If you spend a summer in Kumasi, you’ll notice right away how steady the weather feels. Average daily highs hover near 29°C (84°F), and nights cool off to around 21°C (70°F).
The warmth sticks around, but it rarely gets extreme, so the climate feels pretty comfortable for outdoor activities and everyday routines.
Rain shapes the season in a big way. Early summer brings frequent showers, with rain showing up on most days.
As the months go by, rainfall eases up. This shift brings a mix of wet and dry spells, giving Kumasi its own summer rhythm.
Humidity stays high, so the air always has that moist feeling. Daylight hours barely change from June through August.
With steady sunshine, warm temperatures, and reliable patterns, you can plan your days in Kumasi without too many weather surprises.
Overview of Kumasi’s Summer Climate
Kumasi gets steady warmth all year, but summer brings its own mix of rain, humidity, and cloud cover that really shape daily life.
The city’s spot in central Ghana and its elevation play a role in how these conditions set in, especially compared to other places in Ghana.
Geographical Context and Topography
Kumasi sits right in the center of Ghana, in the Ashanti Region. The city sits at about 259–293 meters (850–960 feet) above sea level, which gives it a slightly cooler edge than the coast.
This elevation helps take the sting out of the heat, though the difference isn’t huge.
The area around Kumasi is a forest zone, with lots of dense greenery and rolling hills. This landscape supports heavy rain during the wet season, as moist Atlantic air pushes inland.
Since Kumasi is inland, it misses out on the coastal breezes that places like Accra get. Instead, you get a climate that balances tropical heat with the effects of seasonal winds.
All these factors make for a humid environment with plenty of cloud cover in the summer.
Typical Summer Weather Patterns
In summer, Kumasi’s daily highs usually land around 84°F (29°C). Nights stay warm too, with lows near 70–72°F (21–22°C).
You don’t really get big swings between day and night—temperatures hold steady.
Rain really defines the season. Summer falls in the major rainy season, which runs from April to July.
You’ll see frequent showers, often in the afternoon or evening, and plenty of overcast skies.
Humidity stays up, often above 80%, so the air feels heavy. Clouds are common, but skies start to clear a bit toward the end of summer.
Sunshine hours are shorter than in the dry months, but daylight length barely changes because Kumasi is close to the equator.
Meteorological Data Sources
Local weather stations and regional posts gather Kumasi’s weather data. These stations track temperature, rainfall, humidity, and wind every day.
International climate agencies also use meteorological models and satellite data, mixing these with ground readings to improve rainfall forecasts.
Historical records, like those from 2012–2021, show that Kumasi summers are marked by steady warmth, high rainfall, and persistent humidity.
Average Summer Temperatures
Summer in Kumasi stays warm and humid, with only small changes between day and night. Hourly patterns highlight just how steady the climate is, even during the rainiest months.
Daily Highs and Lows
Daily high temperatures usually stick close to 84°F (29°C) through most of summer.
Highs rarely drop below 79°F (26°C) or go above 89°F (32°C). The hottest stretch usually comes in June and July, while August cools off a bit.
At night, there’s only a slight drop. Daily lows average around 70°F (21°C), and that barely shifts.
The lowest summer average, about 69°F (20°C), shows up in early August. Evenings stay muggy and warm, which is pretty typical for Kumasi’s tropical climate.
Day and night temperatures usually differ by 12–15°F, so things stay stable. If you’re used to places with big nighttime cool-downs, Kumasi’s consistency might feel a bit odd but predictable.
Average Hourly Temperature
Hourly readings show that the heat doesn’t really spike or drop much. From mid-morning to late afternoon, temperatures hold in the low to mid-80s°F (27–29°C).
Early mornings start near 70°F (21°C) and warm up quickly after sunrise.
By midday, it’s already warm and stays that way for hours. Unlike drier places, Kumasi’s temperatures don’t jump around.
The curve is smooth, with gentle warming and cooling.
Here’s a quick look at a typical summer day:
| Time of Day | Avg Temp (°F) |
|---|---|
| 6 AM | 70°F |
| 12 PM | 83°F |
| 3 PM | 85°F |
| 9 PM | 74°F |
You can plan outdoor activities without worrying about sudden temperature swings, though the humidity is always there.
Temperature Bands and Variability
Most summer days land in the “warm” (75–85°F) range. Some afternoons reach the “hot” (85–95°F) band.
Nights are in the “comfortable to warm” (65–75°F) range, but humidity makes them feel warmer.
There’s not much variability. You won’t run into cold snaps or heat waves.
The climate holds steady, with only a few degrees of change from month to month.
For travelers, this makes packing easy—light clothing works all year. For locals, it means farming and daily life aren’t thrown off by wild shifts. Kumasi’s summer climate is predictable and consistent.
Rainfall and Precipitation Trends
Kumasi’s summer brings frequent rain and clear differences in both total rainfall and the number of wet days.
Rainfall shapes daily life, travel, and outdoor plans, so it helps to know how much rain falls and when.
Average Rainfall Amounts
Rainfall in Kumasi hits its peak during summer. June usually sees the most, with about 200–214 mm (7.9–8.4 in).
July follows with a bit less, around 120–140 mm (4.7–5.5 in), and August drops to roughly 90 mm (3.5 in).
So, you get heavier downpours early in the season, then things slow down as summer goes on.
Rain often comes in short, intense bursts, not as all-day drizzles.
These totals are way higher than the dry season, which might get less than 30 mm (1.2 in).
The high summer rainfall keeps Kumasi green, but it can turn roads muddy and make travel slow.
If you want to do things outside, mornings are usually better since showers are less likely.
Rainy Days and Wet Day Probability
Rainy days show up a lot in Kumasi’s summer.
June and July bring 15–17 rainy days per month, and August averages 12–14 days.
A “rainy day” means at least 0.1 mm (0.004 in) of rain falls.
That’s nearly half the days in June and July with some rain.
The chance of a wet day ranges from 40% to 55%, depending on the month.
Showers are often scattered, so it might pour in one part of the city while another stays dry.
Full days of rain are rare. You’ll usually get some sunshine between showers, though clouds stick around.
Carrying a light rain jacket is smart, especially if you’re walking or using public transport.
Seasonal Changes in Precipitation
Summer rainfall in Kumasi follows the West African monsoon.
June brings the heaviest rains as moist air takes over.
By July, rainfall drops a bit, and August brings a “minor dry spell” with even less rain.
This change matters for farming, travel, and daily routines.
Farmers count on the June rains to plant crops, while the lighter August rains allow fields to dry out a bit.
For visitors, June is the wettest and trickiest month, while August is a bit easier to manage.
The shift from peak rainfall to less rain also changes sunshine hours.
June gets less than 5 hours of sun per day, but August sees a little more.
Late summer can feel less oppressive, even though humidity stays high.
Humidity and Atmospheric Conditions
In Kumasi’s summer, you’ll deal with high humidity, steady moisture, and lots of cloud cover.
These conditions affect how hot it feels, how comfortable it is outside, and how often the sky looks gray.
Relative Humidity Levels
Relative humidity jumps up during the rainy season.
You’ll see average levels between 75% and 82%, with August usually being the stickiest.
This humidity makes the air feel warmer than the thermometer says.
Even when it’s just 28–30°C (82–86°F), the humidity can push the heat index much higher, making afternoons feel heavy and sticky.
Mornings are a bit more comfortable, but humidity peaks later in the day after showers and as clouds build up.
High humidity and frequent rain mean clothes and other things take longer to dry.
Staying hydrated and doing outdoor activities earlier in the day can help you deal with the moisture.
Dew Point and Moisture
The dew point gives a clearer sense of how humid it really feels.
In Kumasi’s summer, dew points often stay above 22°C (72°F), which means the air is very humid.
At this level, you’ll feel a constant dampness, especially in shade or places without good airflow.
High dew points make it harder for your body to cool off by sweating.
Even moderate exercise outside can feel more exhausting.
You might notice that surfaces stay damp longer after rain, and mornings start off sticky.
The high dew point helps keep the region green, but it also means you’ll feel that persistent moisture all day.
Cloud Cover and Sky Conditions
Kumasi’s summer skies are usually mostly cloudy or overcast.
June sees the least sunshine, with under 5 hours of sun per day.
Thick clouds come with peak rainfall.
Clouds block some of the direct sun, which can be a relief, but they also dim the days and cut visibility.
The sky can shift quickly from light gray to stormy before rain.
You’ll get some breaks in the clouds, especially in July and August, but long stretches of clear sky are rare.
If you’re traveling, expect softer daylight and plan for less sun exposure, even though the UV index stays high.
Sunlight, Day Length, and Solar Energy
In Kumasi, daylight hours barely change through the year, and the sun sits high overhead at midday.
Clouds in the wet season cut down direct sunlight, but solar energy levels stay strong thanks to Kumasi’s spot near the equator.
Length of the Day
Daylight length barely shifts in Kumasi because it’s so close to the equator.
The longest day lasts about 12 hours 23 minutes, and the shortest is around 11 hours 36 minutes.
So, you get about 12 hours of daylight year-round.
Unlike places farther from the equator, you won’t see big swings between summer and winter days.
On average, Kumasi gets about 1900 hours of sunshine per year, or 5 hours 12 minutes of direct sun per day.
During the rainy season, though, clouds can cut sunlight down to as little as 2 hours per day in August.
Sunrise and Sunset Times
Sunrise and sunset in Kumasi barely budge throughout the year. The sun pops up somewhere between 5:45 AM and 6:15 AM, then slips away between 6:00 PM and 6:30 PM.
This kind of regularity makes planning your day a lot easier. You don’t really get those endless dark mornings or super late sunsets here.
Travelers usually appreciate this stability, whether they’re sightseeing, working outdoors, or heading to evening events.
During the wettest stretch, heavy clouds can make the sky look pretty dim, even in the middle of the day. But the actual sunrise and sunset times don’t change much, so you won’t see wild shifts with the seasons.
Solar Elevation and Energy
At noon, the sun climbs high above Kumasi. The average solar elevation at noon hits about 74.6°, and it can peak above 83° in March and September when the sun sits almost directly overhead.
That high sun angle means strong solar energy hits the ground. Even when clouds hang around, Kumasi still gets enough sunlight for solar panels and to keep daytime temps warm.
Clearer skies in the dry season let more sunshine pour in, which bumps up daily sunlight hours. When the wet season rolls in, you’ll see less solar energy reach the ground, but the sun’s angle still keeps things bright.
Wind Patterns and Direction
Kumasi’s summer brings steady winds, but nothing too wild. You can count on moderate speeds and a pretty clear pattern that shifts as the wet and dry periods trade places.
These wind patterns affect how comfortable it feels outside, how clean the air stays, and even whether an afternoon walk feels pleasant or stuffy.
Average Wind Speed
Winds in Kumasi during the summer usually stay gentle, especially compared to what you’d feel on the coast. Most days, you’ll notice breezes between 5 to 10 km/h (3 to 6 mph).
Strong gusts don’t show up much, so you rarely have to worry about wind ruining your plans.
The city sits inland, surrounded by forests and rolling hills, which helps keep wind speeds in check. That makes it nicer to walk, bike, or just hang outside, even when it’s hot.
After sunset, the wind often drops off a bit. On humid nights, that can make the air feel heavier since there’s less natural cooling.
If you’re spending time outdoors, you can usually count on a mild breeze that takes the edge off the heat without kicking up dust or making things uncomfortable.
Wind Direction Variations
Wind direction in Kumasi changes with the seasons. When the dry season takes over in summer, winds mostly blow from the northeast, bringing drier air and clearer skies.
Once the wet season peaks, winds swing around to the southwest. These bring in moist air from the Atlantic, so humidity and cloud cover both climb.
A wind rose for Kumasi shows the southwest direction dominates, making up more than a third of the year’s winds. You’ll also see southern and western winds show up a lot, while northern winds barely make an appearance.
You might notice southwest winds bring those afternoon showers, while northeast winds can make mornings feel less sticky. Knowing these patterns helps you dodge weather surprises when you plan outdoor stuff.
Seasonal Changes and Environmental Factors
Kumasi’s summer weather really shows the tug-of-war between heavy rain and stretches of drier air. Temperatures don’t swing much, but rainfall patterns, how green the city looks, and even the moon phases all play a part in shaping the vibe here.
Transition from Wet to Dry Season
In Kumasi, the wet season runs from May to August, with June usually dumping the most rain. During these months, you’ll get frequent showers, high humidity, and shorter spells of sunshine.
By late August, the rain starts to back off, and you can feel the shift toward drier weather.
It doesn’t happen overnight. Rainfall just eases up while temperatures stay warm, hovering between 28°C and 30°C. Sunshine hours slowly pick up, and skies clear out a bit.
Humidity drops a notch too, so the air feels less stifling. For travelers, this time strikes a nice balance—fewer downpours than peak wet months, but still enough rain to keep everything looking lush.
Growing Season and Degree Days
Kumasi’s climate supports plant growth all year, but the wet season is prime time for farming. Farmers lean on steady rains from May through September to grow crops like maize, cassava, and plantains.
Soil moisture peaks in June and July, which really helps crops take off.
Growing degree days (GDDs) track the heat plants need to grow. In Kumasi, nights rarely dip below 20°C, so crops rack up GDDs fast. That steady warmth means farmers can often plant more than once a year.
During summer, the mix of heavy rain and plenty of GDDs makes for great farming conditions, though it does raise the risk of soil erosion and flooding in low spots. Rural areas usually tweak planting times to avoid the worst of the downpours.
Land Cover and Climate Influence
Kumasi mixes city, farmland, and patches of forest. Each type of land reacts differently to heat and rain, which shapes little pockets of climate all over the place.
Urban areas, with all their pavement, hold onto heat and keep nights warmer than out in the country.
Forests and farms soak up rain better, so you get less runoff than you do in built-up areas. That’s why heavy rain can cause flash floods in city neighborhoods, while the countryside drains more gradually.
Plants also pump moisture back into the air. Thick greenery keeps humidity up, even when the rain lets up.
As you move through Kumasi, you’ll feel the difference in temperature and humidity depending on whether you’re downtown, out in the fields, or under the trees.
Moon Phases and Weather Impact
Moon phases don’t actually change Kumasi’s weather, but they do shape how you experience it. When the moon is full, the nights get brighter, so you can walk around rural areas or hang out outside without needing much extra light.
The moon’s pull on tides doesn’t really affect places far from the coast. Still, some traditional farmers in Kumasi like to time their planting with the moon’s phases. They say planting seeds while the moon is waxing leads to stronger crops, especially when the wet season brings its usual rain.
If you live in a humid place like Kumasi, you might notice clear nights around a full moon feel a bit cooler. That’s because more heat escapes into the sky when there aren’t clouds. It’s a small difference, but sometimes evenings just seem more comfortable than those muggy, rainy nights.