Winter in Kumasi isn’t about cold winds or snow. Instead, the season stays hot and humid, with daily temperatures usually ranging from the low 20s °C at night to the mid-30s °C during the day.
You’ll get warm days, mild nights, and a steady tropical climate that feels nothing like winter in temperate regions.
Cloud cover tends to increase as the season goes on, and short rain showers pop up more often toward the end of winter. In December and early January, rain is rare, but by February, it gets more common, making the air feel heavier and stickier.
Sunshine hours don’t really change much, and daylight length stays about the same, so you probably won’t notice any big shifts in your daily rhythm.
Humidity and light winds shape the comfort level. Early in the season, it can feel a bit drier, but by late winter, the air often turns muggy.
If you know these patterns, you can plan your wardrobe, outings, and make the most of your time in Kumasi during this unique tropical winter.
Overview of Kumasi’s Winter Climate
Kumasi’s winter months bring steady warmth, less rain, and some subtle changes in cloud cover and humidity.
You’ll experience a dry season that stands out from the wetter months, but the heat stays consistent, with only small differences between day and night.
Tropical Savanna Classification
Kumasi sits in the tropical savanna climate (Aw) zone, according to the Köppen system.
This means you get warm weather all year, with a clear split between wet and dry periods.
Average winter temperatures run from about 20°C (68°F) at night to 34°C (93°F) during the day. You won’t see dramatic seasonal drops like in temperate regions.
Rainfall and cloud cover provide the main changes, not temperature.
Humidity stays high, but it’s not as stifling as during the rainy season. Dew points usually hover around 20–22°C, which feels muggy but not unbearable.
Sunshine hours remain pretty steady, so you get long daylight periods for outdoor activities.
Since freezing temperatures never happen here, agriculture and vegetation keep going all year. The drier soil and lower rainfall during winter do affect crop growth and water supply, though.
Dry Season Characteristics
Winter in Kumasi lines up with the dry season, running from December through February.
You’ll notice a big drop in rainfall compared to the wet months. Average precipitation falls to about 20–50 mm per month, and the odds of rain on any given day usually stay below 30%.
December skies are clearer, but cloud cover starts to increase a bit by February. That means you often wake up to sunny mornings and see fewer afternoon storms.
Winds shift too. During this season, breezes blow mainly from the east and south, with average speeds between 7–10 km/h.
These winds help take the edge off the heat, but don’t expect them to cool things down much.
Humidity sticks around, but there are fewer muggy days than in the middle of the year. You might notice evenings feel less stifling, especially in January.
Comparison With Other Seasons
If you compare winter with the rainy months, the differences really show up in rainfall and cloud cover instead of temperature.
For example, in June, Kumasi gets more than 200 mm of rain, while January barely hits 30 mm.
Daytime highs barely budge throughout the year, usually between 30–35°C (86–95°F). Winter nights are a bit cooler, averaging around 20°C (68°F), while rainy months can feel warmer due to extra humidity.
Winter brings clearer skies and more reliable sunshine. The rainy season, on the other hand, brings lots of overcast days, which can limit visibility and make it less enjoyable to be outside.
If you’re traveling, winter means drier roads and fewer storm-related disruptions.
On the flip side, farmers face challenges during this season because there’s less rain and more need for irrigation.
The real story of Kumasi’s weather is the contrast between dry and wet seasons, not big swings in temperature.
Temperature Patterns During Winter
Winter in Kumasi stays warm, with only minor changes between day and night.
Daytime highs rise slowly as the season goes on, while nights remain mild and almost never cold.
The temperature range is pretty narrow, but even small month-to-month changes can matter for comfort and planning.
Average Daytime Temperature
Expect warm afternoons all winter long.
Daily highs usually land between 87°F and 93°F (31°C–34°C). On the hottest days, it can hit 94°F (34°C), while cooler days might dip closer to 84°F (29°C).
This steady warmth means you won’t get sharp temperature drops during the day.
Unlike places with big seasonal swings, Kumasi’s tropical setting keeps things stable. When cloud cover increases later in the season, afternoons can feel less intense, even as the thermometer creeps up.
If you’re visiting, light clothing works best during the day. For outdoor activities, mornings and late afternoons are usually more comfortable than the scorching midday hours.
Nighttime Temperature Range
Kumasi nights stay moderate, with lows averaging around 70°F (21°C).
Temperatures rarely dip below 62°F (17°C) or go above 75°F (24°C) overnight. With this narrow range, you don’t need heavy layers.
The coolest nights come in early January, dropping to about 68°F (20°C). By late February, nights warm up a bit but still stick to the same narrow band.
Humidity can make the air feel warmer than it actually is, especially indoors.
If you’re staying in the city, a fan or light air conditioning is usually enough. Open-air spaces also stay pleasant, as gentle breezes balance out the evening warmth.
Monthly Temperature Variations
Kumasi’s winter runs from December through February, and each month has small but noticeable changes.
- December: Highs average around 87°F (31°C), with cooler nights near 68–70°F (20–21°C).
- January: This is usually the coolest stretch, with daytime highs close to 90°F (32°C) and the lowest nighttime averages.
- February: Temperatures climb again, often reaching 93–94°F (34°C) in the afternoons, with nights around 72°F (22°C).
If you’re sensitive to heat, these gradual shifts matter.
Early winter feels a bit cooler and drier, while late February brings hotter afternoons and more humidity. Planning your visit with these changes in mind can help you pick the most comfortable time for your activities.
Rainfall and Rainy Days in Winter
Winter months in Kumasi bring a clear change in rainfall patterns.
You’ll see fewer showers than during the peak rainy season, but precipitation still shapes daily life and travel plans.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
Rainfall drops off in Kumasi during winter, compared to the heavy wet season.
January is usually the driest, with about 22–24 mm of rain. By February, totals rise a bit, often reaching 30–40 mm. December stays pretty dry, close to January’s levels.
These numbers are tiny compared to September, the wettest month, which can see over 150 mm.
Even small amounts of rain here can come as quick, strong showers. That’s just how it goes in tropical climates—rain falls in sudden bursts, not long drizzles.
Frequency of Rainy Days
Rainy days are much fewer in winter.
In January, you’ll usually get about 5 days with measurable rain. December and February bring a bit more, often 6 to 8 rainy days each.
That’s a huge difference from the rainy season, when you might get more than 20 wet days in a month.
With fewer rainy days, winter is one of the most predictable times for outdoor plans.
Even though it rains less, expect some cloud cover and humidity. The air can feel muggy, but with limited rainfall, your plans probably won’t get derailed.
Impact on Outdoor Activities
Winter weather in Kumasi usually makes it easier to explore the city and surrounding areas.
With fewer rainy days, you can visit markets, cultural sites, and parks without worrying too much about heavy downpours.
Short showers might still catch you, so carrying a light rain jacket or umbrella is smart.
Most rain falls in the afternoon, so mornings are safer bets for outdoor activities.
Drier weather also means better road conditions than during the rainy season, when downpours often turn routes muddy or flooded.
For visitors, winter offers a nice balance of warm temperatures and manageable rainfall, making outdoor experiences more comfortable.
Sunshine Hours and Daylight
In Kumasi, daylight pretty much stays the same all year, but sunshine hours shift with the seasons.
You’ll notice more steady sun during the dry months, while cloud cover cuts down direct sunlight during the rainy season.
Average Daily Sunshine
On average, Kumasi gets about 5 to 6 hours of sunshine per day, but this does change throughout the year.
March is the sunniest month, with around 7.0 hours daily, while August drops to about 2.6 hours per day because of thick cloud cover.
The yearly total is close to 1,968 hours of sunshine—not bad, but not extreme for a tropical city.
For example:
| Month | Avg. Daily Sunshine (hrs) |
|---|---|
| March | ~7.0 |
| August | ~2.6 |
This means your outdoor plans might depend on the time of year.
If you want brighter days, the months just before the rainy season are your best bet.
Seasonal Changes in Daylight
Daylight length in Kumasi barely changes, since the city sits near the equator.
Days and nights stay close to 12 hours year-round.
The longest day comes in late June at about 12 hours 23 minutes, while the shortest day in late December still gives you around 11 hours 36 minutes.
That small difference means you always have a reliable window for daytime activities.
Unlike sunshine hours, which drop sharply in the wet season, daylight length stays steady. It’s easier to plan your day, even when the sky is gray.
UV Index Considerations
Kumasi’s UV index stays high to very high all year thanks to its tropical location.
Even on cloudy days, UV exposure can be strong, so you’ll want to take precautions.
During midday, UV levels often reach 8–11, which is considered very high. At those levels, unprotected skin burns quickly.
You should use sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses if you’re spending time outside.
Since daylight hours don’t really change, UV risk is steady too.
Don’t assume that less sunshine in the rainy months means lower UV intensity. Even with fewer sunshine hours, UV rays still get through the clouds.
Humidity and Wind Conditions
In Kumasi’s winter, you’ll get steady humidity and light to moderate winds.
These factors shape how comfortable the air feels, especially in the evenings and early mornings.
Relative Humidity Levels
Humidity in Kumasi stays high all year, and winter is no different.
From December to February, average relative humidity ranges from 70% to 80%, making the air feel damp even when there’s not much rain.
You’ll notice mornings often feel more humid, while afternoons dry out a bit as temperatures rise.
Even during the dry season, the tropical climate keeps plenty of moisture in the air.
Because of this, clothes might dry slowly, and indoor spaces can feel stuffy without good ventilation.
If you’re sensitive to humidity, pack light, breathable fabrics to stay comfortable.
| Month | Avg. Relative Humidity |
|---|---|
| December | ~74% |
| January | ~72% |
| February | ~70% |
These numbers show that even when rainfall drops, humidity sticks around, affecting how warm the air feels.
Typical Wind Speed in Winter
Winds in Kumasi during winter usually stay light to moderate, hovering around 6–10 km/h (4–6 mph). Most of the time, the breeze drifts in from the northeast, thanks to the Harmattan, that dry, dusty trade wind from the Sahara.
When the Harmattan gets stronger, you might wake up to cooler mornings and spot clearer skies. The wind can make the air feel less humid, which is honestly a relief, but it also brings fine dust that sometimes clouds the air.
Most visitors say the breeze feels gentle and even a bit refreshing, especially when it’s hot. Outdoor plans rarely get interrupted by the wind, though you might want to watch out for dust that can bother your eyes or skin.
Wind speeds don’t really change much between December and February. So, you can pretty much count on these conditions all winter.
Travel Tips for Visiting Kumasi in Winter
Winter in Kumasi feels warm and mostly dry. Daytime highs usually land between 29°C and 35°C, while nights cool off to around 20°C.
Sightseeing feels comfortable most days, but sometimes the humidity or a quick rain shower might surprise you. If you prepare well, you’ll get to enjoy both the city’s buzz and the outdoors.
Best Outdoor Activities
Exploring Kumasi’s cultural sites in winter is pretty easy. Less rain means you can visit the Manhyia Palace Museum, Kejetia Market, and local craft villages without much hassle.
Roads are less muddy, so getting around town feels smoother. Outdoor festivals pop up during this season too, like Akwasidae, which happens every six weeks. If you’re curious about Ashanti traditions, you’ll catch drumming, dancing, and royal parades.
Nature trips work out well, too. You can visit the Kumasi Zoological Gardens or nearby forest reserves—their paths usually stay dry. If you want something quieter, walking around Lake Bosomtwe or the city’s botanical gardens might hit the spot.
Evenings feel pleasant because temperatures drop a bit after sunset. It’s honestly a great time to eat outside or wander through street food markets without sweating through all the humidity.
Packing Recommendations
Pack light, breathable clothes. Daytime temperatures get pretty hot, so cotton or linen shirts, shorts, and light dresses usually feel best.
At night, things cool down. Toss in a light sweater or a long-sleeve shirt so you stay comfortable.
Rain doesn’t happen often, but you might still get caught in a quick shower. I’d throw a compact umbrella or a light rain jacket in your bag, just in case.
You’ll want comfortable walking shoes for market visits and sightseeing, especially when it gets crowded.
Sun protection really matters. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat to help with the heat.
A reusable water bottle keeps you hydrated while you’re out exploring.
If you’re thinking about going to cultural events, pack at least one modest outfit. Traditional gatherings usually expect respectful dress.