Things to Do in Burkina Faso in May
May weather, activities, events & insider tips
May Weather in Burkina Faso
Is May Right for You?
Advantages
- Pre-rainy season rates mean accommodation costs drop 20-30% compared to the dry winter months, and you'll actually have museums and markets mostly to yourself before tourist season picks up in November
- The landscape transforms as first rains arrive - baobabs start leafing out, the Sahel turns from brown to green practically overnight, and wildlife congregates around filling water sources making animal spotting surprisingly good
- May marks the tail end of mango season and you'll find the sweetest mangoes piled at every roadside stand for 100-200 CFA (about $0.15-0.30) per kilo, plus early rainy season vegetables start appearing in markets
- Cultural calendar heats up with communities celebrating planting season - you'll see traditional ceremonies asking for good rains, particularly in Mossi and Gourounsi villages, that tourists rarely witness
Considerations
- The heat is genuinely brutal - 37°C (99°F) doesn't capture how it feels when combined with 70% humidity and dust from the Harmattan winds that linger into early May. Most outdoor activities need to happen before 10am or after 5pm
- Infrastructure struggles in the transition period - power cuts increase as the national grid strains under air conditioning demand, and once rains start, unpaved roads in rural areas become challenging even with 4x4 vehicles
- Security situation remains fluid in northern and eastern regions near Mali and Niger borders, with several provinces under travel advisories. This significantly limits access to places like Gorom-Gorom and parts of the Sahel region that would otherwise be interesting in May
Best Activities in May
Ouagadougou Arts and Crafts Markets
May sits in the sweet spot before FESPACO film festival crowds and after winter tourist season, meaning you'll have the Village Artisanal and Naba Zombre market largely to yourself. The heat actually works in your favor for indoor browsing through bronze casting workshops, batik studios, and leather goods ateliers. Morning visits between 8-10am offer the best light for photography and cooler temperatures for wandering the outdoor stalls. Artisans are more willing to demonstrate techniques and negotiate prices when they're not swamped with tour groups.
Banfora Waterfalls and Karfiguela
Early May catches Karfiguela Falls and the Cascades de Banfora just as water levels start rising from first rains but before the deluge turns them muddy. The falls run stronger than the bone-dry March-April period, and the surrounding vegetation starts greening up. Swimming holes at the base are refreshing in the afternoon heat. The nearby Domes de Fabedougou rock formations are spectacular in late afternoon light around 5-6pm when temperatures drop to tolerable levels.
Bobo-Dioulasso Old Quarter Walking Tours
The historic Kibidwe quarter and old colonial district are best explored in May's early mornings before 9am when temperatures are bearable and the Grand Mosque opens for visitors. The old town's narrow streets provide shade, and you'll catch daily life as it actually happens - women preparing tô, mechanics working under mango trees, fabric vendors setting up. Thursday and Sunday mornings add the bonus of Bobo's sprawling market. The heat forces a slower pace that actually suits wandering better than rushing through.
Sindou Peaks Hiking
The dramatic rock formations at Sindou are stunning in May's changing light as storm clouds build in late afternoon. Early morning hikes from 6:30-9:30am avoid the worst heat while catching golden light on the peaks. The 2-3 hour circuit through the formations is manageable if you start early and bring serious sun protection. Local guides know shaded routes and the best viewpoints. As rains begin, the contrast between dark stone and green vegetation becomes photogenic.
Tiebele Painted Houses Experience
The Gourounsi painted houses near Tiebele are most vibrant after women repaint them following first rains, which often begin in May. The geometric patterns and natural pigments look freshest, and you might witness actual painting happening. The heat means visiting 7-9am or after 4pm, which coincides with when families are around their compounds rather than in fields. The cultural context is richer when you can actually interact with residents rather than photographing empty houses.
Lake Tengrela and Hippo Viewing
May is actually ideal for hippo watching at Lake Tengrela near Banfora because water levels are low enough that hippos stay in predictable pools, but rising temperatures mean they're more active in early morning and late afternoon. The 6:30-7:30am viewing window offers cooler temperatures and better light. Sacred catfish feeding happens simultaneously. Birdlife increases as migrants pass through and residents nest. The surrounding area stays accessible before heavy rains make tracks muddy.
May Events & Festivals
Planting Season Ceremonies
Throughout May, rural communities hold traditional ceremonies asking ancestors and spirits for good rains and successful harvests. These aren't tourist events but genuine cultural practices, particularly strong in Mossi, Gourounsi, and Lobi areas. If you're visiting villages with a local guide, you might witness sacrifices, dancing, and communal preparations for farming season. Respectful observation is usually welcomed if you ask permission first.
Mango Season Peak
While not a formal event, late April through May marks peak mango season and it's treated almost like a celebration. Markets overflow with varieties you've never seen, roadside stands appear everywhere, and locals eat mangoes morning to night. The Kent, Amelie, and local varieties are sweetest now. Street vendors sell pre-cut mangoes with chili powder and salt for 100-200 CFA, and you'll see creative mango preparations in restaurants that disappear once season ends.