As a result of its location only a few degrees north of the equator, Ghana’s average temperature stays pleasant throughout the year. There are two different seasons in the moderate tropical climate of the country: rainy and dry. Both have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. The rainy season is the greatest time to explore the country’s northern regions since the heat may be oppressive the rest of the year.
However, it is the dusty dry season that provides the finest opportunities for animal watching in the area. You’ll never run out of things to see, do, and experience when you go to Ghana. One of the country’s most distinctive calling cards is a calendar of vibrant festivals that attract visitors from all over the world.
The highest altitudes in Ghana, such as the Ashanti Uplands, have the mildest temperatures, with humidity clinging to the shoreline in locations like as Accra and the Cape Coast, as a general rule of thumb. The farther north you go, the hotter and dryer the weather becomes.
Listed below is a list to the best times to visit Ghana, broken down by season and month of the year.
Visit during the peak season to observe animals and participate in events (December to March)
Ghana’s high season, which occurs from November to March, coincides with the country’s dry season. In the absence of significant rains, traveling throughout the nation on Ghana’s extensive network of well-maintained roads is quite straightforward.
These months are particularly favorable for traveling to Ghana’s southern regions, which includes the capital city of Accra. In fact, many Accra locals believe that December is the greatest month to come since the holidays are in full swing and events such as Afrochella, a celebration of African music, fashion, art, and culture, are energizing the joyous mood with their presence. The Ashanti Akwasidae festival, which takes place in Kumasi every year, is one such regular event to keep a watch out for.
There will be much of drumming and dancing during this festival, which takes place every sixth Sunday according to the Ashanti calendar, as well as a magnificent parade led by the Ashanti monarch and his entourage.
However, despite the fact that the air can be quite dusty and dry during this time of year due to the Saharan winds that blow across West Africa and into the Gulf of Guinea, the rains are few, the humidity is lower (resulting in fewer mosquitoes), and the temperatures are cooler, if only by a small (but very noticeable) degree.
These chilly, dry winds are known by the name of Harmattan, and they are responsible for hazy sky, as well as dry skin, eyes, and throats. Apply some locally sourced shea butter on your skin to keep it hydrated, and bear in mind that gloomy skies might make shooting less than ideal. Flight delays or cancellations are also possible as a result of poor visibility caused by the winds, particularly in and out of Tamale, in Ghana’s northern region.
It is still the greatest time of year for wildlife sightings in Ghana, particularly during the dry season which lasts from December to March, when the nation has the driest weather. The elephants of Mole National Park and adjacent reserves will be congregating around any surviving watering holes at this time of year, and the more arid environment will make it easier to observe monkeys, hyenas, and buffalos in the surrounding area.
March is normally the warmest month in Ghana, while rains (which give a welcome cooling relief) may occur at any time of year.
In the shoulder season, you may take advantage of harvest celebrations, less tourists, and trips to Ghana’s northern regions (September to November)
While they are still considered to be part of the rainy season, September and October are the months when the majority of visitors from Europe and North America have already arrived and left, and the country’s harvest celebrations are beginning to take center stage. Traveling to Ghana’s northern region at this time of year is especially recommended since the region has been constantly cooled by rainfall.
Even though the rains had ended in the southern region by November, the Sahara winds haven’t yet begun to blow. The months of March, April, and May are all excellent times to come if you want to see less people, have reasonably decent weather, and participate in a variety of activities.
Low season is ideal for tourists from the West, photographers, and anybody interested in Ghana’s rural areas and outskirts (April to August)
A period when it might be humid and sticky, but when temperatures are lower and there is a lush burst of vegetation, the wet season in Ghana is the low season. Rains may be as brief as a passing shower or as prolonged as a monsoon that lasts for days.
Because to flooded roads, travel in the interior of the nation may be hampered, but there is still enough to see and do in the country’s surrounding areas.
April, May, and June are some of the wettest months of the year in Ghana’s southern part, with April being the wettest month overall. The rains then subside significantly during July and August (though showers are still regular), before picking up again in September and into October, when the temperature rises. With reasonably clear sky and plenty of foliage, now is an excellent time to go out and take some photos.
It is raining continuously up in the country’s northern hemisphere, which helps to keep temperatures down and make the weather more tolerable. Although this is the time of year when mosquitoes are at their peak, it is important to take additional precautions.
Even though these wet months are Ghana’s low season, the nation still experiences an uptick in European and North American tourists between June and August (the country’s coldest month), so book your flights and lodgings as soon as you can to avoid disappointment.
January is the best month to go animal spotting.
As the dusty Harmattan winds raise their dusty heads, January is the month with the least amount of rainfall in the nation as a whole. There are many sightings of wildlife.
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Keep your binoculars at the ready in February.
The Harmattan winds are still blowing, and the animals is still congregating around drinking holes in areas like Mole National Park, which is a good thing.
Dzawuwu is a significant occurrence.
March is going to be hot and humid.
March is the warmest month in Ghana, while the rainy season might come at any moment. Squalls are also common in the northern hemisphere, which are intense, abrupt gusts that last just a few minutes.
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April is the month when the rains finally come.
April marks the beginning of the wet season, which is also known as Ghana’s low season. Heavy rains, particularly in the central portion of the nation, may often wash away highways, while the country’s solid infrastructure ensures that most roads are safe to drive on.
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In May, you may expect rainy days and lower temperatures.
During the month of May, rains are often strong, particularly in the country’s center and south. Temperatures are also a little bit colder right now.
Aboakyir is a significant occurrence.
In June, the action in Accra begins to heat up.
June is traditionally Ghana’s wettest month, and although it is still the low season, it is also when tourists from Europe and North America begin to arrive for their summer holidays, causing cities such as Accra to become particularly crowded.
The Dzimbi Festival is a major event.
In July, drive north for a respite from the scorching temperatures.
In July, the rains frequently subside in southern Ghana, and tourism from Western nations continues to be strong. Visitors to Ghana’s northern and southern regions will like this time of year since the weather is somewhat cooler up north, while days are normally pleasant and dry in places like Accra and the Cape Coast.
Republic Day, Bakatue Festival, and PANAFEST are all important events.
PANAFEST is an annual festival that takes place every other August to promote African culture.
Despite the fact that the rains have not yet arrived in southern Ghana, August is generally the windiest and coldest month of the year in the nation. Tourists from Europe and the United States continue to arrive in large numbers, and PANAFEST often lasts until the end of the month in odd-numbered years.
Important events include the Chale Wote Street Art Festival and the Homowo Music Festival.
September is a month to celebrate the harvest.
The majority of Western tourists have gone, and while the rains have resumed in the south, it is now time for the harvest festivities to begin. The rains continue in the north, but the air is cooler and more pleasant than it has been in previous months.
Fetu Afahye was a significant occurrence.
In October, you may look forward to pleasant weather.
Ghana’s general climate continues to be colder and less humid, and the arrival of the Harmattan winds is still some time away. Harvest festivities are in full swing, and the rains have all but ended in southern Ghana and are slowing down in the northern part of the country. The month of October is a fantastic time to travel.
Ngmayem was a significant occurrence.
The pleasant weather continues to prevail across Ghana in November.
The month of November is also a fantastic time to travel. It is still reasonably chilly and less humid in the north, even if the rains have dissipated in the south and are ending in the north. The Harmattan winds are getting ready to blow, although they are frequently a few hours or days behind schedule.
Hogbetsotso is a significant event.
In December, join the returning Ghanaian diaspora for a visit to the country.
As members of the Ghanaian diaspora return home to celebrate Christmas, the month of December is filled with festivities and merriment, however some stores are closed so that families may spend time together. December is a fantastic month to come if you want to get a sense of the local culture. While the Sahara winds have most certainly increased in strength, wildlife sightings in the northern hemisphere have increased as more animals make their way to the restricted number of drinking holes available there.
Farmers’ Day, Christmas, and Afrochella are all important occasions.