The climate of Freetown
Situated along the Atlantic coastline,
Freetown is
Sierra Leone's largest city and capital. Characterized by Köppen's Am, a tropical monsoon climate, Freetown experiences a hot and humid climate year-round.
Throughout the year, Freetown faces temperatures oscillating between a monthly average high of 31.4°C (88.5°F) and a low of 23.9°C (75°F). The heat is especially pronounced during the months of
March and
February, with highs of 31.4°C (88.5°F) and 31.3°C (88.3°F), respectively. The recorded low temperatures mostly occur in the last quarter of the year, with the lowest in
August, registering 23.9°C (75°F).
Humidity levels are rather high.
January sees the least humidity at 68%, while the highest is observed in August at an impressive 86%. Rainfall distribution is uneven across the year, reaching an imposing monthly average of 391mm (15.39") in
July and August while being as low as 1mm (0.04") in February.
Daylight hours are fairly consistent, with a lowest average of 11.6 hours in
December and the highest average of 12.6 hours during
June and July.
The best time to visit Freetown
The ideal time for a visit to
Freetown largely depends on specific weather preferences. For those seeking higher temperatures and sunnier days, the months between
January and
April prove most suitable. During this period, the city gets up to 9.9 hours of sunshine a day with temperatures reaching their peak and rainfall at its minimal.
The worst time to visit Freetown
Travelers looking to avoid heavy rainfall should steer clear of the period from
June to
September wherein
Freetown experiences its monsoon season.
August records the highest rainfall at 391mm (15.39") accompanied by a humidity level that hovers around 86%.
Spring weather in Freetown
In
Freetown, the spring months, considered locally from
March to
May, showcase temperatures ranging from 31°C (87.8°F) to 30.7°C (87.3°F) in the afternoons and 24.6°C (76.3°F) to 26.2°C (79.2°F) during the evenings.
April, in particular, starts experiencing sizable increments in rainfall, from 6mm (0.24") in March up to 66mm (2.6").
Summer weather in Freetown
Summers in
Freetown are marked by monsoon rains, high humidity, and relatively lower temperatures. From
June to
August, afternoons see temperatures from 29.3°C (84.7°F) down to 27.3°C (81.1°F) while evenings range from 25.3°C (77.5°F) to 23.9°C (75°F). Coinciding with these months is also the city's peak rainfall period, as rainfall surges from 199mm (7.83") in June to a significant 391mm (15.39") in both
July and August.
Autumn weather in Freetown
Despite it being autumn in
Freetown from
September to
November, temperatures remain quite elevated ranging from 28.1°C (82.6°F) to 30.1°C (86.2°F) in the afternoons and 24.4°C (75.9°F) to 25.3°C (77.5°F) at night. The rainfall during this period remains high, from 220mm (8.66") in September, reducing somewhat to 151mm (5.94") in
October, and falling dramatically to 59mm (2.32") by November.
Winter weather in Freetown
In
Freetown, winter, as locally determined, lasts from
December to
February. During these months, the city experiences slightly lower temperatures that fluctuate from 31°C (87.8°F) to 31.4°C (88.5°F) in the day and from 24.5°C (76.1°F) to 24.1°C (75.4°F) in the evening. As we move from December to February, rainfall significantly decreases from 7mm (0.28") to 1mm (0.04"), presenting an opportune time to explore the city.
Weather in January
Freetown,
Sierra Leone starts its year with moderate weather conditions; temperatures fluctuating moderately from day to night. This month has a surprisingly low relative humidity and rainfall, together with the immense sunlight hours of about 9.8 hours per day, indicating a predominantly clear sky.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Following
January,
February exhibits a minor shift in the weather patterns of
Freetown. The city experiences a slight increase in humidity, indicating a marginal increment in atmospheric moisture. Accompanied by a drop in rainfall and a slightly higher sea temperature, this month solidifies the dry phase of Freetown.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March, in
Freetown, marks a turn towards a more humid and rainy phase. Gradual transitions can be witnessed in the temperature and atmospheric pressure compared to
February. Additionally, this month presents a somewhat noticeable increase in rainfall, while the sea temperature drops slightly, bringing a cooler, more refreshing seaside environment.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Transiting to
April, the weather in
Freetown becomes noticeably warmer and more humid than the preceding months. The city welcomes an even greater amount of rainfall, marking the start of the Rainy season. Despite an increase in cloud cover, daylight hours remain generous, promising bright days.
Weather in April »Weather in May
As
Freetown steps into
May, the city's weather takes on a thoroughly wet character. Temperatures cool slightly, but high humidity could make it feel more intense. There is also a significant jump in rainfall, turning the city distinctly rainier.
Weather in May »Weather in June
By
June,
Freetown's weather reaches its rainiest phase. Compared to
May, temperatures continue to plunge, and the humidity scales up, giving the air a heavy feel. The rainfall hits its peak this month, and the sea also turns choppier due to increased wind speeds.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July continues to follow the existing rainy weather trend in
Freetown. However, there is a noticeable dip in temperature, and humidity peaks, making the weather exceptionally damp. As rainfall continues to saturate the city, rivers continue to swell.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Freetown does not hold back on the rain but offers a slight respite as rainfall reduces marginally and temperature levels stabilize. The dampness of previous months lingers, affecting the quality of outdoor experiences.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September signals a change in the persistent rainy weather of
Freetown as there is a significant drop in rainfall. Although temperatures rise slightly, the intense humidity makes the warmth feel more oppressive. The sea remains cool, offering a refreshing diversion from the muggy weather.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings about
Freetown's transition from the wet to the dry season. The weather becomes tolerably hot, but high humidity levels persist. Rainfall lessens dramatically, and there is an appreciable rise in the sunlight hours.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November sets
Freetown's weather on a drier and sunnier course. The temperatures rise further, but comfortable wind speeds and lower humidity levels balance that out. The sea temperature remains steady, providing an enjoyable maritime environment.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December completes the weather cycle of
Freetown by maintaining a relatively warm and dry atmosphere. There are fewer hours of daylight, but the amount of sunlight remains high, ensuring adequate brightness throughout the day.
Weather in December »