West Africa in March: Weather, Crowds & What to Expect
Climate Map for March
Average temperature across West Africa in March.
Country Weather in March
| Country | High | Low | Rain | UV | Feels |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nigeria | 33° | 25° | 86 mm | very high | Hot |
| Ghana | 33° | 23° | 133 mm | very high | Hot |
| Ivory Coast | 32° | 24° | 111 mm | very high | Hot |
| Niger | 39° | 24° | 2 mm | extreme | Hot |
| Burkina Faso | 38° | 23° | 6 mm | extreme | Hot |
| Mali | 37° | 23° | 12 mm | extreme | Hot |
| Senegal | 27° | 16° | 0 mm | extreme | Mild |
| Guinea | 34° | 23° | 3 mm | extreme | Hot |
| Benin | 33° | 25° | 77 mm | very high | Hot |
| Togo | 33° | 25° | 74 mm | very high | Hot |
| Sierra Leone | 32° | 24° | 12 mm | extreme | Hot |
| Liberia | 33° | 22° | 94 mm | very high | Hot |
| The Gambia | 34° | 19° | 0 mm | extreme | Warm |
| Guinea-Bissau | 36° | 20° | 1 mm | extreme | Hot |
| Cape Verde | 27° | 20° | 0 mm | extreme | 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)
By March the wind eases and temperatures begin to creep up - Dakar and Saint‑Louis feel noticeably warmer during the day, and humidity starts to build toward the south. The Gambia’s rivers glint under stronger sun, while Casamance can get the first short, heavy showers late in the month. Plan for hotter midday walks and expect school holidays to increase domestic travel; lightweight breathable clothing and a hat are essential.
Upper Guinea / Monsoon Coast (Guinea‑Bissau, Guinea, Sierra Leone & Liberia)
Humidity begins to build in March; Conakry, Bissau and Freetown feel noticeable warmth and brief afternoon showers may arrive late in the month. The Fouta Djallon and Loma Mountains warm up and water levels in rivers rise, making some remote trails muddier. Bookings for beach camps along the surf coasts are still sensible, but expect increasing insect activity and sticky evenings.
Gulf of Guinea (Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo & Benin)
Humidity and the first rains begin to show in March, especially in southern Côte d’Ivoire and eastern Ghana, with afternoon showers becoming more common. Coastal Accra and Lomé still have many dry days but feel noticeably stickier; inland cocoa regions begin their seasonal activity. Travelers should start carrying a light rain jacket and be aware that rural dirt roads will become tacky.
Nigeria (Coastal south, Lagos, Niger Delta & Jos Plateau)
March heats up across the country - humidity rises in the south and the first convective storms begin to appear late in the month, particularly in the Niger Delta and coastal lagoons. Jos and other highland towns remain a good respite from the heat. If travelling inland, expect hotter daytime conditions and prepare for intermittent showers.
The Sahel & Inland Plains (Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger & northern Senegal)
March sees temperatures begin to climb and the pre‑monsoon heat becomes noticeable - Bamako and Niamey heat up and dust increases. This is a transitional time: trekking in the Sahel is still doable but start timing activities to early morning or late afternoon. If you plan market visits or festivals, book ahead as local movement increases.