Things to Do in Burkina Faso in January
January weather, activities, events & insider tips
January Weather in Burkina Faso
Is January Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak dry season means zero rain and guaranteed sunshine - you can plan outdoor activities weeks in advance without weather backup plans. The Harmattan winds from the Sahara bring crystal-clear skies perfect for photography at sites like the Ruins of Loropéni.
- Comfortable temperatures for exploration - mornings start cool at 16°C (61°F), ideal for visiting Ouagadougou's markets before the midday heat. By 3pm when temperatures peak around 37°C (99°F), you can retreat indoors, then re-emerge for pleasant evenings.
- FESPACO film festival transforms Ouagadougou in odd-numbered years (next in 2027, but January 2026 still has pre-festival cultural energy). Even in non-festival years, January sees increased cultural programming and easier access to local artists preparing for the biennial event.
- Low humidity at 23 percent makes the heat far more bearable than you'd expect from near-100°F temperatures. Unlike humid tropical destinations, sweat evaporates quickly and you'll actually feel comfortable walking around during the day with proper sun protection.
Considerations
- Harmattan dust reduces visibility and coats everything - your camera gear needs daily cleaning, and contact lens wearers struggle with the fine Saharan particles in the air. The haze can obscure distant views at national parks and makes sunrise/sunset photography challenging despite clear skies.
- Extreme temperature swings of 21°C (38°F) between day and night catch travelers off-guard. You'll need both sun protection for scorching afternoons and an actual jacket for early mornings - packing becomes tricky when you need gear for both desert heat and cool evenings.
- Dry conditions mean dust on roads becomes intense, making overland travel to places like Banfora or Bobo-Dioulasso more uncomfortable. Expect 6-8 hour journeys to involve significant dust infiltration even in sealed vehicles, and bring a buff or scarf for your face.
Best Activities in January
Ouagadougou Cultural Center and Museum Tours
January's heat makes air-conditioned museums genuinely appealing during midday hours from 11am-3pm when outdoor exploration becomes uncomfortable. The Musée National and Village Artisanal showcase Mossi, Bobo, and Lobi cultural artifacts without the crowds you'd find during FESPACO years. The dry season means better road conditions for reaching the city center, and the cooler mornings (16°C/61°F) are perfect for walking between cultural sites before retreating indoors. Local artists are particularly active in January preparing work for the year ahead, so you'll find more studio visits and craft demonstrations available.
Banfora Waterfalls and Karfiguéla Cascades Excursions
The dry season is actually ideal for waterfall visits in Burkina Faso - while water levels are lower than rainy season, the reduced flow makes swimming safer and pools more accessible. January's heat makes the cool water at Karfiguéla genuinely refreshing rather than uncomfortably cold. The 6-hour drive from Ouagadougou is dusty but roads are in better condition without rain damage. Start early (5am departure) to arrive by 11am and enjoy the falls during the hottest part of the day when the water feels best. The surrounding rock formations and domes of Sindou are particularly photogenic in the clear Harmattan light, though dust haze affects distant shots.
Bobo-Dioulasso Old Quarter Walking Tours
Burkina Faso's second city is more pleasant in January than Ouagadougou - slightly cooler and less dusty. The old quarter's narrow streets provide natural shade, and the Grand Mosque with its distinctive Sudanese architecture is best photographed in January's clear morning light between 7am-9am. The Kibidwe neighborhood retains traditional architecture, and local guides can arrange visits to working artisan compounds where you'll see pottery, weaving, and metalwork. January's dry conditions mean the streets are walkable without mud, though you'll still encounter significant dust. The city's music scene is active year-round, with live performances most evenings at various venues.
Ruins of Loropéni UNESCO Site Visits
This 1,000-year-old stone fortress is Burkina Faso's only UNESCO World Heritage Site, and January offers the best conditions for visiting. The dry season means the 4-hour drive south from Bobo-Dioulasso is manageable, and the lack of vegetation growth makes the ruins more visible and photogenic. The mysterious stone walls rise up to 6 m (20 ft) and the site is relatively unvisited - you might have the entire complex to yourself. The Harmattan haze can affect photography, but early morning visits (arrive by 8am) offer the clearest light. The surrounding Lobi country is culturally distinct, and you can combine the ruins with visits to traditional Lobi compounds with their distinctive fortress-like architecture.
Nazinga Game Reserve Wildlife Viewing
January is actually one of the better months for wildlife viewing at Burkina Faso's most accessible reserve, located 150 km (93 miles) south of Ouagadougou. The dry season concentrates animals around remaining water sources, making elephants, warthogs, monkeys, and antelope easier to spot. Early morning game drives (starting 6am) offer comfortable temperatures around 16°C (61°F) and better animal activity before the heat. The reserve has basic but decent accommodation, and the 3-hour drive from the capital is manageable in dry season. Don't expect East African safari density - wildlife sightings require patience - but it is a genuine bushland experience without the crowds or costs of more famous parks.
Traditional Mask and Textile Market Shopping
January is excellent for purchasing traditional crafts as artisans are producing inventory for the year ahead and prices haven't yet inflated for FESPACO (in odd years). Ouagadougou's Village Artisanal has dozens of workshops where you can watch bronze casting, basket weaving, and leather working. The Rood Woko market in Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso's Grand Marché offer authentic Mossi and Bobo masks, though quality varies significantly. The dry season means textiles and leather goods aren't affected by humidity. Visit markets early (7am-10am) before the heat becomes oppressive - by midday the corrugated metal roofs turn markets into ovens. Bargaining is expected and prices typically drop 30-50 percent from initial offers.
January Events & Festivals
Pre-FESPACO Cultural Programming
While the Pan-African Film Festival FESPACO only occurs in odd-numbered years (next edition February 2027), January 2026 sees increased cultural activity in Ouagadougou as organizers, filmmakers, and cultural institutions prepare for the following year's festival. Local cinemas screen more African films, art galleries host exhibitions, and you'll find easier access to film production sites and artist studios. The cultural energy is palpable even without the main festival, and you'll avoid the crowds and inflated prices that come with FESPACO years.