West Africa has a simple climate pattern with some important local differences. Along the coast and inland, the year is divided into a dry season and a wet season, and most visitors choose the dry months for comfort, easier travel and better beach weather. Here is how the calendar works for the destinations travelers visit most.
The two seasons
Dry season (November to April). This is the main travel season. Skies are mostly clear, rain is rare and humidity falls. Between December and February, a dry wind from the Sahara called the harmattan blows across the region. It brings cooler nights, but also dust and haze that can reduce visibility, dry out your skin and throat, and spoil long-distance views and photographs. In Ghana, harmattan is most noticeable in the north and can reach the coast.
Rainy season (May to October). Rain brings greenery and lower prices, but it can also mean heavy downpours, flooded roads and muddy tracks, especially inland and in rural areas. In the coastal cities, sightseeing is still possible between showers. Humidity is high, and mosquitoes are more active. Some unpaved roads become difficult to use, and some lodges and parks reduce services.
By country
Senegal and The Gambia: November to April. The coolest and most comfortable months are December to February, with temperatures often in the high 20s°C on the coast. Dakar, Gorée Island, Saint-Louis, Saly and the Saloum Delta are all pleasant. Seas are calm, and The Gambia is a popular winter destination for birdwatching, river trips and beach resorts. The rainy season runs from about July to October. March to May can be hot inland, but the Atlantic coast around Dakar stays cooler.
Ghana: November to March for the south. Southern Ghana, including Accra, Cape Coast and Elmina, has two rainy seasons: a longer one from about April to July and a shorter one around September to November. The driest, most reliable period is December to March. The north, including Mole National Park, has one rainy season from roughly May to October and is best in the dry months, from November to March. Wildlife viewing at Mole is particularly good from December to March, when animals gather at waterholes, though it can be hot.
Hot months, March to May. Temperatures in the interior and in northern Ghana can exceed 40°C before the rains arrive.
Mali and Burkina Faso. The climate is best from November to February, but because of the security situation, most governments advise against travel to Mali and many areas of Burkina Faso. Check your government’s current advice, and do not plan trips there without up-to-date guidance.
Festivals worth planning around
Dates vary from year to year, so confirm them before you book.
- Dakar Biennale (Dak’Art). A major contemporary art event held every two years in Dakar. Its dates have moved in recent editions, so check the official site.
- Saint-Louis Jazz Festival (Senegal). Usually held in May or June, it brings musicians to the historic island city.
- Panafest and Emancipation Day (Ghana). Panafest takes place every two years, with events around Cape Coast and Accra in July and August. It centers on the African diaspora and heritage. Book accommodation early if you plan to attend.
- Chale Wote Street Art Festival (Accra). Typically held in Jamestown in August, with murals, music and performances.
- FESPACO (Burkina Faso). The Pan-African film festival is held every two years in Ouagadougou, but travel conditions should be checked carefully.
- Homowo (Ga people, Accra). A harvest festival in August and September.
Activities and timing
- Beaches: December to April for the best conditions on the coasts of Senegal, The Gambia and Ghana. Strong currents are common on the Atlantic coast, so swim only where locals do or where lifeguards are present.
- Culture and city sightseeing: Possible year-round, but dry months are far more comfortable. Hot afternoons in March and April are best spent indoors.
- Wildlife: Dry season for Mole in Ghana and Niokolo-Koba in Senegal, which has limited access and facilities. Birdwatching in The Gambia is best from November to April, when migrants are present.
Practical planning
- Book early for December and January. Flights and beach accommodation are most expensive and busiest over the holidays.
- Plan road trips carefully. In the rainy season, allow extra time, check the condition of roads, and avoid driving at night. Hire a driver or use reputable bus companies for long distances.
- Pack for the weather. Light cotton clothing, sun protection, a hat and a rain jacket all work. During harmattan, bring moisturizer, lip balm and eye drops. Bring insect repellent year-round.
- Health. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry to several West African countries, including Ghana, and malaria prevention is advised. See a travel clinic six to eight weeks before departure.
The short version
For a first trip to Senegal or Ghana, go between December and March. Expect clear skies and the best chance of catching festivals, though the air can be hazy during harmattan. For lower prices and green landscapes, consider the early rainy-season months of May and June, but plan for rain and slower road travel.
See also the must-see guide to West Africa, the top destinations and routes and the wider Africa travel guide.