The climate of Accra
Accra, the capital city of
Ghana, is situated on the Atlantic coast. The city experiences an Aw-type climate according to the Köppen climate classification, identified as Tropical wet and dry or savanna. Throughout the year, the climate remains predominantly warm and humid.
Temperatures in Accra maintain little variation, ranging from a low of 23°C (73.4°F) during
August to a high reaching 31.4°C (88.5°F) in
April. The uniformity in climate is accompanied by similarly stable humidity levels, with averages fluctuating between a low of 73% in
January and a high of 85% in
September. Furthermore, the average visibility remains stable throughout the year at 10km (6.2mi), indicating clean and clear skies.
The city observes significant precipitation changes throughout the year. The rainy season, from
May to August, sees the highest rainfall measurements reaching 134mm (5.28"), alongside an increased number of rainy days, peaking at 24.7 days in
June. Contrastingly, drier weather prevails from
November to
February with minimal rainfall and fewer rainy days.
Wind speed markedly varies between 11.6km/h (7.2mph) during
December to 16.1km/h (10mph) in August. Meanwhile, UV index levels remain persistently high, reaching a stable maximum of 7 throughout most of the year, implying a strong need for UV protection.
The best time to visit Accra
The ideal time for touring
Accra is from
November to
February, when rainfall is limited, scattering showers across just 14.3 to 20.9 days on average. During this period, humidity levels are relatively low, and the city witnesses temperate weather conditions, with temperatures ranging from a mild 23.8°C (74.8°F) to a pleasant 30.3°C (86.5°F). Visitors can bask in unbroken sunshine for 8 to 9.2 hours per day, which is ideal for outdoor activities, sightseeing, and exploring the vibrant city culture.
The worst time to visit Accra
Tourists may find it challenging to roam around
Accra from
May to
August, due to high rainfall and increased relative humidity levels up to 84%. This period experiences the highest average rainfall, reaching 134mm (5.28"), with approximately 24.7 rainy days in
June. The heavy showers and storms can disrupt outdoor activities and travel plans.
Spring weather in Accra
Accra does not experience spring in the traditional sense due to its closeness to the equator. Instead, from
March to
May, it experiences higher rainfall, from 30mm (1.18") in March to an intense 134mm (5.28") by May. Relative humidity hits 77% in May, and temperatures remain stable, fluctuating from 26.4°C (79.5°F) to 31.4°C (88.5°F).
Summer weather in Accra
The summer season in
Accra, stretching from
June to
August, is characterized by heavy rainfall and high humidity, reaching a peak of 84% in August. The temperatures during these months vary from a minimum of 23°C (73.4°F) in August to a maximum of 30.7°C (87.3°F) in June, representing a slight dip from the average annual high temperatures.
Autumn weather in Accra
September to
November, akin to the autumnal season, witnesses a gradual decrease in rainfall from 94mm (3.7") to 43mm (1.69") and a similar trend is observed in the number of rainy days. Temperatures rise marginally with November marking the start of the dry period, recording an average high temperature of 30.3°C (86.5°F), while the average low sustains at a comfortable 23.8°C (74.8°F).
Winter weather in Accra
In
Accra, the winter months (
December to
February) are generally warm. Average temperatures remain constant at around 25.5°C (77.9°F) to 31.2°C (88.2°F), the least volatile temperature range witnessed in any season. Humidity scales down leading to drier conditions, while rainfall measures just 19mm (0.75") in December and 27mm (1.06") in February. Despite being the cooler part of the year, UV index maintains at 7, necessitating sun protection while venturing outdoors.
Weather in January
In
January,
Accra,
Ghana experiences relatively cool temperatures as compared to the following month. The weather portrays increased daylight hours, setting a lovely scene for outdoor activities. A modest level of rainfall is characteristic of this month, producing optimum conditions for thriving vegetation and agriculture.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Moving into
February, significant changes in
Accra's weather are scarcely noticeable. The rainfall still remains at a modest level, making it a particularly dry month. The wind speed gathers a bit more momentum, leading to relatively cooler late evening and early morning hours.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March in
Accra,
Ghana presents a swift transition in weather conditions, seeing an intensification of the heat. The weather pattern, however, remains consistent with the previous month, with daylight hours surpassing the average.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
As it steps into
April,
Accra experiences the most significant increase in rainfall from the preceding months. The weather offers residents more sunlight hours, imbued with substantial humidity, setting a pathway for the rainy season.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May in
Accra,
Ghana marks the height of the rainy season. The month’s weather is a combination of dampness, high relative humidity, and amplified wind speeds. The amount of sunlight received diminishes slightly compared to the previous month.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June's weather in
Accra is typified by a substantial decline in temperatures. Residents continue to grapple with persistent rainfall, although on a less dramatic scale than in
May. The sky remains overcast most of the time, decreasing the amount of sunlight received.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
When
July arrives in
Accra,
Ghana, a tangible shift in weather patterns occurs. The month heralds the start of the dry season, with a gradual decrease in rainfall. The cooler temperatures and windy conditions persist, offering the residents a much-needed respite from the persistent rain.
Weather in July »Weather in August
In
August Accra's weather undergoes meager alterations in the overarching weather conditions. The weather remains relatively cool with decreased rainfall levels. The persistent winds bring about cool evenings and early mornings, providing suitable conditions for outdoor recreational activities.
Weather in August »Weather in September
In
September, there's a characteristic improvement of weather conditions in
Accra,
Ghana. The days begin to lengthen, and the sunlight intensifies, suggesting the dry season's continuity. There is a noticeable decrease in wind speed compared to the previous month.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Accra ushers in a further reduction in rainfall levels. The weather displays elevated temperatures, increased sunshine duration, and relatively high wind speeds, signifying the dry season's peak. The air becomes less humid as compared to the preceding month.
Weather in October » Weather in November
In
November, the weather in
Accra,
Ghana, takes a drastic twist aptly marked by reduced rainfall and mild temperatures. The pronounced harmattan winds begin to blow, carrying dust particles from the Sahara desert. The temperatures sit at a comfortable middle, making the weather conditions ideal for agriculture and outdoor activities.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December's weather in
Accra signals the end of the harmattan season and the beginning of slightly warmer temperatures. The weather remains dry, with minimal rainfall, and the wind speeds reduce considerably. The level of humidity significantly decreases, leading into a comfortable and cool festive season.
Weather in December »