Accra in January

January weather, activities, events & insider tips

January Weather in Accra

32°C (90°F) High Temp

24°C (76°F) Low Temp

13 mm (0.5 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Harmattan winds bring cooler, drier air from the Sahara, making January the most comfortable month for walking Accra's sprawling neighborhoods - humidity drops to 70% compared to 85%+ in rainy season
Festival season peaks with Homowo celebrations in surrounding Greater Accra communities and traditional naming ceremonies - locals are in celebratory mood with more cultural events than any other month
Beach conditions are optimal with minimal rainfall (only 13mm/0.5 inches) and consistent offshore breezes at Labadi and Kokrobite beaches - sea temperature stays warm at 26°C (79°F)
Fresh produce season brings the best street food - groundnuts, oranges, and palm wine are at peak quality, while outdoor chop bars extend evening hours due to pleasant temperatures

Considerations

Harmattan dust haze can reduce visibility and affect those with respiratory sensitivities - some days you can't see the coast from downtown due to Saharan dust particles
Tourist high season means accommodation prices increase 40-60% compared to May-September, and popular spots like Cape Coast Castle require advance booking
Bush burning season in northern Ghana can worsen air quality on certain days, though coastal Accra is less affected than inland areas

Best Activities in January

Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Historical Tours

January's cooler Harmattan winds make the 1.5-hour drive west bearable, and lower humidity means you can comfortably explore these emotional but essential slave castle sites. The ocean breeze is strongest in January, providing relief during the intense historical exhibitions. Tour groups are smaller mid-week despite high season.

Booking Tip: Book 2-3 weeks ahead through licensed operators offering full-day packages (typically GHS 200-350 per person including transport). Depart early (7am) to avoid afternoon heat. Look for operators with air-conditioned vehicles and trained historical guides. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Accra Street Food Walking Tours

January's prime harvest season brings the year's best street food - fresh palm nuts for palm soup, peak-season oranges, and the famous kelewele (spiced plantains) are exceptional. Cooler evening temperatures mean food vendors stay out later, and the low rainfall means outdoor eating is reliable. Start after 4pm when temperatures drop.

Booking Tip: Evening tours (4pm-8pm) work best in January weather. Expect to pay GHS 80-150 for guided food walks covering 6-8 stops. Book with operators who provide hand sanitizer and know vendor hygiene standards. Independent exploration works well - focus on busy stalls with high turnover.

Shai Hills Rock Climbing and Wildlife

The dry Harmattan season makes this the only time of year for reliable rock climbing at Shai Hills - wet season makes rocks dangerously slippery. Wildlife viewing is optimal as animals concentrate around water sources. January's lower humidity makes the 45-minute drive from Accra and outdoor activities much more comfortable.

Booking Tip: Full-day trips typically cost GHS 150-250 including transport and guide. Book with operators providing climbing equipment and safety gear. Early morning departures (6am) are essential to complete activities before afternoon heat peaks. Popular with locals on weekends, so book weekdays for smaller groups.

Labadi and Kokrobite Beach Activities

January offers the best beach conditions with minimal rain, strong offshore breezes, and comfortable sand temperatures for all-day activities. Local beach bars extend hours due to pleasant evening weather. Surfing conditions at Kokrobite are most consistent during Harmattan season with steady winds.

Booking Tip: Beach horseback riding costs GHS 50-80 per hour, surf lessons GHS 100-150. Weekend beach parties are popular with locals in January - expect higher drink prices (GHS 15-25 for local beer vs GHS 8-12 off-beach). Weekday visits offer better value and smaller crowds at beach clubs.

Kakum Canopy Walk Day Trips

January's dry weather makes this the most reliable time for the famous treetop walk - paths aren't muddy and visibility through the forest canopy is clearest. The 2.5-hour drive from Accra is most comfortable in cooler January temperatures, and wildlife is more active in the dry season.

Booking Tip: Day trips typically cost GHS 180-280 including transport, park fees, and guide. Book midweek to avoid Ghanaian weekend crowds. Operators with air-conditioned transport are worth the extra cost for January travel. Morning departures (7am) ensure you complete the walk before afternoon temperatures peak.

Lake Volta Fishing Village Experiences

January's low water levels make it the best time to see traditional fishing methods and visit shoreline communities usually inaccessible during rainy season. The dry weather allows for comfortable overnight stays in fishing villages, and fish catches are higher due to concentrated water levels.

Booking Tip: Overnight village stays cost GHS 120-200 per person including meals and activities. Book through community tourism operators who share revenue with villages. Bring insect repellent despite dry season - lakeside areas still have mosquitos at dawn and dusk. Transport to lakeside takes 3-4 hours from Accra.

January Events & Festivals

Late January

Chale Wote Street Art Festival

Accra's premier arts festival transforms the historic Jamestown neighborhood with murals, performances, and installations. Local and international artists showcase contemporary African art in outdoor galleries perfect for January's dry weather. Food vendors and live music continue past midnight.

Throughout January

Traditional Naming Ceremonies

January is peak season for traditional Ga and Akan naming ceremonies as families prefer the cooler, dry weather for outdoor celebrations. Many hotels and cultural centers host public ceremonies where visitors can observe traditional music, dancing, and libation rituals.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight dust mask or bandana - Harmattan dust can be intense some days and affects breathing during outdoor activities

High SPF sunscreen (50+) and lip balm with SPF - UV index reaches 8 and dust can cause chapped lips

Breathable cotton or linen clothing in light colors - avoid polyester which traps heat in 70% humidity

Light sweater or long sleeves for evening - Harmattan winds can make 24°C (76°F) feel cool after sunset

Closed-toe shoes with good grip - dusty conditions make surfaces slippery, especially in markets

Moisturizer and eye drops - Harmattan winds are very drying to skin and eyes

Light rain jacket or umbrella - 10 rainy days means occasional brief showers

Power bank and dust covers for electronics - dust can affect charging ports and cameras

Hand sanitizer and wet wipes - extra important during dry, dusty conditions for eating street food

Insect repellent - still needed for dawn/dusk even in dry season, especially near water bodies

Insider Knowledge

Local taxis charge 20-30% more during January high season - use Bolt or Uber for fixed pricing, or negotiate fares before getting in. Shared trotros (minibuses) maintain normal pricing of GHS 2-4 for most Accra routes.

Bank and ATM lines are longer in January due to tourist season and local holiday spending - withdraw cash early in the day and keep small bills (GHS 5, 10, 20) for street vendors who often can't make change for GHS 50+ notes.

Many Accra locals take vacation during January, so some neighborhood restaurants and services have reduced hours. However, tourist-area establishments extend hours to accommodate visitors - confirm opening times if venturing into residential areas.

The best exchange rates are at forex bureaus in Osu or Adabraka districts, typically 2-3% better than airport or hotel exchanges. Bring crisp, new US dollar bills for best rates - torn or old bills get rejected or receive poor rates.

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how drying Harmattan winds are - many visitors get dehydrated and don't realize it's the dry air, not just heat. Drink more water than you think you need and use moisturizer religiously.

Booking Cape Coast or Kakum trips for weekends - these popular sites get overcrowded with Ghanaian domestic tourists in January. Midweek visits offer better experiences and often lower prices.

Not having small bills for street food and taxis - GHS 50 and 100 notes are difficult to break at street level, and vendors often claim they can't make change to encourage larger purchases.