Ouagadougou in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Ouagadougou

33°C (93°F) High Temp

17°C (63°F) Low Temp

0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

20% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season with zero rainfall and crystal-clear skies perfect for outdoor exploration and photography
Cool evening temperatures of 17°C (63°F) make nighttime activities and sleeping comfortable without air conditioning
FESPACO preparation season means heightened cultural activity, film screenings, and arts events throughout the city
Harmattan winds bring dramatic dust-filtered sunsets that create impressive golden hour lighting from 5:30-6:00pm daily

Considerations

Harmattan dust reduces visibility to 2-3 km (1.2-1.9 miles) some days and irritates eyes and respiratory systems
Extreme temperature swings of 16°C (29°F) between day and night require layered clothing and adaptation time
Water scarcity affects some neighborhoods with intermittent supply, particularly in outer districts like Tanghin

Best Activities in December

Traditional Mossi Village Cultural Tours

December's cool mornings (17-25°C/63-77°F) are perfect for visiting traditional villages around Ouagadougou. Harvest season celebrations continue into early December, offering authentic cultural experiences. The dry roads make previously inaccessible villages reachable by motorcycle or 4WD.

Booking Tip: Book 5-7 days ahead through established cultural centers. Tours typically cost 15,000-25,000 CFA francs including transport. Look for guides certified by the Ministry of Tourism. Morning departures (7am) avoid afternoon heat.

Grand Marché and Artisan Workshop Tours

The dry season brings the full artisan community back to work after rainy season slowdowns. December showcases bronze casting, textile weaving, and leather work at peak activity. Cool morning temperatures make the crowded market districts comfortable for extended exploration.

Booking Tip: Self-guided visits work well, or book cultural tours 2-3 days ahead. Budget 8,000-15,000 CFA francs for guided experiences. Visit between 8am-11am before heat peaks. Friday mornings offer the most artisan activity.

Laongo Granite Sculpture Symposium Site

Located 35 km (22 miles) east of the city, December's clear skies and cool mornings provide ideal conditions for exploring this outdoor sculpture park. The granite formations create natural shade, and the dry season means accessible dirt roads and perfect photography lighting.

Booking Tip: Rent a motorcycle (8,000 CFA/day) or hire a taxi (25,000-35,000 CFA round trip). No advance booking needed, but bring water and snacks. Allow 4-5 hours total including travel time. Best visited 8am-1pm.

Bangr-Weoogo Urban Park Nature Walks

The city's largest green space becomes a refuge during dusty Harmattan days. December's cooler evenings (20-25°C/68-77°F) make sunset walks comfortable. Local families gather here during weekends, offering cultural observation opportunities alongside nature viewing.

Booking Tip: Free entry, no booking required. Best times are early morning (6:30-8:30am) or evening (5:00-6:30pm). Guided nature walks available through park office for 3,000-5,000 CFA francs. Bring dust mask on particularly hazy days.

Traditional Music and Dance Performances

December marks the beginning of wedding and celebration season as families reunite after harvest. Cultural centers host weekly performances, and spontaneous celebrations occur in neighborhoods. The cool evenings make outdoor performances comfortable for extended viewing.

Booking Tip: Check Brazzaville and Centre National des Arts for scheduled performances (tickets 2,000-8,000 CFA). Ask hotel staff about neighborhood celebrations. Weekend evenings offer the most options. Some venues accept advance booking.

Motorcycle Tours of Ouagadougou's Districts

Dry season road conditions and cooler morning temperatures make motorcycle exploration ideal. December offers clear views of the city's distinct neighborhoods from Gounghin's markets to Ouaga 2000's modern developments. Dust creates atmospheric lighting for urban photography.

Booking Tip: Rent through established agencies (15,000-20,000 CFA/day including helmet and brief training). International license required. Book 2-3 days ahead. Morning tours (7am-11am) avoid peak heat and afternoon dust. Guided options cost 25,000-35,000 CFA.

December Events & Festivals

Throughout December

FESPACO Pre-Festival Screenings

While the main festival occurs in February, December features preparatory film screenings, workshops, and cultural events throughout the city as filmmakers arrive and venues prepare. Local cinemas show African films not typically available to tourists.

Early to Mid December

End of Harvest Celebrations

Traditional thanksgiving ceremonies occur in villages around Ouagadougou as communities celebrate successful harvests. These feature traditional drumming, dancing, and sharing of first grains. Authentic cultural experiences often open to respectful visitors.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight dust masks or bandanas - Harmattan dust can be severe, reducing visibility and irritating airways

Layered clothing system - 16°C (29°F) temperature swings require t-shirts for day and fleece/jacket for evening

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index of 8 combined with dust reflection intensifies sun exposure

Moisturizing lotion and lip balm - 20% humidity and dust cause severe skin dryness within days

Closed-toe shoes with good treads - dusty conditions make surfaces slippery, open shoes fill with sand

Portable water bottles (2+ liters) - dehydration happens quickly in dry conditions, local water quality varies

Eye drops and saline nasal spray - essential for dealing with dust irritation during Harmattan season

Headlamp or small flashlight - power outages more common during dry season, evening activities may need lighting

Cash in small CFA franc denominations - 500, 1000, 2000 notes for market purchases and tip culture

Portable phone charger - dust affects electrical systems, backup power essential for navigation and communication

Insider Knowledge

Water trucks deliver to many neighborhoods between 6-8am - if staying in local accommodation, this affects morning routines and shower availability

Harmattan dust peaks between 11am-3pm daily - schedule indoor activities during this window, outdoor exploration before 10am or after 4pm

Local families begin evening socializing around 5:30pm when temperatures drop - join tea circles outside compounds for authentic cultural exchange

December is motorcycle taxi (zemidjan) peak season due to pleasant weather - negotiate rates before riding, typical city journeys cost 200-500 CFA francs

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating the temperature drop after sunset - many tourists get uncomfortably cold wearing only day clothes during evening activities

Not protecting electronics from dust - cameras, phones, and laptops need sealed bags or cases as fine sand penetrates everything

Scheduling too many midday outdoor activities - the combination of heat and dust makes 11am-3pm miserable for sightseeing