The climate of Ouagadougou
The heart of
Burkina Faso,
Ouagadougou, embraces a predominantly Subtropical steppe climate. According to the Köppen climate classification, the city is located in the BSh climate zone. This climate brings a noticeable shift in heat and rainfall throughout the year.
An annual temperature fluctuation from 16.1°C (61°F) to 39.1°C (102.4°F) characterises the weather condition in Ouagadougou. The hot season, between
April to
September, records high temperatures that range from 31.8°C (89.2°F) to 39.1°C (102.4°F). Meanwhile, the cooler period, enclosing months form
December to
March, sees a lower boundary of 16.1°C (61°F) and high reaching up to 36.3°C (97.3°F). Certainly, the city experiences considerably hot weather throughout the year.
Contrasting the range of temperature, the relative humidity level varies, with drier months from
November to April showing reduced rates between 28.5% and 39.5%. A significant increase is observed from
May to
October, reaching a peak of 74% in
August. An average humidity of 52.3% gives Ouagadougou a considerably dry atmosphere.
Rainfall in Ouagadougou correlates with humidity, revealing a marked dry and wet season. From November to March essentially no rain is recorded, with only 1mm (0.04") to 5mm (0.2") received in the entire span. A dramatic increase in precipitation starts in April, peaking from
July to September with a monthly average rainfall between 139mm (5.47") to 227mm (8.94"). Ouagadougou experiences a notable wet season, intensified by up to 10.9 rain days in August.
The best time to visit Ouagadougou
Factoring in the climate conditions,
November to
February is an ideal time to visit
Ouagadougou. Temperatures during these months are less intense, with values varying from 16.1°C (61°F) to 35.4°C (95.7°F), coupled with a decline in humidity and rainfall.
The worst time to visit Ouagadougou
June to
September represents a challenging time for visitors due to the prominence of the wet season. High rainfall levels, accompanied by intense temperature values between 31.8°C (89.2°F) to 39.1°C (102.4°F) and a sharp rise in humidity, make these months less suitable for travel.
Spring weather in Ouagadougou
In
Ouagadougou, spring time involves intensely hot and dry months. The period from
March to
May features the rise in temperature reaching up to 39.1°C (102.4°F). March and
April are especially dry months with negligible rainfall. However, May indicates the onset of the wet season, recording an average rainfall of 71mm (2.8").
Summer weather in Ouagadougou
Summer in
Ouagadougou, from
June to
August, is marked by the wet season. This period sees the highest rainfall, averaging between 110mm (4.33") to 227mm (8.94"), and the highest humidity level achieving up to 74%. The temperature during these months remains significantly high, ranging from 22.4°C (72.3°F) to 39.1°C (102.4°F).
Autumn weather in Ouagadougou
Autumn experiences a gradual decline in rainfall with about 139mm (5.47") precipitation in
September to about 33mm (1.3") by
November. Meanwhile, temperature and humidity also decrease steadily, making November considerably drier and cooler with readings between 19.2°C (66.6°F) to 35.4°C (95.7°F) and 44% humidity.
Winter weather in Ouagadougou
Winter maintains the dry atmosphere of
Ouagadougou with negligible rainfall from
December to
February. Temperatures in this period, while still relatively high, are the coolest, falling between 16.1°C (61°F) to 35.4°C (95.7°F). The relative humidity is also at its lowest, dipping to 30.5% in
January.
Weather in January
January in
Ouagadougou,
Burkina Faso, is consistently dry with average rainfall at a minimum of 0mm (0"). The daylight and sunshine are noticeably longer compared to the previous and following month. Despite the dry conditions, the city experiences relatively cool nights.
Weather in January » Weather in February
The weather turns warmer in
February, building onto the heat experienced in
January. This month also continues the trend of low humidity and minimal rainfall. Interestingly, the UV index reaches a peak at 12, alerting residents and tourists to guard against excessive sun exposure.
Weather in February »Weather in March
In
Ouagadougou, weather in
March experiences a continuation of the warm trend seen in
February, but with an upturn in nighttime temperatures. In contrast to the preceding months, rainfall records a slight increase albeit still considerably low at 5mm (0.2").
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April brings the first notable signs of the wet season in
Ouagadougou with a steep rise in rainfall to 23mm (0.91"). The month is distinct for the high intensity of UV light, equal to that in
March. It continues the trend from the previous month of increased humidity and relatively high temperatures.
Weather in April » Weather in May
The onset of the rainy season defines
May, with a significant upturn in humidity and a remarkable increase in rainfall reaching 71mm (2.8"). Temperatures remain steady with
April, but the nights become warmer. Concurrently, daylight time peaks, matching the longest days of the year.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June’s weather in
Ouagadougou is characterised by a continued increase in rainfall and humidity, with rainfall surpassing 100mm (3.94"). Along with higher overnight temperatures, a drop in sunshine hours marks the peak of the rainy season.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
In
Ouagadougou,
July is identified as the wettest month of the year, producing the heaviest rainfall of 176mm (6.93"). Humidity reaches its peak in tandem with the significant rainfall. Interestingly, it's also the time when the UV index starts decreasing marginally.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August continues the climate conditions seen in
July, with a slight increase in rainfall to 227mm (8.94"). The decline in sunshine hours and UV index persists. Despite reduced sunlight, temperatures stay relatively constant with July.
Weather in August » Weather in September
Weather in
September in
Ouagadougou sees a significant decrease in rainfall to 139mm (5.47"), marking a shift towards the end of the rainy season. With this decline in rainfall, there's a consequent retreat in cloud cover, resulting in increased sunshine hours.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October signals the return of dry conditions in
Ouagadougou, with rainfall plummeting dramatically to 33mm (1.3"). Despite the lowering rainfall, temperatures and humidity remain relatively high. Simultaneously, the UV index stagiars to a slightly lower 11.
Weather in October » Weather in November
Ouagadougou's weather takes a significant turn in
November, with rainfall dropping almost completely to 1mm (0.04"). Temperatures start to drop, and a decrease in humidity hints at the imminent dry season. As the year draws to a close, the daylight hours continue to diminish.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Ouagadougou commences the dry season with the annual lowest rainfall of 1mm (0.04"), mirrorring that of
January. Along with falling temperatures, a significant reduction in humidity marks the end of the year, reintroducing dry conditions.
Weather in December »