Weather in N'Djamena

Planning your day or a trip to N'Djamena? Here you will find the latest weather information, including detailed forecasts and useful charts to help you prepare for any conditions.

N'Djamena, the capital of Chad, is characterized by a hot and predominantly dry climate. High temperatures are observed throughout the year, especially between March and May, when average maximums can exceed 40°C. Even in the relatively "cool" months, such as January and December, the average temperature stays around 24-25°C, making the city's climate consistently warm.

In N'Djamena, two main seasons are clearly traceable: a long dry season and a shorter but distinct rainy season. The dry season lasts roughly from November to May, during which rainfall is virtually non-existent. Conversely, the rainy season falls between June and October, peaking in August, when the highest amount of rainfall and the maximum number of rainy days are observed. During these months, air temperatures drop slightly compared to the peak values of the dry season but remain high.

Thus, travellers planning a trip to N'Djamena should be prepared for hot weather year-round. The timing of a visit may depend on rainfall preferences: dry and very hot months give way to less hot but more humid months of the rainy season.

Hot weather prevails in N'Djamena all year round, though temperature regimes have their seasonal nuances. The most sweltering months are traditionally April and May: the average temperature in these months reaches 34.8-35.0°C, and daily highs regularly rise to 41-42°C, creating a sensation of intense heat. The "coolest" month is considered to be January, when the average temperature is around 24.3°C. A slight decrease in average temperatures (to 27.1°C) is also observed in August, at the height of the rainy season, but this is accompanied by high humidity.

The period from March to May is characterized as a season of intense dry heat, when daytime heat can be exhausting, and nights bring only moderate relief with temperatures around 24-28°C. Conversely, in the so-called "winter" season, especially in December and January, daytime temperatures remain high, around 32-33°C, but nights and early mornings become noticeably fresher – the thermometer can drop to 16.5-18°C. N'Djamena is characterized by significant diurnal temperature fluctuations, especially in the dry season (from November to April), when the difference between the daily peak and the nightly minimum often exceeds 15°C. During the wet season (June-September), these fluctuations smooth out due to increased cloud cover and humidity; for instance, in August the difference is about 7°C.

N'Djamena experiences pronounced seasonality in rainfall, dividing the year into a long dry period and a shorter but distinct rainy season. Understanding these cycles will help you better plan your trip and choose suitable clothing, considering that even in the rainy season, the total amount of precipitation remains moderate.

The dry season in N'Djamena dominates most of the year, covering the months from November to April inclusive. During this period, precipitation is practically absent: in January, February, March, April, November, and December, the amount of rainfall is 0 mm, and no rainy days are recorded. May also remains very dry, with only one rainy day on average and virtually no precipitation (0 mm), making it a transitional month towards the start of the wet period.

The rainy season in the capital of Chad falls during the summer months, from June to October. Rainfall amounts and the frequency of rainy days begin to gradually increase in June, when an average of 1 mm of rain falls and there are about 8 rainy days. The peak of humidity occurs in August, which is the "wettest" month of the year: an average of 8 mm of precipitation falls, and the number of rainy days reaches 23. This means that in August, rains occur quite often, although they may not be too heavy. In July (3 mm, 15 rainy days) and September (3 mm, 12 rainy days), a noticeable number of rainy days is also observed. By October, the rainy season declines (1 mm of precipitation, 4 rainy days), giving way to the approaching dry period.

When planning a trip to N'Djamena, it is important to choose your wardrobe correctly, considering the hot climate and the change of seasons. Year-round, you will need light, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics such as cotton or linen. In the dry season, especially from March to May, when temperatures reach peak values, opt for light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing that covers the body as much as possible from the scorching sun. Don't forget a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high SPF cream. In the "cool" months, such as December and January, evenings can be fresher, so a light cardigan or wrap may come in handy.

In the rainy season, which lasts from June to October, and especially at its peak in August, it is worth being prepared for frequent, though not always heavy, rainfall. A light raincoat or a compact umbrella will become your faithful companions. Despite the rain, the temperature remains high, so clothing should still be light. Given the potential mud on the roads after rain, choose practical and easy-to-clean footwear. Regardless of the season, comfortable closed-toe shoes for walking are necessary for comfortably exploring the city.

Since it is hot in N'Djamena all year round, but with distinct dry and wet seasons, the principle of layering is not as relevant as the choice of the right materials and accessories. The main thing is protection from the sun and heat in the dry season, and readiness for rain while maintaining high temperatures in the wet season. Don't forget insect repellent, especially during the rainy season. A power adapter for electrical appliances may also be useful.