Climate and monthly weather forecast
Chad

Landlocked in Central Africa, Chad boasts a diverse landscape that ranges from the arid Sahara Desert in the north to fertile grasslands in the south. The country is marked by three distinct climatic zones that each present their own weather patterns throughout the year. The Sahara region in the north is the driest, receiving less than 100mm (3.94") of rain annually. Here, temperatures are extreme, often soaring above 40°C (104°F) during the daytime in the summer months. Contrastingly, the Sahelian belt in central Chad sees somewhat more rain, around 300mm (11.81") to 600mm (23.62") per year, and temperatures vary between 20°C (68°F) to 40°C (104°F). The southernmost region, characterized by a tropical climate, receives the most rain, between 900mm (35.43") to 1,200mm (7.87") annually, with temperatures typically ranging from 20°C (68°F) to 30°C (86°F).

The optimal time to visit Chad largely depends on the region in question. For those planning a trip to the north, the period from November to February is most suitable. This time of year is characterized by cooler temperatures, typically ranging between 20°C (68°F) to 25°C (77°F) during the day. As for the central and southern regions of Chad, the ideal time to visit would be during the dry season, which runs from November to April. During this period, temperatures are more moderate and the lower humidity levels make for a more comfortable experience.

The most challenging time to travel to Chad would arguably be during the peak of the rainy season in the south, from July to September, where roads can become impassable due to flooding. Similarly, the extreme heat in the north from May to September can be debilitating, with temperatures frequently exceeding 40°C (104°F). Central Chad can be particularly challenging in the transitional period between dry and rainy seasons, known as the Harmattan season, when dust-laden winds from the Sahara can reduce visibility and impact air quality.

Chad's spring season, from March to May, is characterized by rising temperatures across the country. In the northern Sahara region, daytime temperatures start to rise steeply, frequently exceeding 40°C (104°F), while in the Sahelian zone, temperatures range from 30°C (86°F) to 40°C (104°F). The southern tropical region sees temperatures of between 25°C (77°F) to 35°C (95°F) during the day. This is also the onset of the rainy season in the south, with rainfall gradually increasing towards the end of spring.

Summer in Chad, from June to August, is typically the hottest and wettest period. The Sahara desert region can see extreme temperatures above 45°C (113°F) during the day, while night temperatures remain high, rarely falling below 30°C (86°F). Central Chad experiences temperatures from 35°C (95°F) to 40°C (104°F) with occasional showers, while the tropical south experiences its heaviest rainfall, reaching up to 300mm (11.81") per month, with temperatures ranging from 25°C (77°F) to 30°C (86°F).

The autumn season, from September to November, brings a decline in both temperatures and rainfall. In the Sahara, daytime temperatures begin to decrease, falling to between 35°C (95°F) and 40°C (104°F), while nights become cooler. Central Chad sees the end of the rainy season with temperatures varying between 25°C (77°F) to 35°C (95°F). The south continues to receive substantial rain, but it gradually decreases through the season with temperatures remaining steady between 25°C (77°F) and 30°C (86°F).

Winter, from December to February, is the coolest period in Chad. The northern Sahara region sees temperatures ranging from 15°C (59°F) to 20°C (68°F) during the day and dropping to near 0°C (32°F) at night. Central Chad maintains moderate temperatures from 20°C (68°F) to 30°C (86°F) and the southern region, while slightly warmer, ranges from 25°C (77°F) to 35°C (95°F). Rainfall is scarce across the entire country, marking this as the driest period of the year.

January is the heart of winter in Chad and offers some of the most diverse climate conditions across the country's three distinct regions. The north, which includes the Sahara Desert, experiences its coldest month of the year. Weather in January »

February marks the transition from winter to spring in Chad, with temperatures gradually starting to rise across all three climatic regions of the country. The north, which includes the Sahara Desert, experiences an increase in daytime temperatures, with averages ranging from 25°C (77°F) to 30°C (86°F). Weather in February »

March is a transitional period in Chad, as the nation moves from the cooler months into the significantly warmer spring season. In the northern Sahara region, temperatures continue to climb, with daytime averages ranging from 30°C (86°F) to 35°C (95°F), and nighttime temperatures rising to between 15°C (59°F) and 20°C (68°F). Weather in March »

April signals the onset of the hot season in Chad. The northern Sahara Desert sees daytime temperatures that often surpass 40°C (104°F). Despite the intense heat during the day, nights remain significantly cooler with temperatures dropping to between 20°C (68°F) and 25°C (77°F). Weather in April »

May in Chad is characterized by high temperatures and the onset of the rainy season in the central region. The northern Sahara Desert region experiences extreme heat, with daytime temperatures frequently exceeding 45°C (113°F). However, nighttime temperatures in this region offer some relief, dropping to between 25°C (77°F) and 30°C (86°F). In the central Sahelian belt, including the capital city N'Djamena, temperatures are typically high, ranging from 30°C (86°F) to 40°C (104°F) during the day. Weather in May »

June signifies the height of the hot season in Chad. The northern region, which includes the Sahara Desert, experiences extreme heat, with daytime temperatures frequently surpassing 45°C (113°F). Nighttime temperatures, however, provide some relief, dropping to between 25°C (77°F) and 30°C (86°F). Weather in June »

July signifies a period of change in Chad's climate. The northern Sahara region experiences a slight decrease in temperatures, marking the end of the peak heat season. Daytime temperatures generally fluctuate between 40°C (104°F) and 45°C (113°F), while nighttime temperatures drop to a range of 20°C (68°F) to 25°C (77°F). In the central Sahelian region, including the city of N'Djamena, temperatures are typically slightly lower than in June, ranging from 28°C (82.4°F) to 35°C (95°F) during the day. Weather in July »

August in Chad represents the tail end of the hot season in the north and the rainy season in the south. In the northern Sahara region, daytime temperatures generally fluctuate between 35°C (95°F) and 40°C (104°F), indicating a continued decrease from the peak heat of the previous months. Weather in August »

September in Chad signals the end of the hot season in the north and the transition from the wet to the dry season in the south. In the northern Sahara region, daytime temperatures continue to decrease, ranging from 30°C (86°F) to 35°C (95°F). Weather in September »

October in Chad brings cooler weather and marks the beginning of the dry season in the south. The northern Sahara region experiences mild conditions, with daytime temperatures ranging from 25°C (77°F) to 30°C (86°F). The nights become even cooler, with temperatures falling between 10°C (50°F) and 15°C (59°F). Weather in October »

November in Chad marks the onset of cooler weather and a continuation of dry conditions throughout the country. The northern Sahara region experiences a further drop in temperatures, with daytime averages ranging from 20°C (68°F) to 25°C (77°F). Weather in November »

December in Chad signifies the peak of the cool season, with dry conditions prevailing across the country. In the northern Sahara region, daytime temperatures are mild and generally range from 15°C (59°F) to 20°C (68°F). Nighttime temperatures can fall to between 5°C (41°F) and 10°C (50°F), making the desert nights considerably cool. The central Sahelian region, including the capital city of N'Djamena, experiences daytime temperatures ranging from 15°C (59°F) to 20°C (68°F). Weather in December »