Things to Do in Burkina Faso in March

March Weather in Burkina Faso

39°C (102°F) High Temp

18°C (64°F) Low Temp

0 mm (0 inches) Rainfall

25% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season means zero rainfall and guaranteed sunny days for outdoor exploration and travel between cities on unpaved roads
Harmattan winds bring cooler evening temperatures of 18°C (64°F), making night markets and outdoor dining comfortable after 6pm
Wildlife congregates around remaining water sources, offering exceptional viewing at Parc National du W and Nazinga Game Ranch
Cultural calendar peaks with harvest celebrations and traditional mask festivals in Bobo-Dioulasso and surrounding villages

Considerations

Extreme daytime heat reaches 39°C (102°F) making midday activities (11am-4pm) uncomfortable and potentially dangerous
Harmattan dust storms reduce visibility to 200m (656ft) and cause respiratory irritation, particularly problematic for those with asthma
Water shortages affect rural areas, limiting accommodation options and requiring advance booking for reliable lodging

Best Activities in March

Banfora Cascades and Karfiguéla Falls Photography Tours

March's dry conditions create dramatic rocky landscapes at the falls while maintaining enough water flow for spectacular photos. The 39°C (102°F) heat makes the cool mist refreshing rather than uncomfortable. Early morning tours (6am-9am) offer perfect lighting and temperatures of 22°C (72°F).

Booking Tip: Book through Bobo-Dioulasso operators 2-3 weeks ahead. Tours typically cost 25,000-35,000 CFA francs including transport. Look for operators with 4WD vehicles essential for dry season roads. Morning departures only - afternoon heat makes hiking dangerous.

Ouagadougou Traditional Craft Market Exploration

March harvest festivals bring artisans to the capital with peak inventory of bronze sculptures, traditional textiles, and leather goods. Early morning market visits (6am-8am) avoid extreme heat while catching the most active trading period before tourist crowds arrive.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration works best. Hire local guides at market entrances for 2,000-3,000 CFA francs for 2-3 hours. Bring cash - prices drop 30-40% for bulk purchases during low tourist season. Reference booking section for guided cultural tours.

Sahel Desert Edge Camel Trekking

Harmattan winds clear dust for stunning visibility across desert landscapes. Cooler evening temperatures of 18°C (64°F) make overnight camping comfortable. March offers ideal conditions before April's peak heat makes desert travel inadvisable.

Booking Tip: Book minimum 10 days ahead through Ouahigouya or Dori operators. Multi-day treks cost 45,000-65,000 CFA francs per person including meals and camping gear. Verify water supplies - critical during dry season. See current options in booking section below.

Bobo-Dioulasso Traditional Music and Mask Festivals

March marks peak traditional ceremony season as communities celebrate successful harvests. Evening performances benefit from cool 20°C (68°F) temperatures. Authentic cultural immersion unavailable during other months when agricultural work dominates.

Booking Tip: Contact local cultural centers 2-4 weeks ahead for ceremony schedules. Entry typically 5,000-8,000 CFA francs including traditional meals. Private cultural guides cost 15,000-20,000 CFA francs daily. Check booking widget for organized cultural experiences.

Parc National du W Wildlife Safari Drives

Dry season concentrates wildlife around permanent water sources creating exceptional viewing opportunities. Elephants, lions, and antelopes gather predictably at dawn and dusk watering holes. Clear visibility from minimal vegetation and dust-free conditions after harmattan winds.

Booking Tip: Reserve park accommodation 6-8 weeks ahead - only 3 lodges operate in dry season. Safari packages cost 85,000-120,000 CFA francs for 3 days including meals and guides. 4WD essential - verify vehicle condition. Current tour options available in booking section.

Traditional Pottery Villages Near Ouagadougou

March pottery production peaks as dry conditions accelerate clay drying and firing processes. Village workshops operate full schedules before April heat becomes unbearable for kiln work. Authentic demonstrations and hands-on experiences available 7am-11am daily.

Booking Tip: Day trips from Ouagadougou cost 18,000-25,000 CFA francs including transport to 3-4 villages. Book through hotel concierges or cultural tourism offices. Bring sun protection - villages offer minimal shade. Pottery purchases ship internationally for additional fees.

March Events & Festivals

Mid March

Festival des Masques de Dédougou

Traditional mask dancing festival featuring 15+ ethnic groups performing ancestral ceremonies. Sacred masks emerge from village shrines for rare public displays. Evening performances avoid daytime heat while showcasing elaborate costumes under torchlight.

Late March

Semaine Nationale de la Culture

Burkina Faso's premier cultural festival with traditional music, dance, and storytelling competitions. Ouagadougou venues host regional performers showcasing diverse ethnic traditions. Government-sponsored event ensures high production quality and authentic performances.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

N95 or KN95 dust masks - harmattan dust irritates lungs and reduces visibility to 200m (656ft) during afternoon winds

SPF 50+ broad spectrum sunscreen - UV index reaches dangerous level 11 with minimal cloud cover and desert reflection

Lightweight long-sleeve cotton shirts in light colors - protects from sun while allowing airflow in 39°C (102°F) heat

Wide-brimmed hat with chin strap - essential for 11+ UV index and frequent harmattan winds that blow off regular hats

High-quality water bottles with purification tablets - dehydration risk extreme and rural water sources limited

Moisturizing lotion and lip balm - 25% humidity and constant dust severely dry skin and lips within hours

Closed-toe shoes with ankle protection - dusty conditions hide rocks and thorns on walking paths

Lightweight sleeping bag rated to 15°C (59°F) - desert camping temperatures drop dramatically after sunset

Power bank and solar charger - electricity unreliable in rural areas and heat affects battery performance

Cash in small CFA franc denominations - ATMs scarce outside Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso, card acceptance minimal

Insider Knowledge

Schedule all outdoor activities before 10am or after 5pm - midday temperatures of 39°C (102°F) cause heat exhaustion in tourists within 30 minutes of direct sun exposure

Carry wet bandanas around your neck during desert excursions - local technique that provides cooling through evaporation and dust protection when harmattan winds intensify

March mango season means street vendors offer perfectly ripe mangoes for 100-200 CFA francs - far superior to imported fruit and provides essential vitamin C and hydration

Negotiate accommodation rates down 40-50% during March low season but verify reliable water supply before booking - many budget places experience shortages during peak dry season

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning midday activities (11am-4pm) when temperatures exceed safe limits for most tourists and locals retreat indoors or to shade

Underestimating water needs in desert climate - tourists require 4-5 liters daily in 39°C heat with 25% humidity, double typical consumption

Wearing dark colors or synthetic fabrics that trap heat and become unbearable in extreme temperatures with high UV exposure