Ouagadougou in April

April weather, activities, events & insider tips

April Weather in Ouagadougou

40°C (104°F) High Temp

27°C (81°F) Low Temp

43 mm (1.7 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect shoulder season timing - intense dry season heat breaks with refreshing afternoon showers that cool temperatures by 8-10°C (14-18°F) for comfortable evening activities
Mango season peaks in April - street vendors sell perfectly ripe mangoes for 200-500 CFA (local varieties unavailable other months), plus traditional mango festivals in surrounding villages
Minimal tourist crowds before May influx - major sites like Lome and Musée National have 60% fewer visitors, allowing authentic interactions with local artisans and vendors
Optimal conditions for Tunis exploration - morning temperatures of 27°C (81°F) ideal for visiting nearby villages and markets before afternoon heat, with clear visibility extending 50+ km (31+ miles)

Considerations

Afternoon heat peaks at 40°C (104°F) making outdoor activities between 11am-4pm genuinely uncomfortable - locals retreat indoors during these hours
Dust storms increase frequency as Harmattan winds shift - visibility can drop to under 1 km (0.6 miles) with 2-3 dusty days per week affecting photography and respiratory comfort
Intermittent power outages during peak heat hours as electrical grid struggles - backup generators common but AC/fans may be unreliable in budget accommodations

Best Activities in April

Traditional Pottery Villages Tours

April is ideal for visiting pottery villages 15-25 km (9-16 miles) from Ouaga as artisans work in pre-dawn hours to avoid heat. Morning temperatures of 27°C (81°F) make the 2-3 hour village visits comfortable. Clay firing season peaks now before rains begin, offering unique demonstrations of traditional Mossi techniques passed down generations.

Booking Tip: Arrange through local guides 5-7 days ahead. Tours typically cost 15,000-25,000 CFA including transport and village fees. Look for guides who speak both Mooré and French. Best departure time is 7am to return before afternoon heat. See current tour options in booking section below.

Dawn Market Photography Walks

Lome and Rood Woko Market come alive at 5:30am when temperatures are coolest at 25°C (77°F). April's clear morning light is exceptional for photography - dust particles create golden hour effects lasting until 8am. Vendors are most welcoming before heat stress, offering authentic interactions impossible during tourist high season.

Booking Tip: Join photography groups or hire local guides familiar with market protocols. Expect 8,000-15,000 CFA for 3-hour guided walks including market fees. Bring memory cards - you'll shoot 200+ photos in perfect light. Book 3-4 days ahead through hotel concierge or see booking widget below.

Burkina Faso Cultural Museum Circuit

Indoor cultural sites are perfect April refuges during 40°C (104°F) afternoon heat. Musée National, Musée de la Musique, and Centre National d'Artisanat maintain cool interiors. April features special exhibitions preparing for FESPACO (every two years) - 2025 preparation exhibitions showcase contemporary African cinema and traditional crafts.

Booking Tip: Purchase combined tickets for 3,000-5,000 CFA at first museum. Allow 4-5 hours total with AC breaks. Museums open 8am-5pm but visit 10am-2pm to escape peak heat. Many exhibits have English translations added in 2024. Current special exhibitions available in booking section.

Laongo Granite Sculpture Symposium Site

Located 35 km (22 miles) east, April offers perfect conditions for this outdoor sculpture garden. Morning visits at 8-10am provide comfortable 28°C (82°F) temperatures for the 2 km (1.2 mile) walking trail. Clear April skies showcase the massive granite sculptures against impressive blue backgrounds impossible during dusty Harmattan or rainy seasons.

Booking Tip: Half-day trips typically cost 20,000-30,000 CFA including transport and guide. Departure by 7:30am essential to avoid midday heat. Bring 2+ liters water per person. Some tours combine with nearby Sya village visits. Licensed drivers required for this distance - verify insurance coverage.

Traditional Music Venue Night Circuit

April evenings cool to perfect 28°C (82°F) by 7pm, ideal for outdoor music venues. Local musicians practice for May-June festival season, offering authentic performances of balafon, djembe, and kora music. Many venues have covered areas protecting from brief April showers while maintaining airflow.

Booking Tip: Entry fees range 2,000-8,000 CFA depending on venue size and performer reputation. Start at 8pm when temperatures drop and continue until midnight. Ask hotel staff for current performers - lineups change weekly. Transport back after midnight costs 3,000-5,000 CFA via taxi or moto.

Sahel Village Homestay Programs

April represents the sweet spot for village visits - post-harvest prosperity means families can host visitors, while pre-rainy season timing allows access to remote villages via dirt roads. Experience authentic Mossi or Fulani culture during the most comfortable weather window before intense May heat or rainy season isolation.

Booking Tip: Book 2-3 weeks ahead through cultural organizations or NGO contacts. Programs typically cost 35,000-50,000 CFA for 2-day experiences including meals, accommodation, and cultural activities. Verify village access roads and emergency communication protocols. See current homestay options in booking section below.

April Events & Festivals

Mid to Late April

Festival des Mangues (Mango Festival)

Villages surrounding Ouaga celebrate peak mango harvest with traditional music, mango-based food competitions, and cultural performances. Features rare local mango varieties like 'Amélie' and 'Kent' that aren't available other months. Local families share traditional mango recipes passed down generations.

Throughout April

Pre-FESPACO Cultural Exhibitions

Museums and cultural centers host preparatory exhibitions showcasing African cinema heritage and contemporary arts. 2025 features special retrospectives of Burkinabé filmmakers and interactive workshops on traditional textile arts used in film costumes.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight cotton long-sleeve shirts in light colors - protects from UV index 8 sun while allowing airflow in 70% humidity

Wide-brimmed hat with chin strap - essential for morning market walks and afternoon dust storms with 50+ km/h (31+ mph) winds

High-quality dust mask or bandana - fine Tunis dust penetrates regular cloth, affects breathing during 2-3 dusty days per week

Electrolyte tablets or powder - sweating in 40°C (104°F) heat depletes minerals faster than water replacement alone

Portable battery pack (20,000+ mAh) - power outages during peak afternoon heat affect phone charging for 2-4 hours daily

Quick-dry towel and wet wipes - dust accumulation requires frequent cleaning but water isn't always available

Closed-toe breathable shoes - flip-flops impractical for dusty streets, need protection while maintaining ventilation

Light rain jacket or umbrella - afternoon showers on 10+ days provide welcome cooling but arrive suddenly

Sunscreen SPF 50+ with zinc oxide - reapply every 90 minutes in intense UV, chemical sunscreens break down quickly

Insect repellent with DEET 25%+ - mosquitoes increase near end of April as first rains create breeding pools

Insider Knowledge

Schedule all outdoor activities before 10am or after 5pm - locals completely avoid midday sun and you'll find many shops closed 12pm-3pm during peak heat

Carry 1,000 CFA notes for frequent small purchases - vendors prefer exact change during market rush hours and ATMs often run out of larger denominations

Learn basic Mooré greetings ('Yaa sooma' - good morning) - showing effort with local language in April's relaxed pace creates genuine connections impossible during busier months

Book accommodations with backup generators before arrival - April power grid stress means even mid-range hotels experience outages, verify cooling alternatives

Avoid These Mistakes

Attempting outdoor sightseeing between 11am-4pm - tourists underestimate 40°C (104°F) heat intensity and risk heat exhaustion, locals call this 'visitor madness'

Wearing synthetic fabrics in 70% humidity - polyester and nylon become unbearably sticky, cotton and linen are essential for comfort

Arriving without dust protection - many visitors unprepared for fine Tunis dust that penetrates luggage, electronics, and respiratory systems during frequent April dust storms