Accra in February

February weather, activities, events & insider tips

February Weather in Accra

32°C (91°F) High Temp

25°C (77°F) Low Temp

25 mm (1.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Peak Harmattan winds bring clearest skies of the year - visibility extends 15+ km (9+ miles) on most days, perfect for photography and coastal activities
Minimal rainfall with only 25mm (1.0 inches) over 10 days means outdoor plans rarely get disrupted - showers are brief 15-minute afternoon affairs
Festival season peaks with Independence Day preparations ramping up - local cultural events, traditional drumming sessions, and craft markets operate daily
Ocean temperatures hit 27°C (81°F) while humidity drops to its lowest point, making beach time and walking tours genuinely comfortable from 7am-10am and 4pm-7pm

Considerations

Peak dust season means visibility can drop dramatically on windy days, and respiratory sensitivities get triggered - pack face masks and eye drops
Tourist season pricing kicks in mid-month as Europeans escape winter - accommodation rates jump 25-40% compared to January
Afternoon UV index of 8-9 makes midday outdoor activities genuinely dangerous without proper protection - most locals avoid being outside 11am-3pm

Best Activities in February

Atlantic Coastal Fishing Village Tours

February's calm seas and minimal rainfall make this the ideal month to explore traditional fishing communities like Jamestown and Chorkor. Morning temperatures of 25°C (77°F) with ocean breezes create perfect conditions for walking tours. Local fishermen return with catches between 6-8am, giving you authentic cultural interaction before tourist crowds arrive.

Booking Tip: Book community-based tours 7-10 days ahead through cultural centers or your accommodation. Typical cost ranges ₵200-400 ($35-70) for half-day experiences. Start by 7am to avoid afternoon heat and get the most authentic fishing village experience.

Kakum Forest Canopy Walks

The dry season means stable canopy walkways and clear forest views extending 5+ km (3+ miles). February's lower humidity at 70% makes the 2-3 hour forest experience comfortable, while early morning mist creates spectacular photography opportunities. Wildlife is most active 6-9am when temperatures are coolest.

Booking Tip: Reserve 5-7 days ahead as weekend slots fill quickly. Full-day trips including transport typically cost ₵300-500 ($50-85). Book morning departures to avoid afternoon heat - most tours leave Accra at 6am for 8am forest entry.

Historic Castles and Slave Route Experiences

February's clear skies and stable weather make the emotional journey to Cape Coast and Elmina Castles more manageable. Cooler morning temperatures allow for thorough exploration of the dungeons and courtyards without heat exhaustion. The reduced rainfall means reliable road conditions for the 150km (93 miles) coastal drive.

Booking Tip: Book historical tours 10-14 days ahead as this is peak learning season for international visitors. Day trips cost ₵250-450 ($40-75) including transport and guide. Choose early morning departures to spend cooler hours at the castle sites.

Volta Lake and Akosombo Dam Excursions

February water levels are optimal for boat tours on Africa's largest artificial lake. Clear skies provide impressive views of the Akwapim Hills, while minimal rainfall ensures reliable boat schedules. The 2-hour drive from Accra passes through cocoa regions at peak growing season.

Booking Tip: Reserve boat tours 3-5 days ahead through licensed operators at Akosombo. Full-day experiences cost ₵350-550 ($60-95) including meals. Afternoon departures work well as lake breezes moderate the heat.

Traditional Kente Weaving Village Visits

February's dry weather makes the 30km (19 miles) journey to Bonwire and surrounding weaving villages consistently accessible. Artisans work longer hours in the comfortable morning temperatures, giving visitors extended interaction time. The pre-Independence Day season means increased production of ceremonial cloths.

Booking Tip: Arrange village visits through cultural organizations 5-7 days ahead. Half-day experiences cost ₵150-300 ($25-50) including transport. Morning visits 8am-12pm offer the best weaving demonstrations and cooler temperatures.

Aburi Botanical Gardens and Mountain Escapes

February temperatures in the Akwapim Hills drop to 22°C (72°F), providing relief from coastal humidity. The 45-minute drive to Aburi offers spectacular valley views, while the Saint Vincent showcase tropical plants in their dry season forms. Clear skies make this perfect for photography and picnicking.

Booking Tip: No advance booking required for gardens, but arrange transport 2-3 days ahead. Entry fees are ₵10-20 ($2-4), while private transport costs ₵100-200 ($15-35). Visit after 2pm when coastal heat becomes uncomfortable.

February Events & Festivals

Throughout February

Independence Day Preparation Festivals

Throughout February, communities across Accra practice traditional dances, drumming, and cultural displays in preparation for March 6th Independence Day. Local schools and cultural groups perform in parks and community centers, offering authentic cultural immersion away from tourist venues.

Mid to Late February

Homowo Festival Planning Meetings

Traditional councils begin Homowo festival preparations with community gatherings featuring local foods, palm wine, and cultural discussions. These informal community events happen in neighborhoods like Osu and La, providing insight into authentic Ga cultural traditions.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

N95 or KN95 face masks - February's Harmattan dust storms can reduce visibility to under 1km (0.6 miles) and trigger respiratory issues

SPF 50+ sunscreen and zinc stick - UV index reaches 8-9 midday with minimal cloud cover for protection

Lightweight cotton long-sleeves - protects against intense sun while remaining breathable in 70% humidity

Closed-toe walking shoes with good grip - red laterite dust makes surfaces slippery when it settles

Portable phone charger/power bank - frequent power fluctuations during dry season as demand for cooling increases

Electrolyte packets or tablets - high UV and warm temperatures cause rapid dehydration even with minimal activity

Light rain jacket or compact umbrella - brief afternoon showers on 10 days provide little warning

Insect repellent with 20% DEET - mosquito activity increases after short rains despite dry conditions

Moisturizer and lip balm - Harmattan winds cause rapid skin drying and chapping

Saline eye drops - dust and dry air cause significant eye irritation for most visitors

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations before February 15th when European winter escape bookings surge and prices jump 25-40% for the remainder of the month

Schedule important outdoor activities for 7-10am or 4-7pm - locals completely avoid midday sun during February's peak UV period

Carry small bills (₵5, ₵10, ₵20) as dust storms sometimes disrupt card readers and mobile payment systems at markets and small vendors

The best local produce in February includes mangoes, pineapples, and coconuts - roadside vendors offer peak-season fruits at 30-50% lower prices than hotels

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming February is 'cooler' - while it's the dry season, midday temperatures still hit 32°C (91°F) with intense UV that can cause heat exhaustion in 30 minutes

Not protecting electronics from dust - fine Harmattan particles penetrate phone cases and camera equipment, causing permanent damage to screens and lenses

Scheduling important activities for afternoons - most locals休息 (rest) 12-3pm for good reason, and many attractions reduce hours during peak heat