When to Mali
Climate guide & best times to travel
Best Time to Visit
Month-by-Month Guide
January
January is one of the best months to visit Mali, featuring pleasant daytime temperatures and cool evenings. The Harmattan wind brings dry, dusty conditions from the Sahara, creating hazy skies but comfortable weather. This is peak tourist season with excellent conditions for exploring historical sites and cultural attractions.
February
February marks the end of the cool season with temperatures beginning to rise. The Harmattan winds continue to blow, maintaining dry conditions with dusty haze. This remains an excellent time for travel with comfortable weather, though it's noticeably warmer than January, especially in the afternoons.
March
March signals the transition to the hot season with temperatures climbing significantly. The heat becomes intense, particularly in the desert regions, though mornings can still be pleasant. The Harmattan winds begin to subside, and the air becomes clearer but much hotter, making outdoor activities more challenging.
April
April is one of the hottest months in Mali with scorching daytime temperatures throughout the country. The heat is oppressive, especially in the northern regions, and outdoor activities are best limited to early morning or evening. This is considered off-season due to the extreme heat, with few tourists visiting.
May
May continues the extreme heat with some of the highest temperatures of the year. Occasional pre-monsoon showers may occur, bringing brief relief but also increasing humidity. The intense heat makes this one of the most challenging months for travel, and tourism remains very low.
June
June marks the beginning of the rainy season with increasing rainfall, particularly in the south. While temperatures remain very hot, the rain brings some relief and the landscape begins to green. Humidity increases significantly, and travel to remote areas may become more difficult as roads can be affected by early rains.
July
July is in the heart of the rainy season with frequent rainfall, especially in southern Mali. Temperatures moderate slightly due to cloud cover and rain, but humidity remains high. The Niger River begins to swell, and the countryside becomes lush and green, though travel can be challenging in rural areas.
August
August typically sees the peak of the rainy season with the highest rainfall of the year. Heavy downpours are common, particularly in the afternoon and evening. While temperatures are more moderate than the hot season, high humidity can make conditions uncomfortable. Some roads and attractions may be inaccessible due to flooding.
September
September sees the rainy season beginning to taper off, though significant rainfall still occurs, especially early in the month. Temperatures remain moderate with high humidity. The landscape is at its greenest, and the Niger River reaches its highest levels, creating beautiful scenery despite occasional travel disruptions.
October
October marks the transition from the rainy to the dry season with decreasing rainfall and improving weather conditions. Temperatures remain warm but comfortable, and humidity begins to drop. The landscape is still green from the rains, making this an increasingly attractive time for visitors as conditions improve throughout the month.
November
November is an excellent month to visit Mali with the rainy season over and pleasant, dry weather settling in. Temperatures are comfortable, humidity is low, and the landscape remains green from recent rains. This marks the beginning of the tourist season with ideal conditions for all activities and cultural events beginning to take place.
December
December offers some of the most pleasant weather of the year with warm days and cool nights. The Harmattan winds begin, bringing dry air and dusty conditions from the Sahara. This is peak tourist season with excellent conditions for exploring historical sites, festivals taking place, and comfortable weather throughout the country.