Best Time to Visit Accra (Weather, Events, & More)

Planning your next getaway and wondering about the best time to visit Acca? Whether you're looking to explore vibrant markets, soak in the rich history, or relax on sunny beaches, timing can make all the difference. Accra, Ghana's bustling capital, offers a dynamic mix of activities and attractions throughout the year. Let's dive into what makes certain months in Accra the ideal time for a visit, ensuring you get the most out of your trip!

Best Overall Time to Visit Accra

If you're planning a trip and wondering about the best time to visit Acca, consider the months of November through March. During this period, the weather in Accra is most favorable, with less humidity and cooler temperatures, making it perfect for exploring the city's vibrant markets, beautiful beaches, and historic sites without the discomfort of excessive heat.

Visiting Accra during the low season, which includes the months from April to October, has its pros and cons. On the upside, you'll benefit from lower travel costs and fewer tourists, which can make for a more relaxed experience. However, the cons include dealing with the heavier rains and higher humidity, especially from June to August, which might restrict some outdoor activities and travel plans.

Monthly Overview of Accra

Detailed Monthly Analysis

Here’s what to expect in Accra in each month of the year:

Accra in January

Visiting Accra in January is a delight for those who enjoy warm weather and vibrant cultural experiences. It's the dry season, so you'll enjoy plenty of sunny days, perfect for exploring the city and its surroundings without the worry of rain. January is also one of the cooler months, making it ideal for sightseeing and participating in outdoor activities.

• Average Temperature: 30°C / 86°F
• Days of Rainfall: 1 day
• Season: Dry season
• Cost: Moderate
• Activities: Attending the Accra Weizo travel expo, exploring outdoor markets, visiting historical sites like the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum.

Accra in February

Visiting Accra in February is a delight as you're right in the middle of the dry season. The weather is warm and sunny, making it perfect for exploring the city and its surroundings without the worry of rain. It's a great time to experience the vibrant culture and bustling markets of Accra.

• Average Temperature: 30°C / 86°F
• Days of Rainfall: 2 days
• Season: Dry season
• Cost: Moderate
• Activities: Independence Day celebrations, beach visits, outdoor festivals

Accra in March

Visiting Accra in March is a delightful experience as you catch the city just before the rainy season begins. The weather is warm and mostly dry, making it perfect for exploring outdoor markets and vibrant street life without the discomfort of heavy rains.

• Average Temperature: 29°C / 84°F
• Days of Rainfall: 3 days
• Season: Dry season
• Cost: Moderate
• Activities: Independence Day celebrations, beach visits, outdoor festivals

Accra in April

Visiting Accra in April is a delightful experience as you catch the city just before the rainy season starts. The weather is warm and mostly dry, making it perfect for exploring the vibrant outdoor markets and the city's beautiful coastal areas. April in Accra is also a culturally rich time, with various festivals showcasing Ghanaian music, dance, and traditions.

• Average Temperature: 28°C / 82°F
• Days of Rainfall: 5 days
• Season: Transition to wet season
• Cost: Moderate
• Activities: Attending the Chale Wote Street Art Festival, exploring outdoor markets, visiting historical sites like the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum.

Accra in May

Visiting Accra in May offers a vibrant mix of warm weather and local culture, as the city begins to enter its wet season. While you might encounter some rain, it typically doesn't last all day, allowing plenty of time for sightseeing and enjoying outdoor activities. The city buzzes with energy and events, making it a great time to experience the true spirit of Accra.

• Average Temperature: 28°C / 82°F
• Days of Rainfall: 15 days
• Season: Beginning of wet season
• Cost: Moderate
• Activities: Attend the Accra Fashion Week, explore local markets, visit historical sites like the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum

Accra in June

Visiting Accra in June means you're arriving right in the middle of the rainy season. The city is vibrant with lush greenery, and while you might encounter frequent showers, they typically don't last all day. This allows you to enjoy a mix of indoor and outdoor activities, depending on the weather at the moment.

• Average Temperature: 27°C / 81°F
• Days of Rainfall: 15 days
• Season: Wet season
• Cost: Moderate
• Activities: Attending the Homowo Festival, exploring local markets on drier days, visiting the National Museum on rainier days

Accra in July

Visiting Accra in July means you're right in the middle of the rainy season. The city is vibrant with lush vegetation, and while you might encounter frequent showers, they typically don't last long. This makes it possible to enjoy the cooler temperatures and explore the city in between rains.

• Average Temperature: 25°C / 77°F
• Days of Rainfall: 15 days
• Season: Wet season
• Cost: Moderate
• Activities: Attending the Panafest Theatre Festival, visiting local markets, exploring indoor attractions like the National Museum

Accra in August

Visiting Accra in August is a vibrant experience, despite it being part of the wet season. The city buzzes with energy and warmth, and while you might encounter some rainy days, the showers are typically short-lived. This leaves plenty of time to explore the bustling markets, enjoy the local cuisine, and experience the rich culture of Ghana's capital.

• Average Temperature: 27°C / 81°F
• Days of Rainfall: 15 days
• Season: Wet season
• Cost: Moderate
• Activities: Chale Wote Street Art Festival, visiting historical sites like the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, exploring local markets

Accra in September

Visiting Accra in September is a vibrant experience, as the city transitions from the wet to the dry season. The weather is becoming less rainy, which makes it a great time to explore both the bustling city life and the beautiful coastlines. The humidity is high, but the decreasing rainfall means more sunny days to enjoy outdoor activities.

• Average Temperature: 27°C / 81°F
• Days of Rainfall: 15 days
• Season: Transition from wet to dry season
• Cost: Moderate
• Activities: Beach visits, city tours, outdoor festivals

Accra in October

Visiting Accra in October is a delightful experience as the city transitions from the wet to the dry season. The weather is becoming less humid, and while there might still be some rainy days, they are generally fewer and less intense. This makes it a great time to explore the vibrant outdoor markets and the city's beautiful coastal areas without the heavier rains of earlier months.

• Average Temperature: 28°C / 82°F
• Days of Rainfall: 15 days
• Season: Transition from wet to dry season
• Cost: Moderate
• Activities: Attending the Homowo Festival, exploring outdoor markets, beach visits

Accra in November

Visiting Accra in November is a delightful experience as you catch the city just as it transitions from the rainy season to the drier months. The weather is warm and welcoming, perfect for exploring both the bustling city life and the serene beaches. Plus, the city isn't too crowded, giving you a more authentic feel of Accra's vibrant culture and hospitality.

• Average Temperature: 28°C / 82°F
• Days of Rainfall: 5 days
• Season: End of wet season, beginning of dry season
• Cost: Moderate
• Activities: Homowo Festival, beach outings, city tours

Accra in December

Visiting Accra in December is a delightful experience as you're stepping into the dry season. The weather is warm and welcoming, perfect for exploring the vibrant city and its surroundings. December in Accra is also festive, with lots of holiday celebrations, making it a lively time to visit.

• Average Temperature: 31°C / 88°F
• Days of Rainfall: 1 day
• Season: Dry season
• Cost: High
• Activities: Festive markets, beach parties, city tours, live music events

Special Events in Accra to Look Out For

Chale Wote Street Art Festival

• Date: Late August
• Description: This vibrant festival transforms the streets of Jamestown in Accra into an open-air museum, showcasing street painting, graffiti murals, live music, and performances. It's a cultural highlight that attracts artists and spectators from around the globe.

Homowo Festival

• Date: May to August (Specific dates vary by community)
• Description: A traditional festival celebrated by the Ga people of the Greater Accra Region. It includes a procession, drumming, dancing, and the sprinkling of 'Kpokpoi', the festival's special food, to hoot at hunger and commemorate the end of famine.

Accra International Marathon

• Date: Late September
• Description: Aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles and tourism in Ghana, this marathon attracts both local and international runners. Participants can choose from different race lengths, enjoying scenic routes that highlight the city's beauty.

Panafrican Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou (FESPACO)

• Date: February to March (biennial, even years)
• Description: Although based in Burkina Faso, this major cultural event has significant participation from Ghanaian filmmakers and actors. It's recognized as a hub for African cinema, showcasing films from across the continent.

Ghana Party in the Park

• Date: Mid-July
• Description: An annual family fun day event held in Accra, featuring live music, cultural dance, fashion shows, and a variety of food stalls. It's a celebration of Ghanaian culture, attracting thousands of attendees each year.

Accra Fashion Week

• Date: Late March and Early October
• Description: A biannual event that puts Ghanaian and African fashion on the international stage. Designers, brands, and models from across the continent come together to showcase their work, making it a key event for fashion enthusiasts.

Sabolai Radio Music Festival

• Date: December
• Description: This indie music festival features a mix of emerging and established artists from across Africa. It's known for its eclectic mix of genres and has become a platform for new music discovery in Accra.

Pro Tips for Traveling to Accra

• Cash Over Cards: While major hotels and restaurants in Accra accept credit cards, it's wise to carry cash for transactions in local markets, smaller shops, and for public transport.

• Tipping Practices: Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Consider tipping 10-15% at restaurants if the service charge isn't included, and a small amount for taxi drivers and porters.

• Drink Bottled Water: Always opt for bottled water, as the tap water in Accra may not be safe to drink. Also, use bottled water for brushing your teeth.

• Use Registered Taxis: For safety and fair pricing, always choose registered taxis, identifiable by their yellow license plates, and agree on the fare before starting your journey.

• Cultural Sensitivity: Dress modestly and respect local customs. For example, when visiting religious sites, cover your shoulders and knees.

• Try Local Cuisine: Don’t miss out on trying local dishes like Jollof rice, Fufu with light soup, and Kelewele (spicy fried plantains).

• Bargaining is Normal: When shopping in markets, it's expected to bargain. Start your offer at about half the price and negotiate from there.

• Stay Healthy: Protect yourself from mosquitoes as they can carry diseases; use repellent and consider sleeping under a mosquito net.

• Learn Basic Phrases: Knowing some basic phrases in Twi, one of the local languages, can enrich your interaction with locals and show respect for the culture.

• Be Mindful of Public Photography: Always ask for permission before taking photos of people, especially in rural areas or of traditional ceremonies.

Accra Travel FAQ

Do I need a visa to visit Accra?
Yes, most travelers will need a visa to enter Ghana, including for visits to Accra. You can apply for a visa at a Ghanaian embassy or consulate in your country. Some nationals are eligible for a visa on arrival, but it's best to secure one beforehand to avoid any complications upon arrival.

What currency is used in Accra?
The currency used in Accra is the Ghanaian Cedi (GHS). It's advisable to have some local currency on hand for everyday expenses, as smaller vendors may not accept credit cards. ATMs are widely available, and major hotels and restaurants usually accept major credit cards.

What should I pack for a trip to Accra?
Pack lightweight and breathable clothing due to the warm climate. Include items such as sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen to protect against the sun. Don't forget to bring a good insect repellent and perhaps a basic first-aid kit. For the rainy season (April to mid-November), include a waterproof jacket or umbrella.

Do I need to speak the local language to visit Accra?
While the official language of Ghana is English, and it is widely spoken in Accra, multiple local languages such as Twi, Ga, and Ewe are also used. You don’t need to speak these languages to visit, but learning a few basic phrases can enhance your experience and interactions with locals.

Is Accra safe for tourists?
Accra is generally considered safe for tourists, but it's important to take standard safety precautions. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash, be cautious with your belongings, and stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas. It's advisable to use reputable transportation services and avoid walking alone at night in less populated or unfamiliar areas.

Is Accra accessible for those with disabilities?
Accessibility in Accra can be challenging for those with disabilities. While some modern buildings and facilities offer ramps and elevators, many places are not fully equipped to accommodate disabilities. Sidewalks, if present, can be uneven and poorly maintained. It's recommended to plan ahead and arrange for appropriate accommodations and transportation.

What type of outlet is used in Accra?
In Accra, the power plugs and sockets are of type G, the same as in the United Kingdom. The standard voltage is 230 V, and the frequency is 50 Hz. If your device doesn't match the specifications, you'll need a power adapter or converter.

What are some cultural norms to be aware of when visiting Accra?
When visiting Accra, it's respectful to greet people with a handshake, and using the right hand is considered polite. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites, and always ask permission before taking photos of people. Tipping is customary in restaurants and for services, with 10% being a common amount if a service charge hasn't already been added to the bill.