Last updated: January 18, 2025
Diffa, Niger, exhibits a BWh (arid) climate characterized by stark temperature variations throughout the year. The region experiences a minimum temperature of 8°C (47°F) in January, providing a brief respite from the intense heat. The annual average temperature hovers around 28°C (83°F), reflecting the area's warm conditions. However, peak temperatures can soar to an extreme 45°C (112°F) in April, highlighting the significant thermal fluctuations that define this desert climate. Such climatic extremes underscore the challenges and adaptations of the local ecosystem and inhabitants.
°F)**, while minimum temperatures hover around 22°C (72°F), offering a brief reprieve from the extreme heat of earlier months. With the arrival of autumn, temperatures begin to cool, particularly in October and November, featuring averages of 30°C (86°F) and 27°C (81°F), respectively. Finally, December marks a return to cooler conditions, with minimums dropping to 11°C (52°F) and averages settling around 23°C (73°F), thus illustrating the significant thermal fluctuations inherent to the region's climate throughout the year.
In Nguigmi, temperatures range from a minimum of 8°C (47°F) in January to a scorching maximum of 45°C (112°F) in April, highlighting the region's extreme heat variation; for more details, visit monthly temperatures in Nguigmi. Similarly, Maine Soroa experiences a minimum temperature of 10°C (50°F) in January, peaking at 44°C (112°F) in May, which can be explored further at monthly temperatures in Maine Soroa. Diffa shares a comparable climate with a minimum of 10°C (51°F) in January and a maximum of 44°C (112°F) in May, detailed at monthly temperatures in Diffa.
In Diffa, Niger, precipitation is minimal for most of the year, with no recorded rainfall from January through April, emphasizing the region's arid climate. The first significant rain occurs in May, bringing a mere 3 mm (0.1 in), marking the onset of the wet season. However, it is from June to October that precipitation peaks, with July and August being particularly noteworthy, as they record 39 mm (1.5 in) and a staggering 140 mm (5.5 in) respectively. This seasonal rainfall allows for critical rejuvenation of the environment, albeit brief.
The frequency of rainy days corresponds closely to the amount of precipitation, with negligible rainfall days in the early months transitioning to a marked increase during the wet season. Notably, August experiences the highest number of rainy days at 15, while June and July contribute 3 and 8 days, respectively, to the overall total. By October, the number of rainy days declines to just 1, and by November and December, the dry conditions return, reinforcing the stark contrast between the wet and dry seasons in this region.
In Diffa, Niger, sunshine duration demonstrates a clear seasonal pattern, with hours of sunlight steadily increasing from winter into summer. Beginning with 265 hours in January, the amount of sunshine gradually rises, reaching 350 hours by May, which marks the transition into the hotter months. The peak sunshine occurs in the summer months of May and July, as both months experience abundant sunlight with 350 hours recorded. This trend underscores the region’s intense sunshine, particularly during the hotter periods of the year, where continued exposure to sunlight shapes both the climate and local activities.
As the summer progresses toward autumn, sunlight hours begin to taper slightly, though still remain relatively high. From 340 hours in August to 326 hours in September, the reduction is subtle yet noticeable. October and November sustain a respectable range with 331 and 320 hours, respectively, before the sunshine hours stabilize at 326 hours in December as the dry season sets in. This gradual transition highlights the contrast between the sunniest months and those where sunlight wanes slightly, offering insights into how local communities depend on extended sunshine for agriculture and daily life throughout the year.
The UV Index in Diffa, Niger, reveals a concerning trend of high to extreme ultraviolet radiation exposure throughout the year, necessitating vigilant sun protection for residents and visitors alike. Starting in January with a UV Index of 10—classified as "very high"—the levels quickly escalate, peaking at 14 in March, during which time the exposure is categorized as "extreme" with a burn time of only 10 minutes. This extreme exposure persists into April and May, illustrating the pressing need for protective measures as daily sunshine hours converge with dangerously high UV levels.
As summer transitions toward autumn, the UV Index remains consistently elevated, hovering between 12 and 13 for several months, reflecting ongoing extreme exposure risks. Even as winter approaches with November and December seeing a slight decline to 10 and 9 respectively, the UV Index remains within the "very high" category, with burn times extending to 15 minutes. This persistence of high UV levels underscores the importance of routine sun safety practices, such as wearing protective clothing and applying sunscreen, as the potential for skin damage remains a significant concern throughout the year.
UV Risk Categories
In Diffa, Niger, daylight duration throughout the year demonstrates a distinct yet stable pattern, largely characterized by consistent hours of sunlight. During the winter months of January and February, the region experiences approximately 11 hours of daylight, providing a relatively shorter window of sunlight. As spring unfolds in March, daylight extends to 12 hours, maintaining this duration consistently from March through September, which reflects the region's position relative to the equator and its predictable light cycles.
As the year transitions back into autumn, daylight duration begins to taper once more, reverting to 11 hours by October and persisting through December. This consistency in daylight hours, especially notable during the summer months, allows residents to plan agricultural activities and daily routines effectively. Despite slight fluctuations, the overall stability of daylight duration throughout the year in Diffa supports both natural ecosystems and human endeavors, reinforcing the region's characteristic climatic rhythm.
The climate in Diffa, Niger, features a hot and dry pattern with temperatures peaking between March and May, where maximums can reach up to 44°C (112°F). Rainfall is minimal, primarily occurring from June to August, with August receiving the highest precipitation at 162 mm (6.4 in). Sunshine is abundant throughout the year, with May recording the most hours at 349. The dry months of January to April see no precipitation at all. For more detailed information, visit Diffa climate.
The climate of Maine Soroa, Niger, is characterized by high temperatures throughout the year, with January averages at 22°C (71°F) and peaking in April and May at around 34°C (93°F). Rainfall is minimal for most of the year, with significant precipitation occurring in July and August, totaling 50 mm (2.0 in) and 159 mm (6.3 in) respectively. Despite the heat, sunshine is abundant, with the highest hours recorded in July at 350 hours. The dry season lasts from November to March, while the wet season peaks in the summer months. For more details, visit Maine Soroa climate.
Nguigmi, Niger experiences a hot semi-arid climate characterized by high temperatures and low precipitation. Monthly average temperatures range from 21°C (69°F) in January to 34°C (93°F) in May, peaking at a maximum of 45°C (112°F) in April. Rainfall is scarce, with the wettest months being July and August, receiving 25 mm and 99 mm respectively. Sunshine is abundant, with May having the most hours at 352. For more information, visit the Nguigmi climate.
In conclusion, the climate of Diffa, Niger, is marked by its extreme temperatures, minimal rainfall, and consistently high UV Index, all of which play significant roles in shaping the lifestyle and agricultural practices of the region. The predictable patterns in sunshine duration and daylight hours further highlight the contrast between the harsh dry months and the brief rainy season. Understanding these climatic nuances is essential for local communities to implement effective strategies for water conservation, crop cultivation, and sun protection, ultimately fostering resilience against the challenges posed by the arid environment. As global climate changes continue to evolve, ongoing observation and adaptation will be crucial for sustaining life in this unique geographical area.