REPUBLIC OF MALI (continued)
5. When's the best time to visit?
Climate and Seasons
Public Holidays
Ramadan
Annual International Festivals
CLIMATE AND SEASONS
Mali’s climate varies greatly from the arid north to the semi-topical south. It experiences three relatively distinct seasons, which can vary in length by region:
| Cool and dry season | October through February |
| Hot and dry season | March through June |
| Wet (rainy/humid) season | July through September |
Sparsely populated northern Mali, which is part of the Sahara, is very arid and hot. It does not experience a wet season.
Southern Mali, where most of the population lives, has distinct wet (summer) and dry (winter) seasons. But rains are unpredictable and erratic - often too much or too little to sustain agriculture.
During the November-to-February dry winter season, temperatures during the day are in the mid-70s°F and the nights can become cold. However, it can be much warmer during the day in Timbuktu and Dogon country.
From November to February, hot dry winds from the Sahara in the northeast (called the harmattan) blow across Mali and create gray skies and irritating dust storms (watch your camera!).
During the hot and dry season (March through June), daytime temperatures are often in the 90s°F and strong dusty winds from the northeast are very prevalent. During the summer wet season, daytime temperatures are in the mid-80s°F.
December and January are the best months to visit Mali, especially if you plan to venture into Timbuktu, which is located at the foot of the very dry and hot Sahara. During these months temperatures are generally pleasant during the day, although evenings can be cool and winds can be strong.
Plan to pack comfortable lightweight cottons for traveling most of the year in Mali. You may want to take a sweater and/or lightweight jacket during the cooler winter dry season. If you plan to visit Mali during the wet season, take an umbrella and other appropriate rain gear.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
Mali’s major public holidays in 2008 include the following (holidays marked with an asterisk are Muslim holidays - specific dates change from year to year):
| January 1 | New Year's Day |
| January 20 | Armed Forces Day |
| March 20 | Maouloud (The Prophet's Birthday)* |
| March/April | Easter |
| March 26 | Martyrs' Day/Democracy Day |
| March 26 | Baptism of the Prophet* |
| May 1 | Labor Day |
| May 25 | Africa Day |
| September 22 | Independence or National Day |
| December 8 | Tabaski (Feast of Sacrifice)* |
| December 25 | Christmas Day |
RAMADAN
When planning your trip to Mali or any other Muslim country, keep in mind Ramadan, the holy month of fasting (no eating, drinking, or smoking during the day), which varies according to the Islamic lunar calendar. From 2008 to 2013 Ramadan runs for the following 30-day periods:
| Year | Ramadan |
|---|
| 2008 | September 1 - September 30 |
| 2009 | August 21 - September 19 |
| 2010 | August 11 - September 9 |
| 2011 | August 1 - August 30 |
| 2012 | July 20 - August 18 |
| 2013 | July 9 - August 7 |
During that time, many restaurants outside the major hotels are closed until sunset. Shops have restricted hours to accommodate their staff members.
Given such irregular hours and activities, you may want to plan your trip to Mali either before or after Ramadan. At least know when Ramadan starts during the year you plan to travel to Mali - then count 30 days to see if it might negatively affect your travel plans. Don't become a disappointed traveler and discover the two days you planned for Bamako, Djenne, or Timbuktu unexpected landed on a holiday!
ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL FESTIVALS
Mali celebrates several festivals each year. Many of these festivals showcase Malian music, dance, and art. While many are traditional festivals held within various regions, others are more international in focus and draw hundreds of visitors from abroad each year.
Two of the largest such international-oriented festivals include:
1. Festival in the Desert (Festival au desert):
This annual three-day international musical festival is held during the second week of January (in 2009 it's scheduled for January 9-11) in the desert oasis of Essakane, which is located 65 kilometers (45 miles) northeast of Timbuktu.
Known as the world's most remote and exotic musical festival, it's indeed a cultural experience. Hundreds of musicians, dancers, artists, and curious visitors from all over the world come together in a huge campsite, complete with Tuareg tents, ground mats, and generator-powered lights and sound system.
This desert festival includes concert performances of both contemporary and traditional music, dancing, singing, displaying arts and crafts, playing with swords, and racing camels.
Bring your sleeping bag and some warm clothes for chilly desert evenings.
For more information, visit the official festival website which may or may not be updated: www.festival-au-desert.org. Also, check out this collection of informative YouTube videos of previous festival activities:
2. Festival on the Niger (Festival sur le Niger
Also known as the Segou Festival, this colorful annual four-day musical and art festival is held along the banks of the Niger River in the old colonial city of Segou.
The festival usually takes place at the very end of January and/or beginning of February. It features traditional music, contemporary musicians, artists, craftspeople, traditional dance and puppet troupes, concerts, films, meetings, art exhibitions, and pinnace (traditional wooden boats) races along the Niger River.
For more information, visit the official website for this festival: www.festivalsegou.org.
The following YouTube video clips provide an introduction to both daytime and evening activities surrounding this festival:
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