Christmas in Ouagadougou never brings snow or chilly winds. Instead, you get warm days and cooler nights.
Expect average daytime highs around 34°C (93°F) and nighttime lows near 17°C (63°F), making it one of the more comfortable times of the year. The air stays dry, and skies usually look clear, so you’ll see plenty of sunshine.
You’ll notice a big difference between day and night. Afternoons get hot, but after sunset, temperatures drop quickly, and the evenings feel pleasant.
December rarely brings rain, so outdoor activities or travel plans almost never get interrupted by the weather.
This season creates a unique setting for holiday travel. The dry air, steady sunshine, and mild evenings make things feel totally different from the sticky, wet months.
If you want to know what to expect during Christmas in Ouagadougou, you’ll find the weather shapes daily life and travel in simple but important ways.
Typical Weather Conditions During Christmas
Christmas in Ouagadougou feels hot during the day, cooler at night, and the air is very dry. Rain almost never shows up, and skies stay mostly clear, so you get long hours of sunshine.
Average Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures
The temperature in Ouagadougou around Christmas stays warm in the daytime and mild at night. Daytime highs usually sit between 30°C and 35°C (86°F to 95°F), while nighttime lows drop to about 16°C to 20°C (61°F to 68°F).
This daily swing makes afternoons hot, but evenings more comfortable. Mornings can even feel a bit crisp compared to the heat later on.
Humidity stays low, usually around 30–35%, which makes the heat more tolerable than during the wet season. If you’re planning outdoor activities, the cooler evenings are the best time to get out.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
December lands right in the dry season for Ouagadougou. Average rainfall is extremely low, often less than 1–2 mm for the whole month, and you’ll rarely see even a brief shower.
Don’t expect wet conditions at Christmas. It’s common for the city to go weeks without any measurable rain this time of year.
The dry air keeps clouds from forming, so you don’t have to worry about sudden storms or heavy downpours. This makes it a reliable season for travel, outdoor markets, and holiday events.
Cloud Cover and Sunshine Hours
Cloud cover stays minimal at Christmas, with skies often clear to partly cloudy. This lets you enjoy long hours of direct sunlight.
On average, you get 10 to 11 hours of daylight with strong sunshine.
December is one of the sunniest months in Ouagadougou. The UV index stays high, so it’s smart to use sunscreen, wear hats, and stick to light clothing.
Thanks to the dry air and low humidity, visibility is usually excellent. Sometimes, dust from the Harmattan winds brings a light haze, especially in the mornings.
This haze doesn’t block the sun but might make distant views a little less sharp.
Temperature Trends in December
December in Ouagadougou brings hot days and much cooler nights, and rainfall almost never affects the weather. You’ll notice a wide daily temperature range that shapes how comfortable things feel at different times.
Temperature Ranges Throughout the Month
Daytime highs in December usually hit 33–35°C (91–95°F). These afternoons feel hot, but the dry heat is less oppressive than in the wet season.
At night, temperatures drop sharply. Lows often fall to 16–18°C (61–64°F), so evenings and mornings feel much cooler.
This contrast means you might want light clothing during the day but something a bit warmer for early mornings or late nights.
Humidity stays low, averaging around 25–30%, so the air feels dry, not sticky. The sky stays mostly clear, and you’ll see plenty of sun—about 10–11 hours a day.
This big swing between hot afternoons and cool nights really defines Ouagadougou’s December climate.
Comparison to Annual Temperature Averages
Compared to the rest of the year, December is one of the cooler and drier months. The hottest period usually happens from March to May, when highs can push past 40°C (104°F).
December’s highs around 34°C are much easier to handle.
Nighttime lows in December are also among the coolest you’ll get all year. With averages near 17°C, they’re several degrees lower than the sticky nights of the rainy season, when temperatures often stay above 23°C (73°F).
Rainfall almost disappears in December, at about 0 mm, making it the driest month. That’s a sharp contrast to August, which can bring over 200 mm of rain.
Rainfall and Humidity Around Christmas
December in Ouagadougou sits deep in the dry season. Rain is almost unheard of, and humidity drops to some of the lowest levels you’ll see all year.
Likelihood of Rainy Days
December is the driest month in Ouagadougou. Records show 0 mm of average rainfall and basically no rainy days.
You can expect long stretches of dry weather, free from showers or storms.
This lack of rain means clear skies dominate. Sunshine hours average close to 9–10 per day, so you get plenty of daylight for outdoor plans.
Since the wet season ends months before, the ground and air stay dry. There’s no need to pack rain gear, as the chance of precipitation is almost zero.
Humidity Levels in December
Humidity in December drops to its lowest point of the year. Average relative humidity falls to about 20–25%, compared to peaks above 70–80% in the rainy months.
The dry air feels more comfortable, even with daytime highs often in the mid-30s °C (mid-90s °F). Sweat evaporates quickly, so you probably won’t feel sticky like you would in the wet season.
At night, humidity stays low, and temperatures cool to the upper teens °C (around 65°F). This makes evenings and mornings great for being outdoors.
Because the air is so dry, it’s easy to get dehydrated. You’ll want to drink more water, and basic moisturizers or lip balm help keep your skin and lips from drying out.
Wind Speed and Weather Comfort
December in Ouagadougou brings steady breezes that really shape how warm or cool the air feels. The month stays dry, and the movement of air plays a big role in daily comfort, especially during those hotter afternoons.
Average Wind Speed in December
You’ll notice light to moderate winds throughout December. Speeds usually range from 6.5 to 8.2 miles per hour, slowly rising as the month goes on.
Most days, the wind comes from the east, which is typical for this time of year. Occasionally, gusts feel stronger, but generally, the air moves steadily without feeling harsh.
Compared to the calm of late summer, December feels more open and breezy. The extra wind brings relief from the daytime heat, especially when highs hit around 90–94°F (32–34°C).
Here’s a quick overview:
| Measure | Value (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Early December | ~6.8 mph |
| Late December | ~8.2 mph |
| Direction | Mostly East |
These winds aren’t extreme, but they’re a key part of what makes the dry season comfortable.
Effects of Wind on Perceived Temperature
Even though December afternoons can climb into the low 90s°F, the breeze helps take the edge off the heat. Airflow speeds up sweat evaporation, so your body feels cooler than the thermometer says.
At night, when temperatures drop to 60–65°F (15–18°C), the same breeze can make things feel even cooler. Packing a light layer for evenings is a good idea if you’ll be outside.
The low humidity in December means the wind doesn’t feel sticky or heavy. Instead, it creates a dry and comfortable environment that balances out the daytime warmth.
This steady airflow is one reason December feels like such a pleasant time to visit Ouagadougou. It smooths out the contrast between hot days and cool nights, so you stay comfortable while exploring the city.
Seasonal Climate Context for Ouagadougou
Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso has a tropical climate with a long dry season and a short rainy season. December lands squarely in the dry period, which shapes the weather you’ll get at Christmas, compared to the wetter, hotter times of year.
Dry Season Characteristics
The dry season in Ouagadougou usually runs from late October through April. During this stretch, rain basically disappears, with December averaging 0.0 inches.
Skies look clearer, and humidity drops sharply compared to the sticky summer months.
Temperatures stay warm, but not extreme. In December, daily highs average around 92°F (33°C), while lows dip to about 65°F (18°C). Nights feel cooler and more comfortable, especially compared to muggy August.
Winds pick up during the dry season. The Harmattan, a dry and dusty trade wind from the Sahara, often sweeps through in December and January. This can make skies hazy and cut down on visibility, even without rain.
Daylight hours hover close to 11.5, so you get a nearly even split between day and night. Unlike many places, daylight length doesn’t change much through the year in Burkina Faso.
How Christmas Weather Compares to Other Months
December stands out as one of the most pleasant times in Ouagadougou. Unlike April, which averages highs above 100°F (38°C), December stays cooler and much less oppressive.
Humidity is minimal, so outdoor activities feel a lot more comfortable.
August brings over 7 inches of rain and mostly cloudy skies, but December is dry and bright. You’ll see clear or partly cloudy skies about 63% of the time, making it one of the clearest months.
January looks a lot like December, but it’s usually a bit cooler, with average highs near 91°F (33°C) and lows around 65°F (18°C). March and April heat up quickly, with higher humidity and less relief at night.
If you visit at Christmas, you get a nice balance: warm days, cool nights, and almost no rain. It’s one of the most stable and predictable times of year in Ouagadougou.
Travel Tips for Visiting Ouagadougou at Christmas
If you’re in Ouagadougou in late December, expect warm days, cooler nights, and hardly any chance of rain. Conditions stay dry, skies are usually clear, and the air can feel dusty thanks to Harmattan winds from the Sahara.
Packing Recommendations
Afternoon highs hover around 34°C (93°F), and nighttime lows drop near 17°C (63°F). This big range means you’ll want both light, breathable clothing for daytime and a light jacket or sweater for evenings.
Pack cotton shirts, linen pants, and comfortable sandals for daytime outings. Don’t forget a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen—the sun is strong.
The air gets very dry, so bring lip balm and moisturizer for comfort.
Dust can be a hassle, especially when the Harmattan blows. A scarf or light mask helps protect your nose and mouth, and closed shoes are handy if you’ll be walking in dusty spots.
Carry a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated, since dehydration happens easily in the dry season. If you’ll visit religious or cultural events, bring modest attire like long skirts or trousers and something to cover your shoulders.
Weather-Related Activities and Events
You’ll get almost 9 hours of sunshine per day and, honestly, no rain at all. That means you can count on outdoor plans. Go wander through Ouagadougou’s markets or check out some local cultural sites. Take a quick trip to nearby villages without worrying about storms popping up.
December evenings feel just right for eating outside or joining Christmas celebrations at local churches. People usually hold services and events outdoors, and the cooler night air makes it all pretty comfortable.
The dry season kicks in and road conditions get better, so traveling around Burkina Faso becomes a lot easier. Planning a day trip to see something like Laongo Sculpture Park? You probably won’t hit the delays you’d face during the rainy months.
When the Harmattan blows through, you might notice hazy skies. Sure, it can mess with visibility if you’re into photography, but honestly, sunsets often turn out gorgeous with that dusty atmosphere.