When winter comes to mind, most people imagine snow and icy winds. But Yamoussoukro? It’s a whole different story. Winter here stays warm, with nights in the upper 60s°F and daytime highs often reaching the low 90s°F. Rainfall drops to its lowest point all year. This season is honestly one of the best times to get out and explore the city.
Most days are dry, with only the occasional light shower. Skies usually stay clear, and the sun is almost always out. Lower humidity compared to the rainy season makes walking around and enjoying outdoor activities a lot more pleasant.
If you’re curious about how the air feels, how much daylight you’ll get, or whether clouds will spoil your plans, you’ll probably find winter in Yamoussoukro refreshingly steady. The mix of warmth, dryness, and reliable weather really sets up a season that feels inviting, maybe even practical for travelers.
Overview of Yamoussoukro’s Winter Climate
Winter in Yamoussoukro brings the driest stretch of the year. Rainfall drops to its lowest, while temperatures stay warm and steady. Daylight and sunshine don’t change much, so you get a comfortable, predictable period for outdoor plans.
Location and Climate Classification
Yamoussoukro sits right in the center of Ivory Coast, about 213 meters above sea level. Being inland gives it a tropical savanna climate (Aw), according to Köppen. Instead of wild temperature swings, you get a clear split between rainy and dry seasons.
Winter temperatures usually run from 19°C (66°F) to 33°C (92°F). Nights cool off a bit, but it never gets chilly. Afternoons heat up, but the air feels less sticky than during the wet season.
On average, about 1,100 mm (43 in) of rain falls each year, but hardly any of that comes between December and February. The dryness of the season really stands out compared to the rest of the year.
Seasonal Weather Patterns
From December to February, rainfall plummets, usually landing between 15 mm and 42 mm per month. Showers pop up now and then, but they’re short and rare. You won’t have to dodge storms much.
Daylight hangs around 11.8 to 12 hours daily, so you’ve got plenty of time outside. Sunshine clocks in at 6–7 hours per day, which is actually more than during the rainy months.
The UV index drops a bit to around 10 in December, but you’ll still want sun protection. Winds stay gentle, and visibility is usually great. These steady conditions make winter a reliable season for travel, farming, and events.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Spring and summer can get soaked, with rainfall topping 150–170 mm per month. Winter, in contrast, is much drier. You won’t run into the heavy downpours or endless gray skies that dominate from May to September.
Temperatures stay warm all year, but winter’s lower humidity makes the heat much easier to handle. The wet season can feel hotter, just because the air gets so muggy.
Autumn marks the start of the dry-down, but winter is when the dry season really peaks. If you want predictable weather for outdoor fun, winter is honestly your best bet.
Average Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures in Winter
Yamoussoukro’s winters feel warm—at least compared to most places. You’ll notice steady daytime heat and mild nights, with only tiny changes from month to month.
Typical Daytime Highs
From December through February, daytime highs usually sit between 30°C and 34°C (86°F to 93°F). The city’s tropical savanna climate keeps things toasty, even when it’s dry.
Since Yamoussoukro is inland, winter humidity drops. This helps the warmth feel less intense, even with the sun blazing.
You’ll want to plan for midday heat. Light clothes, hats, and sunscreen definitely help you stay comfortable.
Nighttime Lows
Nights cool down but don’t get cold, averaging 18°C to 21°C (64°F to 70°F). It’s a nice break after a hot day.
The coolest nights usually show up in December and January, right at the height of the dry season. By February, nights warm up a bit as the wet season starts to creep in.
Dry air can make evenings feel fresher than you’d expect. If you’re out early or late, a light sweater might come in handy.
Monthly Temperature Variations
Winter temperatures barely budge across the three months.
- December: Highs near 31°C (88°F), lows around 19°C (66°F).
- January: Almost the same as December, though it’s often the coolest month, with lows dipping to 18°C (64°F).
- February: Warmer, with highs up to 33–34°C (91–93°F) and lows around 21°C (70°F).
These shifts are tiny compared to the big swings in rainfall. You get steady warmth, and by February, the city starts edging toward the wetter, more humid spring.
Precipitation and Rainy Days During Winter
Winter in Yamoussoukro brings the least rain all year. Rainfall hits its lowest, and rainy days are rare. The weather feels more predictable, so planning gets easier.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
Rainfall in December, January, and February stays really low. In December, you’ll see about 15 mm (0.6 in). January is similar, with 13 mm (0.5 in)—the driest month. February edges up a bit to 42 mm (1.6 in).
These numbers are tiny compared to the heavy rains of mid-year, which can dump 150 mm (6 in) or more in just a month. Most days, you won’t have to worry about rain messing up your plans.
Quick breakdown:
| Month | Avg. Rainfall (mm) | Avg. Rainfall (in) |
|---|---|---|
| December | 15 | 0.6 |
| January | 13 | 0.5 |
| February | 42 | 1.6 |
Frequency of Rainy Days
Rainy days are scarce in winter. You’ll usually get only 1–3 days with rain per month. January is often the driest, while February might have a couple more as the season starts to shift.
When it does rain, showers are quick and don’t really get in the way. Unlike the long, soaking storms of the wet season, winter rain is light and scattered. Most days, you can enjoy the outdoors without hassle.
If you’re traveling, you might not even bother with an umbrella. Locals usually don’t worry about rain during these months.
Rainfall Trends Compared to Other Months
Winter stands out as Yamoussoukro’s driest stretch. The wettest months—May through September—see 150–170 mm (6–7 in) of rain and lots of rainy days. In August, sunshine can drop to just 3 hours a day, but winter months average about 7 hours.
During peak rainy season, you might get 15–20 days of rain per month. In winter, you’re looking at just a few. That’s why the dry season feels so much better for outdoor plans and travel.
Humidity and Atmospheric Conditions
In winter, Yamoussoukro’s lower rainfall and cooler nights change how humid the air feels. The weather stays warm and tropical, but with less moisture, outdoor conditions feel a lot more comfortable than during the rainy season.
Average Relative Humidity
Winter humidity usually sits between 60% and 70%, lower than in the wet months. The air doesn’t feel too damp, but you still get that tropical vibe.
Mornings can feel a bit more humid, especially after cool nights. As the day heats up, humidity drops slightly, so afternoons are drier.
Since rainfall is so limited—down to 15 mm in December—the air carries less moisture. This makes it easier to stay outside for longer without feeling sticky.
Seasonal Fluctuations in Humidity
Humidity in Yamoussoukro rises and falls with the rain. During the wet season, it often goes above 80%, but in winter, those numbers drop a lot. Drier air leads to clearer skies and longer sunny spells.
You’ll notice the difference between day and night more in winter. Nights might feel a bit cooler and more humid, but afternoons are warmer and less muggy. This rhythm sticks around all season.
For visitors, this means fewer days ruined by heavy clouds or mist. Lower moisture also means better visibility—great for sightseeing and exploring.
Sunshine Hours and Daylight in Winter
In winter, Yamoussoukro gets fewer sunshine hours than at other times. Cloud cover and seasonal rain shape how much sun you’ll actually see.
Average Daily Sunshine Hours
January is pretty sunny, with about 7 to 8 hours of sunshine per day—that’s a lot for the dry season. Clear skies and lower humidity really help.
By February, sunshine dips a bit, averaging around 7 hours daily. More humidity and clouds start to cut down the direct sunlight.
December is a little different, with about 6 hours of sunshine per day. Days are shorter, so you get less total daylight, but the air stays dry and skies mostly clear.
Here’s a quick look at winter:
| Month | Avg. Sunshine Hours/Day | Total Monthly Hours |
|---|---|---|
| December | ~6.0 | ~190 |
| January | ~7.6 | ~237 |
| February | ~7.0 | ~200 |
These numbers give you a good idea of what to expect if you’re planning outdoor activities.
Variation in Sunshine Throughout Winter
Sunshine changes a bit as winter goes on. December brings shorter days and less intense sunlight, but skies are usually clear.
In January, you get the brightest days of winter. More sunshine and drier air make it perfect for sightseeing or travel.
By February, clouds start to roll in and humidity rises. This cuts down direct sunshine, even as daylight hours grow a little.
The jump from December to January is the biggest—nearly 1.5 extra hours of sunshine per day in January. February then slides back a bit as the city heads toward the wetter season.
So, even though temperatures don’t change much, your sunlight experience shifts month to month.
Wind Speed and Weather Influences
In winter, Yamoussoukro has calmer winds than during the rainy months. Weather patterns settle down, with less rain and fewer disruptions, making it easier to get outside and enjoy the city.
Average Wind Speed in Winter
In Yamoussoukro, winter runs from December through February. During these months, the wind usually feels pretty light, hanging around 3 to 5 miles per hour most days.
You’ll notice that breezes pick up more in the middle of the year, but winter just isn’t that windy. The air stays calm, so you don’t really have to worry about gusty winds messing with your travel plans or daily life.
Evenings and early mornings tend to bring gentle breezes. They offer a bit of relief from the daytime heat, which is honestly pretty nice.
Wind direction shifts a little in winter. You’ll probably catch more easterly or northeasterly flows compared to what you get during the rainy season.
These winds help keep the air drier, and you’ll see less rain because of it. That’s just typical for this time of year.
Since the winds stay gentle, they don’t really disrupt much. Instead, they create a steady, comfortable background, making winter a great time to spend outdoors in the city.
Notable Weather Phenomena
Winter in Yamoussoukro brings dry air and barely any rainfall. Most years, you’ll see totals somewhere between 15 mm and 42 mm throughout the season.
This big drop in rain really shapes the weather you’ll notice. Humidity takes a dip too, so the air feels lighter and less sticky than during the wet months.
The winds calm down, which helps everything feel more stable. You’ll probably notice the days seem more predictable.
Sometimes, hazy skies roll in when dust from up north drifts down. It doesn’t happen all the time, but when it does, visibility can drop for a bit.
You won’t run into big storms or powerful wind gusts like you might in summer. Most days, you get mild breezes and plenty of clear skies.
Honestly, winter feels like the best time for both travel and just getting through daily routines in Yamoussoukro.