Last updated: January 18, 2025
Zinder, Niger, exhibits a semi-arid climate classified under the Köppen-Geiger system as BSh (steppe) and BWh (desert). Characterized by a minimum temperature of 7°C (45°F) in January and an impressive maximum of 44°C (112°F) in April, the region experiences significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year. With an average temperature of 28°C (83°F), Zinder's climate exemplifies the challenges of adapting to extreme heat, particularly during the peak summer months, shaping both the local ecology and the livelihoods of its inhabitants.
Zinder, Niger, experiences distinctly seasonal temperature patterns that reflect its semi-arid climate. The year begins cool, with January and February temperatures ranging from a chilly minimum of 7°C (45°F) to maximums nearing 40°C (104°F). As spring arrives in March and April, a notable increase in warmth occurs, with averages rising to 29°C (84°F) and 33°C (91°F) respectively, peaking at 44°C (112°F) in April. The hotter months of May and June maintain these high temperatures, featuring consistent maximums of 44°C (112°F). However, by the end of summer, temperatures begin to moderate, with July through October observing a gradual decrease in maximum temperatures, settling around 41°C (106°F) in September and dwindling further in October. As the year concludes, December brings a return to cooler conditions with minimums dropping to 9°C (49°F) and an average of 22°C (72°F), marking a transition back to mild temperatures before the cycle repeats.
In the region of Zinder, the temperatures vary significantly throughout the year. Magaria experiences a minimum of 11°C (51°F) in January and reaches a maximum of 44°C (111°F) in May, while Mirriah records a lower January minimum of 8°C (48°F) and a peak of 44°C (112°F) in April. Zinder shares a similar temperature profile with a January minimum of 8°C (47°F) and a maximum of 44°C (111°F) in April. For detailed monthly temperatures, refer to monthly temperatures in Magaria, monthly temperatures in Mirriah, and monthly temperatures in Zinder.
Zinder, Niger, experiences a stark contrast in precipitation patterns throughout the year, reflecting its semi-arid climate. The dry season, spanning from January to April, sees virtually no rainfall, with each month recording 0 mm of precipitation. As the transition into the rainy season begins in May, Zinder receives a modest 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, which marks the start of a significant increase in rainfall. June follows with 21 mm (0.8 in), laying the groundwork for the wetter months ahead.
The peak of the rainy season occurs in July and August, where precipitation surges to 74 mm (2.9 in) and 142 mm (5.6 in) respectively, accompanied by an increase in rainy days—12 days in July and 14 days in August. September experiences a notable drop in rainfall at 49 mm (1.9 in), while October receives a mere 10 mm (0.4 in). As the year concludes, the months of November and December revert to dryness, recording no measurable precipitation, which highlights the seasonal nature of Zinder's climate and the critical importance of the brief rainy months for the region's water supply.
In Zinder, Niger, annual sunshine duration exhibits a clear seasonal trend, with a gradual increase in sunlight hours from the colder months of winter into the summer. Starting from 265 hours in January, the months show a steady ascent, reaching 300 hours in February and peaking dramatically at 336 hours in March. This upward trajectory continues through April, which records 335 hours, and culminates in May with 352 hours of brilliant sunshine. The summer months of June and July are particularly notable, showcasing the region's highest levels of sunlight, with 342 hours and 355 hours, respectively, reflecting the intense heat and clear skies that characterize this period.
As the rainy season begins to wind down in August and September, sunshine hours maintain robust totals, recording 342 hours and 328 hours respectively. The transition back to the cooler season is marked by a slight decline in sunlight, yet October remains bright with 332 hours. The final months of the year—November and December—experience a moderate decrease, with 321 hours and 325 hours respectively. Overall, the pattern of abundant sunshine not only highlights Zinder's climatic extremes but also underscores the importance of solar energy during the lengthy sunny spells which dominate its yearly weather profile.
In Zinder, Niger, the UV Index reflects an intense level of solar radiation throughout the year, posing significant health risks associated with sun exposure. Beginning in January, the UV Index measures 10, categorized as very high, necessitating a burn time of only 15 minutes for individuals without protection. The trend quickly escalates in February, with the Index rising to 11, considered extreme, which reduces safe sun exposure time to just 10 minutes. This extreme category persists through March and April, peaking at 13—the highest level recorded in the year—indicating the urgent need for rigorous sun protection.
As the intensity of the sun continues, May, June, and July maintain a UV Index of 12 and 13, illustrating the consistent exposure to harmful rays typical of the Nigerien climate. The months of August and September echo this level of risk, also reaching an Index of 13. As the year progresses into October and November, the Index begins to taper slightly, settling back to 11 and then 10, both within the very high exposure category, allowing for safer exposure of 15 minutes once more. Throughout the year, residents and visitors must remain vigilant against the harsh sunlight to mitigate skin damage and long-term health effects.
UV Risk Categories
In Zinder, Niger, daylight duration exhibits a relatively stable pattern throughout the year, with minor fluctuations indicating the region's proximity to the equator. During the winter months of January and February, residents can expect approximately 11 hours of daylight, maintaining a consistent length that contributes to the overall warm climate. As spring approaches in March, daylight extends to 12 hours, a duration that remains steady from March through September. This consistency provides ample time for outdoor activities and agricultural practices, which thrive under the ample sunlight characteristic of these months.
As the seasons shift back toward winter in October, daylight duration begins to decrease once again to 11 hours. This pattern is mirrored in November and December, concluding the year with the same daylight length that started it. Throughout the year, the relatively even distribution of daylight in Zinder underscores its tropical climate, offering a clear indication of the robust sunshine that complements the region’s high temperatures and supports its vibrant ecosystems.
Goure, Niger, experiences a hot semi-arid climate with substantial temperature variations throughout the year. January temperatures range from 8°C (47°F) to 38°C (100°F), rising significantly by April, when highs reach 44°C (112°F). Rainfall is minimal in the early months, but the rainy season peaks in July and August, with 64 mm and 129 mm of precipitation, respectively. The area enjoys abundant sunshine, averaging over 300 hours per month from January to October. For more detailed information, visit Goure climate.
Kantche, Niger experiences a hot and dry climate, characterized by high temperatures throughout the year. Average temperatures range from 22°C (71°F) in January to 34°C (93°F) in May, with peak highs reaching up to 43°C (111°F) in April and May. Rainfall is minimal during most months, with significant precipitation occurring from June to August, particularly in August with 150 mm (5.9 in). Despite the heat, Kantche enjoys abundant sunshine, with the highest hours recorded in July (356 hours). For more information, visit Kantche climate.
Magaria, Niger experiences a hot semi-arid climate characterized by high temperatures and minimal rainfall. The hottest months are April and May, with maximum temperatures reaching up to 44°C (111°F), while cooler months like January see lows of around 11°C (51°F). Rainfall is scarce from January to April but increases significantly during the summer months, peaking in August at 185 mm (7.3 in). Despite the heat, sunshine is abundant, with July averaging 354 hours of sunlight. For more details on the climate, visit Magaria climate.
Matamey, Niger, experiences a hot desert climate with significant temperature variations throughout the year. January starts with cool nights averaging 22°C (71°F) and peaks at 38°C (100°F), while the hottest months, April and May, see maximums reaching up to 43°C (111°F). Rainfall is minimal until the rainy season from June to August, which accounts for most of the annual precipitation, culminating in 150 mm (5.9 in) in August. Sunshine is abundant, especially in July with 356 hours, contributing to the region's high temperatures. For more detailed information, visit Matamey climate.
Mirriah, Niger, experiences a hot desert climate characterized by high temperatures and minimal rainfall. January temperatures range from 8°C (48°F) to 38°C (100°F), rising to a peak of 44°C (112°F) in April and May. Rainfall is scarce, occurring mainly from June to September, with August receiving the highest precipitation at 153 mm (6.0 in). The region enjoys abundant sunshine throughout the year, with the most hours in July at 354. For more detailed information, visit Mirriah climate.
The climate in Tanout, Niger, is characterized by hot temperatures year-round, with average highs reaching up to 44°C (112°F) in April and May. January and February are the coolest months, with average temperatures around 19°C (67°F) and 21°C (70°F), respectively. Rainfall is minimal, concentrated primarily from July to September, peaking in August with 84 mm (3.3 in) of precipitation. Despite the limited rainfall, Tanout enjoys abundant sunshine, with July receiving the most hours at 356. For more detailed information, visit Tanout climate.
Zinder, Niger experiences a hot semi-arid climate characterized by soaring temperatures and minimal rainfall. January marks the coolest month with average temperatures around 21°C (70°F), while April and May see highs reaching 44°C (111°F). The rainy season occurs from May to September, with August receiving the most precipitation at 146 mm (5.7 in). Despite the heat, Zinder enjoys abundant sunshine, peaking at 355 hours in July. For more detailed climate information, visit Zinder climate.
In summary, Zinder, Niger, presents a unique climate characterized by significant temperature fluctuations, a distinct rainy season, intense solar radiation, and stable daylight duration throughout the year. The region's semi-arid climate leads to extremely high temperatures, especially during the peak summer months, while the annual rainfall is concentrated within just a few months, affecting both local ecology and agricultural practices. Alongside these climatic features, the consistently high UV Index necessitates caution against sun exposure. Overall, Zinder's climate patterns highlight both the resilience required to thrive in such an environment and the critical need for adaptive strategies to manage the challenges posed by heat and aridity.