West Africa in August: Weather, Crowds & What to Expect
Climate Map for August
Average temperature across West Africa in August.
Country Weather in August
| Country | High | Low | Rain | UV | Feels |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nigeria | 28° | 22° | 88 mm | very high | Warm |
| Ghana | 28° | 21° | 77 mm | very high | Warm |
| Ivory Coast | 27° | 22° | 44 mm | very high | Warm |
| Niger | 33° | 24° | 162 mm | extreme | Hot |
| Burkina Faso | 32° | 22° | 215 mm | extreme | Hot |
| Mali | 30° | 22° | 281 mm | extreme | Warm |
| Senegal | 30° | 24° | 157 mm | extreme | Hot |
| Guinea | 29° | 22° | 1098 mm | very high | Warm |
| Benin | 28° | 23° | 53 mm | very high | Warm |
| Togo | 29° | 22° | 36 mm | very high | Warm |
| Sierra Leone | 29° | 23° | 799 mm | very high | Warm |
| Liberia | 29° | 21° | 498 mm | very high | Warm |
| The Gambia | 31° | 23° | 315 mm | extreme | Hot |
| Guinea-Bissau | 30° | 23° | 543 mm | very high | Warm |
| Cape Verde | 30° | 24° | 59 mm | extreme | Hot |
Representative figures from each country's largest city. High / low are average daily temperatures (°C); “Feels” allows for humidity.
Senegal & The Gambia (Dakar, Saint‑Louis, Casamance & Banjul)
August continues the wet, humid pattern across Casamance and the southern Gambia, with frequent intense rains, leaching heat, and a real risk of localized flooding; travel times increase and airlines sometimes adjust schedules. Dakar and the northern coast often see fine spells between squalls and are still reasonable for sightseeing. Prepare for insect‑heavy evenings, bring repellents and durable waterproof footwear for walking in village areas.
Upper Guinea / Monsoon Coast (Guinea‑Bissau, Guinea, Sierra Leone & Liberia)
August continues with high rainfall and very humid conditions; Conakry and Freetown see sustained storms and often grey, low clouds. Roads into the Fouta Djallon and Loma ranges are particularly vulnerable to washouts; local markets and fishing activity are affected by heavy surf. Take anti‑mosquito precautions seriously and allow extra travel time - domestic flights can be delayed more than usual.
Gulf of Guinea (Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo & Benin)
August often remains wet, and in some years the Gulf of Guinea experiences two rainy maxima that extend through this month - expect persistent cloud, warm air and regular storms. Cotonou and Lomé will be humid with afternoon squalls and occasional street flooding. Cultural sites and forest treks are still doable but require waterproof gear and contingency plans for transport delays.
Nigeria (Coastal south, Lagos, Niger Delta & Jos Plateau)
August keeps intense, regular rains in the south and central belt - Lagos and Delta provinces remain wet and sticky; this is a low season for tourism. City infrastructure can be strained, so allow extra time for commutes and transfers. Mosquito numbers peak; bring strong repellents and consider accommodation with screened windows or air conditioning.
The Sahel & Inland Plains (Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger & northern Senegal)
August remains squarely in the rainy season with frequent storms, thick skies and high humidity in the southern Sahel band - agricultural landscapes are lush but travel times lengthen significantly. Markets and seasonal villages are active with harvest work, but many tourist facilities operate at reduced capacity. Prioritize travel on main roads and expect limited rural services.