Spring in Accra means warmth, humidity, and a noticeable uptick in rainfall. These elements shape daily life along Ghana’s southern coast.
Daytime temperatures usually hover in the upper 80s to low 90s Fahrenheit, while nights stay comfortably warm in the high 70s. You’ll see cloudier skies and more frequent showers, making this one of the wetter times of year.
If you’re spending time outdoors, you’ll quickly notice how the humidity stays high and persistent, creating a muggy feel day and night. Rainfall builds up fast during spring. Showers can be heavy, but they usually come in bursts, not lasting all day.
The coastal breeze and steady sea temperatures help keep things from feeling too extreme. It’s a relief, honestly.
From temperature shifts to rainfall trends, each part of spring shapes what you’ll experience in Accra.
Overview of Accra’s Spring Climate
Accra’s spring climate stays warm and humid. Temperatures are steady, but rainfall climbs as the season moves along.
You’ll feel high humidity, frequent clouds, and gradual changes in daylight that affect daily life and travel.
Location and Climate Zone
Accra sits right on the Atlantic coast of Ghana, at about 5.5°N latitude and 0.2°W longitude. Its spot near the Gulf of Guinea puts it squarely in the tropical savanna climate zone (Aw) under the Köppen system.
This climate brings warm temperatures year-round, with clear wet and dry periods. Unlike temperate places, the temperature doesn’t really swing much by season, but rainfall patterns drive the changes you’ll notice.
The city sits just 30–60 meters above sea level, and its proximity to the ocean helps keep the worst heat in check. Coastal breezes from the south offer some relief, though the humidity often makes it feel warmer than it is.
Accra lies so close to the equator that daylight hours remain pretty balanced all year. This keeps weather patterns stable but also means that persistent humidity sticks around during spring.
Spring Months Defined
In Accra, locals usually think of spring as the stretch from March through May. During these months, daily highs average 87°F to 91°F (31°C–33°C). Nights stay steady, right around 75°F–79°F (24°C–26°C).
Rainfall increases quickly as spring moves along. In March, you’ll get about 1–2 inches of rain over the month. By May, that jumps to 6–7 inches.
The odds of a wet day rise from about 24% in early March to nearly 70% by late May. Skies get cloudier, with overcast conditions more than 75% of the time. Humidity is high, and muggy days are just part of the deal.
Daylight nudges up a bit, from about 12 hours in early March to 12 hours 25 minutes by late May. Sunrise comes earlier by around 25 minutes, but sunset barely changes.
Greater Accra Regional Context
The Greater Accra Region is small but densely populated. Its coastal location influences both temperature and rainfall, making it a bit cooler than areas inland but a lot more humid.
Urban development in Accra changes the local climate. Buildings and roads trap heat, and there’s not much greenery to provide natural cooling. That makes evenings feel warmer than in nearby rural spots.
Heavy spring rains often disrupt road travel, and high humidity can make outdoor activities feel more draining. Still, the steady warmth supports year-round farming and coastal tourism.
Compared to northern Ghana, Accra has less temperature variation but more clouds. Offshore water temperatures stay close to 83°F (28°C), so swimming and fishing are pleasant all season.
Average Temperatures in Spring
Spring in Accra brings warm days and humid nights, with only small shifts in temperature. You’ll get reliable heat, with daytime highs easing down a bit as spring moves along and nighttime lows holding steady.
Daytime Temperature Ranges
Daytime highs in Accra during spring usually range from 87°F to 91°F (31°C–33°C). Early in the season, you’ll get more days near 91°F, but by late spring, highs drop closer to 87°F.
These temperatures rarely go above 93°F (34°C) or below 84°F (29°C). Frequent cloud cover helps keep the heat from feeling too harsh, especially later in spring.
Most travelers find the warmth manageable. Light, breathable clothes and some shade or air conditioning make city exploring a lot more comfortable.
Nighttime Lows
At night, temperatures stick around 78°F (25°C). They almost never dip below 75°F (24°C) or climb above 81°F (27°C). There’s not much relief from the heat after sunset.
Humidity at night stays high, so the air feels heavy. Even if the numbers aren’t extreme, the combo of warmth and moisture can feel pretty muggy.
If you’re staying in Accra, a fan or air conditioner helps with sleep. Lightweight pajamas are a good call since nights are warm and sticky all spring.
Monthly Variations
From March through May, temperature changes are slow and subtle. March is usually the hottest, with highs close to 91°F and lows near 78°F. By May, highs average around 87°F, while lows barely budge.
Rainfall and cloud cover increase later in spring, which takes the edge off daytime heat. Nighttime lows don’t really change, so evenings feel similar no matter when you visit.
Here’s a quick look at typical temperature ranges:
| Month | Average High | Average Low |
|---|---|---|
| March | 91°F (33°C) | 78°F (25°C) |
| April | 89°F (32°C) | 78°F (25°C) |
| May | 87°F (31°C) | 78°F (25°C) |
Rainfall Patterns During Spring
Spring in Accra brings moderate to heavy rainfall, with amounts climbing steadily as the months go by. Rain falls often, but not every day.
You’ll notice the change from drier months to wetter ones in both the totals and the number of rainy days.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
Rainfall in Accra during spring ramps up clearly. March usually starts with light showers, averaging around 40–60 mm. By April, the total jumps to about 90–110 mm. May brings heavier rain, with 120–150 mm on average.
Early spring showers are brief and lighter. By late spring, storms are heavier and last longer. This pattern sets the stage for the big rainy season in June.
| Month | Average Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| March | 40–60 |
| April | 90–110 |
| May | 120–150 |
These numbers show how fast rainfall builds up in just three months.
Number of Rainy Days
Rainy days increase through spring. In March, expect rain on about 6–8 days. By April, that rises to 10–12 days. May usually sees 15–18 rainy days.
Rain rarely lasts all day. Showers come in bursts, often in the afternoon or evening, leaving parts of the day dry. You can still plan outdoor activities, but it’s smart to stay flexible.
Short, light showers dominate in March, while May brings more frequent downpours. The steady increase in rainy days signals that the long rainy season is just around the corner.
Rainfall in Accra Compared to Other Seasons
Spring rainfall in Accra tops the winter months but falls short of the summer peak. January and February are driest, usually below 20 mm and just a few rainy days. In June, the wettest month, rain averages 180 mm over more than 20 days.
Compared with autumn, spring rainfall is more steady. The second rainy season in September and October brings moderate totals, but it’s shorter and less intense than spring through early summer.
If you’re traveling, keep in mind that spring brings more rain, but it’s not as heavy or disruptive as the peak months. It’s a manageable time to visit and still get a feel for Accra’s tropical climate.
Humidity and Air Quality
Humidity in Accra stays high all year, and spring is no exception. The moisture in the air affects how warm it feels and can impact comfort, health, and outdoor plans.
Relative Humidity Levels
During spring, Accra’s relative humidity often sits between 78% and 85%. The air holds a lot of water vapor, which slows down how fast sweat evaporates from your skin. You’ll feel warmer than the thermometer says.
High humidity also shapes air quality. Accra doesn’t usually get smog, but the thick moisture can trap dust and pollutants near the ground, especially in busy parts of the city. The air can feel heavy and not as fresh.
If you have respiratory issues, humid days might be tougher. Staying hydrated and heading outdoors in the cooler morning hours can help.
Monthly Humidity Changes
Humidity shifts a little from month to month in spring, but it always stays high. March usually runs close to 80%, while April and May edge up to 83–85%.
Rising humidity in April and May goes hand in hand with more clouds and the first big rains. So, even though it’s warm, the air feels heavier and it’s less comfortable to be outside for long stretches.
Here’s a look at average relative humidity in spring:
| Month | Average Relative Humidity |
|---|---|
| March | ~80% |
| April | ~82% |
| May | ~84–85% |
Even these small changes are noticeable when you’re outdoors, especially around midday.
Sunshine Hours and Daylight
In Accra, sunlight shifts with the seasons, but daylight hours stay pretty steady year-round. The amount of sunshine each day isn’t always the same as the total daylight.
Average Daily Sunshine
During spring, Accra gets about 5 to 7 hours of sunshine per day. March is the sunniest, with around 7 hours. April and May get a bit less thanks to more clouds and higher humidity.
As the wet season builds in late spring, sunshine hours drop as rainfall and cloud cover increase. For example:
| Month | Avg. Sunshine Hours/Day | % of Daylight with Sun |
|---|---|---|
| March | ~7h 11m | 60% |
| April | ~7h 06m | 59% |
| May | ~6h 48m | 56% |
So, while daylight is steady, the actual hours of bright sun shift. Expect more overcast days in April and May than in March.
Seasonal Daylight Duration
Daylight in Accra usually stays remarkably steady. Because the city sits so close to the equator, days last about 12 hours year-round. You’ll only notice tiny changes—just a few minutes—each month.
In spring, daylight creeps up from a bit over 12 hours in March to roughly 12 hours and 22 minutes by May. The shift is barely noticeable, so you won’t see those big seasonal swings you get in places farther from the equator.
| Month | Avg. Daylight Hours |
|---|---|
| March | 12h 05m |
| April | 12h 14m |
| May | 12h 22m |
This steady rhythm means your daily plans won’t get thrown off by big changes in sunrise or sunset. It’s honestly pretty convenient if you like to plan outdoor activities without surprises.
Sea Temperature and Coastal Conditions
Accra’s coastline keeps warm all year, with only small changes in sea temperature. Ocean currents and the local climate shape the feel of the water, making it comfortable most of the time for swimming or just hanging out by the shore.
Average Sea Temperature
During spring, the sea off Accra stays warm and inviting. You’ll see averages between 26°C and 28°C (79°F–82°F). That’s pretty standard from March through May, with May usually being the warmest.
Late spring brings the highest temps, sometimes close to 29°C (84°F). Earlier in the season, it’s a bit cooler but still great for swimming. Even on the coolest spring days, the water rarely dips below 25°C (77°F), so you won’t deal with any chilly shocks.
The Gulf of Guinea’s tropical waters keep things stable. Unlike places with wild seasonal swings, Accra’s coastal waters change slowly, so conditions feel almost the same all spring.
Swimming and Beach Weather
Since the sea stays warm, you can swim at Accra’s beaches pretty much any day in spring. The water’s warmth means you can stay in for ages without getting cold, which is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or just wading around.
It does get humid onshore, and you’ll see more rain as May approaches. Showers happen, but they’re usually short and don’t really mess up beach time. Warm breezes off the sea help cut the heat, especially in the afternoons.
Most of the time, the beach is calm, though sometimes you’ll see stronger waves if the wind shifts. If you’re planning water activities, it’s smart to check local surf reports, since currents can change.
Wind Speed and Weather Patterns
Spring in Accra brings steady winds, though they shift a bit as the season moves on. You’ll notice moderate breezes, and they tend to ease up toward the end of spring. Most of the airflow comes from southerly directions thanks to the nearby Gulf of Guinea.
Typical Wind Speeds
Average wind speed in Accra during spring lands between 11–13 km/h (7–8 mph). Early in the season, winds hover around 12.5 km/h. By late May, they slow down to about 11.3 km/h.
This drop happens gradually, so you won’t wake up to a sudden calm day. The calmest point usually comes in mid-May, with daily averages near 11.0 km/h.
These winds aren’t strong enough to disrupt your plans, but they do change how the air feels. A steady breeze makes the heavy humidity more bearable. Without it, afternoons can feel especially muggy.
For some context, Accra’s windiest stretch doesn’t arrive until July, when speeds go above 13 km/h. December, on the other hand, brings the calmest days, with averages dipping below 10 km/h.
Prevailing Wind Directions
In Accra, spring winds mostly blow in from the south. Sometimes, especially by late May, you might notice that up to 76% of the winds come straight from that direction.
The Atlantic Ocean sits right along Accra’s coastline, and it really shapes this southerly flow. It tends to pull in moist air as the season moves forward, and that’s part of why rainfall starts to pick up.
Winds from the southeast or southwest show up too, though not as often. Even so, these changes can nudge cloud cover and shift when the rain arrives, especially when they mix with other regional weather patterns.
Since the wind direction doesn’t change much, you get a pretty steady setup. That kind of consistency makes it easier to plan outdoor activities, travel along the coast, or just keep an eye on air quality in the city.