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

Empty Lighthouse is a reader-supported site. This article may contain affiliate links to Amazon and other sites. We earn a commission on purchases made through these links.

Ready to pack for Timbuktu, Mali? If you're planning to go to Timbuktu, I've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Timbuktu, Mali

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

What to wear/what to pack for Timbuktu, Mali

Already know when you're traveling?

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

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

January

January here very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s 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.

  • 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 frequently 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 Timbuktu 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

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. It's important that you find the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters on sale are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

February

February in this region 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can 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 Timbuktu may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Ensure that you choose the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters available online are simply plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most places.

  • Travel pillow

    What we like 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

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

March

March 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Emergency phone

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: 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 penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Make sure to get the right type. Most adapters for sale now are just 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 sufficient for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

April

Traveling to Timbuktu in April, 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.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Timbuktu 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 luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Be sure to pick the correct kind. The majority of adapters currently sold are simply plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most places.

  • 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 great choice is this one

May

If you go to Timbuktu in May, 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find 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 Timbuktu 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

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Ensure that you get the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters on sale are just plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. 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 large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

June

If you are traveling to Timbuktu in June, you will notice that it very dry with almost no rain. 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.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Timbuktu 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 airlines always losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Check that you find the correct kind. The majority of adapters available online are simply plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most places.

  • 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

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

July

Traveling to Timbuktu in July, you will notice that it very dry with almost no rain. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 90s F (high 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 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.

  • Emergency phone

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Be sure to choose the correct type. Most adapters available online are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

August

August 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 always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can find 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 Timbuktu 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 protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties 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 good option is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. It's important that you find the right kind. The vast majority of adapters available online are just plug changers 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 locations.

September

If you are traveling to Timbuktu in September, you will notice that it very dry with almost no rain. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 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.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Timbuktu 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 airlines always losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Ensure that you get the correct type. The vast majority of adapters on sale are simply plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

October

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

  • 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can find 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 Timbuktu may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel 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

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Take care to get the necessary type. Many adapters that you can buy are just plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most countries.

November

If you are traveling to Timbuktu in November, you will notice that it very dry with almost no rain. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the 70s F (mid 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.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can 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 Timbuktu 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

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is 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. Be sure to choose the correct kind. Many adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most places.

December

December for Timbuktu very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s 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 repeatedly losing things these days, an AirTag can locate 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 Timbuktu 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

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option 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

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Take care to choose the right kind. The majority of adapters for sale now are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

What to do in Timbuktu, Mali

Timbuktu, located in the north of Mali, is a city that has played a vital role in the history of West Africa. It has served as a center for trade, religion, scholarship, and exploration for centuries. Today, Timbuktu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit destination for anyone interested in African history and culture. Here are the top tourist attractions in Timbuktu:

1. Djinguereber Mosque: This is one of the most famous mosques in Timbuktu and is considered one of the three oldest in West Africa. It was built in the 14th century and is a masterpiece of Sudano-Sahelian architecture. The mosque is still in use today and serves as a center for Islamic scholarship and worship.

2. Sankore Mosque: Another ancient mosque in Timbuktu, the Sankore Mosque was built in the 14th-century and is also a significant example of Sudano-Sahelian architecture. It was once the center of the Islamic university of Timbuktu, which was renowned for teaching Islamic law, astronomy, mathematics, and medicine.

3. Timbuktu Manuscripts: The city of Timbuktu was a center for Islamic scholarship and education for centuries, and as a result, it holds a vast collection of manuscripts. These manuscripts are written in Arabic and contain valuable information about Islamic law, history, and philosophy. The Timbuktu Manuscripts were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998.

4. Ahmed Baba Institute of Higher Learning and Islamic Research: Named after the renowned Timbuktu scholar Ahmed Baba, this institute is a center for research and scholarship in Islamic studies. The institute houses a museum containing ancient manuscripts and exhibits about Timbuktu's rich history and culture.

5. Tomb of Askia: The Tomb of Askia is a significant historical and cultural monument located in Gao, a city close to Timbuktu. It was built in the 15th century by Askia Muhammad, the ruler of the Songhai Empire. The tomb's architecture is a masterpiece of West African architecture, and it is an important symbol of West African cultural heritage.

6. Essakane Festival: The Essakane Festival is one of the largest cultural events in Timbuktu. It is a music festival that celebrates West African music, dance, and culture. The festival is held annually in January and attracts musicians and tourists from all over the world.

In conclusion, Timbuktu is one of the most important historical and cultural centers in West Africa. Its ancient mosques, manuscripts, and monuments are a testament to the city's rich history and cultural heritage. A visit to Timbuktu is not only an opportunity to learn about Africa's past but also to witness its vibrant present.

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.

Check out our guides for these other locations: Saeftinghe, Netherlands, Northwest Odisha, India, Milpitas, California, United States of America, Sancti Spíritus, Cuba, Eastern Panama, Panama, Litchfield Park, Arizona, United States of America, Claymont, Pennsylvania, United States of America, Niamey, Niger, Brenham, Texas, United States of America, Moneygall, Ireland, and Pedavadlapudi, India.