When you think of winter, you probably imagine chilly winds and maybe some snow. Bamako, though, has an entirely different vibe.
Winter in Bamako stays warm and dry. Daytime highs often reach the low to mid-90s°F (mid-30s°C), and nights cool off to the low 60s°F (around 17°C). You’ll barely see any rain, so these months end up being the driest of the year.
You get long, sunny days and low humidity. The skies usually stay clear, which makes it pretty comfortable to wander around the city or along the Niger River.
Unlike summer’s heavy rains or the blazing spring heat, winter offers a steadier, more pleasant balance. Outdoor activities just feel easier.
If you’re planning a visit, this season gives you some of the most reliable weather you’ll find in Bamako. The dry air and bright skies set the stage for both cultural adventures and plenty of time outside.
Whether you’re strolling through markets or relaxing by the riverfront, winter has you covered.
Overview of Bamako’s Climate
Bamako sits in a tropical zone. You’ll notice the climate swings between dry and wet periods, with heat and sunshine dominating much of the year.
Heavy rains come in for a few months, shaping travel and daily life. The rest of the time, it’s mostly dry and bright.
Geographical Location and Influence
Bamako lies in southwestern Mali, right along the Niger River at about 330 meters (1,080 feet) above sea level.
This low spot by a big river affects both humidity and the risk of seasonal flooding.
Since the city sits inland, you don’t get the benefit of ocean breezes. Instead, you feel the full effect of the West African monsoon, which brings in moist air from the Atlantic during the rainy season.
Savannah and semi-arid land surround Bamako, so the difference between wet and dry months feels pretty dramatic.
Dry season often brings dust-laden Harmattan winds from the Sahara. These winds lower humidity and can cut down on visibility.
Climate Classification
Bamako’s climate fits the tropical savanna type, labeled Aw in the Köppen system.
You get a clear split: hot, dry winters and wet, humid summers.
Average yearly temperatures stay high, usually between 27°C and 30°C (81°F–86°F).
Even in the coolest months, daytime highs often pass 30°C (86°F). Nights do cool things down a bit, sometimes dropping near 17°C (63°F).
Rainfall averages close to 1,000 mm (39 in) each year, but almost all of it falls from June to September.
Outside those months, it’s dry—sometimes weeks go by without a drop of rain.
Seasonal Weather Patterns
Weather in Bamako falls into two main seasons: a dry season from about November to May, and a wet season from June to September.
During the dry season, humidity drops below 25%. Rain is rare, and skies stay mostly clear, giving you 8–9 hours of sunshine each day.
Saharan winds can blow in dust, but temperatures still run high, often 33°C to 36°C (91°F–97°F).
Once the wet season kicks in, everything changes. Rainfall jumps in June, peaks in August at nearly 290 mm (11 in), then fades in September.
Humidity shoots up over 70%. Cloudy skies cut sunshine to about 7 hours daily.
So, you move from long, hot, dry stretches to a shorter, wetter summer. That’s the yearly rhythm in Bamako.
Winter Weather Conditions in Bamako
In winter, Bamako stays hot during the day but cools off at night. It’s very dry, with barely any rain.
Skies are often clear, and winds gradually pick up as the season goes on.
Daylight hours slowly increase, giving you even more sunshine as winter moves along.
Average Temperatures During Winter
Winter daytime highs in Bamako usually sit between 93°F and 98°F (34°C–37°C).
Nights feel a lot cooler, starting around 66°F (19°C) in early December and rising to about 73°F (23°C) by late February.
The coldest stretch hits in late December, when lows dip to 64°F (18°C). Still, that’s warm compared to most places.
Afternoons can get hot, rarely dropping below 83°F (28°C). Sometimes, it’ll reach 102°F (39°C), but that’s not typical for winter.
Overall, winter feels more comfortable than the blazing heat of April, when highs can go over 103°F (39°C).
Rainfall and Humidity Levels
Rain almost never falls in Bamako during winter. Average monthly totals stay at about 0.0 inches, and December usually sees the least rain all year.
Humidity remains low, too. The chance of muggy conditions is around 0–1%, so you’ll notice dry air most of the time.
This dryness helps make the heat more bearable than in the wet season, when humidity can get downright uncomfortable.
If you don’t like muggy weather, winter is definitely the best time to be outside.
Sunshine Hours and Daylight
Winter days in Bamako are super sunny, and they get a bit longer as the season goes.
In December, the shortest day lasts about 11 hours and 23 minutes. By late February, you get almost 11 hours and 53 minutes of daylight.
Sunrise comes around 6:40–6:58 AM, and sunset shifts between 6:04 PM and 6:40 PM.
You’ll usually see clear skies, especially in January when cloud cover is at its lowest.
Most days, you get more than 9 hours of sunshine. Winter is bright and perfect for outdoor plans.
Wind and Air Quality
Winds pick up a bit as winter goes on. Early December averages about 7.8 mph (12.5 km/h), climbing to nearly 9.4 mph (15 km/h) by February.
The wind usually comes from the east, with the strongest gusts often showing up in early February.
These breezes help clear the air and keep visibility good.
Air quality generally improves in winter compared to the dusty months ahead. Still, the Harmattan winds can blow in dust and make things drier, especially in January.
Most days, though, the air feels breathable, and outdoor conditions stay steady. It’s easy to enjoy the city this time of year.
Monthly Breakdown: December to February
In winter, Bamako stays hot in the daytime and cools off at night. Rain is basically absent, and sunshine rules, making this one of the driest and most comfortable seasons for being outdoors.
Weather in December
December is Bamako’s driest month. Expect daytime highs near 34°C (93°F) and nighttime lows around 18°C (64°F).
Humidity averages about 28%, so the heat feels less harsh than during the wet season.
Rainfall? Pretty much zero, with 0–1 mm recorded on average.
Sunshine is nearly constant, with about 270 hours of bright skies in the month. That’s great for sightseeing, walking tours, or even day trips outside the city.
Light clothing, like cotton or linen, works best. Sunglasses and sunscreen are a must with all that sun.
Evenings get cooler, so you might want a light jacket if you’re out late.
Weather in January
January keeps the dry season going strong.
Daytime temperatures average about 33°C (91°F), and nights cool down to 17–19°C (63–66°F).
The air stays dry, keeping discomfort to a minimum despite the heat.
Rain doesn’t show up this month either. You’ll see plenty of sunshine, often 9 hours a day, which is perfect for outdoor plans.
The skies are usually clear, so visibility is excellent all over the city.
January is one of the best months to travel in Bamako. You can comfortably explore markets, cultural sites, and the Niger River area without worrying about rain or mud.
Weather in February
By February, temperatures start to climb a bit. Daytime highs often reach 34–36°C (93–97°F), and nights remain mild at 19–21°C (66–70°F).
Humidity stays low, so the air is dry, though it might feel a little dusty sometimes.
Rain is still almost nonexistent, with totals close to 0 mm.
Sunshine continues to dominate, and longer days make full-day activities easy to plan.
With the stronger heat, try to avoid strenuous activity at midday.
If you visit in February, wear breathable clothes and drink plenty of water. The weather is still great for outdoor adventures, but you’ll notice the approach of hotter months.
Comparing Winter With Other Seasons
Winter in Bamako brings cooler nights and drier air, so it stands out from the rest of the year.
The city’s tropical savanna climate shifts sharply between dry and rainy periods, and each season changes how comfortable things feel.
Winter vs. Dry Season
Winter falls within the broader dry season, but it’s different from the hotter months that follow.
In January, average highs hit about 90°F (32°C), with lows near 65°F (18°C). By March and April, daytime temperatures jump past 100°F (38°C), and nights don’t cool off as much.
Humidity in winter stays low, making the air more comfortable than in the late dry season, when the heat gets intense.
Dust from the Harmattan winds can cut visibility, especially in December and January, but skies usually remain clear.
Rain is missing in both winter and the rest of the dry season. Still, winter’s cooler temps and shorter days make outdoor activities easier.
Later dry season months can feel rough, with long, sweltering afternoons and little relief at night.
| Feature | Winter (Dec–Feb) | Late Dry Season (Mar–Apr) |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. High Temp | 89–96°F | 100–102°F |
| Avg. Low Temp | 64–70°F | 76–80°F |
| Rainfall | ~0 inches | 0–0.4 inches |
| Comfort Level | Mild heat | Intense heat |
Winter vs. Rainy Season
The rainy season in Bamako runs from late May to early October, and it’s a big contrast to the dry, mild winter.
In August, average highs sit near 87°F (31°C)—cooler than winter days—but humidity is much higher, and nights feel muggy.
Winter brings mostly clear skies, while the rainy season has frequent clouds. August is the cloudiest month, with overcast or mostly cloudy skies about 70% of the time.
In winter, skies are clear or mostly clear more than half the time.
Rainfall is the biggest difference. Winter has almost no measurable rain, while August averages more than 10 inches.
Heavy downpours and storms are common in the rainy season, often making outdoor plans tricky and causing travel delays.
| Feature | Winter (Dec–Feb) | Rainy Season (Jun–Sep) |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. High Temp | 89–96°F | 87–89°F |
| Avg. Low Temp | 64–70°F | 72–73°F |
| Rainfall | ~0 inches | 6–10 inches |
| Humidity | Low | High |
| Sky Conditions | Mostly clear | Mostly cloudy/overcast |
Impact of the Niger River on Winter Weather
The Niger River winds through Bamako and really shapes the local climate, even when winter feels bone-dry. Rain barely falls at all this time of year, but the river manages to keep humidity from dropping too much.
If you walk near the river at night, you’ll probably notice it feels just a bit cooler. That’s thanks to evaporation, which throws a little moisture into the air and takes the edge off the season’s dryness.
Key influences of the Niger River in winter:
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Humidity moderation: keeps the air from getting painfully dry near the city center.
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Temperature variation: riverbanks usually stay a bit milder after sunset.
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Local breezes: air moving along the water can make daytime heat less harsh.
| Factor | Effect in Winter |
|---|---|
| Rainfall | Minimal, but river flow stays steady |
| Humidity | Slightly higher near riverbanks |
| Temperature | Cooler nights, warmer mornings close to water |
Travelers who stay near the Niger River often find evenings more comfortable than in other neighborhoods. The river supports irrigation and daily life too, which quietly shapes Bamako’s landscape and air quality through the dry season.
Travel Tips for Visiting Bamako in Winter
Winter in Bamako brings dry, sunny days that feel warm, but nights cool off pretty fast. You can check out cultural sites and spend time outdoors without much hassle, though the dry air and strong sun can catch you off guard if you aren’t ready.
Best Activities and Attractions
Winter’s dry season makes exploring Bamako a lot easier, since you don’t have to dodge summer’s heavy rains. Outdoor spots like the National Museum of Mali, the Grand Mosque of Bamako, and the Bamako Botanical Garden are especially nice to visit.
Markets such as Marché de Medina and Marché Rose offer textiles, crafts, and plenty of local food. Cooler evenings are perfect for checking out live music venues, which really add to Bamako’s vibe.
If you’re curious about the Niger River, winter is actually a great time for a boat ride. The weather stays clear, and you don’t need to worry about sudden storms. Day trips to nearby hills or villages also feel easier thanks to the lower humidity.
What to Pack for Winter
Daytime temperatures often hit above 30°C (86°F), so you’ll want to pack light cotton clothing for comfort. Nights, though, can drop to around 16–18°C (61–64°F), so definitely toss in a light jacket or sweater.
The sun is strong, so bring sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunscreen. A reusable water bottle helps you avoid dehydration in the dry air.
Since dust levels go up in the dry season, a scarf or mask can help if you’re sensitive. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring markets and cultural sites.
Health and Safety Considerations
Dry air tends to cause dehydration, so it’s a good idea to sip water regularly, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Always keep bottled or filtered water with you as you move around the city.
Dust can make breathing tough, especially for anyone with asthma or allergies. If that’s you, keep your medications handy.
A bit of moisturizer and some lip balm can go a long way for dry skin or cracked lips.
Don’t forget about mosquitoes at night, even during the dry season. Slap on some insect repellent, and maybe grab a treated mosquito net for sleeping.
Locals usually know which areas are safe, so it’s smart to follow their advice—especially if you’re checking out markets or out after dark.