Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to 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
- Important essentials for Bobo-Dioulasso
- Activities for Bobo-Dioulasso
- Bobo-Dioulasso in January: weather and what to pack
- Bobo-Dioulasso in February: weather and what to pack
- Bobo-Dioulasso in March: weather and what to pack
- Bobo-Dioulasso in April: weather and what to pack
- Bobo-Dioulasso in May: weather and what to pack
- Bobo-Dioulasso in June: weather and what to pack
- Bobo-Dioulasso in July: weather and what to pack
- Bobo-Dioulasso in August: weather and what to pack
- Bobo-Dioulasso in September: weather and what to pack
- Bobo-Dioulasso in October: weather and what to pack
- Bobo-Dioulasso in November: weather and what to pack
- Bobo-Dioulasso in December: weather and what to pack

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.
When to go to Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
Based on the climate and weather in Bobo-Dioulasso, the best time to go is December. See below for details.
Important essentials for Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Bobo-Dioulasso, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
Travel insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage
Cases are climbing again, and areas are returning to lockdown. If you or a companion get COVID-19, you may be stuck with no way home -- but travel insurance can protect you. Learn more about COVID-19 and travel insurance
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Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
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Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry TSA-friendly option.
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Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
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Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks don't exist for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
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N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of protection you can have.
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A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards may become worn. An unreadable vaccine card can have severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
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(U.S. Residents) Telehealth COVID-19 test for entry to U.S.
U.S. residents still need a certified COVID-19 test to return home, but it can now be via Zoom. Learn more
General health necessities
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Emergency water purifier
Some areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's important to have an emergency water purifier like this one.
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Travel first aid kit
This one is a good option.
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Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
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Airplane or car necessities
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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.
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Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. This one works in most countries, but you should check with your hotel.
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For families with young children
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Money/passport pouch
Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.
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Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
What to wear/what to pack for Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in this region can be very 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:
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Sunglasses
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from UV rays:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
February
February here is really 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:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
-
Bug repellent
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Sunglasses
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you cool and guard against skin damage:
March
If you vacation in Bobo-Dioulasso during March, you will probably find that it is scorchingly hot 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:
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Waterproof sandals
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are engineered to cool you:
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Light linen shorts
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Lightweight 'harem' pants
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Sun protecting pants
These will keep your legs safe from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
- https://amzn.to/31Mz9kT
Bug bite relief
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Personal cooling fan
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Thin short sleeve shirts
Remember to bring extra, as these easily get wet or dirty.
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Skirts
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High-SPF sunscreen lotion
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Insulated water bottle
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Bug repellent
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Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are specially designed to keep you cool and to provide UV protection.
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Sunglasses
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Rain poncho
A high quality rain poncho to wear over your jacket can be a lifesaver by protecting your nice coat. We like this one.
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Stormy weather makes rubber rain boots a necessity. These boots are great for stormy weather:
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An umbrella
This excellent one is made for bad weather.
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Waterproof luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. The most durable suitcases can let moisture in. We like:
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Rain pants
Rain pants are vital in heavy rain.
April
April in Bobo-Dioulasso is sizzling. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 90s F (mid 30s C), although night temperatures can dip into the 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
- https://amzn.to/31Mz9kT
Bug bite relief
-
Insulated water bottle
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are created to help you stay cool and to provide UV protection.
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are specially designed to help you stay cool:
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
Sunglasses
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
You should bring extra, as these often get wet or dirty.
-
Personal cooling fan
-
Light linen shorts
-
UV protecting pants
These will keep you safe from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
Skirts
-
Rain poncho
A durable rain poncho to wear over your jacket will help avoid loads of aggrevation by protecting your main coat. We like this one.
-
Stormy weather makes rubber rain boots a necessity. These boots work well for stormy weather:
-
An umbrella
This excellent one is designed for storms.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. Even the most durable suitcases can let rain in. We like:
-
Rain pants
These will be vital in a storm.
May
May here is extremely hot and somewhat stormy. Temperatures average in the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Bug repellent
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunglasses
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against UV rays:
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
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Waterproof phone bag
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Umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
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Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We suggest:
June
June here can be very hot and somewhat stormy. Temperatures average in the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Skirts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunglasses
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from UV rays:
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We suggest:
July
If you vacation in Bobo-Dioulasso during July, you are likely to notice that it is pretty consistently hot, somewhat rainy and very stormy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and guard against skin damage:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Bug repellent
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We suggest:
August
If you visit Bobo-Dioulasso during August, you might see that it is pretty consistently hot, somewhat rainy and very stormy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 60s F (low 20s C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Skirts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and guard against skin damage:
-
Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunglasses
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We suggest:
September
In September, Bobo-Dioulasso is pretty consistently hot, somewhat rainy and very stormy. Temperatures routinely are in the 80s F (high 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 60s F (low 20s C). This is also a rainy time for Bobo-Dioulasso, with several of the days of the month having rain. In September, humidity reaches as high as 70%.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and cool you.
-
Sunglasses
-
Bug repellent
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you cool and guard against skin damage:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Skirts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We suggest:
October
If you visit Bobo-Dioulasso during October, you are likely to see that it is extremely hot and somewhat stormy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C). Humidity is generally between 40 and 50% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain once in a while.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Bug repellent
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you cool and guard against skin damage:
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We suggest:
November
November in this region can be very hot and very dry. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (low 30s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Skirts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunglasses
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you cool and protect you from the sun:
December
December for Bobo-Dioulasso is consistently 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:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunglasses
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against skin damage:
-
Bug repellent
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Skirts
Activities for Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Bobo-Dioulasso.
If you go to the Place de la Nation Musee Provincial, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
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Comfy walking shoes
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Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
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Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
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