Climate and monthly weather forecast
Ghana

Situated on the Gulf of Guinea in West Africa, Ghana spans an area of 238,533 square kilometres. As a tropical country, its geography ranges from coastal savannahs to tropical jungles. The country is divided into five ecological zones: coastal, forest, deciduous forest, transitional and northern savannah, each impacting the country's climate. This geographical diversity results in a variety of microclimates across the country. Despite regional variations, Ghana experiences high temperatures and significant rainfall throughout the year, with an average annual temperature of 26.6°C (79.9°F). The country is characterized by two main seasons: the wet and the dry season. However, rainfall patterns vary considerably from the coast to the north. The south typically has two rainy seasons, from April to June and from September to November, while the north has one, usually from April to October.

The best time to visit Ghana depends primarily on the visitor's tolerance for heat, humidity, and rain. Generally, the period from November to April, which corresponds to the dry season, is considered the most favourable time to visit. During this period, the average temperature hovers around 30°C (86°F), and humidity is relatively low. These conditions make it an ideal time for sightseeing, wildlife viewing, and engaging in outdoor activities. However, the harmattan, a dry, dusty wind from the Sahara, can occasionally cause hazy conditions from December to February, particularly in the north.

The rainy seasons, particularly the long one from April to June, can be challenging for travel in Ghana. Roads in remote areas may become impassable due to flooding, and outdoor activities may be disrupted by heavy rain. Furthermore, the coastal areas experience high humidity during these periods, which some may find uncomfortable. The rainfall during the second, shorter rainy season in September and November is less intense but may still cause minor travel disruptions.

Ghana does not experience spring in the traditional temperate sense due to its tropical climate. However, in the March to May period corresponding to the northern hemisphere's spring, Ghana experiences one of its wet seasons. During this time, the country receives heavy rainfall, particularly in the south. The average temperature can range between 26°C (78.8°F) to 30°C (86°F), with humidity levels generally high. Despite the rain, the vibrant green scenery during this period offers a unique experience.

During June, July, and August, which correspond to the northern hemisphere's summer, Ghana sees the end of the first rainy season and the beginning of the second in the south, while the north continues to experience rainfall. The average temperatures remain relatively stable, hovering between 26°C (78.8°F) to 30°C (86°F). The second rainy season, beginning in September, is less intense than the first.

Autumn, as defined in the temperate zones, does not occur in Ghana. However, during the September to November period, the second rainy season in the south comes to an end. Average temperatures during this period range from 26°C (78.8°F) to 29°C (84.2°F). The rainfall during this season is less heavy than in the first rainy season, but some areas, especially in the south, can still experience substantial showers.

The concept of winter does not apply to Ghana due to its tropical climate. From December to February, the country experiences its dry season. The average temperature hovers around 30°C (86°F) in most regions, though it can drop slightly in the evenings. These months are characterized by lower humidity and the occasional harmattan wind in the northern regions, which can result in hazy conditions. Despite the absence of cold temperatures and snow, this period is locally referred to as "winter" due to the slightly cooler temperatures, especially in the evenings, compared to other times of the year.

January in Ghana marks the middle of the dry season, characterized by relatively lower temperatures and humidity levels than other months. Throughout the country, average temperatures usually range from 24°C (75.2°F) to 33°C (91.4°F), although slight variations can occur. Weather in January »

February in Ghana continues to experience the dry season, similar to January, with relatively lower humidity and temperatures. The average temperatures across the country during this month range from 24°C (75.2°F) to 35°C (95°F), with a slight increase in the northern regions compared to the coastal areas. The capital city, Accra, observes temperatures between 24°C (75.2°F) and 33°C (91.4°F), while Kumasi, in the Ashanti region, sees a slight increase with temperatures from 23°C (73.4°F) to 36°C (96.8°F). Weather in February »

In March, Ghana begins to transition from the dry season to the rainy season, especially in the southern regions. Average temperatures countrywide during this month range from 24°C (75.2°F) to 36°C (96.8°F), with minor variations between the northern and southern areas. Weather in March »

April marks the peak of the first rainy season in the southern regions of Ghana. During this month, the country experiences increased rainfall, with showers ranging from moderate to heavy. Average temperatures in April vary from 24°C (75.2°F) to 34°C (93.2°F), maintaining the typical tropical heat, albeit with higher humidity due to rainfall. In Accra, temperatures generally range between 25°C (77°F) to 31°C (87.8°F) with a significant amount of rainfall. Weather in April »

May continues the trend of the rainy season in Ghana, particularly in the southern regions. The country experiences significant rainfall, with showers varying from moderate to heavy. The average temperatures in May generally fluctuate between 24°C (75.2°F) and 32°C (89.6°F), with a consistent tropical warmth accompanied by increased humidity. The capital city, Accra, usually observes temperatures ranging from 24°C (75.2°F) to 31°C (87.8°F). Weather in May »

June in Ghana is characterized by the continuation of the rainy season, especially in the southern regions. The country experiences substantial rainfall, with showers typically ranging from moderate to heavy. Average temperatures during this month fluctuate between 23°C (73.4°F) and 31°C (87.8°F), maintaining the tropical heat but with high humidity due to the rainy season. Accra, situated on the coast, observes temperatures generally ranging from 24°C (75.2°F) to 30°C (86°F). Weather in June »

July in Ghana signals a short respite from the heavy rains in the southern parts of the country, a period often referred to as the "little dry season". However, the northern regions continue to experience their rainy season. Average temperatures in July typically range from 22°C (71.6°F) to 29°C (84.2°F), maintaining the tropical heat but with slightly reduced humidity in the southern regions. In Accra, located on the coast, temperatures generally vary from 23°C (73.4°F) to 29°C (84.2°F). Weather in July »

August in Ghana is a transition period, particularly in the southern regions, as they prepare to enter the second rainy season. Meanwhile, the northern regions continue to experience their single rainy season. Average temperatures during this month generally range from 22°C (71.6°F) to 29°C (84.2°F), with the tropical warmth accompanied by increasing humidity towards the end of the month. In Accra, on the coast, temperatures typically fluctuate between 23°C (73.4°F) to 28°C (82.4°F). Weather in August »

September in Ghana sees the southern regions well into the second rainy season, while the northern regions near the end of their single rainy season. Average temperatures in September typically fluctuate between 22°C (71.6°F) and 29°C (84.2°F), maintaining the tropical warmth, but with heightened humidity due to increased rainfall. In Accra, along the coast, temperatures generally vary from 23°C (73.4°F) to 29°C (84.2°F). Weather in September »

October in Ghana marks the end of the second rainy season in the southern regions and the transition into the dry season in the northern regions. Average temperatures during this month typically range between 23°C (73.4°F) and 31°C (87.8°F), with the tropical heat persisting but with decreasing humidity as the month progresses. In Accra, on the coast, temperatures generally fluctuate between 24°C (75.2°F) to 31°C (87.8°F). Weather in October »

November in Ghana marks the onset of the dry season throughout the country, characterized by reduced rainfall and consistently high temperatures. Average temperatures during this month typically range from 24°C (75.2°F) to 33°C (91.4°F). Weather in November »

December in Ghana is characterized by the full onset of the dry season across the country. Average temperatures typically range from 24°C (75.2°F) to 33°C (91.4°F), with the tropical heat persisting amidst the dry conditions. Weather in December »