Accra in August

August weather, activities, events & insider tips

August Weather in Accra

28°C (83°F) High Temp

23°C (73°F) Low Temp

20 mm (0.8 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is August Right for You?

Advantages

August marks the minor dry season between heavy rains - expect only 10 rainy days compared to June's 15+ days, making it ideal for outdoor exploration
Tourist crowds drop 30-40% compared to December peak season, meaning shorter lines at Elmina Castle and Cape Coast, plus better photo opportunities at Minsk
Fresh harmattan winds haven't arrived yet, keeping dust levels low and visibility excellent for coastal drives along the Gulf of Guinea
Local harvest season brings peak freshness for plantain, yam, and palm fruit - street food vendors offer the year's best kelewele and banku at markets like Makola

Considerations

Humidity stays consistently at 70% with temperatures reaching 28°C (83°F) - expect to sweat through clothing within 30 minutes of outdoor activity
Afternoon thunderstorms arrive with little warning around 2-4pm on 10+ days, potentially disrupting beach plans and outdoor tours
August coincides with European summer holidays, driving accommodation prices up 25-35% compared to September, especially in East Legon and Airport Residential areas

Best Activities in August

Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle Day Tours

August's lower rainfall makes the 150 km (93 mile) coastal drive to Cape Coast more reliable, with clearer skies for the emotionally intensive castle tours. Morning departures at 7am avoid afternoon storms and the most oppressive heat. The UNESCO World Heritage sites are less crowded than December peak season, allowing for more contemplative experiences in the slave dungeons and this destination.

Booking Tip: Book 5-7 days ahead through licensed tour operators for ₵200-350 ($35-60) including transport and guide. Tours typically last 8-10 hours. Look for operators with air-conditioned vehicles and certified heritage guides. Check current tour availability in the booking section below.

Accra Street Food and Market Tours

August's harvest season brings peak quality local ingredients to Accra's markets. Early morning tours (6-9am) avoid both afternoon rain and the day's heat buildup. Makola Market buzzes with fresh palm nuts, ripe plantains, and seasonal vegetables. The humidity actually enhances aromatic spices, making kelewele, waakye, and jollof rice more flavorful than dry season months.

Booking Tip: Walking food tours cost ₵80-150 ($15-25) and run 3-4 hours. Book morning slots to avoid afternoon storms. Look for guides who speak local languages and can negotiate at markets. Many tours include transportation between market districts.

Kakum National Park Canopy Walk

The 350m (1,148 ft) long suspension bridge system is most comfortable in August before September's intense heat arrives. Morning wildlife activity peaks between 6-10am when temperatures stay below 26°C (79°F). August's moderate rainfall keeps the rainforest canopy lush without making trails muddy. Butterfly activity reaches annual peaks during this transitional weather period.

Booking Tip: Day trips from Accra typically cost ₵180-280 ($30-50) including park entry and transport. The 4-hour drive each way means 10-12 hour total commitment. Book midweek to avoid Ghanaian weekend crowds. Early departure (6am) essential to reach park by 10am.

Lake Volta and Eastern Region Cultural Tours

August water levels in Lake Volta remain stable before October's dramatic rise, making boat tours to traditional fishing villages reliable. The Akosombo Dam area offers cooler temperatures due to water proximity. Traditional kente weaving villages like Bonwire operate morning schedules perfect for avoiding afternoon storms.

Booking Tip: Full-day cultural tours range ₵250-400 ($45-70) including boat transfers and village visits. Tours run Tuesday-Saturday with morning departures. Book 7-10 days ahead as local festivals can affect village access. Look for operators including traditional lunch with host families.

Ga Traditional Medicine and Herbal Walks

August's transitional weather brings out medicinal plants that traditional healers collect for dry season preparations. Walking tours through Ga communities combine cultural education with herbal knowledge. The high humidity helps release plant aromatics, making identification easier for visitors learning traditional medicine practices.

Booking Tip: Half-day cultural walks cost ₵60-120 ($10-20) and last 3-4 hours. Morning tours (7-11am) work best before heat peaks. Book through community tourism initiatives rather than large operators. Tours often include herbal tea preparation and plant identification guides.

Independence Square and Black Star Gate Photography Tours

August's variable cloud cover creates dramatic lighting conditions ideal for photography at Ghana's most significant independence monuments. Lower tourist numbers mean unobstructed shots of the Bridgetown and Black Star Gate. Morning golden hour (6:30-8:30am) provides the best lighting before crowds arrive.

Booking Tip: Photography tours range ₵100-200 ($18-35) for 3-4 hours including historical commentary. Private tours cost ₵300-500 ($50-85). Book early morning slots for optimal lighting and fewer tourists. Many tours combine with nearby Banjul visits.

August Events & Festivals

August 1st

Emancipation Day Celebrations

August 1st commemorates the abolition of slavery throughout the British Empire. Elmina and Cape Coast hold special ceremonies at the slave castles, while Accra's W.E.B. DuBois Centre hosts cultural programs. Traditional drumming, dance performances, and historical reenactments take place at multiple heritage sites.

Mid to Late August

Homowo Festival Preparations

The Ga people's most important festival begins preparation in August, with traditional fishing and farming activities ramping up before September celebrations. Visitors can observe traditional food preparation, especially kpokpoi (corn meal), and participate in preliminary cultural activities in Greater Accra communities.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight cotton or linen clothing - avoid polyester which becomes unbearable in 70% humidity and 28°C (83°F) temperatures

Compact umbrella or lightweight rain jacket - afternoon storms last 20-30 minutes but arrive suddenly

SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 even on cloudy days due to proximity to equator

Moisture-wicking undergarments - essential for all-day comfort in high humidity conditions

Closed-toe walking shoes with quick-dry materials - for muddy market floors and wet sidewalks after rain

Portable phone charger - high humidity can drain batteries 20% faster than normal

Cash in small denominations (₵1, ₵2, ₵5 notes) - many vendors and tro-tros don't make change for larger bills

Insect repellent with 20%+ DEET - mosquito activity increases during August's transitional weather

Quick-dry towel - hotel towels stay damp longer in August humidity

Electrolyte powder or tablets - you'll lose more salts through sweat than expected in this climate

Insider Knowledge

Ghanaians eat dinner later in August (8-9pm) to avoid cooking during day's peak heat - adjust your meal timing to match local rhythms for better restaurant service

Tro-tro (shared taxi) prices increase 20-30% during afternoon rain - plan major transportation before 2pm or after 5pm to avoid storm surge pricing

Local banks (GCB, Ecobank) often run out of small denomination notes by afternoon - withdraw cash before 11am for better bill denominations

Many Accra offices close 1-3pm during August heat - schedule important business meetings for early morning or late afternoon slots

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities for 12-4pm when heat peaks at 28°C (83°F) and afternoon storms are most likely - locals stay indoors during these hours

Wearing dark colors which absorb heat and show sweat stains immediately in 70% humidity - light colors and loose fits work much better

Not carrying small change - many vendors, tro-tros, and market stalls cannot break ₵20 or ₵50 notes, especially after lunch when their cash flow improves