Ouagadougou in February

February weather, activities, events & insider tips

February Weather in Ouagadougou

36°C (97°F) High Temp

20°C (68°F) Low Temp

0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

25% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect dry season weather - zero rainfall and clear skies make it ideal for outdoor exploration and photography
FESPACO film festival occurs every two years in February (next in 2025), bringing international energy and cultural events throughout the city
Harmattan winds keep temperatures bearable during midday - the dry air makes 36°C (97°F) feel less oppressive than humid heat
Cool evenings averaging 20°C (68°F) create perfect conditions for night markets, outdoor dining, and cultural performances

Considerations

Extreme dust from Harmattan winds reduces visibility and can irritate respiratory systems - locals wear face coverings
Water scarcity affects some neighborhoods - hotels may have limited hot water during peak hours
Intense UV exposure with index reaching 11 requires constant sun protection and limits comfortable outdoor time to early morning and evening

Best Activities in February

FESPACO Film Festival Events

February 2025 hosts the biennial Pan-African Film and Television Festival - Africa's largest film festival. The dry weather ensures outdoor screenings proceed without rain delays, and cool evenings make cinema attendance comfortable. Cultural performances and street celebrations happen throughout the city during the festival period.

Booking Tip: Festival passes typically cost 15,000-25,000 CFA ($25-42). Book accommodation 2-3 months ahead as the city fills with international visitors. Popular screenings sell out quickly - purchase tickets through official festival channels as soon as program is announced in December.

Traditional Market Exploration Tours

February's dry conditions mean markets like Rood-Woko and Lome operate at full capacity without mud or flooding. Early morning tours (7-10am) avoid peak heat while experiencing maximum activity. The Harmattan season brings unique seasonal goods from northern regions including special textiles and preserved foods.

Booking Tip: Market tours cost 8,000-15,000 CFA ($13-25) for 3-4 hours. Start at sunrise when temperatures are comfortable at 20°C (68°F). Local guides help navigate dust clouds and translate with vendors who speak Mooré and Dioula.

Artisan Workshop Visits

February's dry weather is optimal for traditional crafts - bronze casting, pottery, and textile dyeing all benefit from low humidity and consistent temperatures. Workshops operate extended hours due to comfortable evening temperatures, and artisans are less busy with agricultural work during dry season.

Booking Tip: Workshop visits range 10,000-20,000 CFA ($17-33) including hands-on activities. Book through cultural centers or hotels - avoid midday visits when workshops become uncomfortably hot. Many artisans speak French, reducing need for translators.

Ouagadougou City Architecture Tours

Clear February skies provide excellent visibility for photographing the city's mix of colonial, modern, and traditional Mossi architecture. The dry season means construction sites are accessible and museums maintain regular hours. Cool mornings are perfect for walking tours of historic neighborhoods.

Booking Tip: Walking tours cost 12,000-18,000 CFA ($20-30) for half-day experiences. Schedule for 7-11am or 4-6pm to avoid peak heat. Many tours include visits to the Moro-Naba Palace and Banjul with air-conditioned breaks.

Evening Cultural Performance Tours

February's cool nights averaging 20°C (68°F) create perfect conditions for outdoor traditional music and dance performances. Many venues extend their schedules during FESPACO years, and the dry air carries sound clearly without humidity interference.

Booking Tip: Cultural shows range 8,000-15,000 CFA ($13-25) including transport. Performances typically start at 7pm when temperatures drop. Book through hotels or cultural centers - street touts often sell fake tickets during festival periods.

February Events & Festivals

Late February 2025

FESPACO - Pan-African Film and Television Festival

Africa's largest and most prestigious film festival occurs every odd year in February. The 2025 edition brings thousands of filmmakers, actors, and cinema enthusiasts to Ouagadougou. Outdoor screenings, cultural performances, and industry events happen throughout the city for 9 days.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

High-factor sunscreen SPF 50+ and reapply every 2 hours - UV index reaches 11 during midday

Dust masks or bandanas - Harmattan winds create daily dust storms that locals navigate with face coverings

Lightweight long-sleeve shirts for sun protection - cotton or linen work better than synthetics in dry heat

Wide-brimmed hat with chin strap - constant winds can blow caps away during dust storms

Closed-toe shoes with good grip - dusty conditions make sandals impractical and streets slippery

Light jacket or fleece for evenings - temperatures drop to 20°C (68°F) and feel cool after hot days

Extra contact lens solution and cases - dust infiltrates everything and irritates eyes

Moisturizing lotion and lip balm - 25% humidity severely dehydrates skin

Reusable water bottle with purification tablets - stay hydrated in extreme heat and dry air

Waterless hand sanitizer - dust gets on everything you touch throughout the day

Insider Knowledge

Locals schedule important activities between 6-10am and after 5pm during February - follow their lead to avoid the harshest sun and heat

The Harmattan winds bring fine Sahara dust that penetrates sealed bags - pack electronics in double plastic bags and keep cameras covered

Water shortages are common in February - shower quickly and ask hotels about hot water availability times, usually limited to early morning and evening

FESPACO years see accommodation prices triple and bookings fill by December - non-festival visitors should book early or consider staying in Bobo-Dioulasso and day-tripping

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating sun exposure - tourists get severe burns within 30 minutes due to the extreme UV index and clear skies

Wearing contact lenses all day - dust makes them painful and potentially dangerous, pack glasses as backup

Planning outdoor activities during midday hours - even locals retreat indoors between 11am-4pm during February heat