Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso? If you're planning to go to Bobo-Dioulasso, below is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso

Based on the climate and weather in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, the best time to go is December. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso

Already know when you're traveling?

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

What to wear/what to pack for Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso by month

January

If you are traveling to Bobo-Dioulasso in January, you will notice that it is extremely 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

    Given current world events, Burkina Faso has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags nowadays, 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 Bobo-Dioulasso may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. It's important that you find the right kind. Most adapters available are just plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

If you visit the Place de la Nation Musee Provincial, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

February

February is constantly hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Burkina Faso has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Emergency phone

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Take care to get the correct kind. Many adapters on sale are just plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money 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

If you visit the Place de la Nation Musee Provincial, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

March

If you visit Bobo-Dioulasso during March, you will probably see that it can be sizzling and very dry. Temperatures tend to hover around the 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 70s F (mid 20s C). Humidity is generally between 20 and 30% during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Burkina Faso has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Emergency phone

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

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Ensure that you get the correct kind. Many adapters that you can buy are simply plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • 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 neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

If you visit the Place de la Nation Musee Provincial, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

April

If you visit Bobo-Dioulasso during April, you are likely to see that it is scorchingly hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 70s F (mid 20s C). Humidity is generally between 30 and 40% during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Burkina Faso has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For added protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Bobo-Dioulasso 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

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Be sure to get the necessary kind. The majority of adapters on sale are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most locations.

If you visit the Place de la Nation Musee Provincial, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

May

If you vacation in Bobo-Dioulasso during May, you may notice that it can be sweltering and somewhat stormy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 70s F (mid 20s C). Humidity is generally between 40 and 50% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain occasionally.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Burkina Faso has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you find 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 Bobo-Dioulasso may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. It's important that you choose the correct kind. Many adapters available online are just plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices 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 pillow

    A great choice is this one

If you visit the Place de la Nation Musee Provincial, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

June

June in Bobo-Dioulasso is constantly hot and somewhat stormy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Burkina Faso has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For added protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you 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 Bobo-Dioulasso may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Be sure to get the right kind. Many adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most places.

If you visit the Place de la Nation Musee Provincial, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

July

July in Bobo-Dioulasso is extremely warm, somewhat rainy and very stormy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) to low 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Burkina Faso has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags recently, an AirTag can find 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 Bobo-Dioulasso may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Check that you pick the right type. A lot of adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most areas.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties 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

If you visit the Place de la Nation Musee Provincial, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

August

August for Bobo-Dioulasso is extremely warm, somewhat rainy and very stormy. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Burkina Faso has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Emergency phone

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

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Take care to find the correct type. A lot of adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you visit the Place de la Nation Musee Provincial, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

September

September in Bobo-Dioulasso is extremely warm, somewhat rainy and very stormy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Burkina Faso has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit more 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 Bobo-Dioulasso may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Make sure to choose the necessary type. A lot of adapters on sale are simply plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • 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 large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

If you visit the Place de la Nation Musee Provincial, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

October

If you go to Bobo-Dioulasso in October, you will notice that it is consistently hot and somewhat stormy. Expect it to rain occasionally. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Burkina Faso has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

  • Emergency phone

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For additional peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Ensure that you choose the necessary kind. Most adapters available online are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

If you visit the Place de la Nation Musee Provincial, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

November

November is really hot and very dry. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (low 30s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Burkina Faso has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For additional peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Be careful to find the necessary type. A lot of adapters available online are simply plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most locations.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile 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

If you visit the Place de la Nation Musee Provincial, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

December

December in Bobo-Dioulasso is constantly 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

    Given current world events, Burkina Faso has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Bobo-Dioulasso 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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Check that you find the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are just plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

If you visit the Place de la Nation Musee Provincial, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

What to do in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso

Bobo-Dioulasso, located in southwest Burkina Faso, is the country’s second-largest city and one of its cultural and historical centers. Boasting a rich blend of traditional and modern culture, Bobo-Dioulasso is a must-visit for those interested in exploring Burkina Faso’s cultural heritage. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the top tourist attractions in Bobo-Dioulasso.

1. Grand Mosque

The Grand Mosque of Bobo-Dioulasso is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, and a must-see for visitors. Built in the Sudanese architectural style using mud bricks and timber, the mosque’s stunning minarets tower over the cityscape. Visitors are welcome, but are advised to dress modestly and remove their shoes before entering.

2. Old Town

Bobo-Dioulasso’s Old Town is a fascinating patchwork of narrow, winding streets and traditional Sudanese architecture. Visitors can get lost in the labyrinthine alleyways, taking in the sights and sounds of the bustling marketplaces and traditional homes.

3. Maquis

A visit to Bobo-Dioulasso is not complete without experiencing its vibrant maquis scene. These lively outdoor restaurants and bars serve up delicious local cuisine and often feature live music and dancing. Popular maquis include Maquis La Pampa, Bobo-Yiri, and Maquis City.

4. Sindou Peaks

The stunning natural beauty of the Sindou Peaks is not to be missed. Located just outside Bobo-Dioulasso, this ancient range of rocky outcrops is a popular spot for hiking, birdwatching, and picnicking. Visitors can also admire the peaks from a distance at the nearby Domes de Fabedougou.

5. Musee de Bobo-Dioulasso

The Musee de Bobo-Dioulasso is the city’s premier museum of cultural and natural history. Featuring exhibits on the local customs and traditions of the Bobo people, as well as the region’s wildlife and geology, the museum is a great way to learn more about Burkina Faso’s rich cultural heritage.

6. Village Artisanal de Bobo-Dioulasso

The Village Artisanal de Bobo-Dioulasso is a bustling marketplace where visitors can shop for traditional crafts and souvenirs. The market is home to many local artisans who create everything from textiles and pottery to jewelry and woodcarvings. Visitors can also watch the artisans at work, and even try their hand at some of the traditional crafting techniques.

Bobo-Dioulasso is a fascinating and rewarding city to explore, with plenty of cultural and natural attractions on offer for visitors. With its blend of traditional and modern culture, stunning architecture, and lively maquis scene, Bobo-Dioulasso is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the history and culture of Burkina Faso.

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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