The climate of Wa
Wa,
Ghana, lies in the Köppen climate zone described as Tropical wet and dry or savanna, also known as the Aw group. Nestled in the extreme north-west of the country, Wa experiences distinctive variations in temperature, humidity, and precipitation patterns throughout the year, which play a crucial role in shaping its climate.
The yearly cycle of weather is marked by temperatures ranging from 20.3°C (68.5°F) to 39.7°C (103.5°F). Warm temperatures are a constant, peaking at a high of 39.7°C (103.5°F) in
March and never dipping below 20.3°C (68.5°F) in
January. The nights, although relatively cooler, maintain a comfortable warmth. Significant humidity fluctuations occur throughout the year, with the relative humidity levels reaching as high as 82% in
August and dropping to a low of 14% in January.
Rainfall in Wa is seasonal, with the heaviest precipitation observed from
July to
September, reaching a peak at 155mm (6.1") in August. Contrastingly,
December and January are nearly devoid of rainfall, with 0mm (0") precipitation recorded. Sunshine hours also exhibit a mixed picture, peaking at 12.7 hours in
June and July and dropping to 11.5 hours in December. The cloud coverage shows a similar trend, increasing during the wet season and decreasing during the dry months.
Wa's climatic conditions are additionally influenced by the wind. Wind speeds average between 6.5km/h (4mph) to 9.6km/h (6mph), with
February experiencing the highest wind gusts reaching 14.1km/h (8.8mph).
The best time to visit Wa
Visitors planning a trip to
Wa may wish to consider the months of
November to
February. During this period, temperatures are relatively milder, ranging between 20.3°C (68.5°F) to 36.7°C (98.1°F) with slowed down rain showers. The low rainfall days make outdoor activities feasible, while humidity levels, as low as 14% in
January, make the weather less oppressive. Besides, with longer daylight hours, tourists can make the most out of their visit.
The worst time to visit Wa
The least favorable months to visit
Wa are between
July and
September. This period is marked by the highest rainfall observed throughout the year, peaking at 155mm (6.1") in
August. The high humidity levels, peaking at 82% trough this period, coupled with the high cloud coverage, may limit outdoor activities. In addition, the shorter daylight hours, with just 12.4 hours of sunshine in July and August, may also restrict sightseeing and other daytime pursuits.
Spring weather in Wa
Wa does not have a conventional Spring season in terms of weather patterns typically associated with this season. However, if we equate
March,
April, and
May to the Spring months, they are noted for rising temperatures from 36.7°C (98.1°F) to 39.7°C (103.5°F). Rainfall begins to pick up, reaching 61mm (2.4") in May, but the number of rainy days remains relatively low. Humidity begins to rise, and wind speed maintains a steady pace from 7.9km/h (4.9mph) to 9.6km/h (6mph).
Summer weather in Wa
June,
July, and
August are considered the Summer months. During this period, rainfall reaches its zenith, with the wettest month recorded as August with 155mm (6.1") of precipitation. Humidity too is at its peak during this period, making the weather hot and humid. Despite high cloud coverage, there are ample sunshine hours with 12.7 hours per day in June and July.
Autumn weather in Wa
September,
October, and
November correspond to the Autumn period. During these months, although temperatures remain high, ranging from 30.8°C (87.4°F) to 36°C (96.8°F), there is a significant decrease in precipitation. Rainfall drops from 123mm (4.84") in September to just 7mm (0.28") in November, signalling the transition from wet to dry season. Sunshine hours reduce marginally and wind speeds show a slight dip.
Winter weather in Wa
Winter in
Wa, spanning
December,
January, and
February, is characterized by more tolerable temperatures, from 20.3°C (68.5°F) to 38.3°C (100.9°F). Rainfall is virtually non-existent in December and January, making these the driest months. Longer daylight hours and lower humidity levels provide a pleasant respite from the hot and humid conditions experienced throughout much of the year. Wind speeds tend to pick up during this period, peaking at 9km/h (5.6mph) in February.
Weather in January
Beginning the year, the climatic conditions in
Wa,
Ghana are defined by a remarkably low level of humidity at only 14%. The weather is characteristically warm with a generous amount of daylight. Clear skies greet the inhabitants for most days, contributing to a high visibility.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Wa experiences a slight increase in humidity levels during
February, although the overall environment remains significantly dry compared with the wet season. February's weather highlights a perfect balance between warm temperature ranges, light winds and a small upsurge in the monthly rainfall quantity, amounting up to 10mm (0.39").
Weather in February » Weather in March
March continues the trend of increasing humidity levels in
Wa, but is still far from the peak of the wet season. The transition into the wet season begins, indicated by an uptick in rainfall amounts to 28mm (1.1") during this month.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
By
April, the weather in
Wa has noticeably changed with the arrival of increased cloud cover and rainfall levels that reach 33mm (1.3"). Correspondingly, relative humidity also increases, giving the atmosphere a noticeably muggy feel.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May in
Wa,
Ghana witnesses a climb in rainfall quantities up to 61mm (2.4") and a marked increase in relative humidity to 53%. This means the wet season is in full swing with frequent showers and overcast skies. There is still a substantial amount of daylight available, although the high levels of humidity can make the atmosphere feel intensely muggy.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June is in the middle of the wet season in
Wa, and the weather reflects this with an increase in cloud cover and relative humidity up to 62%. The maximum recorded temperature is slightly lower as compared to
May, indicating some relief from the previous heat.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
As the peak of the wet season,
July experiences a notable increase in cloud cover and rainfall, tallying at 31.2°C (88.2°F) as well as a high relative humidity of 74%. The climatic condition of
Wa in July is thoroughly saturated with cloud cover as well as ample rain showers.
Weather in July »Weather in August
The month of
August represents the final heights of the wet season for
Wa. August characterizes a dynamic blend of downpours and clear skies notwithstanding the maximum relative humidity value of the year recorded at 82%. With the significant increase in precipitation, the weather becomes a mix of heavy rain intermixed with occasions of bright sunshine.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September witnesses a rapid decrease in relative humidity from the soaring value of 82% in
August. The significant drop in both rainfall and relative humidity marks the beginning of the transition into the dry season. The weather in
Wa, during this month, is a blend of occasional rain showers, plenty of sunshine and declining temperatures.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings a noticeable shift in climate, characterized by dropping rainfall levels, a more significant temperature climb, and declining humidity. The shift from the wet season gives way to a more arid and less cloud-filled atmosphere.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November represents a continuing transition towards drier conditions for
Wa. Relative humidity falls to 40%, making the atmosphere significantly drier compared to the wet season. As rainfall levels plummet to 7mm (0.28"), the local populace enjoys brighter days and cooler nights.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Concluding the year, the weather in
Wa,
Ghana exhibits typical dry season characteristics with virtually no rainfall and a relative humidity of only 17%. With an average high temperature of 36.1°C (97°F),
December presents a warm but dry climate for the local inhabitants.
Weather in December »