Spring in Bamako means hot days, warm nights, and the first signs of the rainy season.
You’ll see daily highs hovering around 100°F, with lows in the mid-70s. Conditions start off dry and clear in March but turn more humid and cloudy by May.
This makes spring one of the most changeable times of year for weather in Bamako.
As the season moves along, skies get cloudier and those short showers pop up more often, especially late in spring.
Humidity creeps up, and daylight stretches out a bit longer. These changes set the pace for daily life, from lively outdoor markets to evening gatherings.
It’s helpful to know what’s coming, whether you’re hoping to explore Bamako’s cultural spots during the cooler mornings or just want to dodge those sudden spring rains.
If you time your visit right, you’ll catch Bamako during a rare moment when the dry season starts to hand things over to the wet season.
Spring Climate Overview in Bamako
Spring in Bamako means very hot days, rising humidity, and a sharp jump in rainfall by late season.
Early on, you get long hours of sunshine. By late spring, clouds and storms show up more often.
Typical Weather Patterns
Expect daily highs near 100°F (38°C), and sometimes it spikes to 103°F in mid-April.
Nights stay warm, usually between 73°F and 78°F (23°C–26°C), so evenings don’t bring much relief.
Clouds build up fast. In early March, skies look mostly clear. By May, there’s over a 50% chance of overcast days.
Rain goes from nearly nothing in March to a few inches by late May.
Humidity jumps as well. At the start of spring, the air feels dry, but by the end of May, muggy weather becomes the norm.
Winds switch up, too. They blow in from the east in March, but by late spring, they come from the south and carry more moisture.
Spring Months Defined
Locals usually call the stretch from March through May “spring.”
It’s the bridge between the dry winter and the heavy summer rains.
- March: Hot, mostly dry, clearer skies.
- April: Hottest month, highs often above 100°F.
- May: Humidity and rainfall increase quickly, leading into the wet season.
Daylight shifts a bit as well.
In March, you get about 11 hours and 53 minutes of daylight. By late May, it’s almost 12 hours and 49 minutes.
Sunrises come a little earlier, and sunsets stretch a bit later.
Climate Classification
Bamako falls under a tropical savanna climate (Aw) in the Köppen system.
Some sources also call it a semi-arid steppe (BSh) because of the long dry season.
You’ll notice two main seasons: a dry stretch that lasts for months and a wet season that brings most of the year’s rain.
Spring sits right at that turning point when dry weather starts to give way to rain.
Average yearly rainfall is about 815 mm (32 inches), but barely any of that falls before May.
Temperatures stay high, usually 27–31°C (81–88°F), so you’ll feel the heat year-round, but the moisture swings a lot.
Average Spring Temperatures
Spring in Bamako stands out for its hot days, warm nights, and humidity that keeps climbing.
Temperatures rise fast, and April almost always takes the crown for hottest month.
Daytime Highs and Lows
During spring, daytime highs typically stay close to 100°F (38°C).
On some afternoons, it can even reach 106°F (41°C), especially in mid-April.
Cooler days rarely drop below 91°F (33°C).
Lows go up as spring moves along.
Early March mornings might start near 73°F (23°C), but by late May, lows often hit 78°F (26°C).
So, you’re in for hot afternoons and very warm mornings most days.
For comparison, the hottest spell comes in mid-April, with average temps from 80°F to 103°F (27°C to 39°C).
Spring definitely isn’t the easiest time to spend long hours outside.
Monthly Temperature Trends
From March to May, the heat ramps up clearly.
In March, highs hover around 97–99°F (36–37°C), and nights still bring a little relief.
By April, Bamako hits its peak, averaging about 103°F (39°C) during the day.
In May, highs stay close to 100°F (38°C), but humidity and clouds make it feel even hotter.
Rain chances also start picking up, which adds to the discomfort.
Here’s a quick look:
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| March | ~97–99°F | ~73°F | Dry heat, clearer skies |
| April | ~103°F | ~78–80°F | Hottest month of year |
| May | ~100°F | ~78°F | Humid, clouds increase |
Nighttime Temperature Variations
Nights in Bamako stay warm all spring.
Unlike places where evenings cool off, here the heat sticks around.
Early in the season, nights average 73°F (23°C), but by late spring, they reach 78–80°F (26–27°C).
You won’t find much relief after sunset.
The combination of warm air and rising humidity can make nights feel pretty muggy.
By late May, muggy nights show up more than 70% of the time, so the air feels damp and heavy.
Because of that, you’ll probably want some air circulation or cooling indoors.
Otherwise, all that daytime heat just lingers, making sleep tough.
These steady nighttime temps mean Bamako’s spring feels hot around the clock.
Rainfall and Precipitation in Spring
Spring in Bamako signals a clear shift from the dry winter to the wetter summer.
Rainfall stays low at first, but it ramps up fast as spring goes on, hinting at the rainy season ahead.
Monthly Rainfall Amounts
In March, rain barely shows up—just 2 mm for the entire month.
You probably won’t see any measurable rain, and most days are clear.
By April, precipitation jumps to about 20 mm, usually over a handful of days.
It’s still light, but it’s the first sign the dry stretch is ending.
May is when things really change, with about 55 mm of rain.
That makes May the first month where showers become a regular part of Bamako’s weather.
| Month | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| March | 2 |
| April | 20 |
| May | 55 |
Rainy Days Frequency
Rainy days follow the same pattern as rainfall totals.
March usually brings just 1 day of rain, so it’s almost nothing.
In April, you might get 3 days with showers, often brief and popping up in the evening.
By May, expect around 6 days with measurable rain.
Rain events aren’t super frequent yet, but they can deliver heavier downpours than earlier in the season.
| Month | Rainy Days |
|---|---|
| March | 1 |
| April | 3 |
| May | 6 |
Transition to Rainy Season
Spring marks a big transition for Bamako.
March and early April still have dry air and low humidity.
The landscape looks dusty, and the Niger River runs lower than usual.
By late April, humidity starts to climb.
You’ll notice more clouds, and the air feels heavier.
In May, rain becomes more common, and the air often holds 45–50% humidity.
These changes set the stage for the full rainy season, which really gets going in June.
Humidity, Sunshine, and Daylight
Spring in Bamako means humidity rises, sunshine stays strong, and daylight hours get a bit longer as the rainy season approaches.
All of this impacts comfort, outdoor plans, and when it’s best to be outside.
Average Humidity Levels
Humidity in Bamako climbs steadily from March to May.
In March, average relative humidity sits at about 17%, which feels super dry.
By April, it’s up to 26%, and in May, it nearly doubles to 47%.
You’ll definitely notice the difference.
Early spring’s dry heat can feel harsh, but by late spring, the air gets heavier and more humid.
Higher humidity in May makes it feel even warmer than the thermometer says.
If you’re heading outside, mornings and evenings are usually more pleasant than midday.
Definitely stay hydrated during this stretch.
Hours of Sunshine Per Day
Spring brings long sunny spells in Bamako.
March and April each average 8 to 9 hours of sunshine per day.
May drops a little as clouds roll in with the rainy season, but you still get plenty of bright daylight.
The sun packs a punch, and UV levels stay high all spring.
If you’re outside a lot, grab a hat, sunscreen, and maybe some light clothing for protection.
Even in May, with more clouds, there’s still lots of daytime brightness.
Outdoor activities are best earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon to dodge the peak heat.
Length of Daylight in Spring
Daylight doesn’t change much in Bamako through spring since it’s so close to the equator.
In March, the sun rises around 6:40 AM and sets about 6:40 PM, so you get roughly 12 hours of daylight.
By May, daylight stretches to about 12 hours and 45 minutes.
That small increase is typical for tropical regions—daylight stays pretty steady all year.
This predictable daylight makes planning your day a bit easier.
You can count on consistent sunrise and sunset times, which helps when you’re arranging travel, outdoor work, or just seeing the city.
Wind and Other Weather Factors
Spring in Bamako brings rising heat, dry air, and shifting winds that affect both comfort and visibility.
The sunlight grows stronger, so UV protection becomes important.
Prevailing Wind Patterns
From late winter into early spring, the Harmattan wind sometimes still sweeps across Bamako.
This dry, dusty wind blows in from the northeast, cutting visibility, leaving a haze, and sometimes making your skin or throat feel dry.
By March, the Harmattan starts to fade, but you might still notice dust hanging in the morning air.
As spring moves along, winds shift more to the south and west.
These new breezes bring in a bit more moisture, signaling the rainy season isn’t far off.
The air feels hotter and heavier, especially in April and May, when daytime highs often shoot past 40°C (104°F).
Wind speeds in Bamako during spring usually stay light to moderate, around 5–10 mph (8–16 km/h).
They don’t cause much disruption, but a gentle breeze can give you a little relief from the intense heat.
Most travelers find that a bit of wind and some shade make the outdoors a lot more bearable.
UV Index and Sun Exposure
Spring in Bamako brings very high UV levels, especially from midday to mid-afternoon. Most days, the UV index jumps to 10 or higher, so you can get sunburned in less than 20 minutes if you don’t protect your skin.
Try to plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon, when the sun isn’t so harsh. If you have to be outside during peak hours, grab some broad-spectrum sunscreen, toss on light long-sleeved clothing, and don’t forget a wide-brimmed hat.
The strong sun mixed with high heat makes it way easier to get dehydrated. Carry water with you, and take breaks in the shade whenever you can. Even locals usually avoid staying out too long during the hottest part of the day.
Travel Tips for Experiencing Spring in Bamako
Spring in Bamako means rising heat, more humidity, and the rainy season creeping in by late May. You’ll want to work around those hot afternoons and be ready for skies that can go from clear in the morning to cloudy by evening.
Best Activities for Spring Weather
Early mornings really are the best time to get out and explore. The air feels cooler, so you can wander through Marché de Medina or check out the National Museum of Mali before the temperature climbs.
If you’re into outdoor views, Point G Hill gives you a sweeping look at the city. It’s smart to go before noon, since the sun gets intense fast. In April, highs often shoot up to 100°F (38°C), so walking around at midday can feel downright exhausting.
People love spending time by the Niger River in spring. Short boat rides or grabbing a meal by the water let you catch a breeze, especially later in the day. By May, quick rain showers might pop up, so it helps to keep your plans flexible.
Evenings are just a lot more comfortable for cultural outings. Live music, open-air restaurants, and local festivals usually kick off after sunset, when it cools down to the mid-70s°F (24–26°C). That’s honestly the perfect time to dive into Bamako’s nightlife without sweating through the day.
Packing Recommendations
Pack light, breathable clothing like cotton shirts and loose trousers. The heat and humidity pick up fast, so you’ll want fabrics that dry quickly and keep you comfortable.
Skip heavy materials—they just trap sweat and make things worse.
You’ll definitely want a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen under Bamako’s intense sun. When late spring rolls around, bring a small umbrella or a light rain jacket since showers can pop up without much warning.
Comfortable sandals or lightweight walking shoes work well for city markets and those uneven streets. In the evenings, toss a light sweater in your bag, because air-conditioned places can feel chilly after a long, hot day.
It’s smart to throw in reusable water bottles and some electrolyte packets. Trust me, you’ll need to stay hydrated—Bamako’s spring climate really makes you sweat.