Things to Do in Burkina Faso in February

February Weather in Burkina Faso

37°C (99°F) High Temp

20°C (68°F) Low Temp

0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

25% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect dry season weather - zero rainfall means all roads are accessible, including remote attractions like the Ruins of Loropéni and Sindou Peaks that become difficult to reach during rainy months
Comfortable evening temperatures of 20°C (68°F) make outdoor dining and cultural activities enjoyable after the intense midday heat subsides around 5pm
Clear visibility for photography and wildlife viewing - dust storms are minimal compared to March-April, and the harmattan winds bring crisp, clear air perfect for capturing Burkina's landscapes
Festival season peaks with FESPACO (Pan-African Film Festival) typically running late February into early March, drawing international visitors and creating vibrant cultural energy throughout Ouagadougou

Considerations

Extreme midday heat reaching 37°C (99°F) makes outdoor activities between 11am-4pm nearly unbearable - you'll need to plan around siesta hours like locals do
Very low humidity at 25% combined with harmattan winds can cause severe dehydration and chapped skin - you'll go through 3-4 liters of water daily
Dust and sand particles in the air can irritate eyes and respiratory systems, particularly problematic for contact lens wearers and those with asthma

Best Activities in February

Banfora Cascades and Domes Exploration

February's dry conditions make the 15 km (9.3 miles) of trails around Banfora's waterfalls and rock formations easily navigable. The Cascades de Karfiguéla maintain good water flow from groundwater, while the famous Domes de Fabedougou are accessible by 4WD without muddy road concerns. Early morning visits (6am-10am) offer comfortable temperatures around 24°C (75°F) for hiking and photography.

Booking Tip: Book local guides through your accommodation 2-3 days ahead. Full-day tours typically cost 15,000-25,000 CFA francs ($25-42) including transportation. Look for guides certified by the regional tourism office who know safe climbing routes on the domes.

Ouagadougou Cultural District Walking Tours

The capital's cultural heart comes alive in February with FESPACO preparations. Morning walks (7am-11am) through the Grand Marché and Moro-Naba Palace area are comfortable before heat peaks. Evening cultural center visits after 5pm coincide with film screenings and traditional dance rehearsals preparing for festival season.

Booking Tip: Self-guided walking is safe in daylight hours. Cultural center events cost 2,000-5,000 CFA francs ($3-8). Book FESPACO tickets 2-4 weeks ahead through official channels - prices range from 3,000-15,000 CFA francs ($5-25) depending on screening venues.

Sindou Peaks Rock Formation Climbing

These dramatic sandstone pinnacles are most accessible in February when dry roads allow reliable 4WD access from Banfora. The unique geological formations offer moderate climbing routes suitable for beginners, with the dry season providing excellent grip conditions. Best attempted early morning when temperatures are 22°C (72°F) rather than midday extremes.

Booking Tip: Arrange through Banfora-based operators who provide climbing equipment and experienced guides. Day trips cost 20,000-35,000 CFA francs ($33-58) including equipment and lunch. Book 3-5 days ahead as only 2-3 operators have proper safety gear.

Traditional Mask Workshops in Bani Village

February coincides with mask-making season as artisans prepare for upcoming ceremonial seasons. Villages near Bobo-Dioulasso offer authentic workshops where you learn traditional Bobo and Senufo techniques. The dry weather is ideal for wood carving as materials don't warp, and comfortable evening temperatures make extended sessions enjoyable.

Booking Tip: Contact through cultural centers in Bobo-Dioulasso or through your accommodation. Half-day workshops cost 8,000-15,000 CFA francs ($13-25) including materials. Book 1 week ahead as master craftsmen limit group sizes to 4-6 people for quality instruction.

Hippo Pools Wildlife Viewing

The Mare aux Hippopotames and other wetland areas maintain reliable water levels in February, concentrating wildlife for easier viewing. Early morning (6am-9am) and late afternoon (4pm-6pm) visits avoid peak heat while catching hippos' most active periods. Bird migration patterns in February bring species not seen other times of year.

Booking Tip: Park entry fees are 2,500 CFA francs ($4) plus guide fees of 5,000-8,000 CFA francs ($8-13) for half-day tours. Book guides at park entrances or through eco-lodges. Binoculars rental available for 3,000 CFA francs ($5) but bring your own for better quality.

Desert Edge Camel Trekking

Northern regions near the Sahel offer camel trekking experiences that are most comfortable in February's dry, clear conditions. Multi-day treks to nomadic settlements provide authentic desert experiences without extreme heat of later months. Clear night skies with minimal humidity create perfect stargazing conditions.

Booking Tip: Arrange through operators in Dori or Gorom-Gorom. Day treks cost 12,000-20,000 CFA francs ($20-33), multi-day expeditions 25,000-40,000 CFA francs ($42-67) per day including meals and camping. Book 1-2 weeks ahead as camel availability is limited.

February Events & Festivals

Late February

FESPACO (Festival Panafricain du Cinéma et de la Télévision de Ouagadougou)

Africa's most prestigious film festival typically begins in late February (exact dates announced 6 months prior). The city transforms with outdoor screenings, cultural performances, and international film industry professionals. Even if you miss main events, pre-festival cultural activities and film center programming intensify throughout February.

Throughout February

Dry Season Market Festivals

Regional markets celebrate the dry season harvest with extended trading days and cultural performances. Bobo-Dioulasso's Grand Marché and rural markets feature increased craft production, traditional music performances, and seasonal foods like dried fruits and smoked fish preparations.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ sunscreen and zinc stick for nose/lips - UV index of 11 causes burns within 10 minutes of midday exposure

Minimum 3-liter hydration system - you'll lose 2+ liters daily through sweat and dry air breathing

Lightweight long-sleeve cotton shirts in light colors - protects from sun while allowing airflow, unlike synthetic materials that trap heat

Wide-brimmed hat with chin strap - harmattan winds can reach 25 km/h (15.5 mph) and will blow off regular hats

Saline nasal spray and quality lip balm - 25% humidity will dry out mucous membranes within hours

Dust mask or bandana - fine Saharan dust particles are health hazards, especially for contact lens wearers

Closed-toe shoes with good grip - sandstone surfaces at attractions like Sindou Peaks become slippery despite dry conditions

Lightweight pants for evening - temperature drops 17°C (31°F) from day to night, and mosquitoes emerge after sunset

Portable phone charger - extreme heat drains batteries 40% faster than normal conditions

High-quality sunglasses with UV protection - desert glare and dust reflection cause severe eye strain without proper protection

Insider Knowledge

Adopt the local schedule: active hours are 6am-11am and 4pm-7pm. Everything shuts down midday - even locals retreat indoors. Plan major sightseeing and travel during these comfortable windows.

Carry 500 CFA franc coins - public water fountains and shade vendors along tourist routes charge small amounts, but having exact change speeds transactions and shows cultural awareness.

Book accommodations with reliable generators - power outages increase in dry season due to high AC demand. Hotels with backup power cost 20% more but are essential for comfortable sleep.

Learn basic Mooré greetings beyond French - 'Yamba' (hello) and 'Barka' (thank you) open doors with locals who appreciate effort to use indigenous languages, especially in rural areas and markets.

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning outdoor activities during midday hours 11am-4pm - tourists regularly underestimate the 37°C (99°F) heat intensity and risk heat exhaustion, while all attractions are more enjoyable during cooler morning and evening windows

Bringing insufficient sun protection - many visitors pack tropical vacation gear not realizing Burkina's high altitude and clear desert air create UV exposure levels similar to high-altitude mountain environments

Expecting Western-style infrastructure in rural areas - roads to remote attractions require 4WD vehicles and experienced drivers, while basic amenities like flush toilets and air conditioning are rare outside major cities