Ouagadougou in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Ouagadougou

39°C (102°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

5 mm (0.2 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect timing before the scorching April heat - March is the last month before temperatures exceed 42°C (108°F) daily
SIAO International Arts and Crafts Fair occurs every two years (next in 2025) - Africa's largest contemporary art market with 3,000+ exhibitors
Dry season means reliable transportation - no muddy roads blocking access to surrounding villages and attractions
Mango season peaks in March - local markets overflow with over 20 varieties of mangoes at rock-bottom prices (200-500 CFA per kilo)

Considerations

Harmattan winds bring daily dust storms between 2-6 PM, reducing visibility and coating everything in fine red dust
Water shortages common in hotels - many properties have inconsistent water supply during peak dry season
Extreme UV intensity requires constant sun protection - shade is scarce and temperatures feel like 45°C+ (113°F+) in direct sunlight

Best Activities in March

Grand Mosque and Central Market Cultural Walks

March mornings (6-9 AM) offer perfect temperatures of 24-28°C (75-82°F) for exploring Ouagadougou's architectural centerpieces. The this destination is most active during dawn prayers, and vendors at Rood Woko Grand Market set up their best produce displays before the heat intensifies. Afternoon dust storms make photography challenging, so morning exploration is essential.

Booking Tip: Join organized walking tours through cultural centers (typically 8,000-15,000 CFA per person). Book 5-7 days ahead during SIAO festival periods. Look for guides certified by the Ministry of Tourism. See current cultural tour options in booking section below.

Traditional Textile Workshop Visits

March heat drives artisans to work in covered spaces, making workshop visits more interactive. Cotton harvest season means fresh materials and active weaving demonstrations. The dry air is actually beneficial for certain dyeing processes using local plants and mud. Indoor workshops provide essential respite from midday temperatures.

Booking Tip: Half-day workshop experiences cost 12,000-25,000 CFA including materials. Book through cultural associations rather than street touts. Most workshops operate 8 AM-12 PM to avoid peak heat. Reference booking widget for current artisan experiences.

Laongo Sculpture Symposium Site Exploration

This outdoor granite sculpture park 35 km (22 miles) east requires early morning visits in March - temperatures become unbearable after 10 AM. The dry season provides clear access roads and dramatic lighting for the 200+ sculptures carved directly into massive granite outcrops. Bring 3+ liters of water per person.

Booking Tip: Day trips typically cost 25,000-40,000 CFA including transport and guide. Departure must be by 6 AM to avoid midday heat. Look for operators with reliable air conditioning and emergency water supplies. Check current availability in booking section.

Local Music Venue Night Scene

March evenings cool to comfortable 26-29°C (79-84°F), perfect for Ouaga's busy music scene. Live traditional and modern African music peaks during dry season when outdoor venues can operate reliably. Local bands prepare for festival season, so performances are especially energetic.

Booking Tip: Cover charges range 2,000-8,000 CFA at established venues. Start around 9 PM when temperatures drop. Taxi rides cost 1,000-2,000 CFA within city center. Look for venues with generator backup power during frequent outages.

Mango Farm and Rural Village Day Trips

March is peak mango harvest - villages 20-50 km (12-31 miles) from Ouaga welcome visitors to participate in picking and traditional preservation methods. Rural roads are accessible during dry season, and farmers have time to show their techniques before April planting begins.

Booking Tip: Full-day village experiences cost 18,000-35,000 CFA per person including meals and transport. Book through responsible tourism cooperatives. Departure by 7 AM essential to avoid heat. Current village tour options available in booking section.

March Events & Festivals

Late March (typically final week)

SIAO (International Arts and Crafts Fair)

Africa's largest biennial arts marketplace transforms Ouagadougou into a continental cultural hub. Over 3,000 exhibitors from 60+ countries showcase everything from Malian textiles to Ghanaian sculptures. Evening cultural performances, fashion shows, and music concerts run until 2 AM.

Mid March

National Mango Festival

Local celebration of peak harvest season featuring mango variety competitions, traditional preservation technique demonstrations, and community feasts. Takes place in villages around Ouagadougou with organized transportation from the city.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Dust masks or N95 filters - daily Harmattan dust storms from 2-6 PM make breathing difficult

SPF 50+ sunscreen and zinc stick - UV index 8 plus reflection from red dust intensifies burning

Minimum 2-liter water bottle - dehydration happens rapidly in 70% humidity at 39°C (102°F)

Lightweight long pants and long sleeves - protection from UV, dust, and mosquitoes during humid evenings

Closed-toe shoes with good grip - dust makes surfaces slippery, open shoes fill with grit immediately

Portable phone battery pack - frequent power outages drain devices quickly, especially using AC constantly

Quick-dry towels - hotel water shortages mean laundry services unreliable

Electrolyte powder packets - sweating is constant and water alone isn't sufficient for hydration

Light cotton scarf - protects neck from dust storms and shows respect in mosques

Headlamp or small flashlight - power outages are daily occurrences, street lighting unreliable

Insider Knowledge

Water cuts happen daily 10 AM-6 PM in most hotels - shower and fill bottles early morning before supply stops

Moto-taxi prices double during dust storms (2-6 PM) when visibility drops - plan indoor activities during these hours

Local restaurants serve lighter portions in March heat - order 1.5x what you normally would or risk leaving hungry

ATMs frequently run empty on weekends during SIAO festival - withdraw CFA early in the week and keep cash reserves

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor sightseeing after 10 AM - temperatures become dangerous and dust storms reduce visibility to 50 m (164 ft)

Bringing only summer clothes - March nights drop to 24°C (75°F) and can feel cold after extreme daytime heat

Not carrying cash reserves - power outages disable card readers and ATM networks frequently crash during peak usage