December stays relatively cool and dry - a favorable time for travel and festivals in urban centers. Days are comfortable and nights are cool in many areas. Note: the country's national independence celebrations are in August.
qiv derivative work: JamesA CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons
Average daily low and high (°C) and monthly rainfall. The badge shows how it feels, allowing for humidity.
Average temperature across Burkina Faso in December.
Dori, Djibo, Gorom‑Gorom
January in the Sahel returns the cycle: very dry conditions, strong sun, and cool nights brought by the harmattan. Daytime heat is milder than in spring, and the clear skies make for excellent stargazing or photography of the flat northern landscapes. It’s a safe time for remote travel, with most tracks hard and vehicle‑friendly, but carry dust masks or scarves for windblown sand and a warm layer for chilly evenings.
capital region
December closes the year with very dry air, blue skies, and pleasantly warm days ideal for sightseeing and taking advantage of craft markets around the capital. Nights are cool and a light jacket is useful; this month is popular with both domestic and international travelers, so expect higher occupancy at hotels and more crowded restaurants. It’s one of the country’s best months to be in Ouagadougou if you prefer steady, dry weather.
Bobo‑Dioulasso, Banfora approach
December brings crisp mornings and very dry afternoons: the clothesline dries quickly and dust levels are low compared with the far north. Daytime temperatures are comfortable and tourists start to arrive in greater numbers, especially around holiday periods, making it a busier season for guesthouses and guides. Pack a light jacket for evenings and book early if planning to visit popular spots like the nearby waterfalls.
Karfiguéla falls, Sindou
December keeps the dry rhythm with very pleasant daytime temperatures and clear skies that enhance views across the cascades and Sindou peaks. This is prime tourist season with more visitors and fully operational lodges and guides; book ahead for popular sites. Nights can be cool, so include a warm layer, and enjoy reliable travel conditions for extended explorations of the southwest.
Fada N’Gourma, Pama, Arly area
December rounds out the year with very dry air and pleasant temperatures ideal for overland travel and extended stays near Arly or Pama. Visibility is often excellent for landscape photography, and the drying vegetation makes wildlife easier to spot around permanent waterholes. It’s a popular month for visitors, so plan ahead and pack a mix of light clothing and a warm layer for cool nights.
Burkina Faso observes Independence Day on August 5 with nationwide ceremonies.
See how December compares with the rest of the year, then read the full guide.