December Weather in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Last updated: August 21, 2025

In December, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso experiences a dry and warm climate characterized by a striking maximum temperature of 38°C (101°F). The average daily temperature hovers around a comfortable 26°C (80°F), while nights can bring relief with cooler lows of 15°C (60°F). This month stands out for its lack of precipitation, with an impressive 0 mm (0.0 in) recorded over zero rainy days, resulting in a notably low humidity level of just 13%. Ideal for outdoor activities, December's weather creates a pleasant atmosphere for both locals and visitors to enjoy the vibrant culture of Ouagadougou.

December Temperature in Ouagadougou

In December, Ouagadougou experiences a pleasant shift as temperatures begin to cool down slightly compared to the scorching months preceding it. The minimum temperature settles at a comfortable 15°C (60°F), providing a refreshing relief, while the average temperature maintains a warm 26°C (80°F). With maximum temperatures reaching up to 38°C (101°F), the heat still lingers, but the overall climate is notably more temperate. This transition sets the stage for a beautiful end to the year in Burkina Faso's capital, where residents and visitors alike can enjoy the mild weather amidst the vibrant festivities of the holiday season.

December Weather in Ouagadougou: Daily Temperature Highs, Lows, and Averages

The chart illustrates December temperature patterns in Ouagadougou, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends. In Ouagadougou, December typically has an average temperature of {2}°C ({3}°F), with highs reaching up to {4}°C ({5}°F) and lows dropping to around {6}°C ({7}°F).
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec788390939186828082848479
Data source: Temperature data for Ouagadougou generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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The average of daily temperatures (24 hours) calculated across all days in the month.

December Precipitation in Ouagadougou

In Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, the month of December stands out starkly in the annual rainfall pattern, recording 0 mm of precipitation and 0 days of rainfall. Following the heavy downpours of the rainy season, which peaks in August with an impressive 221 mm and up to 23 days of rain, December signals a definitive transition into the dry season. This absence of precipitation mirrors November’s conditions, marking a notable end to the cyclical rhythm of rainfall that characterizes the city from May to October. As the calendar shifts into the dry months of winter, the landscape shifts to a parched tranquility, emphasizing the dramatic seasonal swings that define Burkina Faso's climate.

December Precipitation Trends in Ouagadougou

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Ouagadougou, with values for each month alongside December’s data, which is highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the amount of precipitation, providing insights into how December’s conditions compare to those of other months. In Ouagadougou, December typically receives around {2} mm ({3} inches) of precipitation spread over approximately {4} days.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec012529571122211424500
Data source: Precipitation data for December generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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December Humidity in Ouagadougou

In December, Ouagadougou experiences a marked decrease in humidity, settling at 13%—a notable drop from the sweltering levels of the preceding months. This month serves as a transition from the high humidity of the rainy season, which peaks around August at 82%, to the drier conditions that dominate the earlier part of the year. January and February follow with even lower levels of humidity, at 9% and 8% respectively, indicating the city’s shift towards a more arid climate. The dramatic change from the humidity surge in June and July showcases Ouagadougou's distinct seasonal rhythm, placing December as a crucial month where the lingering moisture begins to dissipate, setting the stage for the more comfortable dry season ahead.

December Average Humidity in Ouagadougou

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Ouagadougou, with December’s data highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the fluctuation in humidity throughout the year, helping you understand how conditions vary by season. In December, average humidity in Ouagadougou is approximately {2}%, offering insight into how humid the weather typically is during this month.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec10%8%10%27%52%73%75%82%82%75%33%13%
Data source: Humidity data for December generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

December UV Index in Ouagadougou

In December, Ouagadougou experiences a slight dip in the UV Index, with a value of 9, categorizing it as very high. This decrease marks a transition from the extreme levels seen in the preceding months, where the UV Index peaked at 14 in August. The burn time extends to 15 minutes, allowing for a bit more protection time compared to earlier months. Despite being somewhat less intense, it remains crucial to take precautions during this period, as exposure can still cause harm. As the sun's intensity remains significant throughout the year, staying informed is essential. For more details, visit Ouagadougou UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Ouagadougou for December

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Ouagadougou in December, representing the highest UV radiation level. The UVI measures the intensity of ultraviolet radiation from the sun, indicating the potential risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues. In December, the maximum UV index in Ouagadougou typically reaches {2}, which falls under the {3} exposure category.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec11111213121313141312109
Data source: Ouagadougou December UVI data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

  •  Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
  •  Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
  •  High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
  •  Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
  •  Low (0-2): No protection needed.

December Sunshine in Ouagadougou

In December, Ouagadougou basks in the warm glow of approximately 326 hours of sunshine, signifying a vibrant close to the year. This month’s clear, sunny days contribute to a trend of consistently high solar exposure, peaking in May with a remarkable 337 hours—the sun's peak performance. Following December, there is a noticeable drop in sunshine hours during the rainy season from June to August, yet the city quickly rebounds with robust sunshine in the autumn months. Overall, December reflects a delightful continuation of the dry season, offering both warmth and abundant light, ideal for both locals and visitors to relish the enchanting beauty of Burkina Faso.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Ouagadougou: December Highlighted

The December sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Ouagadougou experiences direct sunlight during the month of December, excluding cloudy or obstructed periods. This chart compares the sunshine duration of December with the other months of the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec265h296h325h321h337h329h328h279h306h325h318h326h
Data source: Ouagadougou December Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Ouagadougou During December

In Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, December offers a moderate chance of sunny weather, with about 66% likelihood of sunshine gracing the city. This month marks a notable transition, bridging the high probabilities of sun seen in January (91%) and February (78%), and the more unpredictable weather that follows in the spring and summer months. As the year winds down, the chance of sunshine in December is a pleasant improvement from the sweltering days of August, which plummet to just 17%. After a steady rise in sun chances through the late months of the year, December’s figures indicate a favorable start to the dry season, inviting residents and visitors to enjoy the warm rays before the cooler months set in.

Percentage of Sunny Days in December in Ouagadougou

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Ouagadougou throughout the year, with December highlighted. It highlights the variation in sunshine across each month and provides an overview of the typical frequency of sunny days, offering insights into how often Ouagadougou experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec91%78%60%54%51%59%38%17%46%60%69%66%
Data source: Ouagadougou December chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Ouagadougou in December

In Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, December marks the conclusion of the year with a consistent 11 hours of daylight. This duration reflects a noticeable pattern throughout the months, where the city enjoys 11 hours of daylight in both January and February before transitioning into longer days in the spring. From March to September, the hours of sunlight peak at 12 hours, providing ample daylight for the vibrant activities characteristic of this region. As October and November approach, the daylight hours gracefully taper back to 11 hours, ushering in the end-of-year festivities. Overall, the daylight duration in Ouagadougou showcases a rhythmic cycle, embracing both the lush abundance of summer and the serene stillness of winter.

Average Daylight Hours in Ouagadougou for December

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Ouagadougou throughout the year, with December highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec11h 28m11h 43m12h 3m12h 23m12h 41m12h 49m12h 45m12h 30m12h 10m11h 49m11h 32m11h 23m
Data source: Ouagadougou daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

December Winds in Ouagadougou

As December unfolds in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, the winds pick up a familiar rhythm, with an average speed of 2.8 m/s (6 mph), mirroring the gentle breezes of January and February. This consistent wind pattern suggests a soothing transition into the cooler dry season, as earlier months displayed slight fluctuations in speed. While August and September saw a dip in intensity, the winds reassert themselves by year-end, contributing to the city’s vibrant atmosphere. The pleasant December gusts not only provide relief from the heat but also hint at the approaching festivities, making it an ideal time for outdoor gatherings and celebrations amidst the enchanting backdrop of the Sahelian landscape.

Average December Wind Speed in Ouagadougou

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Ouagadougou, with values for each month shown alongside December's data, which is highlighted for easy comparison. It illustrates the average wind speed, offering insights into how December's wind conditions compare to the rest of the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec2.82.82.62.72.92.72.92.32.12.12.32.8 m/s
Data source: Ouagadougou December wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How December Weather in Ouagadougou Compares to Other Months

Weather in Ouagadougou varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares December’s weather to other months in Ouagadougou, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.

In comparing the weather between December and January, both months experience fairly stable conditions, with minimal fluctuations in temperature. December boasts a minimum temperature of 15°C (60°F) and an average temperature of 26°C (80°F), while January is slightly cooler with a minimum of 14°C (57°F) and an average of 25°C (78°F). Remarkably, both months experience the same maximum temperature of 38°C (101°F) and no recorded precipitation, resulting in dry, sunny days. Humidity levels are also low, with December at 13% and January slightly lower at 9%. For a detailed overview of January's weather, you can visit Ouagadougou weather in January.

In December, the weather is characterized by warm temperatures ranging from a minimum of 15°C (60°F) to a maximum of 38°C (101°F), with an average temperature of 26°C (80°F) and zero precipitation days. The humidity level is relatively low at 13%. In contrast, February sees slightly warmer conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 16°C (61°F) up to a maximum of 39°C (103°F) and an average temperature of 28°C (83°F). February also records minimal precipitation, just 1 mm, with humidity dropping even further to 8%. For more detailed insights, check Ouagadougou weather in February.

December and March both showcase the warm climate typical of the region, but they differ slightly in temperature and humidity. In December, the minimum temperature is around 15°C (60°F), with an average of 26°C (80°F), and a maximum reaching up to 38°C (101°F). The month is characterized by dry conditions, with no recorded precipitation and a low humidity level of 13%. In contrast, March experiences slightly warmer temperatures, featuring a minimum of 20°C (68°F), an average of 32°C (90°F), and a high of 42°C (108°F). Although March also records minimal precipitation at 2 mm (0.1 in), the humidity is marginally lower at 10%. For more detailed insights into the climate of this month, you can explore Ouagadougou weather in March.

In December, the weather is generally warm with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 15°C (60°F) to a maximum of 38°C (101°F), accompanied by low humidity at just 13% and no recorded precipitation. In contrast, April experiences even higher temperatures, with a minimum of 23°C (74°F) and a maximum reaching up to 43°C (110°F). Additionally, April sees a slight increase in humidity to 27% and some light precipitation of 5 mm (0.2 in) over just one day. For more detailed insights, you can refer to the Ouagadougou weather in April.

December and May in Ouagadougou exhibit stark contrasts in weather conditions. In December, the temperatures range from a mild 15°C (60°F) at night to a scorching 38°C (101°F) during the day, with average temperatures sitting around 26°C (80°F). Notably, this month experiences no precipitation and very low humidity at just 13%.

In contrast, May sees a significant rise in temperature, with nighttime lows of 23°C (74°F) and daytime highs reaching up to 42°C (107°F), resulting in an average of 33°C (91°F). This month also brings some rainfall, totaling 29 mm (1.1 in) over six rainy days, leading to higher humidity levels of 52%. For a more detailed look at the weather specifics, check out Ouagadougou weather in May.

In December, the weather in Ouagadougou is characterized by its warm temperatures, with a minimum of 15°C (60°F) and an average of 26°C (80°F), reaching a maximum of 38°C (101°F). The month is notably dry, with no recorded precipitation and a low humidity level of just 13%. In contrast, June brings higher temperatures, with a minimum of 21°C (71°F) and an average of 30°C (86°F), peaking at 39°C (103°F). However, this month is also much wetter, receiving about 57 mm (2.2 in) of rainfall over 8 days, contributing to a significant increase in humidity to 73%. For a closer look at the June weather specifics, check Ouagadougou weather in June.

December and July present starkly contrasting weather conditions. In December, temperatures range from a minimum of 15°C (60°F) to a maximum of 38°C (101°F), with an average of 26°C (80°F) and no recorded precipitation, resulting in very low humidity at 13%. In contrast, July features warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 22°C (72°F) and a maximum of 37°C (98°F). It also sees an average of 28°C (82°F) but is characterized by significant rainfall, totaling 111 mm (4.4 in) over 19 days, leading to much higher humidity levels at 75%. For a more detailed look at July's weather conditions, you can check Ouagadougou weather in July.

In December, the weather is characterized by warm temperatures, ranging from a minimum of 15°C (60°F) to a maximum of 38°C (101°F), with an average temperature of 26°C (80°F). This month is notably dry, with no recorded precipitation and low humidity at just 13%. In stark contrast, August experiences significantly higher humidity at 82% and a considerable amount of rainfall, with 221 mm (8.7 in) spread over 23 days. The temperature during August ranges from a minimum of 20°C (69°F) to a maximum of 35°C (95°F), with an average temperature of 27°C (80°F). For more detailed insights into the climate during this month, check out Ouagadougou weather in August.

In comparison to September, December presents a much drier and warmer climate. While September experiences a minimum temperature of 22°C (71°F) with a maximum of 36°C (97°F) and significant rainfall averaging 142 mm over 15 days, December boasts a minimum of 15°C (60°F) and a maximum that can reach up to 38°C (101°F) without any recorded precipitation. The humidity in December is notably low at just 13%, whereas September is characterized by high humidity levels at 81%. For more details on September weather, you can visit Ouagadougou weather in September.

In December, the weather in Ouagadougou is notably warmer and drier compared to October. The minimum temperature in December is a mild 15°C (60°F), with an average of 26°C (80°F) and a maximum reaching 38°C (101°F). In contrast, October starts off warmer, with a minimum temperature of 19°C (67°F) and an average of 29°C (84°F), but it also experiences significant rainfall, with 45 mm (1.8 in) over approximately 6 days and high humidity at 75%. Thus, while both months can peak at the same maximum temperature, December offers a much more arid and cooler experience overall. For more detailed information, you can check Ouagadougou weather in October.

In comparing the weather patterns of December and November, December generally experiences slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 15°C (60°F) and an average of 26°C (80°F), compared to November's minimum of 17°C (63°F) and average of 29°C (84°F). Both months see no precipitation, maintaining clear skies, but November is characterized by higher humidity at 33%, while December enjoys a much drier atmosphere with only 13% humidity. Given these conditions, December might feel more comfortable for outdoor activities. For a detailed look at November's weather, you can visit Ouagadougou weather in November.

Compare Ouagadougou's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From December Weather in Ouagadougou

December in Ouagadougou brings a notable shift in weather, with warm temperatures that can peak impressively, making it one of the hottest months. The average warmth combined with very low humidity creates a dry and comfortable atmosphere, ensuring that rainfall is virtually non-existent. This stark contrast to the humid and rainy months showcases December as an ideal time for outdoor activities and exploration. For those looking to appreciate Ouagadougou's climate in detail, be sure to visit Ouagadougou Climate for more insights.