Fall in Freetown brings steady warmth mixed with heavy rainfall, shaping daily life along Sierra Leone’s coast. Daytime temperatures usually stay between the upper 70s and mid-80s Fahrenheit, while frequent showers and high humidity dominate much of the season.
This combo creates a climate that feels lush, but honestly, it can be a bit challenging if you’re hoping to spend a lot of time outdoors.
As the wet season stretches through September, October, and November, you’ll notice skies filled with thick clouds and bursts of tropical rain. The heaviest downpours ease up toward late fall, but damp conditions still stick around.
Sunshine breaks through more often in November, hinting at the drier months ahead.
Knowing what to expect makes it easier to plan for everything—from exploring Freetown’s beaches to navigating its lively streets. Fall weather shapes the rhythm of daily activities, travel plans, and your comfort level during your stay.
Overview of Freetown’s Fall Climate
Freetown stays warm throughout the fall, with temperatures shifting only a little. As the wet season ends, rainfall drops sharply, skies clear up, and humidity remains high.
These changes can really affect travel plans and outdoor activities in Sierra Leone’s capital.
Geographical Location and Climate Classification
Freetown sits on the Atlantic coast of Sierra Leone, with the ocean to the west and hills to the east. This setting influences both temperature and rainfall patterns.
The city sits low, averaging about 161 feet above sea level, but the terrain rises quickly nearby, which causes local changes in wind and cloud cover.
The climate here falls under the tropical monsoon (Am) category in the Köppen system. You get a long rainy season, then a shorter, noticeably drier season.
The coastal position keeps extreme heat in check, with average highs between 82°F and 86°F (28°C–30°C) in the fall.
Humidity stays high, often close to 99%. Because of this, even moderate temperatures can feel pretty intense.
The Atlantic waters keep things muggy but also cut down on big swings between day and night temperatures.
Transition from Wet to Dry Season
Fall brings a clear shift in Freetown’s weather. September starts with heavy rainfall, often more than 20 inches in a month, but by November, totals drop to less than 1 inch.
This quick drop signals the move from the wet season into the dry season.
Cloud cover changes fast too. In early September, skies are overcast about 80% of the time. By late November, that falls closer to 50%, so you get more sunshine and clearer views.
Temperatures don’t change much during this shift. Daily highs rise a bit, from about 82°F in early fall to 86°F by late November.
Nights stay warm, averaging 76°F. Winds calm down too, dropping from around 7 mph in September to under 4 mph by mid-November.
Comparison to Sierra Leone’s National Climate
Sierra Leone overall has a tropical climate, but conditions vary by region. Inland areas like Makeni or Kenema get hotter during the day and don’t have the cooling effect of the coast.
Rainfall inland is still heavy, but it usually tapers off earlier than in Freetown.
In the north, the dry Harmattan winds from the Sahara show up by late fall. These winds bring drier air and cooler nights, which feels totally different from Freetown’s humid coast.
If you travel inland, you’ll notice this change immediately.
Freetown stays more humid and a bit cooler compared to the national average, thanks to the Atlantic Ocean. The city avoids extreme heat but stays muggy.
So, if you’re planning, expect steadier warmth along the coast and bigger seasonal changes farther inland.
Typical Fall Temperatures in Freetown
During fall, you’ll get warm conditions with only slight changes between highs and lows. The climate stays humid, but the steady warmth makes it easy to plan without worrying about big temperature swings.
Average High and Low Temperatures
In Freetown, fall high temperatures climb just a little as the season goes on. Average daily highs go from about 82°F (28°C) in early September to 86°F (30°C) by late November.
These numbers rarely dip below 80°F or climb above 88°F.
Nighttime lows stay steady, averaging near 77°F (25°C). Most nights don’t drop below 74°F or go over 80°F.
This consistency means warm evenings and mornings, with little cooling relief.
Here’s a quick look:
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low |
|---|---|---|
| September | 82°F | 77°F |
| October | 84°F | 77°F |
| November | 86°F | 78°F |
This narrow range reflects the city’s tropical setting and its spot by the Atlantic.
Daytime and Nighttime Temperature Variations
Daytime and nighttime temperatures in Freetown stay pretty close together. The difference is usually only 5–9°F between the daily high and low.
During the day, you’ll feel steady warmth that doesn’t usually get extreme.
Nights stay humid and mild, so you probably won’t need a jacket, even late in the evening.
Humidity really changes how the temperature feels. Because the dew point is high, nights often feel just as muggy as daytime.
Air conditioning or fans come in handy, especially if you’re not used to tropical climates.
Since there’s little variation, you don’t have to change your plans much between morning and night.
Record Low and High Temperatures
The climate stays stable, but record extremes still give some perspective. The hottest days in fall hit about 86°F, with late November showing the highest average high.
It’s rare to see temperatures above 88°F.
The coolest nights in fall hardly ever slip below 74°F. Even the coldest day of the year, in January, averages lows of 75°F—still warmer than plenty of places’ summer nights.
You won’t run into sharp cold snaps or extreme heat waves during fall. The records show the season is all about consistency, not extremes, which makes it a predictable time to visit.
Rainfall Patterns and Rainy Days
Freetown’s fall climate shifts fast from heavy downpours to lighter showers. You’ll notice a clear drop in rainfall as the wet season gives way to drier months, and the number of rainy days falls just as quickly.
Average Monthly Rainfall
Rainfall in Freetown during fall drops at a quick pace. In September, you might see close to 500–600 mm of rain, but by November, totals often fall below 50 mm.
October brings the most dramatic change. Rainfall drops to around 200–250 mm, which is less than half of September’s levels.
By this point, storms get shorter and less intense, though brief heavy showers can still pop up.
November usually ends the season with only light rain. Some years, it’s so dry that it barely compares to the peak months of July and August.
Late fall is definitely the drier time to be in Freetown.
Number of Rainy Days
The number of rainy days drops just like rainfall totals. In September, you can expect 20–25 days with measurable rain.
These days often bring long, steady showers, especially in the afternoons and evenings.
By October, rainy days fall to about 10–15 days. Rain still happens, but not as often, and it’s usually shorter.
This makes outdoor activities easier to plan, though you still need to watch for sudden showers.
November usually has only 2–5 rainy days. By then, the rainy season has pretty much ended.
You’ll see more clear skies and longer dry spells, with rain becoming rare and light.
End of Monsoon Season
The fall months wrap up the monsoon season in Freetown. September still feels like peak rainy season, but things ease noticeably in October.
Both rainfall amounts and rainy days drop by nearly half.
By November, the wet season is over. The air feels less humid, and skies clear up more often.
You can expect long stretches without rain, making it one of the most reliable months for dry weather in the city.
This shift matters for daily life and travel. Roads dry out, outdoor markets get easier to reach, and transportation disruptions from heavy rain happen less often.
Humidity and Comfort Levels
Humidity in Freetown really affects how the air feels during fall. Temperatures stay steady, but changes in relative humidity can make a difference, especially with rainfall and cloud cover.
Average Relative Humidity in Fall
During fall, Freetown’s relative humidity usually sits between 70% and 80%. That’s high, and it can make the air feel heavier than the temperature suggests.
In September, humidity often stays near the top of that range because of the ongoing rains. By October and November, levels ease a bit but still feel high compared to the dry season.
High humidity makes it harder for your body to cool down through sweat. So, a temperature of 28°C might feel way warmer than it looks on paper.
Indoor spaces with fans or air conditioning really help. Light clothing and staying hydrated also make a difference.
Humidity Trends from September to November
From September to November, humidity gradually drops. September still falls in the wet season, so expect very humid days with lots of cloud cover.
By October, rainfall decreases, and humidity starts to drop. Comfort levels improve, but the air still feels damp compared to what’s coming.
In November, relative humidity keeps dropping, often landing in the lower 70% range. This makes outdoor activities more manageable, especially for visitors who aren’t used to tropical climates.
Here’s a simple breakdown:
| Month | Approx. Relative Humidity | Comfort Impact |
|---|---|---|
| September | 78–80% | Very humid, muggy feeling |
| October | 74–77% | Slightly less oppressive |
| November | 70–73% | Noticeably more comfortable |
This steady decline marks the shift toward the dry season, when clearer skies and lower humidity take over.
Wind Conditions During Fall
During fall in Freetown, you’ll notice moderate winds that shift as the rainy season ends and the dry season begins. Wind speed and direction affect daily comfort, outdoor activities, and even air quality.
Average Wind Speed
Wind speeds in Freetown during fall stay light to moderate, usually between 5 to 10 miles per hour (8 to 16 km/h). September often feels calmer, since the heavy rains of the wet season keep stronger gusts away.
By October and November, winds pick up a bit as drier air from the northeast replaces the moist monsoon flow. This change makes the air feel less humid, though the breeze stays gentle.
You rarely get strong winds in the city during fall. Most days, steady breezes offer relief from the warmth.
These winds are consistent enough to cool the air but not disruptive for walking, driving, or hanging out outdoors.
For visitors, the mild wind speeds make fall a comfortable time to enjoy beaches, markets, and coastal walks without worrying about dust or strong gusts.
Prevailing Wind Directions
The wind direction shifts in fall as the monsoon pulls away. In September, winds usually bring moisture from the southwest, which is basically the last gasp of the rainy season.
By November, the northeast trade winds take over. If you’re local, you’ll probably notice the Harmattan influence creeping in, since it brings in drier air from inland West Africa. The full force of Harmattan doesn’t hit until winter, but late fall already feels different.
Here’s a quick look at usual wind directions:
- September: Southwest flow, humid and damp
- October: Transitional, directions can vary
- November: Northeast flow, drier and cooler air
These changes matter because they signal the end of heavy rains and the start of clearer skies. Once the northeast winds settle in, you’ll notice better visibility and way less sticky humidity.
Other Notable Fall Weather Features
You can expect steady shifts in both sky conditions and coastal waters during the fall months. Cloud cover changes quickly as the rainy season wraps up. The nearby Atlantic keeps its warm sea temperatures, which keeps influencing comfort and travel plans.
Sunshine Hours and Cloud Cover
Early fall still brings mostly cloudy skies. About 80% of days in early September are overcast. By late November, cloud cover drops to just over 50%, so you get more clear or partly clear days.
Daylight gets shorter too. At the start of September, you get around 12 hours and 16 minutes of daylight. By late November, that shrinks to 11 hours and 40 minutes.
Sunrise comes later, moving from about 6:40 AM in mid-October to 6:51 AM by late November. Sunset shifts too, dropping from 7:01 PM in early September to about 6:29 PM by mid-November.
These small changes can affect outdoor plans, so it’s smart to think about earlier sunsets.
Clearer skies in November make evenings feel brighter and less humid than the thick overcast you get in September. You can really feel the shift from the wet season into a drier stretch of the year.
Sea Temperatures Along the Coast
The Atlantic waters near Freetown stay warm all through the fall. Surface temperatures usually climb from about 80°F (27°C) in September to 84°F (29°C) by late November.
You can swim or enjoy the coast any time of year, thanks to this steady warmth. Unlike some places, you won’t run into those sudden, chilly dips in temperature.
The water just stays comfortable, so beach visits and boat trips feel easy and inviting. By late November, the sea hits its warmest point of the season.
Less rainfall pairs with these temperatures, making fishing and diving pretty ideal. Water-based recreation just feels better when the weather cooperates.
If you’re traveling, you can count on pleasant ocean conditions. There’s no need to stress about cold currents or sudden seasonal changes.
The warm coastal waters also add to the humid air inland, especially earlier in the season.