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What to Do in Gao
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During some times of the year, Gao is really hot.  There's no simpler way than to say it than that. But, visitors that come during the cool season might be surprised to find daily highs that are only in the 70�-80� (31�/33�) range and at nighttime the desert can be downright cold with temperatures dropping into the 50� (15�-18�) range.

Best Time to Visit - During the Annual Cool Season
The best and most popular time for tourists to visit is between December and March.  Gao is directly reachable from France with weekly Point-Afrique charter flights, and temperatures are at their most pleasant during the day and night.  In addition, the Niger River is at its peak meaning that Niger River cruises are at their most picturesque and pleasant.

2nd Best Time to Visit - Fewer Tourists, Better Prices
Visitors that prefer a quieter visit (e.g. fewer tourists) will find October, November, and early December to be another great time to visit Gao.  Although it can be warm during the daytime, it is nothing like the heat of the hot season and nighttime temperatures are cool and comfortable.  In addition, the river has already risen from the annual rains and is quite green and inviting.  Finally, since it's not the high tourist season, visitors can likely negotiate and expect slightly better prices because the main tourist season has not yet arrived.

Don't Come During...
This is a tourism web site, so we'll never tell you not to visit Gao at a certain time of the year...tourists are always welcome...but, well, it would be a little disingenuous not to mention that there are several months a year that most tourists might just find a bit unpleasant. 

The hot season in Gao, which also coincides with the lowest point for the Niger River, is April, May, and June.  The rainy season starts in either late June or July and runs through September.  The rainy season in Gao is a big event to farmers relying on the rains but not a big event for visiting tourists. In southern Mali, it can rain at least a little almost every day, while in Gao it rains only about once every 10 days.  During these two seasons, far fewer tourists visit Gao.

Gao Average Daily Temperatures and Rainfall (Degrees Farenheit)

Gao Average Daily Temperatures and Rainfall
(Degrees Celsius)

Source: Yahoo.com, Weather.com

Planning Your Trip

Getting to Gao

Travel Agencies

Tour Guides

Best Times to Visit

Visas / Who Cards

Gao Trip Planner

Gao Tourist Map