Ouagadougou in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Ouagadougou

37°C (98°F) High Temp

20°C (68°F) Low Temp

8 mm (0.3 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect harmattan season - dry winds bring crystal-clear visibility for photography and sightseeing, with dust-free mornings ideal for outdoor markets
Cool nighttime temperatures of 20°C (68°F) make evening activities comfortable - locals fill outdoor bars and street food stalls from 7pm onwards
Post-harvest festival season with fresh millet beer (dolo) and peak availability of seasonal vegetables like okra and African eggplant at 30% lower prices
Lowest accommodation prices of the year - guesthouses offer 40-50% discounts compared to dry season peaks, with advance bookings securing rooms for 15,000-25,000 CFA per night

Considerations

Afternoon temperatures reach 37°C (98°F) making midday outdoor activities uncomfortable - most locals retreat indoors between 11am-4pm
Dust storms can occur 2-3 times per week during harmattan winds, requiring face coverings and affecting those with respiratory sensitivities
Some rural roads remain muddy from October rains, limiting access to villages outside the 50 km (31 mile) radius without 4WD vehicles

Best Activities in November

Grand Marché Central Morning Tours

November's cool mornings (20-25°C/68-77°F before 9am) are perfect for exploring Ouagadougou's this destination. Post-harvest season means peak variety of local produce, traditional textiles, and bronze work. The harmattan winds keep dust levels manageable in early morning hours, and vendors are most welcoming before the heat builds.

Booking Tip: Visit independently between 7-9am for best experience and prices. Local cultural guides available through tourist office for 5,000-8,000 CFA. Bargaining is expected - start at 50% of quoted price.

Village Pottery and Traditional Craft Workshops

November's stable weather allows access to artisan villages like Laongo, 35 km (22 miles) northeast of the city. Post-rainy season roads are passable, and artisans have fresh clay supplies for pottery demonstrations. The comfortable evening temperatures make overnight village stays popular with locals.

Booking Tip: Day trips typically cost 25,000-35,000 CFA including transport and meals. Book through cultural centers 3-5 days ahead. Road conditions are best until mid-December.

Bangr-Weoogo Urban Park Nature Walks

The 2.63 km² (1 sq mile) park is at its greenest in November, with remaining vegetation from rainy season but manageable walking conditions. Early morning (6-8am) and late afternoon (5-7pm) temperatures of 20-28°C (68-82°F) are perfect for the 3 km (1.9 mile) main trail. Wildlife is most active during cooler hours.

Booking Tip: Entry fee 1,000 CFA for foreigners. Self-guided with marked trails, or local guides available for 3,000-5,000 CFA. Bring water - no facilities inside park.

Traditional Music and Dance Experiences

November marks the beginning of wedding season in Burkina Faso, with weekend celebrations featuring live drumming and traditional balafon music. The comfortable evening temperatures encourage outdoor performances that continue past midnight. Cultural centers offer workshops in traditional djembe drumming.

Booking Tip: Cultural center workshops cost 8,000-12,000 CFA for 2-hour sessions. Weekend wedding celebrations are often open to respectful visitors - ask local contacts for invitations.

Motorcycle Taxi City Tours

November's moderate humidity (70%) and clear harmattan air create ideal conditions for zémidjan (motorcycle taxi) tours around the city's sprawling neighborhoods. Morning hours offer comfortable riding temperatures and excellent visibility for photography of colonial-era buildings and modern developments.

Booking Tip: Negotiate city tours for 8,000-15,000 CFA for half-day including multiple stops. Always wear provided helmets and agree on route beforehand. Peak hours (7-9am, 5-7pm) have higher rates.

Dolo (Local Beer) Brewery and Tasting Tours

Post-harvest November means peak production of traditional millet beer (dolo) in local breweries. The fermentation process works best in November's stable temperatures, producing the year's highest quality batches. Neighborhood breweries welcome visitors for tastings and production demonstrations.

Booking Tip: Brewery visits typically cost 2,000-5,000 CFA including tastings. Best visited in late afternoon when daily batches are complete. Ask hotel concierge for recommendations to legitimate operations.

November Events & Festivals

Late November (biennial - check current year schedule)

Festival des Masques et des Arts (FESTIMA)

Biennial mask and arts festival celebrating traditional West African cultures. Features elaborate mask performances, traditional music, and artisan demonstrations from across the region. Takes place in odd-numbered years.

Throughout November, primarily weekends

Post-Harvest Wedding Season

November begins peak wedding season as families celebrate after successful harvests. Weekend celebrations feature traditional ceremonies, live music, and elaborate feasts. Visitors are often welcomed to observe respectfully.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight cotton or linen clothing - synthetic fabrics trap heat uncomfortably in 70% humidity and 37°C (98°F) afternoon temperatures

Dust mask or bandana - harmattan winds bring 2-3 dust storms weekly, essential for those with respiratory sensitivities

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 8 with minimal cloud cover during harmattan season

Light jacket or long sleeves - temperatures drop to 20°C (68°F) at night, surprising for first-time visitors

Closed-toe shoes with good grip - morning dew and residual mud from October rains make surfaces slippery

Electrolyte tablets or oral rehydration salts - easy to become dehydrated in dry harmattan air without realizing it

Power bank and universal adapter - electricity cuts are common in November, lasting 2-6 hours

Cash in small CFA notes - credit cards rarely accepted, and change for large bills is often unavailable

Wet wipes and hand sanitizer - running water isn't guaranteed at markets and rural locations

Insect repellent with DEET - mosquitoes remain active in early November before harmattan fully sets in

Insider Knowledge

Shop for traditional textiles in November when weavers complete their post-harvest work - prices are 30-40% lower than during FESPACO film festival season

Eat at local 'maquis' (outdoor restaurants) between 7-9pm when evening temperatures cool to 25°C (77°F) and the social scene peaks with live music

Withdraw CFA from Ecobank or BICIAB ATMs rather than smaller banks - they're restocked more frequently and have better exchange rates for international cards

Book accommodation near Avenue Kwame Nkrumah for easy access to shared taxis - the main transport artery stays active later than other areas

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities between 11am-4pm when temperatures hit 37°C (98°F) - locals universally avoid this time period

Not bringing enough cash - most establishments don't accept cards, and ATMs frequently run empty during November's increased economic activity

Underestimating evening temperature drops from 37°C to 20°C (98°F to 68°F) - many visitors get sick from the 17°C temperature swing