The climate of Kumasi
Kumasi,
Ghana, earns its climatological classification as a city with a Tropical wet and dry or savanna type (Aw), based on the Köppen climate classification system. Geographically situated near the equator, this region experiences minimal temperature variability and precipitation peaks at certain times of the year.
Throughout the year, temperatures in Kumasi remain consistently warm, with the highest temperature typically reaching 33.5°C (92.3°F) in
February and the lowest dropping to 20.4°C (68.7°F) in
January. On average, the difference between the highest and lowest temperatures in a single day rarely varies more than 10°C (50°F). In terms of daylight, the city gets an average of 7.2 hours of sunshine and approximately 12.2 hours of daylight throughout the year.
The precipitation pattern reveals a unique characteristic of Kumasi's weather. While rainfall is observed nearly year-round, it peaks from
May to
August with an all-time high of 214mm (8.43") in
June.
December, on the other hand, marks the driest month with a comparatively meager 26mm (1.02") of rain. In terms of the number of rainfall days, June and
October top the list with 17 days each.
The UV index, a critical indicator of the sun's radiation intensity, stays relatively high throughout the year. The index touches its peak at 12 from February to May and in August, necessitating substantial protection against potent sun rays during these months.
The best time to visit Kumasi
In terms of favorable climatic conditions,
December to
February stands out as the ideal period to plan a visit to
Kumasi. These months coincide with the dry season, featuring the least rainfall, ranging from 15mm (0.59") in
January to 66mm (2.6") in February. The temperature during this period is steadily warm, fluctuating between 31.9°C (89.4°F) to 33.5°C (92.3°F), with the lowest temperature falling between 20.4°C (68.7°F) and 22°C (71.6°F), offering a warm and dry weather for outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Kumasi
Conversely, basing on the heavy downpour,
June would be deemed as the least suitable month for a visit. With the highest rainfall averaging 214mm (8.43") spanning across 17 days, potential visitors can expect the highest frequency of rain disruptions to their travel plans. Simultaneously, diminished sunshine hours at 4.9 hours experienced during June marks the lowest in the year.
Spring weather in Kumasi
In harmony with the tropical climate of
Kumasi, the term 'spring' doesn't precisely apply. However, if reflecting on the traditional northern hemisphere seasonality,
March to
May would correspond to spring. During these months, visitors can anticipate temperatures to range from a low of 22°C (71.6°F) to a high of 32.9°C (91.2°F). Higher rainfall is observed, with May reaching an average precipitation of 174mm (6.85") spread over 14 days.
Summer weather in Kumasi
June through
August, the months analogous to summer, exhibit intensified rainfall with an average amount reaching its peak at 214mm (8.43") in June. Correspondingly, these months bear the highest number of rainfall days, contributing to decreased sunshine duration, particularly in June with just 4.9 hours.
Autumn weather in Kumasi
The period from
September to
November, akin to autumn in temperate zones, experiences a slight dip in temperature, with the average high sliding to 30.1°C (86.2°F) in
October and the lows holding steady around 21°C (69.8°F). Rainfall sees a noticeable decrement with 74mm (2.91") in November. However, the number of rainfall days remains somewhat constant, revolving around 17 days in October.
Winter weather in Kumasi
The winter months, from
December to
February, offer consistently warm temperatures, with the highs wavering between 31.9°C (89.4°F) and 33.5°C (92.3°F) and the lows settling around 21°C (69.8°F) to 22°C (71.6°F). Rain is at its minimal during these months, making it the driest period of the year. While the amount of rainfall is less, the number of sunshine hours begins to increase, reaching 6.7 hours in February, promising clear skies for most of the day.
Weather in January
Kumasi,
Ghana starts the year with consistent weather patterns typical for this West African city.
January's meteorological elements reveal a range from 20.4°C (68.7°F) to 31.9°C (89.4°F) in temperature, staying steadily above room temperature, suitable for outdoor activities.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February's weather in
Kumasi,
Ghana, sees a slight increase in climatic diversity. Rising from
January’s temperatures, February hosts temperatures between 22°C (71.6°F) and 33.5°C (92.3°F). Sunshine hours increase to 6.7 hours, illuminating the city a bit longer.
Weather in February » Weather in March
In
Kumasi, the weather in
March signals the beginning of the rainy season. With rainfall increasing to a significant 137mm (5.39"). Weather patterns become a bit more unpredictable, with additional rain equating to less sunshine in a day despite longer daylight hours.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Transitioning into
April,
Kumasi continues experiencing the rainy season peak. April's average temperature ranges from 22.4°C (72.3°F) to 32.3°C (90.1°F), providing more than enough heat for the incoming rains to periodically cool the city.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May enters with the weather continuing its rainy season pattern in
Kumasi. The city observes the highest rainfall amount of the year reaching 174mm (6.85"). As the month progresses, both the average high and low temperatures decrease slightly, providing a minor but welcome relief from heat.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June brings considerable changes to the weather in
Kumasi,
Ghana. The city experiences lower high temperatures, which descend to 29.5°C (85.1°F) from the previous months. The UV Index drops to 11, indicating a slightly less intense solar radiation.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Kumasi sees a continuation of the trend from
June. The average high temperature comes down further to 28°C (82.4°F), making it the coolest month regarding peak temperatures. Even though rainfall decreases, the number of rainy days remains the same, resulting in more frequent but less heavy showers.
Weather in July » Weather in August
In
Kumasi,
August brings a slight easing of the heavy rains from the previous weeks. The city receives the least rainfall of the rainy season at 90mm (3.54"), signaling a shift in the weather pattern. While temperatures hold relatively steady with minor changes from
July, sunshine hours lessen further.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September ushers in a sharp shift in
Kumasi's weather data. Rainfall increases drastically, reaching 165mm (6.5"), pushing Kumasi back into heavier rain conditions. Despite the onset of increased rainfall, temperatures undertake a climb to warmer readings.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
Weather in
Kumasi in
October continues the trend set by
September. Temperatures continue to gradually increase, providing additional warmth to the city. Rainfall remains high although not at its peak, indicating the continuance of the second rainy season.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November sees a shift in
Kumasi's weather pattern. Rainfall drops dramatically to 74mm (2.91"), signaling the end of the second rainy season. The UV index drops to 11, indicating a decrease in solar intensity. Sunshine hours increase, drying up the excess moisture left from previous months' rains.
Weather in November » Weather in December
In
December,
Kumasi,
Ghana, approaches the end of the year with weather conditions shifting to dry patterns. Rainfall plunges to the lowest annual level at 26mm (1.02"), and the number of rainy days drops significantly. Temperatures remain relatively consistent with those of the previous month.
Weather in December »