Ouagadougou in May

May weather, activities, events & insider tips

May Weather in Ouagadougou

38°C (101°F) High Temp

27°C (80°F) Low Temp

69mm (2.7 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Pre-rainy season timing - enjoy the last weeks before heavy rains arrive in June, with manageable 20-30 minute afternoon showers that cool temperatures by 5-8°C (9-14°F)
Mango season peak - local markets overflow with over 12 varieties of mangoes at rock-bottom prices (500-1000 CFA per kg), plus seasonal mango festivals in surrounding villages
Perfect museum and cultural site weather - morning temperatures of 27-30°C (80-86°F) are ideal for exploring MUSEE NATIONAL and Village Artisanal without the scorching heat of March-April
Festival season continues - May marks the tail end of cultural festival season before farming season begins, with traditional mask ceremonies still active in nearby villages within 50km (31 miles) of the city

Considerations

Dust storm risk increases - harmattan winds can still kick up dust storms reducing visibility to under 1km (0.6 miles) and making outdoor activities unpleasant for 2-3 days at a time
Pre-rainy season humidity builds - 70% humidity combined with 38°C (101°F) highs creates oppressive midday heat that locals avoid by staying indoors from 11am-4pm
Limited air conditioning - most mid-range accommodations and restaurants rely on fans, making the humid heat more challenging for visitors not accustomed to Tunis climate

Best Activities in May

Early Morning Market Tours in Central Ouagadougou

May's 6am temperatures of 24-26°C (75-79°F) make dawn market visits comfortable before heat builds. Mango season brings incredible variety and cultural exchange opportunities. Local vendors are most energetic before 9am, offering cooking demonstrations and spice education.

Booking Tip: Join organized cultural tours through local guides (typically 15,000-25,000 CFA for 3-4 hours). Book 5-7 days ahead as groups are limited to 6-8 people. Look for guides certified by Ministry of Tourism. See current tour options in booking section below.

Traditional Village Excursions to Surrounding Communities

May timing is perfect for visiting traditional villages within 30-60km (18-37 miles) of Ouagadougou. Pre-farming season means artisans are available for pottery, weaving, and bronze casting workshops. Morning departures at 7am return by 2pm avoiding afternoon heat.

Booking Tip: Full-day village tours typically cost 35,000-50,000 CFA including transport and lunch. Book through established cultural tourism operators 10-14 days ahead. Ensure transport includes air conditioning and bottled water. See current village tour options in booking section below.

Indoor Cultural Heritage Experiences

May's intense midday heat makes indoor cultural sites essential. MUSEE NATIONAL showcases bronze work and textiles in climate-controlled environment. Traditional music workshops and kora lessons are perfectly timed for hot afternoons. Evening cultural performances at Centre Culturel Francais begin at 7pm when temperatures drop to comfortable 32°C (90°F).

Booking Tip: Museum entries cost 2,000-3,000 CFA. Music workshops range 20,000-30,000 CFA for 2-hour sessions. Book cultural performances 3-5 days ahead as venues are small. Air-conditioned venues fill quickly during hot season. See current cultural experience options in booking section below.

Evening Food and Night Market Exploration

May evenings from 6pm onward are magical as temperatures cool to 30-32°C (86-90°F). Street food scene explodes with seasonal specialties like grilled fish with mango sauce. Night markets come alive with traditional crafts and the social atmosphere locals crave after hot days.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically cost 18,000-28,000 CFA for 3-4 hours including tastings at 5-6 locations. Book with local food experts who know seasonal specialties and safe preparation practices. Tours usually run 6pm-9pm. See current food tour options in booking section below.

Traditional Craft Workshop Experiences

May's weather drives artisans indoors, creating perfect conditions for intensive craft workshops. Bronze casting, traditional weaving, and pottery classes run in shaded workshops. Morning sessions 8am-11am or evening sessions 4pm-7pm avoid peak heat while maximizing learning time with master craftspeople.

Booking Tip: Craft workshops range 25,000-40,000 CFA for half-day intensive sessions including materials. Book 7-10 days ahead as master artisans limit students to 4-6 per session. Look for workshops in Village Artisanal with certified instructors. See current workshop options in booking section below.

May Events & Festivals

Early to Mid May

Late Season Traditional Mask Festivals in Surrounding Villages

Various villages within 80km (50 miles) hold final mask ceremonies before rainy season farming begins. These authentic cultural events feature traditional Mossi, Gourounsi, and Bobo mask dances with community participation opportunities.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Breathable long-sleeve cotton shirts - protect from 38°C (101°F) sun while allowing airflow, essential for market visits and outdoor cultural sites

Wide-brimmed hat with chin strap - dust storms and intense UV (index 8) require serious head protection that won't blow away

Light rain jacket or poncho - afternoon showers on 10 days average last 20-30 minutes but can be intense

High SPF sunscreen (50+) - UV index of 8 combined with reflection off dusty surfaces causes rapid burning

Closed-toe walking shoes - dust and debris from harmattan winds make sandals impractical for market and street exploration

Electrolyte powder packets - 70% humidity and 38°C (101°F) heat cause rapid dehydration that water alone doesn't address

Bandana or light scarf - essential for dust storm protection and respectful mosque visits

Portable fan or cooling towel - most accommodations rely on fans rather than AC for the humid 27°C (80°F) nights

Quick-dry pants in light colors - versatile for morning coolness 27°C (80°F) and afternoon heat while respecting local modesty customs

Insider Knowledge

Adopt local schedule: active 6am-10am and 5pm-8pm, rest during midday heat like locals do. Most businesses close 12pm-3pm anyway

Mango etiquette matters - when offered mangoes (everywhere in May), accept graciously and eat over a bowl. Refusing seasonal fruit can be seen as rejecting hospitality

Hotel room fans run all night in May - bring earplugs as even higher-end places rarely have full AC, relying on ceiling fans for the humid nights

Thursday and Friday mornings offer best cultural site access - weekends get busier with local families, while Monday many private museums close for maintenance

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities 11am-4pm when locals retreat indoors - even walking 500m (0.3 miles) becomes exhausting in 38°C (101°F) heat with 70% humidity

Not carrying cash in small denominations - ATMs dispense large bills but markets, taxis, and street food require 500-2000 CFA notes that banks often can't break

Wearing dark colors that absorb heat and show dust - light, loose clothing in beige/white stays cooler and looks cleaner despite frequent dust