🇬🇭Accra
Forecast by:  | 11 Sep Fri | 12 Sep Sat | 13 Sep Sun | 14 Sep Mon | 15 Sep Tue | 16 Sep Wed | 17 Sep Thu |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | 33° 24° | 32° 23° | 31° 24° | 33° 23° | 33° 22° | 34° 23° | 33° 24° |
| Precipitation | 49% | 56% | 58% | 33% | 14% | 36% | 42% |
| Humidity | 70% | 72% | 76% | 72% | 70% | 69% | 75% |
| Wind | 14 km/h | 13 km/h | 11 km/h | 12 km/h | 9 km/h | 9 km/h | 9 km/h |
Best time to visit Bamako
The best times to visit Bamako are October to January, when conditions are largely dry and suit sightseeing, though Harmattan dust can reduce visibility. February to May is hotter, while June to September is the least suitable period, with frequent rain, thunderstorms and possible flooding.
JanuaryTemp (°C)24°Rain (mm)0Sun Hours10Dry Days30
January is dry and dusty, around 17-33°C, with Harmattan haze that can reduce visibility. The conditions suit city sightseeing and cultural visits.
FebruaryTemp (°C)27°Rain (mm)3Sun Hours10Dry Days28
February is hot and dry, around 20-36°C, with dusty Harmattan air. The Festival of the Niger in nearby Ségou is a seasonal cultural attraction.
MarchTemp (°C)30°Rain (mm)0Sun Hours10Dry Days31
March is very hot and dry, around 23-38°C, with Harmattan dust possible. Plan outdoor sightseeing for morning or late afternoon.
AprilTemp (°C)33°Rain (mm)2Sun Hours10Dry Days28
April is intensely hot and dry, around 25-39°C, with possible Harmattan dust. Outdoor sightseeing is most comfortable during morning and late afternoon.
MayTemp (°C)34°Rain (mm)8Sun Hours10Dry Days27
May is very hot, around 25-38°C, with dusty air and rain arriving during the month. Thunderstorms can interrupt outdoor plans and journeys.
JuneTemp (°C)33°Rain (mm)20Sun Hours10Dry Days24
June is hot and humid, around 24-35°C, with frequent rain as the wet season develops. Downpours can flood roads and make sightseeing difficult.
JulyTemp (°C)30°Rain (mm)67Sun Hours9Dry Days21
July is rainy, around 22-32°C, with severe thunderstorms and flooding capable of disrupting travel. Heavy rain also brings high seasonal mosquito exposure.
AugustTemp (°C)28°Rain (mm)85Sun Hours8Dry Days15
August is very wet, around 22-31°C, with peak seasonal rain, severe thunderstorms and flooding. Heavy rain brings high seasonal mosquito exposure and can affect Niger River boat trips.
SeptemberTemp (°C)29°Rain (mm)70Sun Hours9Dry Days19
September is humid and rainy, around 22-32°C, with flooding possible. Showers can interrupt road travel and outdoor sightseeing.
OctoberTemp (°C)31°Rain (mm)15Sun Hours10Dry Days27
October is hot, around 22-34°C, with largely dry conditions and occasional rain early in the month. The weather suits city sightseeing and excursions.
NovemberTemp (°C)28°Rain (mm)4Sun Hours10Dry Days30
November is dry, around 19-33°C, with clear conditions suited to sightseeing. Harmattan dust may affect visibility late in the month.
DecemberTemp (°C)25°Rain (mm)0Sun Hours10Dry Days31
December is dry and warm, around 17-33°C, with occasional Harmattan dust affecting visibility. The conditions suit exploring Bamako and nearby sights.
Sources: responsibletravel.com, en.wikivoyage.org
Sightseeing Sélingué and surroundings
Cost: From 173.84 USD · Duration: 8 hours · ★ 5.0 (1 reviews)
At only 140 ks from Bamako, Sélingué is a great place to visit for a day. The village is situated on the shores of an artificial lake. A local guide takes you exploring the village and its surroundings.
Brief
- Try local dishes such as tô with peanut or okra sauce, maafé, grilled brochettes, and drinks such as bissap or ginger juice. Use reputable restaurants and avoid raw or poorly refrigerated food.
- Keep plans flexible for possible changes in fuel, food, water, and electricity availability.
Safety and health
- Security risk is severe: militant groups have expanded operations into central and southern Mali, and attacks have occurred near Bamako. Avoid non-essential travel, military or government sites, demonstrations, and travel outside the city without reliable security arrangements. (
bbc.com)
- Yellow fever vaccination is required for travellers aged 9 months and older, and is recommended by health authorities for travel to Mali. Carry the international vaccination certificate. (
cdc.gov)
- Mali has high malaria risk, including potentially severe falciparum malaria. Arrange suitable preventive medication, use repellent, wear covering clothing, and sleep in screened or air-conditioned accommodation or under a mosquito net. (
wikivoyage.org |
- Mosquitoes and sand flies can transmit dengue, Zika, and leishmaniasis; ticks can transmit African tick-bite fever and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever. Use repellent and check for ticks after outdoor exposure. (
- Drink sealed or properly treated water and follow “cook it, peel it, or forget it.” Avoid swimming or wading in freshwater because of schistosomiasis, and avoid floodwater or muddy soil after heavy rains because of melioidosis. (
- A current CDC notice reports diphtheria outbreaks in Mali and other sub-Saharan African countries. Ensure routine diphtheria protection is up to date before travel. (
Recent News
- May 2026: An attack on a military base near Bamako reportedly killed Mali’s defence minister in a suicide truck bombing. The incident reflects the ability of militant groups to reach areas close to the capital. (
- 5 September 2026: The former head of the Bamako gendarmerie was reportedly sentenced to 20 years in prison for treason and related offences, highlighting the politically sensitive environment and risks of discussing or photographing security matters. (
news-pravda.com)
- July 2026: Sabotage temporarily disrupted Bamako’s water and power supplies. Water was later reported to have returned, but visitors should monitor local conditions and maintain backup drinking water and charging options. (
africanews.com)
