Bamako, Mali: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2023]

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Ready to pack for Bamako, Mali? If you're planning to go to Bamako, the following is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Bamako, Mali

Based on the climate and weather in Bamako, Mali, the best time to go is December. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Bamako, Mali

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Bamako, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Bamako, Mali by month

January

January in this region is really hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Bamako may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Ensure that you get the necessary type. Most adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most areas.

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are planning to visit the must-see Bamako Grand Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter this mosque; you should check with the Bamako tourism authority.

If you go to Bamako Botanical Gardens, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

February

If you vacation in Bamako during February, you may see that it can be excruciatingly hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C). Humidity is generally between 10 and 20% during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Bamako may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Check that you get the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are planning to visit the must-see Bamako Grand Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter this mosque; you should check with the Bamako tourism authority.

If you go to Bamako Botanical Gardens, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

March

March in Bamako can be excruciatingly hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the high 90s F (high 30s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Bamako may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Ensure that you choose the necessary type. The majority of adapters available are simply plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are planning to visit the must-see Bamako Grand Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter this mosque; you should check with the Bamako tourism authority.

If you go to Bamako Botanical Gardens, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

April

If you are traveling to Bamako in April, you will notice that it can be blisteringly hot and very dry. Daytime temperatures are in the low 100s F (high 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Bamako may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. It's important that you find the necessary kind. A lot of adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are planning to visit the must-see Bamako Grand Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter this mosque; you should check with the Bamako tourism authority.

If you go to Bamako Botanical Gardens, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

May

If you go to Bamako in May, you will notice that it is blindingly hot. Expect it to rain sometimes. Daytime temperatures are in the high 90s F (high 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Bamako may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Make sure to get the right type. A lot of adapters currently being sold are just plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most places.

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are planning to visit the must-see Bamako Grand Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter this mosque; you should check with the Bamako tourism authority.

If you go to Bamako Botanical Gardens, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

June

June is scorchingly hot and somewhat stormy. Temperatures average in the low 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Bamako may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Be sure to pick the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are planning to visit the must-see Bamako Grand Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter this mosque; you should check with the Bamako tourism authority.

If you go to Bamako Botanical Gardens, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

July

In July, Bamako is really hot, somewhat rainy and somewhat stormy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 80s F (low 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 70s F (low 20s C). This is also a rainy time for Bamako, with several of the days of the month having rain. In July, humidity reaches as high as 70%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Bamako may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. It's important that you choose the correct kind. The majority of adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are planning to visit the must-see Bamako Grand Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter this mosque; you should check with the Bamako tourism authority.

If you go to Bamako Botanical Gardens, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

August

August in Bamako can be very hot, somewhat rainy and somewhat stormy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) to 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Bamako may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Ensure that you pick the right kind. Many adapters available are just plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most areas.

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are planning to visit the must-see Bamako Grand Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter this mosque; you should check with the Bamako tourism authority.

If you go to Bamako Botanical Gardens, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

September

September is extremely hot, somewhat rainy and somewhat stormy. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Bamako may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Take care to choose the necessary type. A lot of adapters currently sold are just plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are planning to visit the must-see Bamako Grand Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter this mosque; you should check with the Bamako tourism authority.

If you go to Bamako Botanical Gardens, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

October

October in Bamako can be very hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) to low 90s F (low 30s C), although night temperatures can dip into the 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Bamako may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Take care to choose the right kind. Most adapters available online are simply plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are planning to visit the must-see Bamako Grand Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter this mosque; you should check with the Bamako tourism authority.

If you go to Bamako Botanical Gardens, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

November

November is a scorcher and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the low 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Bamako may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. It's important that you get the necessary kind. Many adapters for sale now are just plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are planning to visit the must-see Bamako Grand Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter this mosque; you should check with the Bamako tourism authority.

If you go to Bamako Botanical Gardens, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

December

If you are traveling to Bamako in December, you will notice that it can be very hot and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Bamako may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. It's important that you pick the necessary type. Many adapters available online are simply plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are planning to visit the must-see Bamako Grand Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter this mosque; you should check with the Bamako tourism authority.

If you go to Bamako Botanical Gardens, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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