Best time to travel to Niger

Choosing the right period for your trip to Niger can make all the difference. It's important to consider climatic elements, seasonal events and busy tourist periods to maximize your travel experience.

Photo d'un paysage localisé en Niger

Climate

January 12.2→28.4°C
0mm
6:59→18:14
February 15.3→31.4°C
0.01mm
6:53→18:29
March 19.7→35.4°C
0.01mm
6:33→18:38
April 23.8→39°C
0.04mm
6:10→18:45
May 26.7→41.1°C
0.04mm
5:54→18:54
June 26.9→40.8°C
0.18mm
5:52→19:04
July 25.9→38.3°C
0.75mm
6:00→19:06
August 24.8→36.8°C
1.21mm
6:09→18:53
September 25.3→38.6°C
0.23mm
6:14→18:30
October 23.2→36.9°C
0.01mm
6:20→18:06
November 18.3→33.1°C
0mm
6:32→17:53
December 13→29°C
0mm
6:49→17:57
12.2→28.4°C
15.3→31.4°C
19.7→35.4°C
23.8→39°C
26.7→41.1°C
26.9→40.8°C
25.9→38.3°C
24.8→36.8°C
25.3→38.6°C
23.2→36.9°C
18.3→33.1°C
13→29°C
Jan 6:59→18:14
Feb 6:53→18:29
Mar 6:33→18:38
Apr 6:10→18:45
May 5:54→18:54
Jun 5:52→19:04
Jul 6:00→19:06
Aug 6:09→18:53
Sep 6:14→18:30
Oct 6:20→18:06
Nov 6:32→17:53
Dec 6:49→17:57
0mm
0.01mm
0.01mm
0.04mm
0.04mm
0.18mm
0.75mm
1.21mm
0.23mm
0.01mm
0mm
0mm

When to go to Niger: low and high season

Niger has a tropical climate, with two seasons: a cool dry season from November to February, and a hot wet season from March to October. To avoid extreme heat and torrential rain, the best time to visit Niger is between November and Februaryduring the cool, dry season. However, this period also corresponds to the high tourist season, so it's advisable to book your accommodation and activities in advance. The low season, on the other hand, is the hot, humid season, from March to October. Temperatures can be extremely high, especially between April and June. However, if you're prepared for the heat and humidity, you can take advantage of lower rates on accommodation and tourist activities.

Major cultural events in Niger

Niger boasts an unrivalled wealth of culture, with numerous events and festivals throughout the year. Here are some of the major cultural events not to be missed on your trip to Niger:

The International Festival of Fashion in Africa (FIMA)

Created in 1998, FIMA is a key event in Niger's cultural calendar. It takes place every two years, usually between November and December, and brings together fashion designers from the four corners of Africa. The festival showcases the richness and diversity of African clothing traditions, while forging links between tradition and modernity.

La Cure Salée

Also known as the "Fête des éleveurs", the Cure Salée is an annual celebration held in September in the Ingall region. It marks the end of the rainy season and brings together the Peul and Touareg communities for three days of festivities, dances and traditional sporting competitions. This event is the ideal opportunity to discover Niger's pastoral culture and share unforgettable moments with its inhabitants.

The Niger International Puppet Festival (FESTIM)

This festival takes place every two years, usually in November, and celebrates the art of puppetry through performances, workshops and conferences. FESTIM attracts local and international puppet companies and offers a rich and varied program for lovers of the performing arts.

Public holidays in Niger

When visiting Niger, it's important to take into account national holidays, during which certain activities may be limited or closed. Here is a list of Niger's main public holidays:
  • January 1: New Year's Day
  • April 11: Niger's national holiday (Day of the Proclamation of the Republic)
  • May 1: Labour Day
  • August 3: Niger Independence Day
  • December 18: Feast of the proclamation of the Islamic republic
  • Variable dates: Easter, Ascension, Pentecost, Tabaski (Feast of the Sheep), Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet) and Maouloud (Baptism of the Prophet).

Traditional markets in Niger

Finally, during your trip to Niger, be sure to immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of the traditional markets. These not-to-be-missed places will allow you to discover local crafts, taste the country's culinary delights and meet its inhabitants. Among the most famous markets are :
  • Niamey market The largest market in the capital, where you can find a wide variety of local products and crafts.
  • Ingall cattle market An exceptional weekly market where Fulani and Tuareg herders gather to sell their livestock.
  • The Maradi craft market This market is famous for its silver jewelry, leather goods and traditional embroidered fabrics.

Insurance

Your credit card does not cover you in all situations, that is whyIt is essential to take out insurance before you leave to avoid any unpleasant surprises. If you need to see a doctor or be hospitalized, in some countries, medical costs are very high and you will then find yourself having to pay several thousand euros.

Our partner Chapka Insurance proposes the contract CAP ASSISTANCE 24/24 with many essential guarantees.

Flights

Your flight has been cancelled or delayed ?
You may be eligible for a compensation of up to €600 ! For this, lawyers are responsible for handling your claim with the airline and are only paid when the reimbursement is effective.

In conclusion, no financial risk for you, only advantages!

Immigration figures for Niger

In recent years, Niger has seen a significant increase in the number of foreigners settling on its territory. The main reasons for immigration are professional, humanitarian and family-related.
  • Professional immigration : Niger attracts foreign workers thanks to its natural resources (uranium, oil, gold) and the economic growth it has experienced in recent years.
  • Humanitarian immigration: The security and political situation in certain neighboring countries (Mali, Nigeria) is also leading refugees and asylum seekers to settle in Niger.
  • Family reunification : There is also a large expatriate community living in Niger, who may need to bring their families to live with them.
In 2020, an estimated 250,000 foreigners will be living in Niger, representing around 1% of the total population. Among them, the most represented nationalities are Nigerians, Malians and Burkinabés.

Most popular visas in Niger

Most foreigners need a visa to enter Niger. The most popular visa categories are :
  • Tourist visa : It entitles the holder to stay in Niger for a maximum of 90 days. It is mainly issued to nationals of West African and Maghreb countries, as well as to European and North American citizens.
  • Business visa: It is designed for people wishing to come to Niger to work, set up a business or attend professional meetings. Its duration can vary from 3 months to 5 years.
  • Student visa : It is granted to foreign students enrolled in a higher education establishment in Niger. The duration of this visa is generally one year, renewable.
  • Family reunification visa : It applies to the spouses and children of foreigners legally resident in Niger. The visa is generally valid for three years.
It should be noted that nationals of certain countries benefit from visa exemption to enter Niger. This is particularly the case for citizens of member countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), who can stay without a visa for up to 90 days.

International tourism in Niger

Niger has considerable tourism potential, with unique cultural and natural sites. And yet.., the tourism sector is struggling to develop due to the security situation in certain regions of the country and the lack of suitable tourist infrastructures.

Niger's tourist attractions

Niger has several UNESCO World Heritage sites, including :
  • The Aïr and Ténéré National Nature Reserve, home to spectacular landscapes, diverse wildlife and age-old rock paintings.
  • The W du Niger National Park spans three countries (Niger, Burkina Faso And Benign) and offers a wide variety of landscapes and animal species.
  • The historic city of Agadez, which bears witness to Niger's rich history and its importance on the trans-Saharan routes.
In addition to these emblematic sites, Niger also offers other tourist attractions, such as the Bilma dunes and traditional crafts (Tuareg jewelry, pottery, weaving).

The challenges facing Niger's tourism sector

Despite its assets, international tourism in Niger remains limited. In 2019, an estimated 20,000 foreigners visited the country. Several obstacles are holding back the sector's development:
  • The security situation : Terrorist attacks and kidnappings of foreign nationals in certain regions of Niger have led several countries to advise against, or even ban, non-essential travel to these areas.
  • Lack of tourist infrastructure: Niger has a limited number of hotels of international quality and means of transport adapted to travelers' needs.
  • The country's image : Lack of knowledge about Niger, its low profile and the negative stereotypes associated with sub-Saharan Africa are all obstacles to the promotion of Niger tourism abroad.
To overcome these challenges and attract more visitors, the Nigerien government has put in place a series of measures, such as improving reception infrastructures, promoting Niger as a destination through communication campaigns and making it easier for tourists to obtain visas.