Why does Niger experience some of the world’s hottest temperatures?

Niger experiences some of the world’s hottest temperatures primarily because the northern two-thirds of its territory is located within the dry tropical desert of the Sahara.1

The country’s geographic position, extending southward from the tropic of Cancer, contributes to its extreme heat. During the hottest month, May, afternoon temperatures can reach as high as 113 °F (45 °C) in northern desert areas like Bilma and Agadez. The region is also characterized by a significant daily temperature range, which is particularly extreme in the desert north and during the dry season. While the southern part of the country experiences a Sahelian climate with a short rainy season, the overall environment remains one of the hottest regions on Earth.12