When you think of winter, you probably imagine cold winds and snow. Ouagadougou, though, gives you a completely different vibe.
Winter here stays warm and dry, with daytime temperatures often ranging from the low 60s °F (about 16°C) at night to the mid-90s °F (around 35°C) during the day. You’ll get some of the year’s most comfortable weather, so it’s honestly a great time to explore the city and its surroundings.
You won’t see much rain during these months. Clear skies and loads of sunshine take over.
The air feels a lot drier than during the humid wet season. With lower humidity, the heat doesn’t feel as overwhelming.
Steady daylight hours and fewer clouds make winter in Ouagadougou easy to plan around. It’s predictable, which is always nice for travelers.
This mix of warmth, dryness, and sunshine shapes daily life and travel plans. If you’re into outdoor markets, cultural events, or day trips, winter offers reliable conditions without heavy rain or sticky humidity.
Overview of Ouagadougou’s Winter Climate
In Ouagadougou, winter brings slightly cooler weather compared to the rest of the year. Humidity drops and rainfall almost disappears.
Daytime temperatures still feel warm, but nights get more comfortable. That’s a big shift from the hot, wet months.
Location and Climate Classification
Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso’s capital, sits in the center of the country at about 300 meters (984 feet) above sea level. This spot in West Africa puts it in the Sudano-Sahelian zone, known for dry savanna and semi-arid conditions.
The city has a tropical steppe climate (BSh) under the Köppen classification. You’ll notice long dry periods and just a short rainy season.
Winters fall right in the dry spell, so rainfall is basically absent.
Because Ouagadougou sits inland, it doesn’t get cooling coastal breezes. Instead, you’ll notice strong seasonal contrasts caused by the Harmattan winds. These winds bring dry, dusty air from the Sahara during the cooler months.
Typical Winter Weather Patterns
Winter in Ouagadougou usually spans November through February. Most days, highs average between 89°F (32°C) and 96°F (35°C), while nighttime lows drop to around 65°F (18°C) to 70°F (21°C).
Rain barely shows up, with December and January often recording 0 inches of precipitation. The air feels dry, and humidity hits its lowest point of the year.
You might notice hazy skies from the Harmattan winds, especially in December and January. Visibility can drop, but you still get plenty of sunshine and long, bright days.
The cooler nights stand out compared to the hot season. Both residents and visitors appreciate the relief.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Winter feels different compared to the hot season. In March through May, daily highs often go over 100°F (38°C), and nights don’t cool down much, which makes things less pleasant.
The rainy season, from June to September, brings heavy showers and high humidity. August alone can get over 7 inches of rainfall and almost daily rain.
Winter, on the other hand, is almost rain-free.
You get clearer skies in winter, while the wet season brings thick clouds. Travelers usually prefer the dry months. The combo of moderate heat, low humidity, and little rain makes outdoor plans way easier.
Average Winter Temperatures
Winter is the coolest time of year in Ouagadougou, but honestly, it still feels warm compared to most places. You’ll get mild nights and warm afternoons, with only small changes month to month.
Daytime Highs and Nighttime Lows
During winter, daytime highs usually sit between 88°F and 92°F (31°C–33°C). That’s cooler than the peak of spring, but you’ll still want light clothing.
At night, temperatures drop to about 65°F to 70°F (18°C–21°C). The cooler evenings feel pretty nice after a hot day.
The difference between day and night isn’t huge. Still, bring a light jacket for early mornings—those pre-dawn hours can feel a bit chilly.
Monthly Temperature Variation
Winter runs from December through February. In December, average highs hover near 92°F (33°C), and lows are about 65°F (18°C).
January is usually the coolest month. Highs average 91°F (33°C), and lows dip to 65°F (18°C). It’s probably the best month for outdoor activities.
In February, things start warming up again. Highs climb toward 96°F (36°C), and lows stay close to 70°F (21°C). That’s when you start to notice the transition into the hotter months.
Overall, the variation isn’t huge, but February definitely feels warmer than December or January.
Temperature Extremes in Winter
Winter extremes in Ouagadougou are rare. Temperatures almost never fall below 59°F (15°C), even on the coldest nights.
On the warmer end, daytime highs can sometimes hit 95°F (35°C), especially in late February. Still, these aren’t as intense as the hot season spikes.
Low humidity in winter means the warmth doesn’t feel as suffocating as during the rainy months. The steady climate makes this a reliable time for travel, since you avoid both high heat and heavy rain.
Just remember to stay hydrated under the strong sun, even if temperatures seem moderate.
Rainfall and Humidity in Winter
During winter months in Ouagadougou, the climate shifts to dry and stable. Rainfall basically vanishes, and humidity drops, so days feel hot but nights are way more comfortable.
Precipitation Levels
You’ll barely see measurable rainfall in winter. December and January almost always record 0 mm of precipitation. February might get a trace, but that’s about it.
Dry northeasterly winds block moist air from reaching the region, so the landscape stays arid and skies remain mostly clear.
Travelers don’t need to worry about rain showers. Outdoor activities, sightseeing, and day trips almost never get interrupted by weather during this season.
| Month | Average Rainfall (mm) | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|
| December | 0 | 0 |
| January | 0 | 0 |
| February | ~1 | 0–1 |
Relative Humidity Trends
The dry season brings a sharp drop in relative humidity. In January and February, humidity usually falls to around 20–25%, which is about as dry as it gets all year.
By contrast, August—the wettest month—can reach 80% humidity.
The air feels a lot drier than what you’d get in a coastal or tropical climate. You may notice dry skin, chapped lips, or just the need to drink more water.
Evenings are more comfortable because cooler nighttime temperatures balance out the dryness. During the day, though, the heat and low humidity can get rough if you’re outside for long stretches.
Rainy Days Frequency
Winter in Ouagadougou means almost no rainy days. On average, December and January have zero rainy days, and February might get one at most.
This makes it one of the most predictable times of year for travel plans. You can count on sunshine and dry ground, which is great for road trips and cultural events.
Since rain is so rare, dust becomes more noticeable, especially when winds pick up. If you’re heading out to rural areas or open landscapes, you might want to prep for dusty conditions.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours
In winter, Ouagadougou gets steady daylight and lots of sunshine. The dry season brings clearer skies, but actual sunshine hours can shift a bit by month.
Average Daily Sunshine Hours
December, January, and February usually bring about 9 hours of sunshine per day. December averages 9h 01m, January about 8h 56m, and February close to 8h 55m.
That’s a big chunk of the day—often more than 75% in full sun. Compare that to the rainy season, when cloud cover cuts sunshine to just 5–6 hours. Winter feels bright and wide open.
Be ready for strong midday sun. Skies are often clear and shade isn’t always easy to find. Travelers tend to find this season more comfortable, since sunshine is steady but humidity stays low.
Length of Daylight
Winter daylight hours in Ouagadougou don’t change much. The shortest days come in December, with about 11h 24m of daylight. By February, you get a bit more—around 11h 43m.
The total difference between the shortest and longest days is just about 1 hour and 27 minutes. You won’t notice dramatic seasonal shifts like you might in northern countries.
You can plan your day without worrying about sudden early sunsets. Daylight lasts well into the evening, which is handy for sightseeing or running errands.
Seasonal Sun Patterns
Winter is part of the dry season, so skies stay clear and clouds don’t get in the way much. In December, about 80% of daylight hours are sunny. January averages 79%, and February comes in at around 77%.
That’s a huge difference from the wet season, when less than half the daylight is sunny. For example, in August, only about 46% of daylight hours are clear.
So, winter gives you more predictable sunshine for planning outdoor activities. If you want to explore markets, visit cultural sites, or take day trips, you’ll get reliable bright weather all season.
Wind Conditions During Winter
During winter, wind patterns in Ouagadougou become more stable and predictable. You’ll feel moderate breezes that affect comfort, air quality, and the overall dry season vibe.
Average Wind Speed
Winter wind speeds in Ouagadougou usually range between 10 to 15 km/h (6 to 9 mph). These winds blow steadily, not gusty, so the air feels drier but not too harsh.
You’ll notice stronger winds in January compared to December or February. The Harmattan, a dry northeasterly wind, is the main reason for this.
Wind speeds rarely go over 20 km/h (12 mph) in the city. Out in open areas, especially at night, breezes can feel a bit stronger.
Prevailing Wind Directions
In winter, the wind mainly comes from the northeast. The Harmattan brings dry air from the Sahara Desert across Burkina Faso.
From December through February, you’ll notice winds blowing mostly from this direction, with only slight shifts toward the east. This pattern stays pretty consistent.
Because of the northeast flow, dust and fine particles travel long distances. You might see hazy skies and lower visibility, especially in the middle of the season.
Wind Impact on Weather
Winter winds in Ouagadougou directly shape the daily weather. The dry, northeasterly flow drops humidity, making nights cooler and days more comfortable.
These winds also keep rain away, so the dry season sticks around. At the same time, the dust can create hazy conditions and affect outdoor plans.
For travelers, the steady breeze can feel refreshing compared to the intense heat of other months. Just be ready for dust—it can be irritating if you’re outside a lot.
Practical Considerations for Visitors
Winter in Ouagadougou brings warm days, cooler nights, dry air, and plenty of sunshine. If you’re planning to explore the city and nearby areas, prepare for big temperature swings, low humidity, and long hours outdoors.
What to Pack for Winter
Bring lightweight clothing for the daytime since temperatures often climb above 30°C. Short-sleeved shirts, breathable fabrics, and loose-fitting pants really help you stay cool.
Nights get cooler, so toss in a light jacket or sweater for evenings and early mornings. Sometimes the temperature drops to around 17°C, and you’ll want that extra layer.
Forget about heavy rain gear, as the dry season brings almost no rain. It’s smarter to focus on sun protection instead. Pack a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen because the sunshine is intense and sticks around for hours.
Pick practical footwear. Sturdy sandals or light walking shoes work well for city wandering. If you’re heading into rural areas where dust is everywhere, closed shoes are a safer bet.
A small travel bag comes in handy. Toss in a reusable water bottle, since you’ll need to drink water often to stay hydrated.
Health and Comfort Tips
Winter air here gets really dry, with humidity often dipping below 25%. This dries out your skin, lips, and eyes fast. Bring moisturizer, lip balm, and eye drops so you stay comfortable.
Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Dehydration sneaks up on you.
Harmattan winds blow in dust that can bother your throat or eyes. Carry a light scarf or mask to cover your mouth and nose if you need it.
If you have allergies or asthma, don’t forget your medication. Try to stay indoors when it’s especially dusty.
Sun exposure stays high, even in winter. Use sunscreen regularly and, if possible, avoid being outside during midday.
Plan your outings for the morning or late afternoon when the heat feels less overwhelming.
Best Winter Activities
Winter really feels like the best time for outdoor sightseeing in Ouagadougou. Rainfall barely happens, and the skies just stay clear.
You can wander through local markets or check out cultural sites. Open-air events pop up everywhere, and you don’t have to stress about a sudden downpour ruining your plans.
Cooler evenings make walking tours or outdoor dining genuinely pleasant. Some folks head out for day trips to nearby villages or nature reserves since the dry roads make travel easy.
The bright sunlight and clear visibility make photography a real treat this time of year. If you’re into festivals, winter usually lines up with cultural gatherings, so it’s a great chance to catch music, dance, and crafts while the weather’s actually nice.