Climate and monthly weather forecast
Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone, nestled along the southwestern coastline of West Africa, boasts a vibrant geographical landscape. This nation features a diverse topography, with sandy beaches and mangrove swamps along the coast, a woodland-savannah mosaic in the centre, and the lush highlands in the east. The climate is equally diverse, following a tropical monsoon pattern (Am), where temperatures consistently exceed 18°C (64.4°F) throughout the year.

Rainfall varies substantially between the dry and wet seasons, although even the driest month receives at least 60mm (2.36") of precipitation. The annual rainfall reaches its zenith during the summer months, tapering off somewhat towards winter. Temperature fluctuations are mild, given Sierra Leone's proximity to the equator, and humidity remains relatively high year-round. This constant warmth contributes to a bi-annual harvest, benefitting local agricultural activities, particularly rice cultivation.

The optimal time to visit Sierra Leone is during the dry season, typically from November to April. During this period, the weather is generally pleasant with daytime temperatures hovering around 31°C (87.8°F) to 35°C (95°F). Rainfall is relatively minimal, allowing unhindered exploration of the country's diverse landscapes, from the sandy beaches of the Freetown Peninsula to the verdant highlands in the east. Wildlife enthusiasts may find the dry season especially rewarding, as many species flock to water sources, offering superb viewing opportunities. Furthermore, the dry months coincide with numerous cultural festivals, providing visitors with a chance to experience Sierra Leone's vibrant traditions.

The challenging period to visit Sierra Leone is during the rainy season, which spans from May to October. During this time, heavy rainfall often results in flooding, particularly in low-lying areas, leading to disrupted transportation and other logistical complications. The increased rainfall also augments the prevalence of mosquitoes, and consequently, malaria risk escalates. Temperature-wise, conditions remain warm, ranging from 25°C (77°F) to 30°C (86°F), but the heightened humidity can make the heat feel more oppressive. Consequently, visitor numbers typically decline during the rainy season.

As Sierra Leone experiences a tropical monsoon climate, it does not traditionally have a "spring" season. However, March and April could be classified as equivalent to spring months in temperate regions. During this transitional period, the weather starts shifting from the dry season to the wet season. Temperatures generally range from 28°C (82.4°F) to 35°C (95°F), and the commencement of the rains brings a resurgence of greenery, especially in the country's woodland and savannah regions. Despite the increasing humidity, these months offer favourable wildlife spotting opportunities.

In Sierra Leone, the months of June, July, and August represent the height of the rainy season and coincide with the Atlantic hurricane season. During this period, torrential downpours become commonplace, with monthly rainfall often exceeding 500mm (19.69"). Temperatures remain consistently warm, ranging from 25°C (77°F) to 30°C (86°F), although the combination of heat and humidity can seem stifling. Despite the challenging weather conditions, the summer months give rise to a vibrant explosion of flora and fauna, presenting an enticing spectacle for nature enthusiasts.

With its tropical monsoon climate, Sierra Leone does not experience a conventional autumn. Nonetheless, the months of September and October could be considered the equivalent period, marking the transition from the wet season to the dry season. While these months still receive substantial rainfall, the intensity of the showers gradually lessens. Temperatures remain steady, fluctuating between 25°C (77°F) to 31°C (87.8°F). As the rains recede, the country’s verdant landscapes begin to dry out, signaling the imminent arrival of the dry season.

The winter months, from November to February, mark the dry season in Sierra Leone. Rainfall during this period is relatively sparse, especially when compared to the summer months, with the driest month, January, often receiving less than 10mm (0.39") of precipitation. Temperatures remain warm but are more comfortable, typically ranging from 31°C (87.8°F) to 35°C (95°F). Despite being labeled as "winter," the climatic conditions during these months are conducive to outdoor activities, such as beach visits and wildlife safaris, making it an ideal time for tourism.

January is characterized as the driest month of the year in Sierra Leone, with minimal rainfall throughout the country. Due to the tropical monsoon climate, precipitation levels are considerably low during this time, with the average rainfall typically less than 10mm (0.39"). Weather in January »

As Sierra Leone's dry season persists, February continues to offer agreeable weather conditions. While January is the driest month, February sees only a slight uptick in rainfall, with average precipitation typically ranging from 10mm (0.39") to 15mm (0.59"). Weather in February »

March ushers in the initial phase of the transitional period from the dry season to the wet season in Sierra Leone. The climate remains largely warm, with temperatures ranging from 25°C (77°F) to 34°C (93.2°F). However, the amount of rainfall starts to increase compared to the preceding months of January and February, although it does not yet reach the levels characteristic of the full-blown rainy season. Across the nation, precipitation averages start to rise, reaching around 30mm (1.18") to 50mm (1.97"). Weather in March »

April in Sierra Leone marks a noticeable shift in the climate as the country moves further into the transitional phase leading to the wet season. Rainfall levels rise significantly compared to March, with average precipitation levels typically ranging between 60mm (2.36") and 90mm (3.54"). Weather in April »

The onset of May in Sierra Leone heralds the commencement of the rainy season. There is a significant rise in precipitation compared to April, with rainfall averages typically falling between 120mm (4.72") and 170mm (6.69"). The frequency of showers increases, often leading to heavy downpours, although these are predominantly concentrated in the late afternoon and evening. Temperatures in May remain relatively steady, fluctuating between 24°C (75.2°F) to 31°C (87.8°F). Weather in May »

June represents the heart of the rainy season in Sierra Leone, with rainfall levels reaching their peak. Average precipitation typically falls between 400mm (15.75") and 500mm (19.69"), marking a substantial increase from the already high levels of May. Weather in June »

July continues the trend of heavy rainfall in Sierra Leone as the rainy season reaches its peak. With the precipitation levels typically varying between 500mm (19.69") to 600mm (23.62"), July ranks among the wettest months of the year. Weather in July »

In Sierra Leone, August continues the pattern of intense rainfall seen in the peak months of the rainy season. Rainfall levels remain high, typically ranging between 450mm (17.72") to 550mm (21.65"), rendering August as one of the wettest months of the year. Weather in August »

September signifies the beginning of the end of the rainy season in Sierra Leone. Although the rainfall remains considerable, with precipitation levels typically falling between 300mm (11.81") and 400mm (15.75"), it marks a significant reduction from the peak levels observed in July and August. Weather in September »

October in Sierra Leone signifies a further shift towards the end of the rainy season, with rainfall levels dropping substantially compared to September. Average precipitation typically varies from 150mm (5.91") to 200mm (7.87"), a noticeable decrease that marks a transition towards the drier months. Weather in October »

November in Sierra Leone heralds a significant transition towards the drier months. Rainfall levels continue to drop from the figures observed in October, with average precipitation typically ranging between 50mm (1.97") to 80mm (3.15"). Weather in November »

December in Sierra Leone marks the onset of the dry season, with rainfall levels reaching their annual low. Average precipitation typically ranges from 10mm (0.39") to 15mm (0.59"), representing a drastic reduction from the figures observed in November. Weather in December »