Ouagadougou Weather in February

Hot, dry afternoons

February feels hot and very dry in Ouagadougou. Afternoons can reach 36°C, while evenings are cooler. Rain is rare, so you're unlikely to lose sightseeing time to showers. The bright, mostly clear days suit visits to the National Museum of Burkina Faso and the city's markets, but walking around at midday can feel draining. Save longer outdoor visits for the cooler parts of the day. The heat also makes a leisurely café stop more appealing than a long afternoon stroll.

Films and quieter streets

FESPACO, the Pan-African film festival held in Ouagadougou every two years, sometimes falls in February. Its timing varies, so it won't be on every February visit. When it is, screenings and events draw film fans and can make the city busier. Otherwise, February is generally calmer than the December and January high season. Prices may ease after the holiday period, though festival demand can change that.

If you love cinema, plan your visit around a FESPACO year; otherwise, you'll likely find fewer visitors.

A useful local stop

For a break from the heat, visit the Bangr-Weoogo Urban Park, a green space within the city where shaded paths offer a change from dusty streets. Go when the day is cooler, then find a nearby spot for tô, a local dish made from millet or sorghum and served with sauce. It's a filling meal, so take your time with it. February's dry conditions also mean you can usually explore the city without rain interrupting your plans, but don't expect a cool afternoon outdoors.