Timbuktu - When to Visit

When to Visit Timbuktu

Climate guide & best times to travel

Monthly Climate Data for Timbuktu Average temperature and rainfall by month Climate Overview 8°C 17°C 27°C 37°C 47°C Jan Jan: 30.0°C high, 13.0°C low Feb Feb: 33.0°C high, 15.0°C low Mar Mar: 36.0°C high, 18.0°C low Apr Apr: 40.0°C high, 22.0°C low May May: 42.0°C high, 26.0°C low Jun Jun: 41.0°C high, 27.0°C low Jul Jul: 38.0°C high, 25.0°C low Aug Aug: 36.0°C high, 24.0°C low Sep Sep: 38.0°C high, 24.0°C low Oct Oct: 39.0°C high, 22.0°C low Nov Nov: 35.0°C high, 17.0°C low Dec Dec: 30.0°C high, 13.0°C low Temperature
Timbuktu experiences an extremely arid desert climate characterized by intense heat and virtually no rainfall throughout the entire year. The city sees a distinct seasonal temperature pattern with cooler months from December through February (highs 86-91°F) and scorching hot conditions from April through October, with peak temperatures reaching 107°F in May. The complete absence of rainfall (0.0 inches every month) and consistent 70% humidity levels define this as one of the world's most arid climates. The climate follows a clear pattern: a relatively mild 'cool' season from December to February, an extremely hot pre-summer period from March to June with temperatures exceeding 100°F, and a slightly less intense but still very hot period from July through November. The lack of any wet season or monsoon makes this destination consistently dry, requiring careful preparation for desert conditions year-round.

Best Time to Visit

Beach & Relaxation
December through February offer the most tolerable temperatures (86-91°F highs) for any outdoor relaxation activities.
Cultural Exploration
December through February are ideal with cooler temperatures (86-91°F) making walking tours and outdoor cultural sites more comfortable.
Adventure & Hiking
December through February provide the only feasible conditions for outdoor adventures, with highs of 86-91°F being the coolest of the year.
Budget Travel
April through October may offer lower accommodation rates due to extreme heat (100°F+), though comfort will be significantly compromised.

Month-by-Month Guide

January

January offers the most comfortable temperatures of the year with pleasant highs of 86°F and cool nights dropping to 55°F. The complete absence of rainfall continues the dry season pattern. This is peak tourist season due to the relatively mild desert conditions.

86°F High
55°F Low
0.0 inches Rainfall
High Crowds
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February

February maintains excellent weather conditions with highs of 91°F and nighttime lows of 59°F. The dry conditions persist with no rainfall expected. This remains prime visiting season before the intense heat begins.

91°F High
59°F Low
0.0 inches Rainfall
High Crowds
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March

March marks the beginning of the hot season with temperatures rising to 97°F during the day and 65°F at night. The arid conditions continue with zero precipitation. Tourist numbers begin to decline as heat intensifies.

97°F High
65°F Low
0.0 inches Rainfall
Medium Crowds
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April

April brings intense heat with daytime temperatures reaching 104°F and nighttime lows of 72°F. The bone-dry conditions persist with no relief from rainfall. This marks the beginning of the challenging hot season for visitors.

104°F High
72°F Low
0.0 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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May

May represents the hottest month of the year with scorching daytime temperatures of 107°F and warm nights at 78°F. The extreme aridity continues with zero precipitation. This is the most challenging month for any outdoor activities.

107°F High
78°F Low
0.0 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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June

June maintains extremely hot conditions with highs of 106°F and nighttime temperatures of 81°F providing little relief. The drought conditions persist with no rainfall. Tourist activity remains at its lowest due to the intense heat.

106°F High
81°F Low
0.0 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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July

July sees a slight decrease in maximum temperatures to 101°F, though nights remain warm at 78°F. Despite this being a traditional rainy season elsewhere in West Africa, Timbuktu receives no precipitation. The heat remains intense but slightly more manageable.

101°F High
78°F Low
0.0 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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August

August continues the gradual cooling trend with daytime highs of 97°F and nighttime lows of 76°F. The arid conditions persist with zero rainfall despite this being peak wet season in neighboring regions. Heat remains challenging for visitors.

97°F High
76°F Low
0.0 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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September

September experiences a slight temperature increase to 100°F during the day with nights at 76°F. The extreme drought conditions continue with no precipitation. The heat remains prohibitive for most tourist activities.

100°F High
76°F Low
0.0 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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October

October brings another surge in heat with temperatures reaching 102°F and nighttime lows of 72°F. The bone-dry conditions persist with zero rainfall. This represents one of the hotter months in the latter half of the year.

102°F High
72°F Low
0.0 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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November

November marks the beginning of the cooling trend with more manageable highs of 95°F and pleasant nights at 63°F. The arid conditions continue with no precipitation. Tourist numbers may begin to increase as temperatures become more tolerable.

95°F High
63°F Low
0.0 inches Rainfall
Medium Crowds
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December

December ushers in the cool season with comfortable daytime temperatures of 86°F and refreshing nights at 56°F. The dry conditions persist with zero rainfall. This marks the return of favorable weather conditions and increased tourist activity.

86°F High
56°F Low
0.0 inches Rainfall
High Crowds
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