When you think of winter, maybe you imagine cold air and heavy coats. Accra, though, paints a completely different picture. This coastal city keeps its warm tropical vibe even right in the middle of the season.
In winter, highs hover around 90°F while nights dip only to about 78°F, making it one of the warmest “winter” destinations out there.
You’ll notice more clouds and a gradual rise in rainfall, but the sun still shows up often. The air stays humid, and the nearby ocean holds steady at about 81°F, so you can swim year-round. The climate feels steady, but it’s never boring.
If you’re planning a visit, you’ll find the days are almost the same length, with plenty of daylight for exploring. The weather shapes everything from outdoor fun to how comfortable your trip feels, so knowing what to expect definitely helps you get the most out of Accra.
Overview of Accra’s Winter Climate
Accra’s winter brings steady warmth, high humidity, and only moderate changes in rainfall and cloud cover. You’ll experience little variation in daylight or sea temperatures, so things stay pretty consistent compared to most places.
Geographic and Climatic Context
Accra sits right on the Gulf of Guinea along Ghana’s southern coast, just about 60–100 feet above sea level. Its spot near the Atlantic Ocean keeps temperatures stable year-round.
The city falls under a tropical savanna climate (Aw) in the Köppen system. You’ll see clear wet and dry periods, but there’s no real cold season. Unlike temperate areas, winter here doesn’t bring freezing temps or dramatic shifts.
Because Accra’s so close to the equator, day and night last almost the same amount of time all year. Sunrises and sunsets change by less than 30 minutes, so you get about 12 hours of daylight daily.
Coastal water temperatures stay warm, averaging about 80–81°F (27°C). This helps keep air temps steady and adds to the humidity you’ll feel in every season.
Seasonal Weather Patterns
During winter, daily highs usually stick between 87–91°F (31–33°C), and lows hang around 74–78°F (23–26°C). You don’t really see temps outside that range. The air feels warm both day and night.
Cloud cover grows as the season goes on. December brings clearer skies and more sun, but by February, the chance of overcast days climbs past 70%. You’ll notice more humidity and less direct sunshine as winter moves along.
Rainfall stays light but starts to increase by late winter. Early December averages under 0.5 inches a month, while late February gets around 1–1.2 inches. Showers are usually brief and scattered.
Humidity stays high, with muggy days almost nonstop. Winds from the south offer some relief, averaging 6–8 mph, but they don’t do much to cut the warm, damp feeling.
Typical Winter Temperatures in Accra
Winter in Accra stays warm, with barely any difference between day and night. Expect steady daytime heat and mild nights, with almost no seasonal cooling like you might see elsewhere.
Average Highs and Lows
Daily high temperatures in winter average about 90°F (32°C). They almost never fall below 87°F (31°C) or rise above 93°F (34°C). So, it’s hot, but not unbearably so.
Low temperatures at night average about 78°F (26°C). Nights rarely dip below 74°F (23°C) or climb above 81°F (27°C). Evenings stay warm and humid, so don’t count on cool air, even in the dead of winter.
Just to give you a sense:
- Hottest time: late February, about 91°F / 79°F (high/low).
- Coolest time: early August, about 81°F / 74°F (high/low).
Since temperatures barely change, pack for steady warmth. Lightweight clothes, sunscreen, and a shady spot or air conditioning will help you stay comfortable.
Hourly Temperature Trends
Winter days in Accra don’t show much hourly change, unlike places with bigger seasonal swings. Mornings start in the upper 70s°F (24–26°C) and climb to the mid to upper 80s°F (29–32°C) by midday.
Afternoons usually hit near 90°F (32°C) before easing off in the evening. Even after sunset, the air stays humid and rarely drops below 75°F (24°C). Nights are muggy, so don’t expect much relief from the daytime heat.
Because it’s warm almost all day and night, you can do outdoor stuff year-round, though you’ll want to stay hydrated and avoid too much sun in the hottest hours.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
Accra has a tropical wet and dry climate, so the rain doesn’t fall evenly through the year. Winter brings lighter showers than the peak rainy season, but you’ll still notice patterns that shape daily life.
Probability of Wet Days
During winter, Accra gets fewer rainy days than in the middle of the year. In January, expect about 5 days with measurable rain. February usually brings a bit more, around 6–7 days. By March, rain picks up, with about 9–10 days seeing some precipitation.
Rain in this period tends to be brief, not long-lasting. Showers often hit in the late afternoon or evening, so most of the day stays dry. That makes it easier to plan outdoor activities without much worry.
Humidity stays high, often above 70%, so even on dry days, the air feels sticky. The warmth and humidity mean short bursts of rain can actually feel a bit refreshing.
If you’re planning a visit, expect short, scattered showers rather than long rainy spells. Bringing a light rain jacket or umbrella is usually enough.
Monthly Rainfall Accumulation
Rainfall amounts in Accra’s winter are modest when you compare them to the wet season. In January, the city averages about 15 mm of rain. February bumps up to around 30 mm, and March gets closer to 60 mm as the longer rainy season approaches.
These totals are nothing compared to June, the wettest month, which can see over 180 mm. So, winter is definitely one of the drier times to visit.
Rain spreads across just a handful of days, and when it does rain, it’s usually light to moderate. Heavy downpours are rare in winter, but they can happen.
Here’s a simple breakdown:
| Month | Average Rainfall (mm) | Rainy Days (avg) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 15 mm | 5 days |
| February | 30 mm | 6–7 days |
| March | 60 mm | 9–10 days |
Rainfall rises from January to March, hinting at the coming wet season, but things stay pretty dry compared to mid-year.
Cloud Cover and Sunshine During Winter
In Accra, winter days are warm, but the sky changes a lot as the season goes on. You’ll see more cloud cover later in the season, while daylight hours stay almost the same, with only tiny changes in sunrise and sunset.
Trends in Cloudiness
Cloud cover in Accra ramps up quickly during winter. Early December skies are clearer, with about 41% chance of overcast conditions in late December. By February, the chance of mostly cloudy or overcast skies jumps above 70%.
You’ll see more blue sky around late December than in January or February. The clearest day often lands on December 25, when the odds of clear or partly cloudy skies reach nearly 60%.
Toward February, overcast afternoons become the norm. While rain is still limited, the heavier cloud cover makes the city feel more humid and a bit hazy.
If you’re planning outdoor activities, this shift matters. Early winter gives you better visibility and brighter skies, while later weeks bring more gray days.
Sunshine Duration and Daylight Hours
Daylight in Accra barely changes through the winter. The shortest day comes in late December with about 11 hours and 48 minutes, and the longest just passes 12 hours by late February. The difference is so small, you probably won’t even notice.
Sunrise times drift from about 5:55 AM in early December to around 6:17 AM in early February. Sunsets shift from 5:44 PM in December to about 6:13 PM in late February.
Even as clouds increase, you still get several hours of good daylight for sightseeing or running errands. Direct sun is less reliable later in winter, thanks to thicker clouds. Mornings are usually your best bet for outdoor plans, since skies tend to be clearer then.
Humidity, Wind, and Other Atmospheric Conditions
During Accra’s winter, you can expect steady humidity and noticeable coastal winds. These factors really shape how comfortable the air feels and can affect your outdoor plans.
Humidity Levels
Humidity in Accra during winter stays pretty high but drops a little compared to the rainy season. On average, it ranges from about 73% to 80%, so the air feels moist but not as heavy as during peak rains.
Sometimes, drier northeast Harmattan winds cut the humidity further, especially in December and January. This makes the air feel less sticky, but it can also bring in dust from the Sahara, lowering air quality and visibility at times.
Even with the seasonal drop, you should still expect warm, humid air most days. Nights feel just a bit more comfortable, with temps around 24–26°C (75–79°F) and humidity dipping compared to daytime.
For travelers, this mix of warmth and moderate humidity makes winter one of the nicer times to explore Accra. You’ll probably still sweat outdoors, but the lower moisture compared to the wet months makes things easier to handle.
Wind Speed and Direction
Accra’s spot on the Gulf of Guinea means winds stay active through winter. Average speeds run from 11–16 km/h (7–10 mph), usually blowing steadily from the southwest because of the ocean.
The Harmattan period brings in dry northeasterly winds. These winds are lighter near the coast than inland, but they can still affect visibility and leave a fine layer of dust everywhere.
Coastal breezes help take the edge off the heat, especially in the afternoons. Evenings and mornings can feel cooler when the wind picks up, making outdoor activities more enjoyable.
If you’re spending time outside, you’ll notice wind direction shifts between the sea breeze and inland flows. This pattern stays pretty steady and gives Accra its stable winter climate.
Travel Tips for Visiting Accra in Winter
You can expect warm days and humid nights in Accra’s winter, with little rain and lots of sunshine. Planning with the climate in mind helps you enjoy the city’s coastal vibe while staying comfortable.
Best Activities for the Season
Winter in Accra is dry, hot, and sunny, so it’s a great time to check out outdoor attractions. Head to Labadi Beach or Kokrobite Beach—the sea stays warm for swimming. The coast is lively and less rainy than other times, so beach days are a safe bet.
Cultural visits are also a good idea. Museums like the National Museum of Ghana or landmarks like Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park offer indoor escapes if you want a break from the midday heat.
Markets, such as Makola Market, buzz with activity during this season. The drier weather makes it easier to wander through crowded areas without worrying about downpours. Evenings cool off a bit, so eating outside at local restaurants feels nice.
If you’re up for a day trip, try Aburi Botanical Gardens inland. Roads are usually easier to travel in the dry season than during the rains.
Packing and Preparation Advice
Bring lightweight, breathable clothing—daytime highs often hit 32–33°C. Natural fabrics like cotton or linen really help you stay cooler in the sticky, humid air.
Don’t forget a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen. You’ll need them for decent sun protection.
Toss a reusable water bottle in your bag to stay hydrated. The heat and humidity can sneak up and dehydrate you before you realize it.
Grab some insect repellent too, especially if you’re out in the evenings.
For footwear, go with comfortable sandals for everyday walks. If you’re planning to wander outside the city, pack some sturdier shoes.
You might want a light jacket—sometimes those coastal breezes at night feel a bit chilly.
Consider travel insurance that covers health and outdoor activities. The climate can be a lot if you’re not used to intense heat and humidity.