When you think about summer in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, you’ll probably imagine warm days, muggy air, and rain that comes and goes. The average summer weather usually brings daytime highs around 26–29°C (79–84°F), with heavy rainfall peaking in June before it lets up a bit by August. All that heat and moisture really shapes daily life and travel plans, so it’s good to know what you’re in for.
You’ll notice the skies change fast—clouds can build up quickly, and next thing you know, there’s a downpour that cools things off for a bit. June is the wettest month, while July and August feel a bit cooler but still sticky.
Sunshine hours are shorter than other times of the year. The sea stays warm enough for swimming, even when the sky’s gloomy.
Overview of Abidjan’s Summer Climate
Abidjan gets warm, humid, and rainy during the summer months. The city sits by the Gulf of Guinea, so its tropical climate really drives the weather you’ll experience.
Tropical Climate Classification
Abidjan falls into the tropical wet and dry climate (Aw) category in the Köppen system. Basically, it’s warm all year, but summer brings a clear rainy season.
June, July, and August usually see average highs from 26°C to 29°C (79°F to 84°F), with lows between 23°C and 25°C (73°F to 77°F). Oddly enough, summer here is a bit cooler than spring, thanks to all the clouds and rain.
Humidity sticks around, often over 80%, so the air feels heavy and a little oppressive. June gets the most rain, with totals above 200 mm (8 inches), and then things start to dry out a bit through July and August. Summer ends up being the wettest time of year.
Geographical Influences on Weather
Abidjan hugs the southern coast of Ivory Coast, right between the Atlantic Ocean and the Ébrié Lagoon. These waters really shape the weather.
The ocean keeps temperatures from getting too extreme. Sea temperatures in summer hover around 24°C to 26°C (75°F to 79°F), which cools things off a little compared to inland. That’s why August usually feels like the coolest month here.
Southwest monsoon winds bring in moist air from the ocean, fueling those heavy rains. The city sits just 54 meters (177 feet) above sea level, which keeps humidity high and clouds rolling in. You’ll only get about 5 to 6 hours of sun per day during July and August.
Seasonal Patterns and Variability
Summer means a long rainy season that kicks off in May and peaks in June. Rain falls most days, usually as heavy afternoon showers or thunderstorms.
Rain tapers off a bit in July and August, but the sky stays mostly cloudy. You’ll see 20–27 rainy days per month during this stretch, even though the total rainfall drops compared to June.
Temperatures don’t really swing much. Daytime highs and nighttime lows usually differ by just 3°C to 5°C (5°F to 9°F), so the climate feels steady. Still, all that humidity and rain can make it tough to enjoy outdoor stuff.
Travelers might find this season tricky, but locals rely on it for farming and water.
Average Summer Temperatures
In Abidjan, summer means warm, humid air that doesn’t change much between day and night. The heat stays steady, and humidity stays high, so it’s good to know what you’re getting into before you visit.
Typical Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures
Daytime highs in summer usually sit between 81°F and 85°F (27°C–29°C). The hottest afternoons might reach the mid-80s, but it rarely gets above 88°F.
Nights don’t bring much relief. Lows hover around 73°F to 75°F (23°C–24°C), so evenings stay warm and sticky. The difference between day and night is small, so don’t expect a cool breeze after sunset.
The tropical coastal climate and the Atlantic Ocean keep things pretty stable, even overnight.
Monthly Temperature Trends (June to August)
From June to August, temperatures barely budge. June usually starts with highs near 85°F (29°C) and lows around 75°F (24°C).
July cools off a little, with highs closer to 83°F (28°C) and lows steady at 74°F (23°C). August is the coolest, with daily highs dropping to about 81°F (27°C).
Here’s a quick look:
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low |
|---|---|---|
| June | 85°F / 29°C | 75°F / 24°C |
| July | 83°F / 28°C | 74°F / 23°C |
| August | 81°F / 27°C | 73°F / 23°C |
August usually feels like the coolest month.
Temperature Extremes and Records
Abidjan almost never gets extremely hot. Temperatures rarely go past 89°F (32°C), even during the hottest spells.
The coolest days show up in mid-August, when highs might drop to 81°F (27°C) and lows to 73°F (23°C)—the lowest averages all year.
For comparison, February is actually hotter, with highs up to 89°F (32°C) and lows near 77°F (25°C). So, summer here is milder on the heat front, but the humidity makes it feel warmer.
Rainfall and Humidity During Summer
Summer in Abidjan means heavy rain, lots of storms, and high humidity that can really affect your plans and how comfortable you feel. The patterns show up in monthly rainfall, number of rainy days, and just how damp the air feels.
Monthly Rainfall Amounts
Rainfall during summer ranks among the highest for the year. May, June, and September usually get the most, with 200–300 mm per month. July and August are a bit drier, but you’ll still get plenty of showers.
Here’s what the months look like:
| Month | Average Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| May | ~300 mm |
| June | ~250 mm |
| July | ~120 mm |
| August | ~80 mm |
| September | ~220 mm |
These numbers show how the heavy rains of late spring give way to a short drier spell in mid-summer, then pick up again by September.
Frequency of Rainy Days
Rain falls on a lot of days in summer. May and June usually bring 20–27 rainy days, so outdoor plans can get tricky.
July and August aren’t as wet, with about 10–15 rainy days each month. Some people call this the “small dry season,” though you’ll still see showers. Rainy days climb again in September, often hitting 20 or more days.
Rain can start anytime, so keep an umbrella handy—even if it looks clear. Afternoon and evening storms happen a lot.
Humidity Levels and Their Impact
Humidity stays high all summer, usually 80–90%. With temperatures around 25–27°C (77–81°F), the air feels thick and sticky.
When humidity is high, sweat doesn’t cool you down as well, so you might feel hotter than the thermometer says.
Indoors, the dampness lingers. Without air conditioning or good ventilation, rooms can feel muggy. Light clothes, drinking lots of water, and taking breaks in the shade help a lot.
Humidity does keep plants lush, but it can also mean more mold and slow-drying laundry.
Sunshine, Daylight, and Cloud Cover
Summer in Abidjan brings a mix: sometimes bright sun, often gray skies, and steady daylight hours. You’ll notice less sunshine than other seasons, and clouds are a big part of the daily vibe.
Average Daily Sunshine Hours
Sunshine hours drop in summer. June, July, and August average just 3 hours 40 minutes to 4 hours per day—some of the lowest for the year.
Clouds and rain keep the sun hidden. When the sun does peek through, it’s usually just for a bit. If you want to be outside, mornings and early afternoons tend to be your best bet for some clearer skies.
By September, sunshine picks up a little, averaging around 4 hours 40 minutes per day. That’s a sign the drier months are on the way. Even though summer isn’t super sunny, you’ll still get enough light for sightseeing or the beach if you time it right.
Daylight Duration
Abidjan sits near the equator, so daylight barely changes all year. In summer, you get about 12 hours of daylight every day, with only tiny changes month to month.
For example, June averages 12 hours 24 minutes of daylight, and August drops just a bit to 12 hours 17 minutes. The difference is less than 15 minutes, so sunrise and sunset times stay pretty steady.
This makes planning easy. Whether you’re heading into the city or to the coast, you can count on nearly the same daylight hours every day.
Cloud Cover Variations
Clouds really define summer in Abidjan. June and July are mostly cloudy—sunshine only makes up about 30–32% of daylight hours. That means the sky is overcast or hazy two-thirds of the time.
August stays cloudy but starts to improve a little, with sunshine at about 32% of daylight. By September, things brighten up, and you’ll get nearly 40% sunshine.
Clouds affect how the city feels. Softer light during the day can make it seem a bit cooler, even when it’s humid. You’ll also have less risk of sunburn, but UV rays are still strong, so don’t skip protection.
Wind, Pressure, and Sea Temperature
Summer in Abidjan brings steady coastal breezes, some shifts in air pressure, and cooler sea temperatures than the rest of the year. All these things shape how comfortable the climate feels and what outdoor or water activities are like.
Prevailing Winds and Speeds
Abidjan sits right by the Gulf of Guinea, so the West African monsoon winds have a big impact. From June to August, moist southwesterly winds blow in, bringing cooler air from the ocean.
Winds usually average 8–12 km/h (5–7 mph), so you’ll feel a gentle breeze. These winds can help take the edge off the humidity, but the air still feels heavy during peak rainfall in June.
Winds mostly blow inland from the Atlantic, and this steady pattern means you don’t have to worry much about sudden gusts or rough weather. For travelers, these breezes help make the daytime heat more bearable, especially when things cool off a bit in July and August.
Atmospheric Pressure Patterns
Pressure levels in Abidjan during summer usually stay pretty steady, with just a few minor ups and downs. Average sea-level pressure sits between 1012 and 1016 hPa, which fits the tropical coastal vibe here.
You might spot a slight bump in pressure around July, as the heavy rain starts to ease up compared to June. This small increase often comes with cooler temperatures and more cloud cover.
Since these changes are pretty subtle, pressure shifts don’t really spark dramatic weather changes. Instead, they just mark the slow shift from June’s peak monsoon rains toward the drier stretch in late August.
Sea Surface Temperatures
The Atlantic Ocean really shapes Abidjan’s summer weather. By July and August, sea surface temperatures drop to their lowest, averaging about 24–26°C (75–79°F).
Seasonal upwelling along the West African coast pulls up colder, nutrient-rich water, which cools things down. The sea might not feel as warm as it does other times of year, but honestly, it’s still great for a swim.
Marine life and fishing get a boost from all those nutrients, so if you’re into that, it’s a busy time. You’ll notice currents are a bit stronger, but conditions for boating and beach trips usually stay safe. That cooler ocean air also helps knock down the heat just a bit in late summer.
Practical Tips for Visiting Abidjan in Summer
Abidjan’s summer brings warm days, sticky humidity, and lots of rain. If you plan your outings and what you pack with this in mind, you’ll probably enjoy your trip a lot more.
Best Activities for the Season
Sure, rain showers happen a lot in summer, but there’s still plenty to do when the clouds break. Mornings tend to be drier, so that’s a good time to check out outdoor spots like Treichville Market or stroll along Lagoon Ébrié.
If you want to stay dry, you can duck into cultural sites like the St. Paul’s Cathedral or the National Museum of Abidjan. You’ll get a dose of local art and history without worrying about the weather.
The beaches near Abidjan, including Grand-Bassam, are open for relaxation, but swimming conditions shift with the rain. If you’re after some greenery, nearby parks like Banco National Park offer shady trails and a welcome break from city heat.
Evenings usually bring a nice breeze, so eating outside at restaurants in Zone 4 or Plateau feels pretty good. It’s smart to keep your plans flexible, since heavy rain can pop up and change things fast.
Weather-Related Travel Advice
June and July bring the most rain, so you’ll want to be ready for wet weather and possible flooding in some neighborhoods. Roads get slick, and traffic slows down during storms, so give yourself extra time to get around.
The humidity sticks around, making it feel hotter than the numbers say. Try to drink plenty of water and take breaks somewhere cool whenever you can.
Heavy rain sometimes throws off public transport, especially shared taxis and minibuses. Private taxis or ride-hailing apps tend to work better during storms.
If you’re planning a day trip outside the city, check the weather first. Rain can slow you down on rural roads, and some spots might get tough to reach.
Packing Recommendations
Pack light, breathable clothing like cotton or linen. You’ll stay a lot more comfortable in the heat that way.
Toss in a light rain jacket or a compact umbrella. Trust me, sudden showers can catch you off guard.
Grab some comfortable sandals or water-resistant shoes. Wet streets aren’t much fun otherwise. I’d suggest bringing a second pair too, just in case your first gets soaked.
Don’t forget insect repellent. Mosquitoes seem to love the rainy season.
You’ll want sunscreen and a hat for those sunny breaks between the rain.
A small waterproof bag or pouch will keep your phone, wallet, and documents dry.
If you’re eyeing the beaches nearby, throw in some swimwear and a quick-dry towel.
Packing with a bit of thought lets you roll with whatever the weather throws at you in Abidjan.