When to Visit Chad
Climate guide & best times to travel
Best Time to Visit
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Year-Round Essentials
Cool Dry Season (Nov-Feb)
Hot Dry Season (Mar-May)
Rainy Season (Jun-Sep)
Transition Season (Oct)
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Month-by-Month Guide
January
Peak tourist season with the most pleasant weather Chad offers. Days are warm but not oppressive, typically around 32-33°C (90-91°F) in N'Djamena, while nights can actually get cool in the desert regions. The harmattan winds bring dry, dusty air from the Sahara, which means hazy skies but virtually no chance of rain.
February
Still part of the comfortable dry season, though temperatures start creeping upward as the month progresses. You'll find daytime highs around 36°C (97°F) in the capital, with the harmattan continuing to create dusty conditions. This is your last chance for relatively pleasant weather before the brutal heat arrives.
March
The hot season begins in earnest, with temperatures climbing rapidly toward 40°C (104°F) and beyond. The harmattan winds start to fade, but that actually makes it feel hotter as humidity begins to increase slightly. This is when Chad starts to feel genuinely oppressive for most visitors.
April
One of the most challenging months to visit, with temperatures regularly exceeding 42°C (108°F) in N'Djamena and even hotter in the desert north. Pre-monsoon humidity starts building in the south, creating an uncomfortable combination of heat and moisture. Occasional dust storms can disrupt travel.
May
The hottest month across much of Chad, with temperatures that can hit 45°C (113°F) or higher in the central regions. The first scattered thunderstorms might appear in the far south, bringing dramatic but brief relief. Most travelers avoid Chad entirely during this period unless they have specific business.
June
The rainy season begins, moving northward from the southern regions. Temperatures drop slightly to around 40°C (104°F) but the humidity climbs dramatically, creating that oppressive combination that makes you sweat just standing still. Roads in rural areas start becoming challenging as the first heavy rains arrive.
July
Peak rainy season in the south and central regions, with N'Djamena typically receiving its heaviest rainfall. Temperatures hover around 36-37°C (97-99°F) but the humidity makes it feel much hotter. Many secondary roads become impassable, and travel outside major cities requires serious planning.
August
The wettest month for most of Chad, with the southern regions receiving heavy rainfall while the northern desert stays bone dry. Temperatures remain hot at 34-35°C (93-95°F) with crushing humidity. Malaria risk peaks during this period, and flooding can affect even urban areas.
September
The rains begin to taper off, though the south still sees significant precipitation. Temperatures start dropping to more manageable levels around 36°C (97°F), and the humidity begins to ease slightly. Roads remain muddy and challenging, but conditions are slowly improving.
October
A transition month as the rainy season ends and the dry season approaches. Temperatures are still warm at 38-39°C (100-102°F) but the humidity drops noticeably, making it feel less oppressive. The landscape is at its greenest, and roads start becoming passable again as they dry out.
November
The beginning of the best travel season, with temperatures dropping to a more comfortable 37°C (99°F) and humidity levels falling significantly. The harmattan winds return, bringing dry air and dusty skies. Wildlife viewing around Lake Chad improves as animals congregate around remaining water sources.
December
Solidly in the pleasant dry season, with daytime highs around 33-34°C (91-93°F) and genuinely cool nights, especially in desert areas. The harmattan creates hazy conditions but also brings that dry heat that's far more tolerable than the humid months. This is prime time for any serious travel in Chad.