The climate of Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso, a landlocked country in West Africa, predominantly features a hot semi-arid climate. This hot environment, also referred to as the Sahel climate, engulfs cities such as Ouagadougou, Garghin, Saonre, Tabtenga, and Loumbila. The country's topography is mostly flat with an occasional hill, and this further intensifies the heat as there is little shade. Throughout the year, Burkina Faso experiences high temperatures, often extremely hot, with minimal annual precipitation. In some regions, particularly the northern parts, a hot desert climate prevails, while a small portion in the south sees a tropical savanna climate, offering a brief respite from the otherwise relentless heat.
The best time to visit Burkina Faso
The ideal time to visit
Burkina Faso is from
November to
February, during the country's cool dry season. During this period, the temperatures range from 25°C (77°F) to 30°C (86°F), providing a slightly cooler climate for tourists. This season is often marked by clear skies, less humidity, and more comfortable temperatures. It is also the best time to observe the vibrant culture and traditional festivals of Burkina Faso, including the renowned Pan-African Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou.
The worst time to visit Burkina Faso
Visiting
Burkina Faso from
March to
May can be quite challenging due to the extreme heat that characterizes this period. During these months, the temperature can soar up to 45°C (113°F). Furthermore, from
June to
October, the country experiences the rainy season, which, while cooling, may lead to potential travel disruptions due to heavy downpours and muddy road conditions, particularly in rural areas.
Spring weather in Burkina Faso
Spring, as a season in the traditional sense, doesn't quite exist in
Burkina Faso, due to its geographical location near the equator. The climate tends towards the extremes of hot and cold. However, in the period from
March to
May, corresponding to a typical spring season, Burkina Faso experiences very high temperatures that can reach up to 45°C (113°F). These months also mark the end of the dry season when the land is parched and the heat often unbearable.
Summer weather in Burkina Faso
Summer, from
June to
August, is characterized by the onset of the rainy season in
Burkina Faso. This period sees temperatures averaging 30°C (86°F) to 35°C (95°F), providing some relief from the intense heat of the previous months. The country receives between 600mm (23.62") and 900mm (35.43") of rainfall, more frequent in the southern regions. Despite the rain, the heat persists, making the climate humid and somewhat uncomfortable.
Autumn weather in Burkina Faso
Autumn in
Burkina Faso, from
September to
November, marks the end of the rainy season. During this time, the temperatures generally hover between 30°C (86°F) and 35°C (95°F). Precipitation decreases dramatically, signalling a transition into the dry season. This period is characterized by the landscape slowly drying out and the return of more consistent high temperatures.
Winter weather in Burkina Faso
The winter months from
December to
February in
Burkina Faso signify the dry season. This period experiences temperatures from 25°C (77°F) to 30°C (86°F), making it the coolest part of the year. However, the term "winter" is somewhat misleading, as the climate remains hot by global standards. These months are characterized by dry, dusty winds, clear skies, and the absence of rainfall. This is often considered the most comfortable time to visit Burkina Faso.
Weather in January
January falls within
Burkina Faso's cool dry season, providing some of the most comfortable weather conditions of the year. It is winter in Burkina Faso, yet the term "winter" may seem a misnomer to those from colder climates, as the temperatures remain warm by global standards.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February in
Burkina Faso signals the continuation of the cool dry season. However, the term "cool" is relative, as temperatures begin to rise gradually in comparison to
January. Average temperatures hover between 19°C (66.2°F) at night and 35°C (95°F) during the day, with cities such as Ouagadougou experiencing these typical values. As February progresses, Burkina Faso starts a slow transition towards the hot season, which peaks around
April.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March in
Burkina Faso signifies the advent of the hot season, with temperatures beginning to climb substantially. Cities across the country, including Ouagadougou, Saonre, and Garghin, experience average temperatures ranging from 23°C (73.4°F) during the cooler nights to a scorching 40°C (104°F) during the heat of the day. Comparatively, the transition from
February to March marks a significant increase in heat, making March one of the hottest months of the year in Burkina Faso.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
In
April,
Burkina Faso's hot season reaches its peak, bringing temperatures that can become extremely high. Cities like Ouagadougou, Garghin, and Tabtenga typically experience average temperatures between 26°C (78.8°F) at night and an intense 43°C (109.4°F) during the day.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May signifies a shift in
Burkina Faso's climate as the country transitions from the hot season to the rainy season. The average temperatures in cities like Ouagadougou, Saonre, and Garghin typically fall between 24°C (75.2°F) at night and 39°C (102.2°F) during the day, representing a slight decrease from the intense heat experienced in
April. Compared to April, May offers a small but noticeable relief from the extreme temperatures.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June in
Burkina Faso marks the onset of the rainy season in full swing. The month witnesses a noticeable increase in rainfall, providing a significant relief from the intense heat experienced in the preceding months. Cities including Ouagadougou, Tabtenga, and Loumbila typically observe temperatures ranging from 22°C (71.6°F) at night to 35°C (95°F) during the day, indicating a further reduction in heat. Comparatively, the transition from
May to June represents a significant shift in Burkina Faso's climate.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Burkina Faso continues the rainy season that began in
June, with high levels of precipitation experienced across the country. Cities such as Ouagadougou, Garghin, and Loumbila generally record temperatures from 21°C (69.8°F) at night to 32°C (89.6°F) during the day.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August continues
Burkina Faso's rainy season, maintaining high levels of precipitation similar to
July. Cities such as Ouagadougou, Saonre, and Garghin see temperatures typically ranging from 22°C (71.6°F) during the night to 32°C (89.6°F) during the daytime, indicating a minor increase in heat compared to July. When compared to July, the overall weather pattern in August remains consistent with persistent rainfall and mild temperatures.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Burkina Faso marks the beginning of the end for the rainy season, with a noticeable decline in precipitation compared to the peak rainy months of
July and
August. Cities such as Ouagadougou, Tabtenga, and Loumbila experience average temperatures between 23°C (73.4°F) at night and 34°C (93.2°F) during the day, representing a slight increase from the cooler temperatures observed in August. Compared to August, the drop in rainfall in September is significant.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Burkina Faso signifies the end of the rainy season and the return of the dry season. Average temperatures in cities like Ouagadougou, Garghin, and Saonre range from 24°C (75.2°F) at night to 37°C (98.6°F) during the day.
Weather in October » Weather in November
In
November,
Burkina Faso is firmly within its dry season. Cities such as Ouagadougou, Tabtenga, and Loumbila experience average temperatures between 19°C (66.2°F) at night and 34°C (93.2°F) during the day, showing a slight decrease from the hotter temperatures of
October.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December in
Burkina Faso continues the dry season, with minimal rainfall and cooler temperatures. Cities such as Ouagadougou, Garghin, and Saonre generally see average temperatures from 16°C (60.8°F) at night to 31°C (87.8°F) during the day.
Weather in December » [Resources]