Things to Do in Burkina Faso in February
February weather, activities, events & insider tips
February Weather in Burkina Faso
Is February Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak dry season means zero rainfall and guaranteed clear skies for wildlife viewing in national parks like Arly and W National Park, where animals concentrate around remaining water sources making them incredibly easy to spot
- February falls right in the middle of FESPACO (Panafrican Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou), held in odd-numbered years, making 2025 and 2027 the relevant years, but February 2026 avoids the festival crowds while still offering excellent cultural programming and events throughout Ouagadougou
- Harmattan winds from the Sahara create dramatic hazy skies perfect for photography, with temperatures cooling significantly at night to 20°C (68°F), making evening activities in cities genuinely pleasant
- Road conditions are at their absolute best during dry season, meaning travel to remote areas like the Sindou Peaks or Banfora Cascades is straightforward without mud or flooding concerns that plague other months
Considerations
- Daytime temperatures regularly hit 37-40°C (99-104°F) with UV index of 11, making midday outdoor activities genuinely punishing unless you're accustomed to extreme heat and take serious precautions
- Harmattan dust reduces visibility and coats everything in fine Saharan sand, which can irritate respiratory systems, dry out skin severely, and make photography challenging despite the atmospheric quality
- February is peak tourist season for the limited number of visitors Burkina Faso receives, meaning accommodations in Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso book up faster and prices run 20-30% higher than shoulder months like November or April
Best Activities in February
Arly National Park Wildlife Viewing
February sits in the heart of dry season when animals concentrate around shrinking water sources, making wildlife incredibly visible. Elephants, buffalo, various antelope species, and if you're lucky, lions become easier to spot than any other time of year. The heat is intense, but early morning game drives from 6-10am offer comfortable temperatures around 22-28°C (72-82°F) with excellent light. The park's accessibility is perfect right now since roads are completely dry.
Banfora Waterfalls and Karfiguéla Cascades Exploration
While waterfalls typically suffer during dry season, February actually offers a sweet spot where water flow is still decent from earlier rains but paths are completely dry and safe. The Karfiguéla Cascades drop about 20 m (66 ft) and remain impressive, while nearby Domes de Fabedougou rock formations are accessible without mud. The heat makes swimming in natural pools genuinely refreshing rather than just pleasant. Visit before 10am or after 4pm to avoid peak sun.
Ouagadougou Cultural Center and Market Tours
February's heat makes indoor cultural experiences genuinely appealing during midday hours 11am-4pm. The National Museum, Village Artisanal craft market, and various cultural centers offer air-conditioned or shaded spaces to experience Mossi, Fulani, and other ethnic group traditions. The craft market is particularly active as artisans prepare inventory for the tourism season. Evening visits to Rood Woko or other neighborhoods from 6-9pm let you experience local life when temperatures drop to comfortable 25-28°C (77-82°F).
Sindou Peaks Rock Formation Hiking
These dramatic sandstone peaks rising 30-40 m (98-131 ft) are accessible via dry-season-only roads, making February ideal. The rock formations create natural shade corridors, and the 3-5 km (1.9-3.1 mile) hiking circuits through the peaks offer stunning photography opportunities with Harmattan haze creating atmospheric backdrops. Local Sénoufo villages at the base provide cultural context. The area is remote enough that you'll likely have formations largely to yourself even in peak season.
Bobo-Dioulasso Old Quarter and Grande Mosquée Tours
Bobo-Dioulasso's Sudanese-style mud mosque and historic Kibidwe quarter are best explored early morning 7-10am when temperatures are bearable and light is excellent for photography. February's dry conditions mean the mud architecture is in prime condition without rain damage. The city's reputation as Burkina's cultural capital comes alive in evening hours when live music venues open and the heat subsides. The nearby Guimbi-Ouagadougou sacred fish ponds remain accessible.
Tiébélé Painted Houses Village Visits
The Kassena people's elaborately decorated mud houses with geometric patterns are February-perfect because the dry season preserves the painted facades, and the 180 km (112 mile) road from Ouagadougou is in excellent condition. The contrast between intense blue skies and earth-toned architecture is striking. Villages welcome visitors with advance notice, and the cultural exchange includes explanations of the symbolic patterns. Plan for very early departure to arrive before midday heat.
February Events & Festivals
Post-FESPACO Cultural Programming
While FESPACO itself happens in odd years, February 2026 will likely feature year-round cultural events at venues like Institut Français and Ciné Burkina that maintain active programming. Local film screenings, art exhibitions, and music performances continue throughout the month, taking advantage of the tourist season without festival chaos.