If you’re planning a trip to Kumasi during Christmas, you’ll get warm weather, plenty of daylight, and just a small chance of rain. Daytime temperatures usually hover around 32°C (89°F), with cooler nights near 21°C (70°F), and some of the driest conditions all year. December feels like one of the most comfortable months for outdoor fun, without constant interruptions from heavy showers.
The city’s tropical climate still brings humidity, but honestly, it’s less intense than during the rainy months. Sunshine hours go up, and the skies stay clearer, so you get more reliable weather for exploring markets, checking out cultural sites, or just hanging outside.
You’ll notice the December climate in Kumasi lets you plan with confidence. You’ll know what to expect for heat, rainfall, and daylight.
Typical Weather Conditions in Kumasi During Christmas
Expect hot days, mild nights, low rainfall, moderate humidity, and a decent mix of sunshine and clouds. These conditions give you a warm but manageable climate, so you can plan your clothes, activities, and travel without much stress.
Temperature Patterns in December
December in Kumasi stays consistently warm. Daytime highs often hit 32–34°C (90–93°F), and nights drop to about 21–22°C (70–72°F).
Afternoons get hot, but evenings feel more comfortable for rest. You won’t see sharp swings in temperature, just steady heat.
December’s warmth doesn’t usually get interrupted by storms, unlike wetter months. If you’re out during the day, go for lightweight, breathable clothing.
Nights stay mild, so there’s really no need for heavy layers.
Rainfall and Rainy Days
Rainfall drops in December. On average, Kumasi gets about 20–30 mm of rain for the whole month.
Rain usually shows up on 5–7 days, mostly as quick showers, not long storms. December ends up being one of the driest months.
Most days stay dry, so you’ll have more freedom for outdoor plans. Still, it’s smart to carry a small umbrella or a light rain jacket.
Sudden showers, especially in the late afternoon, can still surprise you.
Humidity and Relative Humidity
Humidity in December sits at moderate levels compared to the wetter months. The relative humidity averages about 65–70%, so the air feels moist but not overwhelming.
Mornings and evenings feel more comfortable, while afternoons might get a bit muggy because of the heat and moisture. You can manage this level of humidity if you stay hydrated and take breaks from the sun.
It’s not as oppressive as the peak rainy season, so outdoor activities are still pretty practical.
Sunshine Hours and Cloud Cover
December brings a good amount of sunshine. You’ll typically get about 180 hours of sunshine during the month, which shakes out to roughly 6 hours per day.
Cloud cover stays moderate, so skies are often partly sunny, not totally clear. This helps cut down on the risk of getting too much sun.
Still, don’t skip sun protection like hats, sunglasses, and light cover-ups. With steady daylight and warm air, December is great for sightseeing, shopping at markets, or outdoor gatherings.
Seasonal Climate Overview in Kumasi
Kumasi, in Ghana’s Ashanti Region, sits between tropical and savanna climates, shaped by seasonal rainfall and its moderate elevation. Temperatures stay warm all year, but rainfall, humidity, and sunshine shift depending on the season.
Transition from Wet to Dry Season
Kumasi shifts from heavy rains in September and October to drier weather by December. Rainfall drops sharply, from over 150 mm in September to less than 30 mm in December.
Clearer skies and more sun arrive, making late-year conditions more comfortable for being outside. Humidity also goes down, moving from around 80% in August to about 70% by year’s end.
The change isn’t sudden. Showers might still pop up in November, but they’re lighter and less frequent.
By December, you’ll only see a few rainy days, giving you more stable weather.
Impact of Savanna and Tropical Climate
Kumasi sits where tropical rainforest and savanna climate meet. You get both high year-round temperatures and clear wet and dry seasons.
The tropical part brings high humidity and frequent storms in the wet season. The savanna side gives you a strong dry season, with less rain and clearer skies.
This mix keeps daytime temperatures steady, usually between 29°C and 33°C. Nights stay warm, often between 21°C and 23°C, so you rarely need heavy clothes.
That balance shapes Kumasi’s steady climate, but you still get a bit of seasonal variety.
Role of Elevation in Local Weather
Kumasi sits at about 287 meters (942 feet) above sea level in the Ashanti highlands. This moderate elevation helps keep things a bit cooler than Ghana’s coastal lowlands.
Nights in Kumasi feel more comfortable compared to the hotter, lower regions. The elevation also keeps extreme heat in check, making the city’s climate steadier.
The difference isn’t huge, but it’s enough to make Kumasi less oppressive during the hottest months. Steady breezes and the elevation together ensure that even during the dry season, the air feels more tolerable than in flatter, lower parts of Ghana.
Precipitation Trends and Rainfall Patterns
Rainfall in Kumasi during December hits its lowest point of the year. You’ll get fewer rainy days, lighter showers, and clearer skies compared to the wetter months.
Average Rainfall in December
December falls in Kumasi’s dry season. Historical weather data shows that average rainfall drops to about 26 mm (1 inch), which is the lowest monthly total.
Rain comes as short, scattered showers, not heavy downpours. You’ll notice more dry days and fewer interruptions to outdoor plans.
Humidity drops compared to the rainy season, so the air feels less saturated. Sunshine hours go up, and the ground dries quickly after brief showers.
Distribution of Rainy Days Around Christmas
If you check the number of rainy days, December averages 5 to 7 days of measurable rainfall. Around Christmas, clear skies are more common than wet ones.
Even when it does rain, it’s usually a light shower that passes fast. The odds of a full day of rain are low.
This makes the holiday season one of the best times for outdoor gatherings, travel, and events.
Comparison with Other Months
The gap between December and the peak rainy season is pretty striking. June averages about 214 mm (over 8 inches) of rainfall spread across 17 days. October brings frequent rain too, with totals above 150 mm.
Rainy days remain high in July and August, though rainfall amounts start to drop. By November, precipitation falls to about 74 mm, signaling the dry season.
December wraps up this shift, offering the driest and most reliable weather of the year. You can really see how Kumasi’s rainfall follows a clear seasonal rhythm, with December at the dry end.
Temperature Variations and Daily Ranges
Around Christmas, Kumasi stays warm and doesn’t swing much between day and night. The city’s tropical climate keeps things steady, though rainfall and cloud cover can tweak how hot or cool it feels.
Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures
In late December, daytime highs usually reach 31–32°C (about 88–90°F). Afternoons feel warm, but not as extreme as earlier in the year.
You’ll get plenty of sunshine, with only short rain showers. At night, temperatures dip to around 20–22°C (68–72°F).
This cooling gives you a break from the daytime heat, so evenings are comfortable for outdoor activities. The daily range is often under 10°C, which is typical for Kumasi’s equatorial weather.
December stands out as one of the driest months. With less cloud cover, nights might feel a bit cooler than during the rainy season, but the air never gets cold.
Factors Affecting Temperature Fluctuations
Kumasi’s tropical savanna climate keeps the difference between day and night temperatures pretty small. The city sits close to the equator, so daylight hours barely change all year, which helps keep temperatures stable.
Humidity matters too. In December, less rainfall means the air is a bit drier, but moisture levels stay high enough to stop sharp cooling at night.
Wind patterns also play a part. The Harmattan winds from the Sahara can reach central Ghana in December. When that happens, you might see hazier skies and slightly cooler mornings, though it’s usually mild in Kumasi compared to the north.
With all this, you can expect steady warmth during Christmas, without those big temperature swings you’d get in a temperate climate.
Humidity, Wind Speed, and Comfort Levels
Late December in Kumasi blends warm days, moderate humidity, and gentle winds. These patterns shape how hot or cool the air feels when you’re outdoors.
Relative Humidity in December
In December, relative humidity in Kumasi usually averages between 68% and 72%. That’s lower than the peak in August, when humidity can top 80%. The air feels less heavy in December, compared to the middle of the rainy season.
Daytime temperatures around 30°C (86°F) and moderate humidity create a warm but manageable vibe. Evenings get more comfortable as humidity rises after sunset, and temperatures drop closer to 22°C (72°F).
Travelers will find the air warm, but not overly damp. You might notice some stickiness during the hottest hours, but it’s less intense than in the wet season.
Light, breathable clothing usually keeps you comfortable for most activities.
Average Wind Speed Around Christmas
Winds in Kumasi during December stay light, averaging 6 to 10 km/h (4 to 6 mph). Breezes mostly come from the northeast, thanks to the Harmattan season, which also brings drier air from the Sahara.
The gentle wind takes the edge off humidity and heat during the day. It’s not a strong gust, but it does move the air enough to keep things from feeling stagnant.
At night, wind speeds drop even more, so conditions stay calm. If you’re outdoors in the evening, the lighter breeze and cooler temperatures make the air feel pleasant.
This steady, mild wind pattern keeps things predictable for visitors.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours in December
In December, Kumasi gives you steady daylight with a good mix of sunshine and cloud cover. Days are long enough for outdoor activities, and sunlight is moderate compared to other seasons.
Average Sunshine Hours
In December, Kumasi usually gets about 181 hours of sunshine. That breaks down to roughly 6 hours per day of direct sunlight.
You probably won’t get sunshine all day, but there’s a pretty reliable window for sightseeing, running errands, or just hanging out outside.
Daylight sticks around for almost 12 hours each day. Sunrise happens around 6:00 a.m., and sunset comes just before 6:00 p.m.
You won’t have to change your daily routine much since daylight hours stay so steady.
December brings a lot more sunshine than wetter months like May or June. Rain interrupts plans less often, so it’s honestly one of the better times for outdoor events.
If you’re sensitive to heat, keep in mind that the sun feels strongest in the early afternoon. Temperatures peak then, so light clothing, hats, and sunglasses really make a difference.
Cloud Cover and Visibility
Cloud cover in December tends to be moderate, so the sky stays partly clear for much of the day. Typically, you’ll notice the sky is clear or partly cloudy for over half of the daylight hours.
This means you get a mix of bright conditions and shaded intervals. Sometimes you might wonder if the sun will peek out or if you’ll need to grab your sunglasses again.
Visibility stays good, with less haze than in the wetter months. You can usually spot clear views across the city and the surrounding landscapes.
December really feels like a great time for photography or just wandering outdoors. Rainfall stays limited, so clouds don’t usually build into heavy storms.
Instead, you get short, light showers on a few days. These showers often clear up quickly.
This pattern lets you enjoy long stretches of brightness without much interruption. Travelers often say December skies in Kumasi feel predictable, which gives you some peace of mind when planning outdoor activities or day trips.