Bamako - Post Report Question and Answers
What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
The pollution is quiet bad due to burning trash. You can really smell it between October-April. It can be difficult to exercise outside year around. - Nov 2025
The dust and pollution especially in the Nov-Feb months, are VERY noticeable and have impacted the respiratory health of several people at post. While it's not fantastic the rest of the year I found it less bothersome/noticeable. - Apr 2017
I have heard people complain about the dust during the winter months (this is when the wind comes down off the Sahara Desert, bringing with it sand/dust) but honestly, I didn't notice much of a difference from the rest of the year. Overall I think the air quality is fine and have not noticed much of a difference from the US. Some Malians do burn their trash though so try to avoid those areas if you're sensitive. - Aug 2014
Good and bad. During the Harmattan (Dec-Jan) fine particles of sand blow through the air constantly, which brings with it alot of respiratory problems. From Feb-June it doesn't rain at all and so the dust becomes a problem. But the pollution is really environmental -- dust, etc., vs. man-made (cars, factories, etc). If you can't handle a tough natural environment, Mali is not for you. Mali has a harsh environment that cannot be ignored or avoided. - Jul 2011
Moderate. There're times of the year that are better than others. The harmattan (sand storm coming from the Sahara desert) from December to February lives the air heavier. - Jul 2011
Very unhealthy. It's dusty throughout the year, and the air pollution from vehicles doesn't help. It clears up a little bit during the rainy season. - Oct 2010
Horrible air quality. One of the worst I've ever seen. I'm rarely outside longer than an ho ur. - May 2010
