Monthly weather averages & travel planning

Africa › 🇬🇭 Ghana › Accra
Updated: March 2026
August is a fair time to visit Accra (5/10). With 9 daily sunshine hours and only 15 rain days, this month delivers genuinely reliable outdoor conditions, ranking it 12th sunniest of the year in Accra. Culture-focused travellers and those who prefer lighter crowds will find August a practical choice, with prices running lower than peak January without sacrificing all the good weather. September offers a similar profile at lower hotel rates if dates are flexible. Watch out for prolonged rain stretches: with 15 wet days, a fully outdoor itinerary is risky. Build in museum days and covered market visits as contingency. Planning tips: accommodation is generally available without long lead times, and flight prices are typically lower than peak season. Flexible travellers will find the best deals by booking 2-4 weeks ahead. Mid-week arrivals consistently unlock lower hotel rates than weekend check-ins.
Step off the plane in Accra in August and the air meets you at around 26°C, a temperature that feels genuinely welcoming after a long flight. By the time evening arrives and temperatures settle near 23°C, the city takes on a different character entirely. With 9 hours of daylight sun on offer, August gives you the raw material for a genuinely memorable trip.
26°C
79°F
Avg High
23°C
73°F
Avg Low
15 days
58 mm total
Rain Days
9h
per day avg
Sunshine
82%
Humid
Humidity
The narrow 3°C gap between daytime and overnight temperatures, characteristic of coastal cities with maritime moderation, means a single mid-layer works across the whole day. At 82% humidity, the 26°C daytime high feels 2-4°C warmer in practice: quick-dry fabrics and shade-seeking between noon and 3pm are the sensible response. UV index averages 8 this month, classed as high to very high. SPF 30+ sunscreen, a brim hat, and sunglasses are not optional between 10am and 4pm. Wind averages 16 km/h, light enough to be refreshing on warm days but noticeable in open coastal areas or elevated viewpoints. In Fahrenheit: 79°F average high, 73°F overnight low. Data sourced from Open-Meteo ERA5 climate reanalysis (1991–2020 normals).
Packing for Accra in August means dressing for 26°C days and 23°C evenings. A light cotton tee with a casual overshirt works well at 26°C, the overshirt doubles as a layer for air-conditioned venues. Evening temperatures settle at 23°C, a modest 3°C drop that a light cardigan or denim jacket covers. Comfortable walking trainers are the versatile choice for both outdoor sightseeing and indoor venues. With 15 rain days expected, a compact travel umbrella is worth the bag space. A waterproof jacket is better than an umbrella if you plan full-day outdoor routes. At 82% average humidity, quick-dry synthetic or bamboo fabrics dry overnight and stay comfortable longer than cotton.
Local tip: Accra sees heavy rain periods where a compact travel umbrella can feel inadequate. A packable waterproof jacket offers better coverage for prolonged downpours and leaves both hands free for maps and cameras.
August has no major festivals or public holidays in Accra, which is one of its practical advantages for independent travellers. Attractions run at lower capacity than during peak event periods, queues are shorter, and accommodation is easier to find without needing to book many months in advance. Local restaurants, markets, and transport operate at a relaxed pace, making this an ideal time for visitors who prefer a more authentic, unhurried experience of everyday city life rather than large crowds drawn in by a single major headline event.
Based on 26°C average highs and 15 rainy days
Accra's August climate is governed by the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), which draws moisture-laden trade winds across the region, producing the characteristic wet season rainfall of warm tropical cities. Daytime heat peaks around 26°C, moderated slightly by afternoon convective showers. Overnight temperatures remain warm at 23°C because the humid air retains heat effectively. Climate data: Open-Meteo ERA5 (1991–2020).
Sunshine Hours
The average number of hours per day with direct sunlight. Calculated from satellite measurements. Days with more than 7 hours of sunshine are ideal for outdoor activities. Under 3 hours means overcast conditions dominate.
UV Index
A scale from 0-11+ measuring ultraviolet radiation intensity. UV 0-2: Minimal risk. UV 3-5: Moderate, wear sunscreen. UV 6-7: High, hat and SPF 30+ essential. UV 8-10: Very High, limit midday exposure. UV 11+: Extreme, seek shade between 10am-4pm.
Rain Days
A rain day is counted when precipitation exceeds 0.1mm. This threshold captures even light drizzle. Unlike total rainfall in mm, rain days tells you how often you might need an umbrella, which is useful for planning outdoor activities.
Humidity
Relative humidity as a percentage. Below 40%: Dry, skin and throat may feel parched. 40-60%: Comfortable, ideal for most people. 60-80%: Sticky, light breathable fabrics recommended. Above 80%: Muggy, heat feels more intense; quick-dry clothing is essential.
Accra in August
August ranks 12th sunniest of the year in Accra, with an average 9 daily sunshine hours. The driest months are January, December, and February. January is the hottest month (31°C avg high); August is the coolest (26°C). From here, temperatures rise 1°C into September. Compared to last month (July: 27°C high, 17 rain days), August is cooler and drier. August is one of the least sunny months, but that often means lower prices and fewer fellow tourists.
| Month | High | Low | Rain Days | Sun | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 31°C | 24°C | 7 | 11h | View |
| February | 31°C | 25°C | 9 | 11h | View |
| March | 31°C | 26°C | 13 | 11h | View |
| April | 31°C | 26°C | 14 | 11h | View |
| May | 30°C | 25°C | 20 | 10h | View |
| June | 28°C | 24°C | 23 | 9h | View |
| July | 27°C | 23°C | 17 | 10h | View |
| August | 26°C | 23°C | 15 | 9h | View |
| September | 27°C | 23°C | 21 | 10h | View |
| October | 28°C | 24°C | 20 | 11h | View |
| November | 30°C | 25°C | 15 | 11h | View |
| December | 30°C | 25°C | 8 | 11h | View |
January
7 rain days, 11h sun
February
9 rain days, 11h sun
March
13 rain days, 11h sun
April
14 rain days, 11h sun
May
20 rain days, 10h sun
June
23 rain days, 9h sun
July
17 rain days, 10h sun
August
15 rain days, 9h sun
September
21 rain days, 10h sun
October
20 rain days, 11h sun
November
15 rain days, 11h sun
December
8 rain days, 11h sun
Data Sources for Accra
Climate normals represent 30-year averages (1991-2020). Individual years may vary.