Fall in Accra, Ghana feels different—you notice it in the air and the sky. Temperatures creep up a bit as the season goes on, while the skies clear and rain lets up more and more.
You’ll get warm days, humid nights, and a steady drop in rainfall as the months tick by.
If you’re planning to be outdoors, you’ll see how the weather shapes life along the coast. The Atlantic warms up, winds slow down, and daylight hours shrink just a little.
These changes give fall its own vibe, letting you feel the city’s rhythm without the heavy summer downpours.
Knowing what’s coming helps you get ready for anything, whether you’re exploring markets or hanging out by the shore. With steady warmth, high humidity, and calmer evenings, fall weather in Accra is honestly great for both comfort and adventure.
Overview of Accra’s Fall Climate
Accra’s fall climate comes from its tropical setting right on the Gulf of Guinea. You’ll notice steady warmth, high humidity, and seasonal rainfall that shifts as the season goes.
You don’t see big swings in temperature, but cloud cover, rain, and wind definitely change as fall moves along.
Location and Climate Classification
Accra sits right on Ghana’s southern coast, hugging the Atlantic Ocean. Its low elevation—about 62 feet above sea level—keeps temperatures steady all year.
The city sits in the tropical wet and dry (savanna) climate zone, known as Aw in the Köppen system. So, you get clear wet and dry seasons, but it pretty much stays warm year-round.
Because Accra is near the equator, daylight hours barely budge. You’ll only spot tiny changes in sunrise and sunset times. The ocean’s right there, so it keeps things from getting too hot—unlike Ghana’s inland spots, which can really heat up.
Seasonal Weather Patterns
During fall, daily highs in Accra rise from about 83°F (28°C) in early September to around 89°F (32°C) by late November. Nights sit at about 76°F (24°C) and rarely dip under 73°F.
Rainfall drops fast during fall. In early September, you’ve got about a 30% shot at rain any day. By late November, that drops to under 10%.
Monthly rainfall averages fall from 1.7 inches in September to just 0.5 inches in November.
Skies clear up too, and winds slow from around 8 mph in early fall to closer to 6 mph by November, mostly blowing in from the south. Humidity stays high—often nearly 100% on the dew point scale—so it feels muggy even when it’s not raining.
Key Climate Influences
The Gulf of Guinea shapes Accra’s weather more than anything else. Warm ocean water keeps the air temp steady and helps drive the rains. By late fall, surface water heats up from about 75°F (24°C) to 82°F (28°C), cranking up the humidity you feel.
The West African Monsoon also drives rainfall. When the monsoon pulls north after summer, Accra dries out. That’s why rain and clouds drop off so sharply in fall.
The city’s flat coastal terrain doesn’t really change the weather much. Instead, you’ll feel the ocean breezes, high humidity, and the slow loss of daylight as December approaches.
Typical Temperatures in Fall
In Accra, fall temperatures don’t change much—they stay warm and steady. Daytime highs hit the mid to upper 80s °F, and nights hang around the mid-70s °F, making things feel humid but consistent.
Average Highs and Lows by Month
From September to November, daily highs inch up. In September, you’ll see highs near 83°F (28°C). By November, they’re closer to 89°F (32°C). Lows stick at about 76°F (24°C) most nights.
Here’s a quick look:
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low |
|---|---|---|
| September | 83°F | 76°F |
| October | 86°F | 76°F |
| November | 89°F | 76°F |
Temps rarely dip below 73°F or go over 91°F, so you don’t need to worry about big swings. Packing is easy—light clothes work the whole season.
Temperature Trends from September to November
The main thing you’ll feel is that days get a bit warmer as fall goes on. September starts off a little cooler, but by late November, afternoons feel hotter and stickier.
Unlike places with big seasonal jumps, Accra’s weather changes slowly. That 83°F to 89°F rise isn’t huge, but if you’re there for a few weeks, you’ll notice. Nights stay steady at about 76°F, so there’s not much relief from the daytime heat.
That steady warmth comes from Accra’s tropical location by the Gulf of Guinea. The ocean keeps temps from spiking or dropping fast.
Nighttime and Daytime Variations
Daytime temps in fall usually land between 85°F and 89°F. That feels hot, especially with all the humidity. The hottest part of the day runs from late morning to mid-afternoon.
At night, temperatures settle around 75–76°F, and there’s not much difference between September and November. Even after sunset, it’s still muggy—humidity stays close to 100%.
Since it doesn’t cool off much at night, mornings start out warm and stay that way. You get a pretty uniform, humid, tropical feel day and night.
Rainfall and Humidity During Fall
In Accra’s fall months, the weather starts shifting. Rainfall drops off after the heavy summer, but humidity stays high, though it does ease a little as dry season gets closer.
Monthly Rainfall Amounts
Rainfall in Accra during fall falls off compared to the June peak. September still has moderate showers, with 60–90 mm of rain over several days. By October, totals drop to around 40–60 mm, and there are fewer rainy days.
November is typically the driest, averaging 20–30 mm of rain. That sharp drop marks the move toward dry season.
| Month | Average Rainfall (mm) | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|
| September | 60–90 | 8–10 |
| October | 40–60 | 6–8 |
| November | 20–30 | 3–5 |
You might still get a quick shower in September or October, but by November it’s mostly dry, so outdoor plans are easier to make.
Humidity Levels and Their Impact
Humidity in Accra stays up there, usually between 75% and 85%. September feels stickier because of leftover rains, while October and November drop just a bit as rain fades.
High humidity makes those upper-20s °C days feel even warmer. Nights are muggy too, so you’ll probably want a fan or AC if you can get it.
Travelers mostly notice the humidity as a comfort thing, not a safety risk. Light, breathable clothes and plenty of water help. If you’re heading outside, mornings feel a bit less intense than afternoons.
Transition from Wet to Dry Season
Fall is when Accra leaves the rainy season behind. September has the last of the rains, but by October, rain is less common and skies start to open up.
By November, you’re in the early dry season. Rain is rare, humidity drops a little, and there’s more sunshine. Late fall is honestly a great time for sightseeing or outdoor stuff.
You’ll see daily life change during this switch. Roads dry out, markets buzz with more people, and travel gets easier since storms aren’t stopping everything.
Sunshine, Cloud Cover, and Wind Patterns
In the fall months in Accra, days get a bit shorter, there’s less direct sun, and skies slowly clear as fall goes on. Winds shift a little in speed and direction, which affects how it feels outside.
Average Daily Sunshine Hours
Daylight in Accra shrinks a bit through fall. At the start of September, you get about 12 hours and 13 minutes of daylight, but by late November, it’s down to 11 hours and 50 minutes. It’s not a huge change, but you’ll notice if you’re outdoors a lot.
Cloud cover affects how much sun you actually get. On average, you’ll see 4 to 6 hours of direct sun per day in fall. September is cloudier, so there’s less sun, but by late November, skies clear and you get longer stretches of sunshine.
Sunrise is between 5:46 a.m. and 5:54 a.m., and sunset moves from about 6:07 p.m. in early September to 5:41 p.m. by mid-November. That matters if you’re planning outdoor stuff or want to catch the evening light by the coast.
Typical Cloud Cover in Fall
Cloud cover in Accra drops as fall goes on. Early September, skies are overcast or mostly cloudy about 56% of the time. By late November, that’s down to 48%, so you get more breaks of clear or partly cloudy weather.
Late September is usually the cloudiest, with a 57% chance of mostly cloudy skies. By November’s end, you’ll see more days with at least some blue sky.
This clearing matches up with the end of the rainy season. Rain chances drop fast, but you’ll still get some humidity and haze, especially in the morning.
Prevailing Winds and Their Effects
Winds in Accra get weaker as fall goes on. Speeds drop from about 13 km/h in early September to around 9 km/h by late November. Late fall feels calmer compared to earlier, windier months.
Winds mostly come from the south, thanks to the Gulf of Guinea. These southerly breezes bring in moist air, keeping humidity high—sometimes it’s close to 100% muggy for weeks.
The wind helps keep daytime highs between 28°C and 32°C, but it also makes things feel sticky, especially when clouds trap heat and moisture.
Sea Conditions and Coastal Weather
Along Accra’s coast, the Atlantic really sets the tone. Water temps stay warm all season, and coastal breezes make it more comfortable by the shore. Rainfall drops as fall goes on, so conditions for outdoor and water activities get steadier.
Sea Surface Temperatures
During fall, the surface water off Accra warms up. Early in the season, the ocean sits at about 24°C (75°F) and climbs to nearly 28°C (82°F) by late November. That slow rise means you can count on warm seas—no cold snaps to scare off swimmers or boaters.
Warmer water also helps marine activity. Fishermen get more predictable days, and swimmers find the water pleasant all season. The sea temperature doesn’t change fast, so you won’t get sudden surprises from week to week.
Humidity stays high along the coast, but the steady breeze helps keep things from feeling too stifling. Winds blow in from the south, averaging 9–13 km/h, which keeps the shoreline aired out and stops the heat from getting unbearable.
Beach and Coastal Activities in Fall
Rainfall drops from about 44 mm in September to just 13 mm in November. You’ll probably find that your beach plans get interrupted less often. Early in fall, you might see a wet day about 30% of the time, but by November, it’s less than 10%. That’s a big difference from the soggy summer, making outdoor plans feel a lot more reliable.
The ocean stays warm, so swimming, surfing, and kayaking are all on the table. Most days feel calm, though you might still get the odd shower in September.
In October and November, the skies usually clear up, and those long dry stretches make walking along Labadi Beach or exploring the coast even better.
You’ll still have to deal with high humidity, sometimes close to 100% muggy conditions. Thankfully, the sea breeze helps.
Evenings usually feel mild, with air temperatures by the coast hanging around 25–27°C (77–81°F). It’s actually pretty nice for a stroll after sunset.
Travel Tips for Experiencing Fall Weather in Accra
Accra’s fall brings warm weather, lots of humidity, and a steady move from rainy to dry. You’ll see daylight hours shrink a bit, the winds calm down, and ocean water gets warmer.
All of this really affects how you plan your days, what you pack, and how you stay comfortable.
Best Outdoor Activities
Most days in fall, Accra’s highs sit somewhere between the low and upper 80s °F (about 29–32°C). As the months go by, rain becomes less of a hassle, so it’s easier to plan things outside.
Beach days at Labadi or Kokrobite are a solid choice, especially as the Atlantic warms up. Whether you want to surf, swim, or just chill on the sand, you’ll have options.
If you’re in the mood for city life, check out Independence Square, the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, or wander through the busy Makola Market.
Try to get out in the early morning or late afternoon—the midday heat and humidity can get a bit much.
Nature lovers can visit Shai Hills Resource Reserve just outside Accra for some light hiking and wildlife spotting. The trails are manageable, but it’s smart to bring water since the air stays muggy.
Recommended Clothing and Gear
Bring lightweight, breathable clothing—cotton shirts, shorts, and dresses work well. With the humidity so high, quick-drying fabrics really help you stay comfortable.
Don’t forget a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Even if it’s cloudy, the UV can sneak up on you.
In September and October, you might still see quick rain showers, so a compact umbrella or light rain jacket comes in handy. By November, you’ll probably use them less, but it’s not a bad idea to have one just in case.
You’ll want comfortable walking shoes or sandals with some grip for city streets and short hikes. If you’re hitting the beach, toss in swimwear and a light cover-up.
A small daypack makes it easy to carry bottled water, snacks, and whatever else you need while you’re out exploring Accra.
Health and Safety Considerations
Accra’s air usually feels humid, and the heat can sometimes feel intense. Honestly, it’s best to drink lots of bottled or filtered water so you don’t get dehydrated.
Try to rest somewhere shaded or air-conditioned when the sun’s at its peak. No need to tough it out if you don’t have to.
Mosquitoes seem to love fall in Accra. I’d reach for insect repellent with DEET or picaridin and maybe throw on some light, long sleeves in the evenings.
Food safety matters. Go for freshly cooked meals, and skip untreated tap water. Street food is everywhere, but I’d stick with vendors who cook right in front of you and have a steady crowd.
Traffic jams can hit hard in the afternoon. Give yourself extra time, and stick to trusted taxis or ride-hailing apps when you can.
I always pack a basic first aid kit—just the basics like bandages, painkillers, and rehydration salts. It’s a relief to have it handy if something minor pops up.