Niger features an extremely hot and arid climate, classified primarily as hot desert (BWh) in the north and hot semi-arid (BSh) in the south under the Köppen-Geiger system. The country spans over 1.2 million km² with three main zones: the northern Sahara desert, central Sahel transition, and southern savanna. Rainy seasons occur June to October, but rainfall is unreliable and low overall. Temperatures routinely exceed 40°C in the hot dry season (February-July), with harmattan winds bringing dust and cooler nights in winter (November-February). Expats should prepare for intense heat, dust storms, water scarcity, and minimal vegetation outside the south. Sunshine is abundant year-round, but high temperatures demand air conditioning and hydration.