Weather in Niamey

Planning your day in Niamey? In this section, you will find the most up-to-date information on weather conditions and forecasts to help you be prepared for any weather surprises in the capital of Niger.

Niamey, the capital of Niger, has a hot desert climate (Köppen classification — BWh), characterised by high temperatures year-round and distinct seasonality in rainfall. Prepare for intense sun and dry air throughout most of your stay.

Two main seasons are clearly distinguished in the city. The long and extremely hot dry season lasts approximately from October to April. During this period, rainfall is practically non-existent, and daytime temperatures, especially from March to May, can regularly exceed 40°C. From May-June, a short rainy season begins, reaching its peak in July-August. During this time, temperatures drop slightly, but humidity rises. August is the month with the highest number of rainy days – precipitation falls here for about half the month, although the total amount of rainfall remains small.

Thus, the weather in Niamey is predominantly sunny and hot. The most comfortable, though still warm, conditions for visiting occur between November and February, when night-time temperatures drop to more pleasant values and the daytime heat is less exhausting. The summer months, despite the small amount of rainfall, bring some relief from the scorching heat but remain very warm.

Heat reigns in Niamey year-round, yet temperature regimes change noticeably depending on the season. The sweltering months are typically April and May, when the average maximum temperature confidently stays above 40°C (up to 41.3°C in April, up to 41.0°C in May), and the average daytime temperature reaches 33.9°C in April and a peak of 35.0°C in May. The "coolest" month is considered to be January, with an average temperature of around 24.0°C, when nights bring refreshment with minimum temperatures around 16.3°C, and during the day the air warms up to a comfortable 31.8°C.

The period from March to May is characterised by increasing dry heat. In March, the average temperature is already 31.3°C, rising to the mentioned peaks in April and May. With the arrival of the rainy season, which usually begins in June and peaks in August, there is some softening of the heat, albeit accompanied by an increase in humidity. In June, the average temperature holds at 33.0°C, decreasing to 30.1°C in July and reaching the annual minimum for the "summer" period in August — around 28.3°C. At this time, daytime highs fluctuate from 32°C to 38°C, while night-time lows remain high, in the range of 24-27°C.

From October to February, a drier and relatively comfortable season by local standards settles in Niamey. October is still very hot (average temperature 30.8°C, maximum up to 37.3°C), but already from November (average 28.1°C) and especially in December (average 24.9°C) and January (average 24.0°C), daytime temperatures become more tolerable, and nights become noticeably cool. Significant diurnal temperature fluctuations are observed during these months: the difference between the daily maximum and night-time minimum can reach 15-16°C (for example, in November from 20.0°C at night to 36.2°C during the day). This makes mornings and evenings pleasant for walks, even if strong heat persists during the day.

Niamey experiences pronounced seasonality in precipitation, with a clear division into a long dry season and a short rainy season. Most of the year passes with practically no rainfall. Snow is uncharacteristic for Niamey; all precipitation falls as rain.

The dry season in Niamey dominates for many months. Starting from November right through to April, precipitation is practically absent – the average monthly amount is 0 mm, and no rainy days are registered during this period. January, February, March, April, November, and December are absolutely dry months. May and October can be considered transitional: although the total amount of precipitation still amounts to 0 mm, there are on average 2 days with precipitation in these months, indicating the approach or conclusion of the rainy season.

The rainy season in Niamey falls during the summer months, from June to September, reaching its peak in August. In June, an average of 1 mm of precipitation falls, and there are about 6 rainy days. The intensity and frequency of rains increase in July, when 2 mm of precipitation falls, and the number of rainy days increases to 10. August is the wettest month of the year: the average amount of precipitation reaches 4 mm, and it rains for approximately 16 days, which is almost half the month. By September, the amount of precipitation and rainy days decreases again, returning to June figures (1 mm of precipitation and 6 rainy days), heralding the imminent start of a new dry season.

When planning a trip to Niamey, it is important to choose your wardrobe correctly, considering the hot desert climate and seasonal weather features. High temperatures prevail here year-round, so the basis of your luggage should be light, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics such as cotton or linen. Do not forget a head covering with a wide brim or a cap, sunglasses, and sunscreen with high SPF – the sun in Niger is very active at any time of the year. Comfortable, open shoes, such as sandals, will be ideal for daytime walks, but it is also worth taking closed shoes for evening outings or in case of unforeseen situations.

In the dry season (approximately from October to April), when rainfall is practically absent and the daytime temperature can rise above 40°C (especially from March to May), place your main emphasis on protection from the sun and heat. Evenings and nights, especially from November to February, can be noticeably cooler (minimum temperatures drop to 16-20°C), so a light cardigan or wrap may come in handy. In the rainy season (from May/June to September, peak in August), although rains are usually short-lived, it is worth taking a light raincoat or a compact umbrella. Humidity also rises during this period, so quick-drying clothes will be an advantage. Given that the sun remains active even in the rainy season, sun protection means are still relevant.

Regardless of the season, the principle of layering in clothing is recommended for visiting Niamey, especially if you plan to be outdoors at different times of the day. This will allow you to easily adapt to temperature changes from a hot day to a cooler evening. Insect repellent will also be useful, especially in the rainy season, as well as a small first aid kit with basic medications. Remember the need to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration in the hot climate.