Calendar and Climate in Ghana

Ghana Calendar

See the calendar below for a list of national holidays, notable events and known festival dates. Many dates for festivals are not set by the chieftancy until very close to the festival date, so it is best to try to confirm the exact date of any festival you are planning to attend.

Ghana Climate 

Ghana experiences a typical tropical climate. It is almost always hot, and the seasons are either wet or dry. As a rule, temperatures are more mild in the highlands, more humid along the coast and hotter and drier the farther north you go. Driving just 45 minutes north of Accra to Aburi marks a significant change in climate, as Aburi is in the hills which get a cooling mist most mornings and evenings.

Ghana is always a very dusty place. Bring zip-lock plastic bags for things you wish to keep dust-free. Pack a camera bag, lens cleaning cloth and a bandanna. Also avoid wearing clothing of solid colors, especially white, as it is impossible to keep clean.

Besides the temperature and humidity, the rain and the Harmattan winds are the other two significant weather events in Ghana.

Rain in Ghana

There are two rain seasons in Ghana. The heaviest rain in the south is from April until June, and a lighter rain possible during September and October. In the north, the rain season is continuous, giving rain from April until October.

Typically a rain will last for a short time, but on some days during the rain season, the entire day can be raining very hard.

Always pack accordingly and be prepared for delays when traveling during the rain season. Clothing should be fast-drying and your luggage should be able to withstand an unexpected drenching.

Harmattan in Ghana

The Harmattan is a dry, dusty wind that blows from the Sahara desert in late December and continues sometimes until early February. Most years it is somewhat pleasant because it dims the sun and decreases the humidity. Other years, a bad Harmattan day will look like a thick London or San Francisco fog - except it is dust!

The Harmattan is more intense the farther North you travel. This is actually the best time for wildlife viewing because animals congregate at the available water holes during this dry season.

You should travel with lip balm, a nasal decongestant and moisturizing lotion during the Harmattan. Shea butter is the best moisturizer for dried skin and lips. Shea butter can be found throughout Ghana, but is most easily and cheaply purchased at in the three northern regions.