Gao, Mali: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Gao, Mali? If you're planning to go to Gao, this article contains some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Gao, Mali

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

What to wear/what to pack for Gao, Mali

Already know when you're traveling?

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

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

January

January in Gao very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage recently, 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of 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 Gao 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 large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Check that you choose the right kind. The majority of adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

February

February very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

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

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage these days, 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 Gao 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 stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Be careful to find the necessary type. A lot of adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

March

If you are traveling to Gao in March, you will notice that it very dry with almost no rain. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

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

  • 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags these days, 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 Gao 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 penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Make sure to pick the necessary type. Many adapters that you can buy are simply plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

April

Traveling to Gao in April, you will notice that it very dry with almost no rain. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 90s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

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

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • 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 things these days, 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 Gao may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Take care to find the right type. The vast majority of adapters available are just plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

May

May very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the 90s F (mid 30s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, 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 Gao 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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Be careful to choose the right type. Many adapters currently available are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

June

If you go to Gao in June, you will notice that it dry with little rain. Expect it to rain occasionally. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the 90s F (mid 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little 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 Gao may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • 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

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Check that you get the right kind. The majority of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

July

If you go to Gao in July, you will notice that it is sweltering. Expect it to rain regularly. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 90s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly 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 Gao 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.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • 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. Make sure to find the right type. Most adapters on sale are just plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most countries.

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

August

Traveling to Gao in August, you will notice that it is sweltering. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you 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 Gao 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 belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Be careful to get the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters currently being sold are just plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

September

September in Gao is unbearably hot. Temperatures average in the low 90s F (low 30s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains occasionally.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Mali 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 Gao 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 things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: 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.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Be careful to get the correct kind. The majority of adapters on sale are simply plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

October

Traveling to Gao in October, you will notice that it very dry with almost no rain. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

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

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, 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 Gao 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 huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Ensure that you get the right kind. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most countries.

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow 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

November

If you go to Gao in November, you will notice that it very dry with almost no rain. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: 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 Gao 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.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Check that you find the correct kind. Many adapters available online are simply plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is 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. Save money with this

December

December here very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things nowadays, 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 Gao 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Be careful to pick the correct type. Most adapters currently available are just plugs 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 locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

What to do in Gao, Mali

Gao, Mali is a destination that offers travelers an opportunity to explore the best of Mali's culture and history. This city located in the northern region of Mali is a treasure trove of history and culture that dates back to ancient times. Here are some of the top tourist attractions that you should not miss when visiting Gao, Mali.

The Great Mosque of Gao is one of the top attractions in Mali. It’s the largest mosque in West Africa and considered as one of the most important religious structures in the country. Built-in the 14th century, the Great Mosque of Gao is an excellent example of the beautiful Islamic architecture, with intricate carvings and beautiful arches. The mosque is a significant religious center in the region, and it’s a place where locals and tourists come to pray.

The Tomb of Askia is another prominent attraction in Gao. Located in the northern part of the city, the Tomb of Askia is a monument to the Askia dynasty that ruled the region in the 15th and 16th centuries. The tomb is a significant cultural center for the people of Mali, and it’s a must-visit attraction when in Gao.

The city's market is another top attraction in Gao. The market offers a glimpse into the daily lives of the people of Mali. You can find anything from textiles, pottery, jewelry, and other handicraft items. The market is also an excellent place to taste the local cuisine, such as Couscous and traditional Malian dishes.

The National Museum of Mali is also worth visiting. Here you can learn more about Mali’s history and culture, and you can see artifacts and other items from different regions of the country. From traditional clothing, masks, and carvings, to ancient manuscripts, the museum offers a unique insight into the country's past.

The Niger River is another attraction that you should not miss when visiting Gao. The river is the lifeline of the region, and it’s an excellent location for an afternoon boat ride. Along the riverbanks, you can see fishermen and traders moving their goods, which provides a unique look into the daily life of the people of Mali.

In conclusion, Gao, Mali, offers travelers a glimpse into the country's past and present. With its rich culture, history, and stunning natural sites, Gao is a destination worth exploring. So, if you're planning a trip to Mali, make sure to include Gao in your itinerary, and you won't be disappointed.

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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