Weather in Ouagadougou

Planning your day in Ouagadougou? In this section, you will find the most up-to-date information on weather conditions, as well as detailed forecasts and visual charts to help you be prepared for any weather surprises.

The climate in Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso, can be described as hot, typical of the Sahel region, with very high temperatures throughout most of the year. The city experiences two distinct seasons: a long dry season and a shorter wet season. Overall, the weather here is predominantly sunny, although rainfall intensity and humidity levels vary significantly depending on the time of year.

The dry season in Ouagadougou lasts roughly from November to April. During this period, rain is extremely rare or non-existent, and the air becomes dry. Temperatures gradually rise, reaching their peak in March and April, when the daytime heat can be particularly intense, with maximums approaching 40°C. From May to October comes the rainy season. Although it brings some relief from extreme temperatures, the weather remains warm and becomes more humid. The highest rainfall and number of rainy days occur in July and August, making these the "coolest" months of the year, although average temperatures still remain high, around 27-28°C.

Hot weather prevails in Ouagadougou year-round, but temperature patterns change noticeably depending on the season. The hottest months are typically March, April, and May. During this period, average maximum temperatures confidently exceed 38°C, and in April can reach nearly 40°C. Even night-time temperatures in these months remain high, rarely dropping below 25-27°C. The "coolest" months by daily averages are considered December (about 26.2°C) and January (about 25.7°C), when average daily highs hover around 33°C, and night-time lows can drop to 18-19°C, creating a noticeable contrast. August, with its average temperature of about 26.8°C, is also among the relatively cooler months, especially compared to the peak heat, though it is characterized by warmer nights than December and January.

The period from November to April, corresponding to the dry season, demonstrates significant temperature fluctuations. While the beginning of this season (November) and its end (April) are distinguished by very high daytime temperatures, in its middle, in December and January, the daytime heat becomes more moderate, and nights bring relative coolness. It is during these months that the greatest diurnal temperature range is observed, which can reach 15°C. Starting from February, the heat gradually increases, reaching its peak in April, which is rightfully considered the hottest month of the year with its characteristic dry heat.

With the arrival of the rainy season, which lasts in Ouagadougou roughly from May to October, the temperature regime undergoes some changes. Although the general hot weather persists, the peak temperature values observed in April-May decrease slightly. In July and August, which mark the peak of the rainy season, average daily highs usually stay around 30-32°C, and average daily temperatures are about 27-28°C. During this period, humidity rises, and the difference between day and night temperatures shrinks, especially in August when it is minimal at about 6-7°C. Nights in the rainy season remain warm, with temperatures rarely dropping below 23-24°C.

In Ouagadougou, two seasons are clearly traced regarding precipitation: a long dry season and a shorter but distinct rainy season. Most of the year is characterized by minimal rainfall or its complete absence; however, the summer months bring long-awaited moisture, albeit in relatively small volumes.

The dry season in Ouagadougou covers the period roughly from November to April. At this time, rain is a great rarity. The months from November to February, as well as December, are absolutely dry, with not a single rainy day registered and zero rainfall. In March and April, there is also practically no precipitation (0 mm), although one or two days with insignificant rain may occur, which barely affect the overall picture of aridity.

The rainy season arrives in May and reaches its peak in the summer months, continuing until October. May and October can be considered transitional months, when rainfall amounts to about 1 mm, and the number of rainy days is 4 and 6 respectively. The highest amount of precipitation falls in August – on average 8 mm, and this same month is the wettest by frequency, counting about 24 rainy days. July and September are also characterized by a significant number of rainy days (18 and 17 respectively) and a moderate amount of precipitation (4 mm each). In June, the active rainy period begins with approximately 10 rainy days and 2 mm of precipitation. Despite the increase in rain frequency, the total amount of falling moisture remains low, which is typical for the region's climate.

When packing your suitcase for a trip to Ouagadougou, remember that a hot climate awaits you year-round. The basis of your wardrobe should consist of light, breathable fabrics, such as cotton or linen, which will help you tolerate high temperatures more easily. Do not forget a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen with high SPF – the sun here is very active. Comfortable walking shoes are also mandatory, as you will likely be exploring the city a lot.

Two seasons are clearly distinguished in Ouagadougou, which is worth considering when packing. The dry season (roughly from November to April) is characterized by an almost complete absence of precipitation and increasing heat, reaching a peak in March-April when daytime temperatures can approach 40°C. During this period, maximum sun protection is especially important. In December and January, nights can be relatively cooler (minimum temperatures around 18-19°C), so a light cardigan or shawl may come in handy for evening walks. The rainy season (from May to October, peaking in July-August) brings increased humidity and frequent, though usually not very heavy, rains – especially in August, when the number of rainy days is maximal. At this time, you will need a light raincoat or a compact umbrella, as well as clothes that dry quickly. Given the consistently high daytime temperatures, layering clothing is more about the ability to add a light cover-up in the evening during the "cooler" months of the dry season than the need to bundle up seriously.