Winter in Niamey doesn’t bring snow or freezing weather, but there’s still a noticeable change from the city’s hotter months. Expect daytime highs between 33°C (91°F) and 37°C (99°F), and cooler nights that can drop as low as 17°C (63°F). It’s honestly one of the most comfortable times of year to get out and explore.
Humidity stays low, often hovering around 15%, and rain almost never shows up. Clear skies usually win out, so you get lots of sunshine and steady daylight.
The dry air and cooler nights actually feel pretty refreshing after the heavy, humid heat of summer.
If you’re thinking about heading outdoors, winter is the best bet. You can check out cultural sites, browse open-air markets, and enjoy river views without having to dodge heavy rains or brutal heat.
Overview of Niamey’s Winter Climate
Niamey sits in the Sahel region of West Africa, and its winter climate reflects that spot on the map. It falls under the subtropical steppe category.
You’ll get warm to hot days, cooler nights, hardly any rain, and steady winds. The season stays dry but feels pretty comfortable compared to the rest of the year.
Geographical Context and Subtropical Steppe Zone
Niamey hugs the Niger River at about 220 meters (720 feet) elevation. Its spot in the southern Sahel puts it between the Sahara Desert up north and wetter regions to the south.
The climate here is BSh (subtropical steppe) if you’re into the Köppen system. That means long dry seasons, quick wet periods, and high temps almost all the time.
Since it’s inland, Niamey misses out on cooling sea breezes. Instead, dry air from the Sahara takes over during winter.
Cropland and grassland surround the city, with not much in the way of thick vegetation. That makes for strong daytime heating and faster nighttime cooling, so you’ll notice a pretty big temperature swing each day.
Typical Winter Weather Patterns
Most winter days bring highs between 88°F and 98°F (31°C–37°C). Nights cool down to 63°F–72°F (17°C–22°C), which feels nice after hot afternoons.
Rain really doesn’t happen this time of year—precipitation stays close to 0 mm. Humidity stays low, so muggy air isn’t an issue.
Clouds show up sometimes, but skies are usually clear or partly cloudy. Maybe about a third of winter days look mostly cloudy, but you almost never get full overcast.
Winds blow in from the east and northeast, averaging 9–10 mph. This steady breeze helps keep things from feeling stifling and makes being outside a bit easier.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Winter is Niamey’s driest and least humid stretch. Unlike July and August’s rainy season, you won’t run into heavy downpours or sticky air.
Winter also feels cooler than spring, especially at night. By April, daytime highs shoot past 104°F (40°C), but winter rarely gets close to that.
Sunlight hours slowly increase as winter moves along. December gives you about 11 hours 20 minutes of daylight, and by late February, it’s nearly 12 hours.
Average Winter Temperatures
Winter in Niamey stays warm, especially compared to other places. Days get hot, nights are mild, and the temperature changes gradually as the season goes on.
Daytime Highs and Nighttime Lows
In winter, daytime highs usually start around 94°F (34°C) in December and climb to nearly 98°F (37°C) by late February. Even on the coolest days, highs rarely dip below 88°F (31°C).
At night, lows average between 67°F (19°C) and 72°F (22°C). Early January sometimes sees nights down to 63°F (17°C), but it never really feels cold. Evenings are comfortable, just not chilly by most standards.
Monthly Temperature Variations
The coldest stretch lands in early January, with averages between 63°F (17°C) and 88°F (31°C). By February, both days and nights warm up, so you’ll notice the shift.
Here’s a quick look:
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low |
|---|---|---|
| December | ~94°F (34°C) | ~67°F (19°C) |
| January | ~88–94°F (31–34°C) | ~63–67°F (17–19°C) |
| February | ~96–98°F (36–37°C) | ~70–72°F (21–22°C) |
You’ll feel afternoons get warmer and nights a bit milder as winter rolls on.
Record Extremes in Winter
Averages tell you most of the story, but the extremes are worth knowing. On the coldest winter nights, Niamey can briefly hit 58°F (14°C), though that’s rare.
On hot days, highs can spike to 104°F (40°C), even in mid-winter. It doesn’t happen often, but it’s possible when the sun is relentless.
Freezing temperatures? Niamey just doesn’t go there in winter. So, if you’re traveling, you can pack light and not worry about cold snaps.
Winter Precipitation and Humidity
Winter in Niamey feels really dry, with almost no rain at all. Humidity drops, so days feel hot, but nights are more comfortable.
Rainfall and Dry Season Characteristics
Rain barely shows up in Niamey’s winter. January usually records 0.0 mm of precipitation, and December and February are just as dry. This is all part of the long dry season from October through May.
Cloudy skies and storms don’t really happen now. Instead, expect mostly clear skies and plenty of sunshine. You’ll get 9 to 10 hours of sun per day, so outdoor plans rarely get rained out.
The landscape around Niamey looks dusty and dry during this time. Plants thin out, and the Niger River’s flow drops compared to the rainy season. If you’re visiting, you might want to bring lip balm or moisturizer for the dry air.
No rain also means you won’t run into road closures or canceled outdoor plans. Sometimes, though, the wind stirs up fine dust, which can mess with visibility and air quality.
Relative Humidity Levels in Winter
Humidity in winter drops really low. December and January often hit the lowest numbers of the year, with average relative humidity below 20–25% during the day. You’ll notice the crisp, dry air, especially in the afternoons.
Mornings and evenings see a tiny bump in humidity, but it stays low compared to the wet season. Nights feel cooler and more pleasant thanks to the drier air.
If you’re not used to these conditions, the dry air might bother your skin, throat, or eyes. Drinking water often helps.
With low humidity, sweat evaporates fast, so the heat feels less smothering than in humid months. Still, don’t underestimate the sun—the dry air won’t protect you from UV rays.
Sunshine and Daylight During Winter
Winter in Niamey means clear skies, dry air, and plenty of sunshine. Outdoor activities are easier to plan, and even though it’s cooler than other times, it still feels bright.
Average Daily Sunshine Hours
Throughout winter, you’ll see lots of sun almost every day. December, January, and February each give you 9.5 to 9.9 hours of sunshine on average.
Clouds and rain rarely block the sun, so winter is one of Niamey’s brightest stretches.
Unlike the wet season, when clouds dominate, winter brings predictable sunlight. It’s great for sightseeing, walking around, or just spending time outside.
Here’s a quick reference:
| Month | Avg. Sunshine Hours/Day |
|---|---|
| December | ~9.8 hours |
| January | ~9.8 hours |
| February | ~9.9 hours |
That’s a lot of reliable sunshine during the dry season.
Daylight Duration by Month
Daylight hours in Niamey during winter stay pretty steady, with a slight increase as the months pass.
In December, you get about 11.3 hours of daylight daily. January bumps up to around 11.4 hours, and February reaches about 11.7 hours.
So, days get a bit longer as winter heads toward spring. It’s not a huge difference, but it does give you a little more daylight for activities.
Since Niamey sits close to the equator, daylight doesn’t swing wildly like it does farther north. Winter days aren’t super short, which helps keep routines and travel plans simple.
Long daylight and strong sun make winter a great time for clear, bright days in Niamey.
Wind and Atmospheric Conditions
In winter, Niamey’s air feels dry, skies usually stay clear, and winds have a real impact on comfort. Pressure levels hold steady, and visibility is typically high since rain and fog are rare.
Typical Wind Speeds in Winter
Winds in Niamey during winter are light to moderate. Average speeds hover around 5 mph, though stronger gusts show up some days. The breeze usually comes from the northeast, thanks to the dry Harmattan winds crossing West Africa.
You’ll notice the breezes are gentler than those in the hot season, when dust storms can get pretty annoying. In winter, the air calms down, and dust storms don’t happen as often. Outdoor conditions feel more stable.
Lighter winds make it easier to walk around town or visit open-air markets. Just be ready for the occasional dry gust, especially near the river or in open spots.
Air Pressure and Visibility
Air pressure stays pretty steady in winter, usually around 739 inHg. The desert climate keeps things stable, and sudden changes are rare.
Visibility is usually excellent. Since rain and humidity are low, skies are clear and haze almost never shows up. You can see for miles across the flat Sahel landscape.
This clarity makes daily life and travel easier. Driving, flying, or just sightseeing along the Niger River all get a boost from the good weather.
Travel and Outdoor Activities in Winter
Winter in Niamey brings hot, dry days and cooler nights, so it’s honestly one of the best times to explore the city. You can plan outdoor activities without worrying about rain, but don’t forget to prepare for intense sun and very dry air.
Best Times for Visiting Niamey
From November to February, daytime highs usually hit 33°C to 36°C (91°F to 97°F). Nights dip down to about 18°C to 20°C (64°F to 68°F), so evenings actually feel pretty pleasant if you want to be outside.
During this stretch, the weather stays dry, and you really won’t see much rain at all. You’ll find it easier to check out the Niger River banks, wander local markets, or visit cultural sites without worrying about sudden showers.
Travelers seem to flock here in December and January. The air feels less humid, the sky stays clear most days, and you get nearly 9–10 hours of sunshine daily. You can plan your whole day outdoors and rarely need to duck inside to escape a storm.
If crowds aren’t your thing, early February still brings nice weather, though afternoons feel a bit warmer. It’s honestly a great time if you want some comfort and a little more space to yourself.
Comfort and Safety Considerations
Even in winter, Niamey’s sun feels relentless. You’ll want to wear light clothing, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to keep heat stress at bay.
Bring water with you, since the dry air tends to dehydrate you faster than you might think.
Dust sometimes becomes a real nuisance, especially when the Harmattan winds sweep in from the Sahara. You might find a light scarf or mask handy for protecting your nose and throat.
Try to plan your busiest outings for the morning or late afternoon, when it’s a bit cooler. The midday sun can feel pretty unforgiving, even in the so-called cool season.
At night, temperatures can drop enough that you’ll want a light jacket, especially near the river or out in the open. It’s a small thing, but it really helps you stay comfortable after sunset.