Ouagadougou in January

January weather, activities, events & insider tips

January Weather in Ouagadougou

33°C (92°F) High Temp

17°C (62°F) Low Temp

0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

25% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season - zero rainfall and crystal-clear skies perfect for outdoor exploration and photography
Cool mornings at 17°C (62°F) ideal for early market visits and walking tours before midday heat
Harmattan winds bring dramatic dust-filtered sunsets and comfortable evenings perfect for rooftop dining
FESPACO preparation season - witness Africa's largest film festival setup and pre-event cultural buzz

Considerations

Extreme UV index of 11 requires constant sun protection and limits comfortable outdoor time to early morning/late afternoon
Harmattan dust creates hazy conditions that can irritate eyes and respiratory systems, especially for sensitive travelers
Daily temperature swings of 16°C (29°F) require versatile clothing and catch many visitors unprepared

Best Activities in January

Grand Marché Central Morning Tours

January's cool mornings (17°C/62°F) make the bustling central market bearable before 9 AM. The dry season brings fresh produce from rural areas, and vendors are most energetic before the midday heat. Perfect time to photograph the colorful textiles and bronze work without harsh shadows.

Booking Tip: Join guided market tours (typically 15,000-25,000 CFA) that start at 7 AM. Book through cultural centers or see current options in booking section below. Bring cash in small denominations.

Village Artisan Workshop Visits

Dry season roads make traditional pottery and bronze-casting villages accessible by standard vehicle. January's low humidity preserves delicate crafts during transport. Artisans work most actively in morning hours before heat peaks.

Booking Tip: Half-day village tours typically cost 20,000-35,000 CFA including transport. Book 3-4 days ahead through cultural associations. Many workshops close during midday heat.

Laongo Sculpture Symposium Site Exploration

January's clear, dusty light creates dramatic contrasts on the granite sculptures. Cool mornings allow comfortable hiking between installations across the 2 km (1.2 mile) site. Harmattan winds provide natural air conditioning.

Booking Tip: Entry typically 2,000-3,000 CFA. Private guides available for 10,000-15,000 CFA. Visit between 7-10 AM or 4-6 PM to avoid peak heat. Transport from city center takes 45 minutes.

Traditional Music and Dance Evening Sessions

January evenings are perfect for outdoor cultural performances. The dry season brings touring musicians to the capital, and comfortable 20-25°C (68-77°F) evening temperatures make rooftop venues popular.

Booking Tip: Evening cultural shows typically cost 5,000-15,000 CFA. Check current performances in booking section below. Many venues offer dinner packages starting around 25,000 CFA.

Banfora Cascades Day Trips

January's minimal rainfall means lower but still flowing waterfalls with accessible rocky areas normally underwater. The 4-hour drive is comfortable in dry conditions, and cool morning departures avoid midday heat.

Booking Tip: Full-day trips typically 45,000-65,000 CFA including transport and lunch. Book 5-7 days ahead as road conditions are optimal. Depart by 6 AM to maximize cool hours at the falls.

Moro-Naba Palace Ceremony Attendance

The traditional Friday morning ceremony is most comfortable in January's cool morning air. Clear skies ensure the outdoor portions proceed without weather interruptions, and tourist numbers are manageable.

Booking Tip: Free attendance but arrive by 6:30 AM for good viewing positions. Guided cultural context tours available for 8,000-12,000 CFA. Dress conservatively and bring cash for photos.

January Events & Festivals

Throughout January

FESPACO Preparation and Pre-Events

While the main festival is February-March, January brings venue preparations, filmmaker arrivals, and preliminary screenings. Experience the cultural energy building across the city as Africa's largest film festival prepares to launch.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 11 and reflection off dusty surfaces intensifies exposure

Lightweight long sleeves in breathable cotton - essential for 33°C (92°F) afternoons with cultural modesty requirements

Warm layer for mornings - temperatures drop to 17°C (62°F) and locals wear jackets

Dust masks or bandanas - Harmattan winds carry fine Sahara dust that irritates throats and noses

Eye drops and moisturizer - 25% humidity and dust severely dry out eyes and skin

Closed-toe shoes with good grip - dusty surfaces become slippery, especially on market floors

Small LED flashlight - power outages increase during dry season due to regional energy demands

Electrolyte tablets - extreme temperature swings and low humidity cause rapid dehydration

Cash in small CFA notes - January market season means vendors rarely have change for large bills

Plastic bags for electronics - dust penetrates everything and can damage cameras and phones

Insider Knowledge

Shop for traditional textiles in January - dry season brings the year's best cotton and indigo work from rural weavers

Book accommodations with generators - power cuts increase in January as regional electricity demand peaks during dry season

Eat at busy local spots between 12-2 PM - locals know which places have the freshest food during peak heat storage challenges

Carry tissues everywhere - Harmattan dust affects everyone, and public restrooms rarely stock paper during dry months

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating morning cold - many tourists pack only for hot weather and freeze during 17°C (62°F) dawn market visits

Scheduling outdoor activities during 11 AM-4 PM - even locals retreat indoors when temperatures hit 33°C (92°F) with 11 UV index

Not protecting electronics from dust - fine Harmattan particles damage camera mechanisms and phone ports permanently