Home › Destinations › Ouagadougou
Weather in Ouagadougou
Landlocked capital alive with bronzesmith crafts and film festivals
—
Loading live weather...
About Ouagadougou
Ouagadougou pulses as Burkina Faso's landlocked capital, its bronzesmith crafts and film festivals drawing artists and entrepreneurs. The city's energy contrasts with the surrounding Sahel's vast emptiness, creating a cultural oasis.
Best months to visit
January, November, December
Language
French, Mossi, 60+ languages
Things to do in Ouagadougou
Visit bronzesmith workshops
Explore the National Museum
Attend Pan-African Film Festival
Shop at artisan markets
Dine on local cuisine
Visit nearby villages
Weather by month
Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.
Recommended
January
33C
Hot and humid, and mostly sunny skies.
February
36C
Very hot, and mostly sunny skies.
March
38C
Very hot, and mostly sunny skies.
April
39C
Very hot, and mostly sunny skies.
May
38C
Very hot, with occasional showers.
June
35C
Very hot, with occasional showers.
July
32C
Hot and humid, with regular rainfall.
August
30C
Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.
September
31C
Hot and humid, with some rainy days.
October
34C
Hot and humid, with occasional showers.
Recommended
November
35C
Very hot, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
December
33C
Hot and humid, and mostly sunny skies.
Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso's capital, is best known internationally for FESPACO, Africa's largest film festival, held every two years and turning the city into a hub for African cinema. Beyond the festival, 'Ouaga' offers bustling markets, a relaxed pace compared to many capitals, and a strong tradition of bronze casting and textile crafts found in its artisan workshops.
Best areas to stay in Ouagadougou
City Centre
The administrative and commercial core, with government buildings, banks and the main markets.
Grand Marché area
The rebuilt central market district, a hub for textiles, crafts and everyday goods.
Village Artisanal de Ouagadougou
An artisan village where craftspeople work and sell bronze casting, weaving and woodwork.
Ouaga 2000
A newer, more spacious district with government buildings, embassies and some upscale hotels.
Getting to Ouagadougou
✈
Flights
Ouagadougou Thomas Sankara International Airport connects to regional African hubs and some European routes via connections.
⏱
From London
~7-9 hours from London including a connection, typically via Paris or another African hub.
🚕
Getting around
Taxis and shared taxis (cars rapides) are the main way to get around; agreeing fares in advance is standard practice.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Ouagadougou?
November to February is the coolest and driest period; the hot season (March-May) and rainy season (June-September) are more challenging for travel.
What is FESPACO and when does it happen?
FESPACO (Pan-African Film and Television Festival) is held in Ouagadougou in odd-numbered years, typically in late February or March, drawing filmmakers and visitors from across Africa.
Is Ouagadougou safe for travellers?
Travellers should check current government travel advice before visiting, as security conditions in parts of Burkina Faso have changed significantly in recent years.
What crafts is the city known for?
Bronze and brass casting, woven textiles (especially faso dan fani cloth) and leatherwork are notable local crafts, often sold at artisan markets.
What language is spoken?
French is the official language, with Mossi (Mooré) widely spoken; English is rarely used outside a small number of business and tourism contexts.
Traveler reviews
★★★★★
Visited during FESPACO and the atmosphere was incredible — film screenings, music and a real sense of pan-African celebration across the city.
Issa T. · February 2023
★★★★☆
The artisan village was a highlight, watching bronze casters at work and buying directly from them at fair prices.
Brigitte M. · December 2022
★★★★☆
A friendly, low-key capital with great markets. Days were warm and pleasant in December, evenings cooler.
Paul N. · January 2023
Ready to visit Ouagadougou?
Find the best hotels and experiences for your trip.
More dream destinations
