West Africa in February: Weather, Crowds & What to Expect
Climate Map for February
Average temperature across West Africa in February.
Country Weather in February
| Country | High | Low | Rain | UV | Feels |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nigeria | 33° | 24° | 42 mm | very high | Hot |
| Ghana | 33° | 22° | 64 mm | very high | Hot |
| Ivory Coast | 31° | 24° | 55 mm | very high | Hot |
| Niger | 35° | 20° | 0 mm | very high | Warm |
| Burkina Faso | 35° | 20° | 1 mm | very high | Warm |
| Mali | 35° | 20° | 3 mm | very high | Warm |
| Senegal | 27° | 16° | 1 mm | very high | Mild |
| Guinea | 34° | 22° | 0 mm | extreme | Hot |
| Benin | 33° | 25° | 32 mm | very high | Hot |
| Togo | 33° | 24° | 31 mm | very high | Hot |
| Sierra Leone | 32° | 23° | 4 mm | extreme | Hot |
| Liberia | 32° | 22° | 58 mm | very high | Hot |
| The Gambia | 33° | 18° | 1 mm | very high | Warm |
| Guinea-Bissau | 35° | 18° | 1 mm | extreme | Warm |
| Cape Verde | 27° | 19° | 1 mm | very high | Mild |
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)
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.
The Sahel & Inland Plains (Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger & northern Senegal)
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.