Step into Ouagadougou during summer and you’ll feel the intense heat right away, along with a sharp shift between dry and wet conditions. Average summer temperatures usually climb well above 95°F (35°C) in the daytime, and nights stay warm, hovering in the upper 70s to low 80s. This mix of high heat and bursts of rain makes the climate both challenging and, honestly, a bit fascinating.
You get two very different sides of summer here. Early on, the heat and dry, dusty air take over. Later in the season, heavy rains cool the afternoons but crank up the humidity. These swings affect daily routines and travel plans, so it’s smart to know what you’re in for before you arrive.
If you pay attention to how the weather shifts each month, you’ll have a better shot at handling both the hottest days and the rainiest weeks. Whether you’re wandering the city’s markets or heading out of town, knowing the average summer weather helps you plan for a smoother trip.
Overview of Ouagadougou’s Climate
Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso, sits under a hot, dry climate most of the year, with just a short but intense rainy season. Temperature, rainfall, and humidity swing sharply between wet and dry months, shaping daily life and travel conditions.
Geographical Location and Climate Classification
You’ll find Ouagadougou in the center of Burkina Faso at about 12°N latitude and 1°W longitude, not far from the equator. Its elevation is roughly 300 meters (984 feet), which means nights can be a bit cooler than in lower areas.
The city falls under the BSh classification in the Köppen climate system. So, it has a subtropical steppe climate, marked by long dry seasons and short, intense wet spells. Rainfall is limited, averaging between 550–600 mm (21–24 inches) a year, with most of it packed into just a few months.
Since Ouagadougou is inland, it misses out on cooling coastal breezes. That makes the heat especially fierce, especially in the pre-rainy months from March to May. Daytime highs often shoot past 37°C (99°F) during this time, and nights don’t cool off much either.
Subtropical Steppe Climate Features
Ouagadougou’s climate comes with two clear seasons:
- Dry season (November–April): Almost no rain, low humidity, and cooler nights. Daytime highs still hit 30–36°C (86–97°F).
- Wet season (May–October): Heavy rains, high humidity, and hotter days. Peak rainfall shows up in July and August, often topping 200 mm per month.
Humidity flips dramatically between seasons. In the dry months, it can drop below 30%, and the Harmattan winds kick up dust everywhere. By August, humidity often soars past 70%, making the heat feel even more oppressive.
Sunshine stays strong all year, with a high UV index that really calls for sun protection. Even in the rainy season, storms are usually brief and intense, so you still get plenty of daylight. No wonder the comfort level changes so much depending on when you visit.
Typical Summer Weather Conditions
Summer in Ouagadougou lands right in the wet season, bringing high heat, heavy rainfall, and a big jump in humidity. Expect long stretches of hot days, broken up by frequent storms. If you’re not ready for it, the weather can feel pretty intense and uncomfortable.
Average Temperatures During Summer
Summer temperatures here don’t really let up. Daytime highs usually run from 32°C (90°F) to 39°C (102°F), and nights only cool off a little, landing around 22°C (72°F) to 26°C (79°F).
The heat sticks around after sunset, too. With the strong sun and warm nights, you’ll find little relief, especially if you’re indoors without air conditioning.
The hottest stretch of summer usually hits in June and July, when the sun is at its peak and daily highs push the upper limits. August stays hot, but more clouds and rain can bring slightly lower daytime peaks compared to June.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
Rainfall really defines summer here. From June through August, you’ll see heavy showers and thunderstorms most weeks.
- June: Rainfall often tops 100 mm (3.9 in).
- July: This is usually the wettest month, with totals around 176 mm (6.9 in).
- August: Rainfall can climb higher, reaching 200 mm (8 in) or more.
Storms usually roll in late afternoon or evening, dumping rain that can last for hours. Roads and dirt paths flood quickly, making travel a real hassle. Still, storms don’t usually last all day, and the sun often pops back out between showers.
Humidity Levels in the Summer Months
Humidity jumps sharply during the wet season. In Ouagadougou, summer humidity often climbs above 70%, especially in July and August when the rain really ramps up.
All that moisture in the air makes the heat feel even worse. You’ll probably notice sweat just doesn’t evaporate, so being outside can get pretty uncomfortable.
The mix of heat, rain, and humidity creates a muggy, heavy atmosphere. Even if clouds cool things off a bit, the damp air still feels thick. If you’re visiting, plan on light clothes, lots of water, and regular breaks indoors to handle the weather.
Seasonal Changes: Dry and Wet Seasons
Ouagadougou’s climate flips between two main patterns: a long, dry season with almost no rain, and a shorter, intense wet season packed with heavy showers and high humidity. These shifts affect temperature, air quality, and daily comfort, so they’re key for planning activities or travel.
Transition from Dry to Wet Season
The dry season usually runs from November through March, with barely any rain. Humidity drops below 40%, and the air feels hot but less sticky. Daytime highs can still hit the mid-30s °C (mid-90s °F), but nights cool off to around 16–20°C (61–68°F).
By April and May, things start to change. Temperatures climb toward their yearly peak, often near 39°C (102°F), and humidity rises, too. The first scattered rains show up in May, hinting that the wet season is on its way.
This in-between period can feel rough, thanks to the mix of extreme heat and building humidity. The Harmattan winds, which bring dust earlier in the dry season, fade out and make way for heavier, moisture-laden air.
If you’re traveling now, you’ll want to plan ahead. Expect hotter days, warmer nights, and the first thunderstorms that finally break the long dry spell.
Duration and Intensity of the Wet Season
The wet season usually runs from June through September, with July and August delivering the heaviest rain. Monthly totals can shoot past 200 mm (8 in), and humidity often climbs above 70%, making everything feel damp and sticky.
Rain comes in short, intense bursts, often late in the day. These storms can cool things off for a bit, but daytime highs still stick to 30–37°C (86–99°F). Nights stay warm, usually above 22°C (72°F).
A big thing to note: August often brings rain on 10 or more days, which can mess with outdoor plans and travel. Roads get muddy fast, and visibility drops during heavy downpours.
Still, the wet season brings greener landscapes and a break from the dust and dryness of earlier months. If you visit now, be ready for both high heat and sudden storms.
Monthly Breakdown of Summer Weather
In the summer months, Ouagadougou gets slammed with heat and heavy rainfall. The climate shifts from the early build-up of the rainy season to its peak, with humidity rising and daily showers becoming the norm. Temperatures stay high, but the amount of rain and cloud cover changes each month.
June: Start of the Rainy Season
June is when the wet season really kicks in. Rainfall jumps up, often passing 100 mm (3.9 in) for the month. Expect more storms, with several rainy days each week. Nights get warmer and more humid, while daytime temps still reach above 35°C (95°F).
Humidity climbs compared to May, but you’ll notice less direct sunlight as clouds roll in. Days are still long, but the sun feels less harsh. Heat and moisture together can make being outside for long stretches pretty uncomfortable.
If you’re traveling, June is when you’ll want to keep rain gear handy. Planning indoor activities for the afternoons can help you adjust to Ouagadougou’s changing weather.
July: Peak Rainfall and Humidity
July brings the most rain. On average, the city gets around 175 mm (6.9 in) of precipitation. Storms are common, and you might get several heavy showers in one week.
Humidity peaks, often above 70%, making the air feel thick and muggy. Temperatures stay hot, running from 22°C (72°F) at night to about 36°C (97°F) during the day. The sun isn’t as strong, but clouds keep things steamy.
Traveling outdoors gets tricky in July. Roads can turn to mud, and visibility drops during heavy rain. If you’re visiting, it’s best to keep your schedule flexible.
August: Wettest Month of the Year
August is the height of the wet season. Rainfall climbs higher, averaging about 225 mm (8.9 in). Showers are frequent and sometimes drag on, though they usually break up into shorter bursts.
Humidity stays near its max, keeping things sticky and warm. Daytime highs usually hover around 30–34°C (86–93°F), and nights are mild at about 22–24°C (72–75°F). Sunshine is at its lowest, so expect gray and overcast skies.
August can be the toughest month for outdoor plans. Roads might flood, and the heat plus humidity can be draining. If you’re in Ouagadougou now, you’ll definitely need to work around the rain.
Climate Data and Weather Averages
Ouagadougou has a subtropical steppe climate with a long dry season and a shorter wet season. Summer means high heat, heavy rain, and more humidity, shaping your daily experience.
Temperature Ranges and Extremes
In summer, temperatures stay high day and night. Highs usually run from 31°C to 39°C (88°F to 102°F), and lows are between 22°C and 26°C (72°F to 79°F).
The hottest spell usually shows up in late spring before the rains, but June through August still bring serious heat. Nights don’t cool off much, especially when humidity spikes.
It’s not rare to see temps above 40°C (104°F) in May and early June. By August, clouds and rain cool things a bit, but daytime highs still hover near 32–34°C (90–93°F).
Rainfall Statistics and Trends
Rainfall in Ouagadougou follows a pretty clear pattern. The wet season runs from May through September, with the heaviest rain in July and August.
- June: ~100–120 mm (4–5 in)
- July: ~170–180 mm (6–7 in)
- August: ~220–230 mm (8–9 in)
You’ll usually get 10–15 rainy days each month, with storms coming in short, intense bursts. Flooding happens in low spots, and dirt roads get muddy fast.
By September, the rain starts to let up, dropping to around 140 mm (5.5 in). October brings back the dry season, with a sharp drop in precipitation.
Humidity and Sunshine Hours
Humidity shoots up during the wet season. In July and August, you’ll notice relative humidity levels of 70–74%, which makes the heat feel even more stifling.
From November to April, humidity drops below 40%. Even so, summer air still feels heavy and moist. You can really feel this change as the seasons shift.
Sunshine hours take a hit during the wettest months. In January, you might get over 10 hours of sun per day. By August, though, that can fall to just 6–7 hours because of all the clouds.
Even with less sunlight, UV levels stay high, so sun protection remains important.
Travel Considerations for Summer Visits
If you’re traveling to Ouagadougou in summer, you’ll need to prepare for serious heat, heavy rain, and high humidity. Conditions can swing a lot from one month to the next, so your timing and prep really matter if you want to avoid discomfort.
Best and Worst Months to Visit
Summer in Ouagadougou, from June through September, lines up with the wet season. Rainfall reaches its peak in July and August, often climbing past 175–225 mm per month. Storms and thick clouds are pretty common during this time.
Humidity goes above 70%, which makes the air feel thick and sticky.
If you’d rather dodge the worst of it, June and September are a bit easier. June kicks off the steady rains, but they aren’t as intense as what comes later. September still brings showers, but the rain starts to ease up, and you’ll see more sun by the month’s end.
July and August are the toughest months. Downpours hit hardest, and road conditions can get tricky. Flooding sometimes disrupts travel, and outdoor plans often get scrapped. Unless you’re ready for delays and tough conditions, it’s probably best to steer clear of those months.
Weather-Related Travel Tips
If you’re visiting during the wet season, get ready for both heat and rain. Daytime highs usually hit 32–39°C (90–102°F), and nights don’t cool off much.
Pack light, breathable clothes. Still, don’t forget a rain jacket or umbrella—those sudden downpours can catch you off guard.
Muddy or flooded roads can mess with transportation, especially outside central Ouagadougou. Give yourself extra time to get around, and maybe don’t plan anything too tight.
If you want to take day trips, check the local weather first. Storms can pop up out of nowhere.
Think about your health too. Mosquitoes thrive in high humidity and around standing water, so bring insect repellent.
Wearing long sleeves in the evenings helps cut down on bites. And don’t underestimate the heat—drink water often, because dehydration sneaks up on you fast in this climate.