Things to Do in Burkina Faso in January

January Weather in Burkina Faso

37°C (99°F) High Temp

16°C (61°F) Low Temp

0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

25% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect dry season weather - zero rainfall means guaranteed clear skies for wildlife viewing and outdoor activities
Harmattan winds from the Sahara bring cooler nighttime temperatures of 16°C (61°F), making evenings comfortable for cultural events
Peak wildlife viewing season - animals congregate around remaining water sources, making them easier to spot
Excellent road conditions throughout the country - unpaved roads are firm and accessible to all vehicle types

Considerations

Extreme UV exposure with index of 10 - sunburn can occur in under 15 minutes without protection
Harmattan dust reduces visibility and can trigger respiratory issues for sensitive travelers
Daytime temperatures reach 37°C (99°F) making midday outdoor activities extremely challenging

Best Activities in January

Banfora Cascades and Domes Exploration

January's dry season reveals the dramatic rock formations around Banfora at their most accessible. The Karfiguéla Falls still flow from underground springs while the Sindou Peaks offer clear views without rainy season haze. Morning temperatures of 20-25°C (68-77°F) are perfect for hiking the 3 km (1.9 miles) trail system.

Booking Tip: Book 4x4 transport 5-7 days ahead through your accommodation. Tours typically cost 25,000-35,000 CFA francs per day including guide and transport. Start at 6 AM to avoid peak heat. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Sahel Wildlife Reserve Safaris

Dry season concentrates elephants, hippos, and antelope around permanent water sources in Arly and W National Parks. January offers the year's best wildlife viewing with animals predictably gathering at known watering holes. Cool dawn temperatures make 5 AM game drives comfortable.

Booking Tip: Reserve park permits 2 weeks ahead through licensed guides. Multi-day safaris cost 45,000-65,000 CFA francs per person including camping gear. Book through operators with park authorization certificates. Check current availability in the booking widget below.

Ouagadougou Craft Village Tours

January's dry weather allows full access to outdoor metalworking and textile workshops. Morning visits from 8-11 AM avoid extreme heat while artisans are most active. The annual inventory period means wider selection of finished goods at year-end prices.

Booking Tip: Arrange half-day guided tours for 8,000-12,000 CFA francs through cultural centers. Include bronze casting demonstrations and bogolan textile workshops. Best negotiated through hotel concierges who maintain artisan relationships.

Bobo-Dioulasso Music and Architecture Walking Tours

Comfortable January evenings make this the ideal time for exploring Bobo's old quarter and evening concerts. The Grande Mosquée visits are most pleasant in morning hours, while traditional balafon performances happen outdoors thanks to dry conditions.

Booking Tip: Book cultural tours 3-5 days ahead for 10,000-18,000 CFA francs including mosque visits and evening music performances. Tours last 6-8 hours with midday shade breaks. Local guides essential for mosque etiquette.

Traditional Village Homestays

January's comfortable temperatures and post-harvest season create ideal conditions for authentic village experiences. Families have time for extended cultural exchanges, and outdoor cooking demonstrations are comfortable in the dry heat.

Booking Tip: Arrange through cultural associations 10-14 days ahead. Homestays cost 15,000-25,000 CFA francs per night including meals and cultural activities. Transportation to remote villages requires 4x4 coordination. See current village tour options below.

Harmattan Dune and Desert Edge Excursions

January's Harmattan winds create spectacular Sahara-edge landscapes just north of major cities. The dry conditions allow access to seasonal lakes turned salt flats, offering unique photography opportunities unavailable in wet months.

Booking Tip: Book desert excursions through registered tour operators for 20,000-40,000 CFA francs per day. Requires specialized desert vehicle and experienced driver. Early morning departures essential to avoid afternoon heat extremes.

January Events & Festivals

Late January (biennial - occurs in odd years including 2025)

FESPACO Film Festival

Africa's largest film festival transforms Ouagadougou into a continental cinema hub. Outdoor evening screenings take advantage of January's perfect weather, while industry workshops happen in air-conditioned venues during peak heat hours.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

High-protection sunglasses and wide-brimmed hat - UV index of 10 can cause eye damage within 30 minutes

SPF 50+ sunscreen with zinc oxide - reapply every 90 minutes due to extreme UV and dry conditions

Dust masks or bandanas - Harmattan winds carry Sahara sand reducing visibility to 500 m (1,640 ft) some days

Lightweight long pants and long sleeves - protection from sun and dust while staying cool in 37°C (99°F) heat

Moisturizer and lip balm - 25% humidity causes severe skin drying within hours

Insulated water bottles - need 4-5 liters daily, ice melts quickly in extreme heat

Light cotton layers for temperature swings - 21°C (38°F) difference between day and night

Closed shoes with good grip - dust makes surfaces slippery, open shoes fill with sand

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

Cash in small denominations - rural areas lack ATMs, small vendors can't change large CFA notes

Insider Knowledge

Schedule all outdoor activities for 6-10 AM - locals complete physical work before 11 AM when heat becomes dangerous

Buy water in 1.5L bottles from Lebanese-owned shops - better quality control than street vendors and essential for 4L daily needs

Negotiate transport prices before 10 AM - afternoon heat makes drivers reluctant to travel and prices increase 30-50%

Stay in accommodations with backup generators - frequent power cuts during peak electricity demand in January heat

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating dehydration risk - tourists regularly need medical attention for heat exhaustion in January's dry conditions

Planning midday outdoor activities - 37°C (99°F) with 25% humidity creates dangerous conditions for unaccustomed visitors

Not protecting electronics from dust - Harmattan sand penetrates cases and damages cameras and phones