February remains a prime travel month with dry, cooler mornings across the region; it's popular for markets, culture and visiting coastal cities like Dakar and Accra. Sahel areas are comfortably cool for overland travel.
SeasonHigh SeasonTemperature 72-95°F / 22-35°CCrowds HighPrices High
Average daily low and high (°C) and monthly rainfall, from each country's largest city. The badge shows how it feels, allowing for humidity.
Temperature map
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Average temperature across West Africa in February.
Where to Go in West Africa in February
Senegal & The Gambia
Dakar, Saint‑Louis, Casamance & Banjul
Harmattan still hangs over the region in February, leaving Dakar’s waterfront crisp and Banjul’s markets bright but dust‑streaked; mornings can feel cool (layers helpful) while afternoons are warm. Casamance (Ziguinchor) starts to show early humidity compared with the north, though significant rain is not yet consistent. Travellers find quieter hotels and good flight availability now; sunscreen and a light scarf for dust are smart packing items.
Upper Guinea / Monsoon Coast
Guinea‑Bissau, Guinea, Sierra Leone & Liberia
February remains comfortably dry across the Upper Guinea coast with blue skies and lower humidity: Conakry’s port is calm and ferry crossings are easier. Freetown and Monrovia are pleasant and still outside the monsoon; the reduced mosquito activity makes island hopping and city walking very doable. Travelers should pack sun protection and a light jacket for coastal breezes after sunset.
Gulf of Guinea
Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo & Benin
February stays warm and dry on the Gulf coast - Lomé, Cotonou, Accra and Abidjan see blue skies and comfortable sea breezes. This is a convenient time for market visits and beach time without persistent rains, though the harmattan can occasionally bring a dusty haze from the north. Expect good ferry and flight reliability and fewer mosquitos than later in the year.
Nigeria
Coastal south, Lagos, Niger Delta & Jos Plateau
February maintains warm, mostly dry weather across Lagos, Port Harcourt and the Delta, though occasional dust from the harmattan appears in the north and sometimes reaches the south. Flights are generally reliable and beaches are busy; river excursions in the Niger Delta are comfortable. Keep a scarf for dusty mornings and insect repellent for evenings near mangroves.
February remains dry and cool across the Sahel with excellent visibility for desert travel and archaeology visits in Mali and Mauritania; daytime heat is manageable and nights are cool. Dusty northeasterly winds persist but are usually less intense than in mid‑winter. Travellers should pack warm layers for mornings and evenings and prepare for limited services in remote areas.
Events & Festivals in February
FESPACO (biennial, Ouagadougou)
Pan-African Film and Television Festival often held in February (biennial).
Planning a trip to West Africa?
See how February compares with the rest of the year, then read the full guide.
