When you picture fall in Niamey, you’ll probably imagine hot days, cooler nights, and skies that slowly clear up as the months go by. Most days, highs hover near the upper 90s °F, and rain quickly disappears after early September, leaving dry, sunny weather by November. This change makes fall stand out in the city’s climate cycle.
You’ll see the heavy humidity from the wet season vanish, replaced by drier air and breezes that pick up toward November. Clouds thin out, sunshine hours stretch longer, and rain almost never happens by the end of fall.
These changes create a comfortable balance between lingering heat and the dry season coming up. If you’re planning your days or thinking about when to visit, it’s good to know these fall patterns so you’re ready for what’s ahead.
From temperature swings to shifting winds and clearer skies, fall gives you a unique glimpse of Niamey’s climate.
Overview of Fall Climate in Niamey
In fall, Niamey brings hot daytime temperatures, cooler nights, and a sharp drop in rainfall. Cloud cover and humidity fall fast, and winds shift direction, getting stronger as weeks pass.
These changes mark the switch from the wet season into the long dry season.
Typical Fall Weather Patterns
Niamey’s fall stays hot, with average highs around 35°C (95°F). Days rarely dip below 30°C or climb above 40°C, so warm weather sticks around.
Nights cool down to about 20–24°C, which is a welcome break after a hot afternoon.
Rainfall drops off fast. In early September, you might catch a shower, but by November, rain pretty much disappears. The chance of a wet day falls from over 60% in early fall to 0% by the end.
Clouds thin out, too. September can start cloudy, but by late November, you’ll see much clearer skies and more sunshine. This makes the city feel drier and brighter.
Humidity drops along with the rain. September still feels muggy, but by November, the air is dry, so even the heat feels more manageable.
Seasonal Changes from Summer to Fall
The move from summer into fall in Niamey really means the rainy season ends. In August, heavy rains are the norm, but by early September, the wet season wraps up quickly.
Rainfall and humidity take a nosedive. Daylight hours shorten a bit, losing about one hour from early September to late November.
Sunrise comes a little later, sunset a little earlier, but it’s not a huge change compared to places farther from the equator.
Wind patterns change as well. Early in fall, winds come mostly from the south, bringing in moisture.
By mid-October, they shift east, carrying in drier air. Wind speeds pick up, from about 10 km/h in September to over 14 km/h by November.
These shifts define how Niamey slides from a humid, rainy summer to a dry, sunny fall.
Duration of the Fall Season
Fall in Niamey runs from September through November. This three-month stretch bridges the wettest time of year and the dry winter months.
September still clings to some rainy season traits, with leftover showers and high humidity. By October, things settle into hot, dry days under clearer skies.
November is totally dry, with almost no rain and very low humidity. Daytime temperatures stay high, but the drop in humidity and rain makes it feel different from summer.
Nights cool off, with lows near 20°C, which feels pretty refreshing after the hotter months.
This shift sets up Niamey for its long dry season, stretching right into winter and early spring.
Average Fall Temperatures in Niamey
In the fall months, Niamey stays hot by day but gets noticeably cooler at night.
Humidity and rainfall drop steadily, so the heat doesn’t feel quite as heavy as the weeks go by.
Daytime and Nighttime Temperature Ranges
During fall, daytime highs usually stick around 96°F (35°C). On hotter days, you might see 103°F (39°C), while cooler days can dip to about 86°F (30°C).
At night, temperatures drop sharply. Early in the season, lows hover near 76°F (24°C), but by late November, they can fall to around 68°F (20°C).
Nights rarely get colder than 63°F (17°C). This big swing between day and night means you really feel the change after sunset.
Afternoons are hot and dry, but evenings become much better for being outside.
Monthly Temperature Breakdown
Fall covers September, October, and November, and each month has its own feel.
- September: Highs average around 95–97°F (35–36°C), with lows near 75°F (24°C). Humidity’s still around, so the heat can feel a bit more intense.
- October: Highs peak near 100°F (38°C) by late month, and lows sit at 72–74°F (22–23°C). This is usually the hottest part of fall.
- November: Highs drop to 92–94°F (33–34°C), and nights cool to 68°F (20°C), making things drier and more pleasant.
So, expect a hot start in September and October, with things easing up a bit by November.
Temperature Trends Compared to Other Seasons
If you compare fall to the rest of the year, the differences are pretty clear. The wet season in summer is hotter and much more humid, with highs often above 100°F (38°C) and sticky nights.
Winter cools things down, with highs in the upper 80s°F (30–32°C) and much lower humidity. January nights can even drop close to 63°F (17°C), which feels cool after fall.
Spring brings the hottest weather, with April sometimes hitting 106°F (41°C). So, fall really feels like a transitional season, where the heat is still strong but heading down toward the cooler, drier winter.
Rainfall and Precipitation During Fall
Rainfall in Niamey drops off fast in fall as the wet season ends. You’ll notice the shift from heavy rains in September to barely any measurable precipitation by November.
This change affects daily life and travel plans.
Average Monthly Rainfall
Rainfall in Niamey during fall falls sharply. September still gets a good amount, often around 120–180 mm depending on the year.
By October, totals plummet to about 25–40 mm. November is almost bone dry, with rainfall close to 0 mm.
This pattern matches the city’s subtropical steppe climate, where the short wet season ends quickly.
The difference between early and late fall rainfall is pretty dramatic. If you visit in September, you might still see some heavy downpours, but by November, the skies stay dry almost every day.
Rainy Days and Wettest Months
September brings the most rainy days of any fall month. On average, you’ll get about 10–12 days with measurable rain in September.
These usually come as short, intense storms, which are pretty typical for the Sahel. By October, rainy days drop to just 2–4 days, and the showers are less intense.
In November, rain is rare, with 0–1 rainy day on average. This quick drop in wet days marks the end of the rainy season and the start of dry, sunny weather.
For travelers, September can still disrupt outdoor plans, but October and November are way more reliable for dry conditions.
Transition to Dry Season
After September, the atmosphere settles down, and rain clouds fade away. By November, dry winds take over, and the sky usually stays clear.
Farmers finish up their harvests as the rains end, and water levels in rivers and reservoirs start to drop. In September, you might still feel the humidity and some unsettled weather.
By November, the climate is dry, stable, and a lot better for travel or spending time outside.
Humidity and Wind Conditions in Fall
During fall in Niamey, the climate shifts from the wet summer toward the dry winter. You’ll notice humidity dropping steadily as the rains disappear, and wind patterns settle into a more predictable dry-season flow.
Average Humidity Levels
Humidity in Niamey drops fast from early September to late November. September still shows some wet season leftovers, with relative humidity around 50–55%.
By October, it falls to about 30–35%, and in November it drops even more, often down to 15–20%.
With each week, the air feels drier. September mornings might feel a little muggy, but by November, the air is crisp, and there’s barely any moisture.
Lower humidity means fewer clouds. Sunshine becomes more reliable, and rain becomes a thing of the past by late fall.
If you’re outside a lot, you’ll notice the dry air and probably need to drink more water.
| Month | Average Humidity (%) |
|---|---|
| September | 50–55 |
| October | 30–35 |
| November | 15–20 |
Wind Speed and Direction Patterns
Winds in Niamey during fall usually stay light to moderate, averaging 10–15 km/h. They often blow from the northeast and east, which is a sign the dry Harmattan season is coming.
In September, breezes can still shift with leftover storm systems, but by October and November, the direction settles down. The air feels drier, and dust starts to move around more, especially in late November.
You can expect clearer skies and fewer weather surprises. The steady winds help clear out any leftover humidity and keep the heat from feeling too overwhelming, even when highs stay above 35°C (95°F).
Wind patterns aren’t as disruptive as in summer, but they do affect how comfortable it feels outside. Many travelers actually find the breezes refreshing compared to the still, muggy air during the rainy season.
Sunshine and Cloud Cover in Fall
In Niamey’s fall, you get long stretches of bright sunlight and skies that clear up more as the season goes on. Rainy days become rare, and the air shifts from humid and cloudy to dry and clear.
Average Daily Sunshine Hours
You can count on steady sunshine through the fall in Niamey. Early September gives you just over 12 hours of daylight, and by late November, it drops to about 11 hours and 24 minutes.
Even with this slow decline, the city still enjoys abundant sunshine most days.
On average, you’ll get between 9 to 9.5 hours of direct sun per day in October and November. These months are some of the sunniest all year, rivaling the dry season.
September, even with the last bits of rain, still manages more than 8 hours of sunshine daily.
All this sunlight makes it easy to plan outdoor activities. Mornings and late afternoons are usually the best times for walking or sightseeing, since the midday sun can be pretty intense under a clear sky.
| Month | Avg Sunshine Hours/Day | Daylight Duration |
|---|---|---|
| September | ~8–9 h | ~12 h 20 min |
| October | ~9–9.5 h | ~11 h 50 min |
| November | ~9–9.5 h | ~11 h 25 min |
Cloudiness and Sky Conditions
Cloud cover in Niamey drops fast during fall. At the start of September, the sky stays cloudy or overcast about two-thirds of the time.
By late November, that falls to around 40%, so most days look clear or partly cloudy.
October really shows the change. You’ll notice fewer afternoon storms, and the air isn’t as humid.
By late November, skies reach their clearest, with more than half of the days showing clear or mostly clear conditions.
These changing sky conditions also shape how the evenings feel. Sunsets get sharper and more vibrant as the wet season’s haze fades out.
If you’re planning to travel or hang out outdoors, you’ll probably find late fall is the clearest and driest stretch.
Travel Tips and Activities for Fall in Niamey
Fall in Niamey brings hot days, cooler nights, and a big drop in rainfall. You can plan your activities around the daily temperature swings and pick clothes that keep you comfy in both the heat and the dry air.
Best Times of Day for Outdoor Activities
Daytime highs in Niamey during the fall often hit 35–38 °C (95–100 °F). That’s pretty hot for being outside too long.
Early mornings are the best bet, with lows around 20–24 °C (68–75 °F). Sunrise hours work well for walking, checking out markets, or exploring the Niger River area.
By late afternoon, the heat finally starts to back off. Temperatures drop steadily after 4:00 p.m., and evenings feel less humid than during the wet season.
That’s a good window for outdoor dining or cultural visits.
Try to avoid heavy activity between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. The sun is brutal then, and there’s not much shade.
If you have to be out during those hours, stick to lighter activities and take lots of breaks.
Clearer skies in November also mean better visibility, so it’s a nice time for sightseeing and photography.
Recommended Clothing for Fall Weather
Pack light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen to handle the daytime heat. I always reach for loose-fitting long sleeves and trousers—they shield you from both the sun and that ever-present dust as the winds pick up later in the season.
Grab a wide-brimmed hat and some sunglasses, and don’t skip the sunscreen if you’re heading out mid-day. Honestly, a refillable water bottle is a lifesaver since the dry air leaves you thirsty in no time.
When evening rolls around, especially in November, temperatures drop to about 20 °C (68 °F). I’d throw on a light jacket or sweater after sunset just to stay comfortable.
For shoes, pick something sturdy but still breathable. Sandals are fine for casual days, but I’d go with closed shoes if you plan to walk longer or if it’s dusty out.