When to Bamako
Climate guide & best times to travel
Best Time to Visit
Month-by-Month Guide
January
January marks the height of the cool, dry season with pleasant temperatures and virtually no rainfall. Clear skies dominate with the harmattan winds bringing dry, dusty conditions from the Sahara. This is peak tourist season with excellent weather for all outdoor activities.
February
February continues the dry season pattern with increasing heat and no rainfall. Temperatures begin to climb as the sun's intensity increases, but conditions remain very comfortable. Dust from harmattan winds may reduce visibility but creates spectacular sunsets.
March
March brings the beginning of the hot season with temperatures reaching 100°F and virtually no rainfall. The heat becomes more intense as the dry season continues, with dusty conditions and bright, cloudless skies. Early morning and evening hours offer the most comfortable temperatures.
April
April represents the hottest month of the year with scorching temperatures reaching 103°F and minimal rainfall. The pre-monsoon heat becomes oppressive during midday hours, making outdoor activities challenging. This marks the end of the main tourist season as temperatures become uncomfortable.
May
May shows the first signs of the approaching wet season with slightly increased rainfall and marginally cooler temperatures. The intense heat continues but occasional pre-monsoon showers begin to appear. Humidity starts to rise as the atmospheric conditions prepare for the rainy season.
June
June marks the beginning of the rainy season with significant temperature drops and increased rainfall. The arrival of monsoon rains brings welcome relief from the extreme heat, though humidity levels rise considerably. Afternoon thunderstorms become common, clearing the dusty atmosphere.
July
July brings the full monsoon season with heavy rainfall and the coolest temperatures of the year. Regular downpours transform the landscape from brown to green, though high humidity can make conditions feel muggy. This is the most comfortable month temperature-wise despite frequent rain.
August
August represents the peak of the wet season with the highest rainfall of the year and continued cool temperatures. Heavy rains can cause flooding in low-lying areas, but the cooler weather provides relief from the earlier heat. The landscape reaches its greenest point during this month.
September
September continues the rainy season with substantial precipitation but shows signs of the monsoon's gradual retreat. Temperatures remain pleasantly cool while rainfall begins to decrease from August's peak. The countryside remains lush and green from months of consistent rainfall.
October
October marks the transition from wet to dry season with decreasing rainfall and rising temperatures. The landscape remains green from the previous months' rains while the weather becomes more predictable. This transitional period offers a good balance of moderate temperatures and reduced precipitation.
November
November signals the return of the dry season with minimal rainfall and increasing heat. The post-monsoon period brings clear skies and comfortable conditions as tourist season begins to pick up. Vegetation starts to brown as the dry conditions return.
December
December establishes the dry season pattern with no rainfall and pleasant temperatures. The harmattan winds return, bringing dry conditions and occasional dust haze from the Sahara. This marks the beginning of peak tourist season with excellent weather for travel and outdoor activities.