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 greenery - landscapes are lush but rivers still accessible for travel to remote villages without flooding
- Mango harvest season brings incredible local fruit markets and traditional mango festivals in rural communities
- Fewer tourists before European summer holidays, meaning better prices on accommodations (typically 20-30% lower than June-August)
- Ideal wildlife viewing at Arly National Park - animals gather at water sources before dispersal, and roads remain passable
Considerations
- Afternoon thunderstorms (typically 2-4pm) can disrupt outdoor activities and make red dirt roads temporarily impassable
- Increasing humidity makes midday outdoor activities uncomfortable - temperatures feel like 42°C (108°F) with humidity
- Some northern region traditional festivals wind down by May, leaving fewer cultural events than March-April peak season
Best Activities in May
Ouagadougou Cultural District Walking Tours
May's morning hours (6-10am) offer perfect temperatures of 27-32°C (80-90°F) for exploring the capital's vibrant arts scene. The city's galleries and craft workshops are most active before the heat peaks, and local artisans work outdoors during these cooler hours. The famous Grand Marché is bustling with mango season produce.
Arly National Park Safari Drives
May is exceptional for wildlife viewing as animals concentrate around permanent water sources before the rains disperse them. Early morning drives (5:30-9am) offer the best animal activity and comfortable temperatures. Elephants, hippos, and various antelope species are most reliably spotted during this pre-rainy season period.
Traditional Village Homestays in Gourma Region
May offers the last opportunity before rains to reach remote villages on unpaved roads. Local families are preparing for planting season, offering authentic insights into traditional farming practices. Evening temperatures drop to comfortable 27°C (80°F) for participating in community gatherings and traditional music sessions.
Banfora Cascades and Karfiguela Falls Exploration
May's variable rainfall creates spectacular waterfall conditions - falls are at good volume from recent months but not yet swollen by heavy rains. The famous Karfiguela Falls are ideal for swimming in natural pools, with water temperatures around 24°C (75°F). Morning visits (7-11am) avoid afternoon storm risk.
Bobo-Dioulasso Traditional Music and Dance Workshops
May coincides with pre-harvest cultural preparations when master musicians teach traditional djembe and balafon techniques. Indoor workshops are perfect during afternoon storms, while evening performances happen in comfortable outdoor temperatures. The city's music schools are most active before agricultural season begins.
Sindou Peaks Rock Climbing and Hiking
May's cooler morning temperatures make this the ideal month for exploring the dramatic sandstone formations. Rock surfaces are dry from the hot season but not yet slippery from heavy rains. The unique geological formations offer spectacular photography opportunities with dramatic pre-storm skies.
May Events & Festivals
Festival des Mangues (Regional Mango Festivals)
Various rural communities celebrate the peak mango harvest with traditional competitions, music, and elaborate fruit displays. Each village adds local cultural elements like traditional wrestling or craft demonstrations. The sweetest mangoes of the year are available at festival prices.
Pre-Hivernage Cultural Preparations
Communities throughout Burkina Faso perform traditional ceremonies and cultural practices to prepare for the rainy season. These include blessing ceremonies for farming tools, community granary preparations, and traditional weather prediction rituals. Visitors can observe authentic cultural practices rarely seen by tourists.