Spending Christmas in Bamako feels totally different from the chilly holiday vibe you get in colder countries. You’ll find hot, dry, and sunny weather, with daytime temperatures usually hanging around 33–34°C, and nights dropping to about 17–18°C.
Rain barely shows up, so December is basically the driest month in the city.
This kind of weather changes how you enjoy the season. Instead of piling on layers, you’ll probably grab light clothes, sunglasses, and sunscreen to make the most of those long, sunny days.
The weather stays steady, so you don’t have to stress about sudden storms or sticky humidity ruining your plans.
Knowing what to expect helps you get your plans right. Whether you want to wander the city, take a day trip, or just relax outside, the warm air and clear skies at Christmas give you plenty of ways to enjoy Bamako.
Typical Christmas Weather in Bamako
Late December in Bamako brings hot days, cooler nights, and almost no rain. The climate stays dry, with lots of sunshine, low humidity, and gentle winds.
Average Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures
Daytime temperatures around Christmas often hit 33–34°C (91–93°F). The sun really packs a punch, especially in the afternoon.
Lightweight clothes work best, as the heat sticks around well into the day.
At night, things cool down. Minimum temperatures usually fall to about 18–20°C (64–68°F).
Evenings feel much more comfortable for being outside. You might want to bring a light layer if you’re staying out late, but honestly, most nights feel warm enough.
This big swing between hot days and cooler nights is classic for the Bamako climate during the dry season. Hot days, tolerable nights—it’s handy for planning both daytime and evening outings.
Precipitation and Rainfall Patterns
December brings barely any rain to Bamako. Rainfall averages less than 1 mm for the whole month, and the odds of rain are basically zero.
You probably won’t see wet weather at all during your visit.
The Bamako climate has a tropical savanna pattern, so it’s got a clear wet and dry season. By Christmas, the rainy season is long gone, and skies are mostly clear.
You can expect lots of uninterrupted sun.
Since rain is so rare, you can skip umbrellas or waterproof gear. Sun protection matters way more, because dry air and constant sunshine rule the weather this time of year.
Humidity Levels and Wind Conditions
Humidity during Christmas in Bamako stays low, usually around 25–30%. The air feels dry, which actually makes the heat easier to handle.
Still, you’ll want to drink plenty of water, since the dryness can sneak up on you.
Winds usually blow lightly or moderately. They don’t really cool things down, but they keep the air from feeling too heavy.
Sometimes, winds from the north bring in a bit of dust, a seasonal thing in West Africa.
The mix of dry air, little wind, and strong sunshine creates a stable pattern. You can count on the weather staying consistent, which definitely makes planning your holiday in Bamako, Mali a lot easier.
Temperature Extremes and Variability
By December, Bamako’s wet-season heat has faded, leaving warm afternoons and cooler nights. The city still gets hot in the day, but clear skies and dry air mean it cools off pretty quickly after sunset.
Record High and Low Temperatures in December
December falls right in the dry season, so hot days are the norm. Average highs reach about 33–34°C (91–93°F), but sometimes December gets even hotter, with record highs near 37–38°C (99–100°F).
These spikes happen when the sun is strong and there are no clouds.
Nights can dip to 16–18°C (61–64°F). The record low for December has dropped a bit below that, but rarely goes under 15°C (59°F).
The contrast between day and night isn’t extreme compared to other places, but you’ll notice it.
If you’re traveling, expect hot afternoons that call for light clothing, and evenings that might need a light jacket. That combo—lots of sun by day, cooler nights—pretty much sums up Bamako’s December weather.
Temperature Fluctuations Between Day and Night
The swing between daytime and nighttime temperatures in December stands out in Bamako. Daytime highs hit the low to mid-30s Celsius, while nights cool off by 15–17 degrees.
Clear skies and low humidity cause this. Without clouds, heat escapes quickly after sunset, so nights get cooler.
Unlike the sticky rainy season, the air feels drier and more comfortable, even when the sun’s blazing.
You’ll want to keep this in mind for outdoor plans. Midday can be intense, especially with a high UV index, but mornings and evenings feel much milder.
This pattern makes December a pretty good month for sightseeing, since cooler nights give you a break from the daytime heat.
Comparison With Other Months
December in Bamako stands out for its dry air, cooler nights, and steady sunshine compared to other months. It’s a sharp change from the hot spring buildup and the heavy rains of summer.
How December Differs From the Rest of the Year
In December, you get average highs around 33–34°C (91–93°F) and lows near 17°C (62°F). That’s cooler than the peak heat of April and May, when days often go past 39°C (102°F).
Nights in December feel more comfortable, making it easier to be outdoors.
Rainfall is almost gone, averaging just 1 mm (0.04 in). In contrast, August can bring nearly 290 mm (11 in) of rain.
Humidity drops to 25–27%, compared to over 75% in the wettest months.
Sunshine is reliable, with about 9 hours per day. That’s more than July or August, when clouds cut sunlight to about 7 hours.
The UV index stays high, but the dry air makes the heat less overwhelming.
These differences make December one of the most predictable and easygoing months in Bamako’s tropical savannah climate.
Transition From Rainy to Dry Season
December marks the heart of the dry season in Mali. The heavy rains of June through September have ended, and things turn arid again.
Rivers might still be swollen from earlier rains, but the skies are mostly clear.
Rainfall drops off in October and November, then almost disappears in December.
You avoid muddy roads, storms, and high humidity that take over the middle of the year.
Temperatures settle down. Instead of the big heat spikes of March through May, or the cooling effect of July rains, December brings steady warmth.
Daily highs stay in the low 30s °C, while nights dip into the upper teens °C.
You’ll get dry air, clear skies, and long daylight hours—all of which make December a great time for travel and outdoor plans in Bamako.
Sunshine Hours and Daylight During Christmas
Christmas in Bamako comes with long stretches of sun and almost no rain. The skies stay mostly clear, and daylight hours barely change, since the city sits close to the equator.
Average Daily Sunshine
Late December brings about 8.5 to 9 hours of sunshine per day in Bamako. It’s one of the sunniest stretches, thanks to the dry season.
Clouds are rare, and rain is almost nonexistent, with average precipitation close to 1 mm.
You’ll see bright, clear skies most of the day. The UV index stays high—often 9 or 10—so don’t forget sun protection, even in the morning.
Compared to the wet season, when sunshine drops to about 7 hours a day, Christmas offers more sunlight. That makes planning outdoor activities, sightseeing, or riverside walks way easier.
Length of Daylight Hours
Daylight in Bamako barely changes through the year. Around Christmas, the shortest days are about 11 hours and 15 minutes, and the longest reach about 12 hours and 44 minutes.
In December, you’ll see 11.3 to 11.4 hours of daylight daily.
Sunrise happens around 6:45 AM, and sunset is close to 6:00 PM.
This steady daylight means you don’t deal with big seasonal changes like in northern places. You get almost equal light all year, which makes planning your day simple.
The steady daylight and strong sun keep your days in Bamako during the holidays pretty predictable.
Travel Considerations for Christmas in Bamako
You’ll get hot, dry, and sunny weather during Christmas in Bamako, Mali. Plan for warm days, cooler nights, and almost no rain—these factors shape what you pack and how you spend your time outside.
Weather-Appropriate Clothing and Packing Tips
Daytime highs around Christmas often reach 33–34°C (91–93°F), and nights cool down to about 17–18°C (63–64°F). Humidity often stays below 30%.
Pack lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. Short sleeves, shorts, and sundresses will keep you comfortable.
For evenings, bring a light sweater or long-sleeved shirt since it gets cooler after sunset.
Skip dark colors that soak up heat. Light colors reflect sunlight and help you stay cooler.
A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are must-haves to guard against strong UV rays, as Bamako gets over 270 hours of sunshine in December.
Since rain is almost unheard of, you can leave heavy rain gear or umbrellas at home. Instead, bring comfortable walking shoes or sandals for exploring markets or outdoor sites.
Outdoor Activities and Local Events
The dry season makes December a great time to enjoy Bamako outdoors. You can stroll through open-air markets like Marché de Medina without worrying about rain.
The Niger River area feels nicer for boat rides or riverside walks.
Christmas isn’t a huge public holiday in Bamako, but you’ll spot some festive gatherings in local churches or private homes. If you’re visiting, expect things to be a bit quieter than in big tourist cities.
With clear skies and long daylight hours, outdoor sports, cycling, and day trips to cultural sites are all easy to do. The National Museum of Mali and Parc National du Mali are especially nice to visit during the cooler parts of the day.
Climate Trends and Historical Data for December
December in Bamako is known for very low rainfall, warm days, and cooler nights. The climate data shows a steady pattern of dry conditions, though there have been some rare temperature extremes.
Long-Term Climate Patterns
Bamako’s December climate falls right in the dry season of the tropical savannah. You can expect average daytime highs around 33–34°C (91–93°F) and nighttime lows near 16–18°C (61–64°F).
Humidity sits low, usually between 20–30%, making the heat feel a bit less harsh.
Rainfall is almost nonexistent. Records show precipitation averages only 1 mm, and it might rain on less than one day the whole month.
Sunshine is plentiful, with about 8–9 hours of sun per day, so you get long, bright days.
Looking at decades of data, not much has changed—just some slight year-to-year variation.
The record high in December has hit about 38–39°C (100–102°F), while the record low has dropped to around 12–14°C (54–57°F). These extremes don’t happen often, but they show that the weather can surprise you, even in the dry season.
Notable Weather Events Around Christmas
December usually feels pretty dry, but every now and then, the weather throws in a surprise. For instance, you might catch a quick shower close to Christmas, though the rain barely adds up to a few millimeters.
These little bursts of rain pop up randomly and honestly, they rarely mess with travel or outdoor plans.
Temperature swings stand out more. Around Christmas, you’ll probably notice hot afternoons near 35°C (95°F), and then, bam, cool nights dropping below 17°C (63°F).
That sudden drop can hit you if you’re out late, especially if you weren’t expecting it.
Looking back through old records, you’ll see that dusty Harmattan winds from the Sahara sometimes sweep in and mess with visibility and air quality.
These dry winds aren’t exactly dangerous, but they do create hazy skies and make mornings feel a bit cooler—definitely something to consider if you’re planning holiday activities.