I’m working on my laptop with socks on, trying to figure out what I want to tell you about Ghana. Until I suddenly thought…. I’m behind my desk with socks on. I’m sure some people think this is weird to read. Because isn’t it always hot in Ghana?? No, hahahahaha. It’s time for me to write about the weather in Ghana.
I get more questions about the weather, questions like; Does it rain every day, all day during the rainy season? What is the best time to travel to Ghana? Is it always warm in Ghana? Now you can google those questions and then you will find a lot of information. But I wouldn’t be a Ghana expert if I didn’t want to say anything too;)
And I’m going to take a different approach in this blog. After all, there are plenty of boring articles about the weather in Ghana! First I will answer the questions and then I will go to my gallery looking for photos of each month in the year and I will add them in this post. So you can get Ghana’s climate visually. I have to mention that I live in the Ashanti region, between the mountains and the temperature here is different than in the north of Ghana or Accra.
What is the best time to travel to Ghana?
When I Google this is usually there from December to March, because then it is dry. Read the advice of Responsible travel, for example. Some people even say that you should avoid Ghana in the first rainy season, which is from April to July because your holiday would literally fall into the water. The second rainy season is in September and October.
My advice on the best time to visit Ghana is a bit different. Firstly, you don’t always have the choice when you have time to travel. Secondly, the climate in Ghana is changing and you can no longer set the clock on the dry season and the rainy season. And thirdly, if you want to enjoy beautiful views, then the dry season is the worst period to travel through this country. You’ll see it in the pictures!
Does it rain all day during the rainy season?
No, definitely not. Although I have to say that this June month is quite wet. But it certainly doesn’t rain all day. And when you do end up in a tropical shower, is that so bad? The advantage of travelling in the rainy season are the beautiful skies and the showers are refreshing. Climbing the mountains in the Volta region, but also those in my area is a lot easier. And the views are beautiful. Click here to read more about the Prayer mountain I have a view of as I write this article.
Some heavy showers do bring an occasional flood, mostly in certain areas in the cities.
Is it always warm in Ghana?
No, definitely not! Me wearing socks today prove that. During the dry season, there is a period of harmattan. A dry and warm desert wind, temperatures rise to around 40 degrees Celsius during the day, but in the evening it cools down to below 20 degrees Celsius. You can imagine that’s pretty chilly. And also during the peak of the rainy season, this year in June, it can cool down quite a bit in the evening.
During the transition between seasons, so in November and the end of February and March, it can quite hot in a damp way. When you have planned a trip in which you will go hiking and climbing a lot, make sure to go early in the day.
Ghanaian weather in pictures
Fog and dust in January
In January, the mornings are fresh and foggy. When the fog clears away, it does not become brighter because of the dust particles that the harmattan wind spreads
The weather in Ghana in February is unpredictable
February is always a bit unpredictable. Normally the harmattan wind stops, but it is still dry season. Usually there are a few huge showers in February, which are accompanied by a lot of thunderstorms. This year it was very strange, the harmattan stayed on for quite a long time and even came back after such a shower. At the end of February 2020 it was extremely hot. I was pretty busy with Ashanti tours for Moon&Star guesthouse and we had to drastically change the program due to the extreme stuffy heat.
In the photos you can see a menacing sky and poor views from the mountain.
March in Ghana; the rain is in the air, but it doesn’t come out
This was a damp and hot day in March. Especially in the afternoon, it is often very hot. But even at night, it doesn’t cool down.
The long rainy season officially begins in April
April gives the occasional shower. So sometimes we have to run and quickly bring in the laundry for the rain. We also had a wonderful hot day on the water last April.
Radiant skies and beautiful views in May in Ashanti
So many websites say that you should not come to Ghana in May because of the many rains. At least that wasn’t right this year. Beautiful clear skies and nice views from the mountain. In the mornings it is usually a bit foggy. But from 8:00, it clears up. The sun is very bright at this time of year. In other words; Shawls and lots of anti-sunscreen in May
June in Ghana, cold nights and lots of rain in the afternoon
Every cloud has a silver lining. That’s no different in Ghana! So despite the cold nights and tropical showers at the end of the afternoon and in the evening we have many wonderful moments in terms of the weather! As you can see despite the rain still many blue skies and beautiful weather.
Below you can see 2 videos that illustrate how things can go at the other times.
Blue and grey skies in July
July 2020 was warm, with little rain and beautiful blue skies. But it wasn’t too hot to play a game of badminton! But in July it can also rain a bit. This year, July starts as we are used to grey and blue skies alternate. The temperature stays below 30 degrees Celsius almost every day.
Ghana Weather in August
Usually we have a break from the rain in August. Not many more night showers and dry days. The humidity is still quite high, which can make some days feel a bit hot and damp.
September weather in Ghana
September can be pretty hot. The rain is trying to come. Once it comes, there can also be drizzly, gloomy grey days full of drizzle. The good news is that the day after such a typical Dutch day in Ghana, is usually bright blue and nice and warm.
The last remnant of rainy season in October
Most rain in October falls at night. The view during the day is usually clear and it is not extremely hot.
In November, the transition from rain to dry season
The transition from the rain to the dry season brings heat. And occasionally thunderstorms at night.
chapped lips during dry season in Ghana
In December, sometimes even the end of November, the dry season begins. And the harmattan is also just around the corner. The harmattan is, as mentioned, a dry desert wind. Get lip balm and body lotion! You can buy shea butter locally and this works great! During the harmattan everything is dry, including the skin.
The mornings start fresh, but when the wind starts it quickly gets warm. By 4 o’clock in the afternoon the wind will lie down a bit and it will cool down quite a bit.
Beautiful landscape photos are difficult to take during this period. Foggy in the early morning and then surrounded by dust. Also, everything is a little less green in December.
My conclusion; Don’t let the weather in Ghana stop you from booking your Ghana trip!
Whatever month in the year you want to come, just come! As mentioned, the climate is changing worldwide and every month has something beautiful! Almost every month is good for radiant blue skies!
Do you want to prepare well for your trip to Ghana? Then read this article about good preparation!
Click on the photo to receive these 10 fun facts about Ghana and the Ghana coach updates
Although I’ve lived in snowy weather before and even experienced below 0°C in Minnesota, US, for some reason I’m always feeling cold ?. And the rainy season is the worst because I can literally feel the cold in my bones . You’ll see goosebumps on me everything I’m cold. I’m currently trying to find a place to buy stockings and office shoes and clothes for this weather. Any advice on where to look?
Yes, rainy season can be quite cold. In my area, the second-hand sellers are now(in the rainy season) selling more items, like sweaters and jackets, for colder weather. Office clothes can always be found there as well. I assume you can find a lot at Makola. As for shoes, most malls have nice shoe stores.