Burkinafaso - When to Visit

When to Burkinafaso

Climate guide & best times to travel

Burkina Faso experiences a tropical savanna climate with two distinct seasons: a long dry season from October to May and a wet season from June to September. The country follows a typical Sahelian climate pattern with extremely hot temperatures during the dry season, peaking in March and April when temperatures can reach 104°F. The wet season brings relief from the intense heat, with temperatures moderating to the high 80s and low 90s, while monsoon rains provide most of the annual precipitation between July and August. The climate is characterized by consistently low humidity at 70% year-round and dramatic temperature variations between day and night, especially during the dry season. The harmattan winds from the Algeria bring dust and very dry conditions from December to February, while the rainy season is influenced by the West African monsoon system that brings moisture from the Atlantic Ocean.

Best Time to Visit

Beach & Relaxation
December to February offers the most comfortable temperatures (88-97°F) with no rainfall and cooler evenings for relaxation.
Cultural Exploration
November to February provides ideal conditions with manageable heat, clear skies, and no rain to interfere with outdoor cultural activities and festivals.
Adventure & Hiking
December to February offers the coolest temperatures and driest conditions, making it safest for outdoor adventures and hiking activities.
Budget Travel
July to September during the rainy season offers lower tourist numbers and potentially better deals, though expect daily rain and high humidity.

Month-by-Month Guide

January

January marks the heart of the dry season with very hot days and cool nights. The harmattan winds bring dusty conditions but also help moderate the intense heat. This is peak tourist season due to the lack of rainfall and relatively comfortable temperatures.

92°F High
62°F Low
0.0 inches Rainfall
High Crowds
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February

February continues the dry season with rising temperatures and dusty harmattan conditions. Days become noticeably hotter while nights remain pleasant. The complete absence of rain makes this excellent for outdoor activities.

97°F High
68°F Low
0.0 inches Rainfall
High Crowds
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March

March brings intensely hot weather as temperatures soar above 100°F during the day. The heat becomes quite oppressive with minimal rainfall providing little relief. Nights remain warm, offering less respite from the daytime heat.

102°F High
75°F Low
0.2 inches Rainfall
Medium Crowds
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April

April represents the hottest month of the year with scorching temperatures reaching 104°F. The first hints of the approaching rainy season appear with minimal precipitation. This is one of the most challenging months for visitors due to extreme heat.

104°F High
81°F Low
1.7 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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May

May sees temperatures beginning to moderate slightly as the rainy season approaches. More frequent rainfall provides some relief from the heat, though conditions remain quite hot and humid. This marks the transition from dry to wet season.

101°F High
80°F Low
2.7 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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June

June marks the beginning of the rainy season with more frequent precipitation and moderating temperatures. The heat becomes more bearable as cloud cover increases and rainfall provides cooling relief. Humidity levels make conditions feel quite muggy.

96°F High
77°F Low
3.3 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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July

July is deep into the wet season with significant rainfall and the coolest daytime temperatures of the year. Regular thunderstorms and overcast skies provide relief from the intense sun. This is the most comfortable month temperature-wise but expect frequent rain.

91°F High
74°F Low
8.0 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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August

August represents the peak of the rainy season with the highest precipitation levels and coolest temperatures. Heavy downpours are common, and the landscape becomes lush and green. Despite frequent rain, this offers the most relief from heat.

88°F High
73°F Low
9.1 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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September

September continues the wet season with substantial rainfall but slightly warming temperatures. The rains begin to decrease compared to August, and sunny periods become more frequent. The landscape remains green and vibrant from the monsoon rains.

91°F High
73°F Low
5.6 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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October

October marks the transition back to the dry season with decreasing rainfall and rising temperatures. The landscape is still green from the recent rains, making it quite beautiful. This represents the beginning of the more comfortable tourist season.

96°F High
75°F Low
1.3 inches Rainfall
Medium Crowds
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November

November sees the return of hot, dry conditions as the dry season establishes itself. Temperatures rise significantly while rainfall becomes minimal. The landscape begins to dry out, and dust levels start to increase as the harmattan approaches.

98°F High
68°F Low
0.3 inches Rainfall
Medium Crowds
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December

December brings the return of the dry season with hot days and cooler nights. The harmattan winds begin to influence weather patterns, bringing dust but also helping to moderate temperatures. Tourist season picks up due to pleasant evening temperatures.

93°F High
63°F Low
0.0 inches Rainfall
High Crowds
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Activities in Burkinafaso