Weather and Climate in Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso essentially experiences a tropical climate with two very clear seasons, wet season and dry season. During the rainy season the country receives between 600 and 900 mm of rainfall; in the dry season, the harmattan, a hot dry wind from the Sahara, blows. The dry season lasts from November to March and the rainy season from June to October.

The rainy season lasts approximately four months starting late May / early June through to September; and tends to be shorter in the northern regions.

The southernmost Sudanic zone usually experiences rains starting in late May and climaxing around mid October. Rains show extreme variations from year in year out, in both timing and quantity. They typically fall during short violent thunderstorms.

In the northern Sahelian zone, which is adjacent to the Sahara desert, is much drier than the south, with only 6 to 25 inches of rainfall starting in June and peaking in September.

Best Time to Go

The best season for Burkina Faso travel is between November and February when the Harmattan wind blows from the east producing dry and pleasantly cool weather. December to February should be avoided especially for travellers with allergies as the Harmattan turns Burkina Faso into a dust bowl.

Rainfall is highest in the southwest and lowest in the northeast. Avoid traveling in late March to May as the climate is too hot and dry to bear even for the locals.

What kind of clothes do you need?

If you are getting ready to head to Burkina Faso, carry with you lightweights and rain clothing for the rainy season. The light clothes are very appropriate for the period from March to late May in Burkina Faso. This is when it gets extremely hot.

Also we recommend you carry scarves, season glasses and handkerchiefs during the months when the Harmattan blows.