°F). This period also marks the onset of the Harmattan winds, which bring in dust from the Sahara, causing hazy skies and sometimes leading to disruption in air travel.

In Niger, the months from June to August are characterized by the rainy season, often referred to as the country's summer. Rainfall varies across the country, with southern regions receiving between 500mm (19.69") to 600mm (23.62") of precipitation, while the arid north receives less than 150mm (5.91"). However, even this rainfall is unreliable and varies from year to year. Despite the rain, temperatures remain high, hovering around 35°C (95°F) to 40°C (104°F). The rain brings a bit of relief from the intense heat and helps replenish the country's water sources, providing a lifeline for agriculture and wildlife.

Again, due to its tropical location, Niger doesn't have a traditional autumn. However, the months from September to November see a transition from the rainy season to the cool dry season. Rainfall decreases significantly, and temperatures start to drop. The weather during these months is generally warm, with temperatures ranging from 30°C (86°F) to 35°C (95°F). As the dry season approaches, the nights become noticeably cooler, especially in the northern desert regions.

Winter in Niger, spanning from December to February, is characterized by the cool dry season. During this period, temperatures range from 20°C (68°F) to 30°C (86°F) during the day and can drop to 15°C (59°F) at night. Despite being the coldest period of the year, it is still relatively warm compared to typical winters in temperate regions. This period sees clear skies and minimal rainfall, making it an excellent time for stargazing and outdoor activities. However, the northern desert regions can occasionally experience significantly colder nights, with temperatures dropping to 5°C (41°F).

January is positioned in the heart of the cool dry season in Niger. It is one of the coldest months of the year, with average temperatures ranging between 15°C (59°F) to 25°C (77°F) in most parts of the country. During the day, temperatures can rise to about 30°C (86°F), while at night, they can drop as low as 15°C (59°F). Weather in January »

February is the final month of the cool dry season in Niger, indicating a transition toward hotter conditions. The average temperatures during this month begin to climb, ranging from 20°C (68°F) to 35°C (95°F). Daytime temperatures often reach the upper limit of this range, particularly in the southern regions. Weather in February »

March signifies the onset of the hot dry season in Niger, which is characterized by significantly higher temperatures. The average temperatures during this month can range from 25°C (77°F) to 40°C (104°F). During the day, temperatures in the southern regions often reach this upper limit, while at night they can drop to 20°C (68°F). Weather in March »

April is typically one of the hottest months of the year in Niger, representing the peak of the hot dry season. Average temperatures during this month range from 30°C (86°F) to 45°C (113°F). Daytime temperatures often reach this upper limit, particularly in the southern regions, while at night they can drop to 25°C (77°F). Weather in April »

May in Niger represents the tail end of the hot dry season, with the anticipation of the approaching rainy season. Average temperatures begin to decrease slightly from the previous month, ranging from 25°C (77°F) to 40°C (104°F). Weather in May »

June marks the beginning of the rainy season in Niger, bringing a welcome relief from the preceding hot dry season. Average temperatures in June range from 25°C (77°F) to 35°C (95°F). Daytime temperatures in the southern regions can still reach high levels, while at night they can drop to 20°C (68°F). Weather in June »

July marks the height of the rainy season in Niger, bringing much-needed moisture and a reduction in temperatures. The average temperatures during this month range from 20°C (68°F) to 30°C (86°F). Daytime temperatures can still reach the upper limit, particularly in the southern regions, while at night, they can drop to 20°C (68°F). Weather in July »

August continues the trend of the rainy season in Niger, bringing further reductions in temperature and sustained rainfall. Average temperatures during this month range from 20°C (68°F) to 30°C (86°F). Daytime temperatures can still reach the upper limit, particularly in the southern regions, while at night, they can drop to 20°C (68°F). Weather in August »

September in Niger marks the tail end of the rainy season, with a gradual decrease in rainfall and a slight increase in temperatures. Average temperatures during this month range from 20°C (68°F) to 35°C (95°F). Daytime temperatures often reach the upper limit, especially in the southern regions, while at night, they can drop to 20°C (68°F). Weather in September »

October in Niger signifies the onset of the hot dry season, marked by decreasing rainfall and rising temperatures. Average temperatures during this month range from 25°C (77°F) to 35°C (95°F). Daytime temperatures often reach the upper limit, especially in the southern regions, while at night they can drop to 20°C (68°F). Weather in October »

November in Niger is characterized by the progression of the hot dry season, with continued rising temperatures and minimal rainfall. Average temperatures during this month range from 25°C (77°F) to 35°C (95°F). Daytime temperatures often reach the upper limit, especially in the southern regions, while at night they can drop to 20°C (68°F). Weather in November »

December in Niger marks the full onset of the hot dry season, with significantly reduced rainfall and consistently high temperatures. Average temperatures during this month range from 20°C (68°F) to 30°C (86°F). Daytime temperatures can reach the upper limit, particularly in the southern regions, while at night, they can drop to 15°C (59°F). Weather in December »