Things to Do in Burkina Faso in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Burkina Faso
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect dry season conditions with minimal rainfall - November sits right in the heart of Burkina's ideal travel window when the rainy season has completely ended but temperatures haven't yet climbed to the brutal March-May highs. You'll get consistently clear skies for photography and outdoor activities.
- Harmattan winds haven't arrived yet - Unlike December through February when the dusty Harmattan winds blow south from the Sahara creating hazy conditions and reduced visibility, November offers crystal-clear air. This makes it ideal for visiting the Sindou Peaks or photographing the distinctive Sudano-Sahelian architecture in places like Bobo-Dioulasso.
- Post-harvest festival season - November marks the end of harvest time, which means you'll catch authentic village celebrations and traditional ceremonies that aren't staged for tourists. The markets overflow with fresh millet, sorghum, and seasonal produce, and communities are in celebratory mode after a successful growing season.
- Comfortable temperatures for exploring Ouagadougou and other cities - Daytime highs around 25°C (77°F) mean you can actually walk around the capital during midday without feeling like you're melting. The evenings cool down enough that outdoor dining at maquis restaurants becomes genuinely pleasant rather than sweaty.
Considerations
- Extreme temperature swings between day and night - That 24°C (43°F) difference between high and low isn't a typo. November nights in the Sahel can drop to near freezing, especially in northern areas like Gorom-Gorom. If you're camping in the desert or staying in budget accommodations without heating, you'll be genuinely cold after sunset.
- Limited tourist infrastructure means advance planning is essential - November is technically high season, but Burkina Faso receives relatively few international tourists overall. This means tour operators and decent accommodations in smaller towns book up quickly, and you can't just wing it like you might in more developed destinations. Book your Banfora waterfalls guide or Gorom-Gorom desert excursion at least 3-4 weeks ahead.
- Security situation requires constant monitoring - As of 2026, significant portions of northern and eastern Burkina Faso remain under travel advisories due to ongoing security concerns. November doesn't change this reality, and you'll need to check current conditions weekly leading up to your trip and stick to approved areas around Ouagadougou, Bobo-Dioulasso, and the southwest.
Best Activities in November
Banfora Waterfalls and Karfiguela Falls Excursions
November is absolutely the best month for visiting the waterfalls in the Banfora region. The rainy season just ended in October, so water flow is still substantial and dramatic - you'll see the Karfiguela Falls at their most impressive, cascading over the 20 m (66 ft) drop with real force. The surrounding vegetation is still lush and green, unlike the brown landscape you'll encounter by February. The Domes de Fabedougou rock formations nearby are also stunning in this post-rain period when temporary pools still fill the geological formations.
Ouagadougou Market and Street Food Tours
The capital's markets are at their most vibrant in November when post-harvest produce floods in from the countryside. Rood-Woko market and the Grand Marché become sensory experiences with pyramids of fresh tomatoes, okra, and leafy greens alongside traditional crafts. The comfortable temperatures mean you can actually spend hours wandering without heat exhaustion. November is also when you'll find seasonal specialties like fresh baobab leaves for sauce and newly harvested shea nuts being processed into butter.
Bobo-Dioulasso Cultural Heritage Walks
Burkina's second city is perfect for November exploration when you can comfortably walk between the old quarter's mud-brick architecture, the Grande Mosquée, and the Kibidwe quarter with its traditional compounds. The weather allows for leisurely afternoon strolls through neighborhoods where you'll see daily life unfold - women pounding millet, artisans working leather and bronze, and the famous Bobo pottery being crafted. The city's maquis restaurants have outdoor seating that's actually pleasant in November evenings.
Sindou Peaks Hiking and Rock Formations
The dramatic sandstone peaks near the Malian border are spectacular in November when post-rainy season vegetation adds contrast to the rust-colored rock formations. The clear, dust-free air before Harmattan season means exceptional visibility for photography. Temperatures are ideal for the 2-3 hour hikes through the formations - warm enough during the day but not scorching. Local guides lead you through narrow passages between the towering spires and explain the geological history.
Traditional Mask Dance Performances
November's post-harvest period means many villages hold traditional ceremonies featuring elaborate masks and dances. While these aren't staged tourist shows, respectful visitors can often attend with proper arrangements through local contacts. The Bwa, Bobo, and Mossi ethnic groups have distinct mask traditions, and November ceremonies might include agricultural thanksgiving rituals. The comfortable evening temperatures make outdoor performances more enjoyable than the hot season equivalent.
Nazinga Game Reserve Wildlife Viewing
While Burkina Faso isn't known for safari tourism, Nazinga reserve in the south offers genuine wildlife encounters and November is actually decent timing. Animals concentrate around remaining water sources as the dry season progresses, making elephants, buffalo, and various antelope species easier to spot. The reserve's 94,000 hectares of savanna woodland are still relatively green from recent rains. Early morning game drives in the cool November air are comfortable, and you'll avoid the extreme heat that makes midday wildlife viewing miserable in other months.
November Events & Festivals
Post-Harvest Village Ceremonies
Throughout November, rural communities hold thanksgiving ceremonies after the millet and sorghum harvest. These aren't tourist events but authentic cultural practices involving traditional music, dance, and offerings to ancestors. Timing varies by village and ethnic group, but the general period runs through November. Access requires local connections and cultural sensitivity, but witnessing these ceremonies offers insight into Burkina's agricultural traditions that most visitors never experience.