If you’re planning a trip to Niamey during Christmas, get ready for warm, dry, and sunny weather. Daytime temperatures usually hover around 33°C (91°F), with nights dipping closer to 18°C (64°F). Honestly, it’s one of the nicest times to visit.
You won’t have to worry about rain in December. The skies stay clear and the air feels dry, so you can pack light and leave the umbrella at home.
Humidity drops, which makes the heat a lot more bearable than in the wetter months. You’ll get lots of sunshine, perfect for exploring or just hanging out outside. Winds are usually light to moderate, which adds a little relief when afternoons heat up.
Overview of Christmas Weather in Niamey
Niamey around Christmas feels hot during the day, cooler at night, and the air is dry. You’ll see clear skies and steady sunshine, with barely a hint of rain—December is about as dry as it gets in Niger.
Typical Temperature Ranges
Late December brings daytime highs between 88°F and 94°F (31°C–34°C). Nights cool off to 63°F to 67°F (17°C–19°C), so you get a break from the heat.
You won’t need heavy clothes, but evenings can feel surprisingly cool after a hot day. Lightweight, breathable clothes work best for daytime, and a light jacket or sweater will help at night.
Historical weather data shows December temperatures rarely drop below 59°F (15°C) or climb above 99°F (37°C). The weather feels steady and predictable compared to the rainy season.
General Climate Characteristics
December in Niamey is hot, arid, and clear. Rainfall is almost unheard of, and muggy conditions just don’t happen. As the month goes on, skies usually get even clearer, so you can count on lots of sun.
Daylight lasts about 11 hours and 20 minutes each day. Sunrise comes around 7:00 AM and sunset is near 6:30 PM. That means plenty of time to enjoy the outdoors.
Winds average 9 to 10 mph, mostly from the east. The air stays dry, but sometimes dust from the Sahel region drifts in, especially if the Harmattan winds pick up.
Comparison to Other Months
December stands out as one of the cooler and driest months in Niamey. Daytime highs run about 12–15°F (6–8°C) lower than in April, which is the hottest month.
You’ll avoid the heavy rains and sticky humidity that show up from June to September. December is drier than January and a bit warmer, but still part of the comfortable season.
February and March start to heat up again, but December strikes a nice balance of warmth and dryness. Many travelers find it the easiest time for outdoor plans.
Temperature Patterns in December
December brings hot afternoons, cooler nights, and dry air—no humidity, no rain. Days stay warm, while evenings and mornings feel more comfortable.
Average Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures
Daytime highs in December usually hit 88°F to 94°F (31°C to 34°C). That’s based on historical weather data and reflects the dry season’s steady vibe. It gets hot at midday, but the dry air keeps it from feeling suffocating.
At night, temperatures drop. Lows fall between 61°F and 67°F (16°C to 19°C), making evenings and early mornings feel much cooler. You’ll want light clothes for the day and maybe a thin layer at night.
Compared to the peak heat of April, December feels much more moderate. April can push above 106°F (41°C), while December rarely tops 99°F (37°C). Late December is a great time to be outside in Niamey.
Temperature Fluctuations During Christmas Week
During Christmas week, daily highs hover near 90°F (32°C), with lows close to 63°F (17°C). The pattern barely shifts—temperatures stay steady once the dry season is set in.
From December 24–26, afternoons feel hot but not unbearable. Nights cool off enough to make being outside a lot more pleasant. The dry air keeps things crisp, so you won’t get that sticky, muggy feeling.
Sudden cold snaps or heat waves almost never happen during this period. Expect warm afternoons, cooler nights, and clear skies. The difference between day and night temperatures can feel pretty sharp.
Rainfall and Rainy Days During Christmas
December lands right in the heart of the dry season in Niamey. Rain basically doesn’t happen, and skies usually stay clear.
Average Precipitation in December
Niamey typically records 0 mm of rainfall in December. That’s based on decades of climate data. Unlike the wet months of July and August, where rain can pour down, December stands out for its total lack of precipitation.
Dry conditions stay consistent year after year. Even if there’s a hint of moisture, it’s never enough to count as real rain.
If you’re planning anything outdoors around Christmas, you can skip worrying about rain. The dry air and blue skies make December super reliable for travel and events.
Frequency of Rainy Days
Rainy days in December? Zero. Historical records show the city just doesn’t get rain events this month. In August, you might see 14 rainy days, but December offers none.
You won’t have to deal with storms or showers ruining your plans. Dry air dominates, so you get consistent weather.
Travelers can plan with confidence. Outdoor markets, desert trips, and local festivals go on without rain delays. The lack of rain is a defining feature of Niamey’s Christmas climate.
Humidity and Comfort Levels
December brings dry air and cooler temps compared to the humid wet season. Humidity drops off sharply, making things more comfortable for both locals and visitors.
Relative Humidity in December
Relative humidity usually sits between 14% and 20% in December. That’s a big drop from August, when it can soar above 50%. The air feels dry, and you might notice cracked lips or dry skin if you’re not careful about hydration.
The low humidity goes hand in hand with cooler nights, often near 17°C (63°F). Mornings feel crisp. Daytime highs average 34–37°C (93–99°F), but the dry air keeps it from feeling oppressive.
With so little moisture in the air, rain just doesn’t happen. Sunshine dominates, with about 9 to 10 hours per day. December is one of the driest months, and the air can feel almost desert-like.
Impact on Outdoor Activities
Dry air in December makes outdoor activities a lot more comfortable. Sweat evaporates quickly, so your body cools down more easily than in the humid summer—but you’ll need to drink more water to avoid dehydration.
If you’re outside a lot, carry water and use light moisturizers or lip balm. Dust can be a hassle since the wind stirs up fine particles in the dry air.
Walking tours, open-air markets, and riverside strolls feel much better in December than in the sticky months of July or August. Lower humidity and clear skies mean you can count on good weather for sightseeing and events.
Wind Speed and Weather Conditions
December in Niamey brings dry, warm weather and mild breezes. The wind stays steady but gentle, and you won’t see the wild gusts that come during the rainy season.
Average Wind Speed in December
December is deep in the dry season, so expect light winds most days. Average wind speed sits around 1 meter per second (about 2 mph)—that’s pretty calm and rarely messes with outdoor plans.
Dry air and low humidity make the light winds feel pleasant. December doesn’t bring sudden gusts or big changes in wind strength.
Mornings and evenings often feel still, while afternoons might bring a gentle breeze. December is a safe bet for outdoor travel, markets, or sightseeing.
Typical Wind Patterns Around Christmas
Around Christmas, winds usually blow from the northeast or east—that’s the seasonal Harmattan from the Sahara.
The Harmattan carries dry air and sometimes a dusty haze, which can knock down visibility a bit. It’s not as strong in December as it is in January, but you might notice a light veil of dust some days.
The wind pattern stays steady, with no sudden shifts. For travelers, you can expect calm days, clear skies, and only a slight chance of dust affecting your views or photos.
Travel Tips for Visiting Niamey at Christmas
December in Niamey means dry air, cool nights, and loads of sunshine. Sightseeing is comfortable, but the sun can be strong and dusty winds pop up now and then, so you’ll want to pack accordingly.
Packing Recommendations
Bring light, breathable clothes for daytime—afternoon highs often reach the mid-30s °C (mid-90s °F). Cotton shirts, loose pants, and long sleeves help protect against the sun. Don’t forget a wide-brimmed hat, UV sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen since the skies usually stay clear.
Evenings can cool down to 16–20°C (62–68°F), so pack a light jacket or sweater. Closed shoes come in handy if you’re walking in sandy or dusty spots.
If the Harmattan winds pick up, a scarf or light face covering helps with dust. A reusable water bottle is a must—the dry season means you’ll need to drink extra water.
It’s smart to toss in a small first-aid kit with rehydration salts and basic meds. The dry climate can sneak up on you with dehydration or headaches if you’re not careful.
Best Times for Outdoor Activities
In December, Niamey usually gets about 9–10 hours of sunshine each day. That gives you lots of chances to get outside and enjoy the city.
Honestly, the nicest hours are early morning (7–10 a.m.) and late afternoon (4–6 p.m.). The heat backs off a bit, so you can relax and not feel like you’re melting.
Midday hits hard with the heat and dryness. You might want to duck into a museum or browse the markets around then instead.
If you’re thinking about walking along the Niger River banks or even taking a boat ride, try to go in the morning. The air feels cooler, and things are just calmer.
Evenings work great for outdoor dining. Temperatures stay mild, and the clear skies make everything feel a bit magical.
Once the sun sets, parks and open-air restaurants fill up. It’s a good time to soak in the local vibe and maybe linger over dinner.
Heading out of Niamey for a day trip? Get an early start so you can dodge the worst of the heat. Bring plenty of water, since the dry weather can sneak up on you.
Roads stay pretty easy to travel thanks to the dryness, but you won’t find much shade in the countryside. Plan for that if you can.