Accra in October

October weather, activities, events & insider tips

October Weather in Accra

30°C (87°F) High Temp

23°C (74°F) Low Temp

79 mm (3.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is October Right for You?

Advantages

Post-rainy season clarity means Atlantic Ocean views from Osu Castle are crystal clear, with visibility extending 15-20 km (9-12 miles) on most days
Harmattan winds haven't arrived yet, so humidity stays at comfortable 70% instead of the suffocating 85%+ of August-September
Local fishing season peaks in October - Jamestown markets overflow with fresh red snapper and barracuda, prices drop 30-40% from tourist season rates
Festival season begins with Homowo aftermath celebrations in surrounding Ga communities, offering authentic cultural experiences without the overwhelming crowds of the main August festivities

Considerations

Afternoon thunderstorms strike without warning - expect 20-30 minute deluges that flood Accra's notoriously poor drainage system, particularly around Circle and Kaneshie
Construction season ramps up before December holidays, meaning major roads like the N1 highway face increased delays and diversions
Tourism infrastructure operates on reduced schedules as operators prepare for peak season - some coastal tour operators limit trips to weekends only

Best Activities in October

Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Slave Route Tours

October's lower humidity makes the 2-hour drive west along the coast far more comfortable, and reduced crowds mean you can spend contemplative time in the dungeons without feeling rushed. Local guides are more available for in-depth historical discussions. The Atlantic breeze is strongest in October, providing relief during emotional castle visits.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through certified Ghana Tourism Authority operators. Tours typically cost ₵400-600 ($25-38) including transport. Look for guides certified by the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board. Reference booking widget below for current departure times.

Kakum National Park Canopy Walk Adventures

The 350m (1,148 ft) canopy walkway is least crowded in October, and post-rainy season means maximum wildlife activity. Forest elephants are most active in cooler morning temperatures of 24-26°C (75-79°F). The 7 suspension bridges offer unobstructed views as harmattan haze hasn't yet reduced visibility.

Booking Tip: Combine with Cape Coast visits for efficiency. Entry fees around ₵50-80 ($3-5) for non-residents. Book through eco-tourism operators offering early morning departures (6:30am) to avoid afternoon heat and storms. See current tour combinations in booking section below.

Accra Street Food Market Crawls

October marks peak season for palm fruit and fresh corn - street vendors offer roasted corn with coconut and spicy pepper sauce. Evening temperatures drop to comfortable 25°C (77°F), perfect for exploring Osu this destination and Makola Market food sections. Locals return from rural harvest visits, bringing regional specialties to city markets.

Booking Tip: Food walking tours typically cost ₵200-350 ($12-22) for 3-4 hours. Look for guides familiar with food safety standards and speak local languages. Evening tours (5pm-8pm) avoid afternoon heat and rain. Current food tour options available in booking widget below.

Labadi Beach Horseback Riding Sessions

October's firm sand conditions after rainy season provide ideal footing for beach horseback riding. Atlantic waters are warmest at 26°C (79°F) with consistent offshore breezes. Local horse stables increase operations as tourist season approaches, offering better-maintained equipment and more experienced guides.

Booking Tip: Sessions typically run ₵150-250 ($9-15) for 1-2 hours. Book morning slots (7am-9am) to avoid afternoon heat and storms. Look for stables with safety helmets and insurance coverage. Morning rides often include breakfast on the beach. Check current availability in booking section below.

Greater Accra Kente Weaving Village Visits

October harvest season means increased activity in traditional craft villages around Accra. Weavers work longer hours preparing for upcoming festival seasons. The 45-60 minute drive to villages like Bonwire becomes more pleasant without heavy rains, and artisans are more available for demonstrations as agricultural work winds down.

Booking Tip: Full-day village tours cost ₵300-500 ($18-32) including transport and demonstrations. Book through cultural heritage operators with established village relationships. Allow 6-8 hours for meaningful interaction with artisans. Current cultural tour options in booking widget below.

Volta Lake Fishing and Boat Excursions

October water levels stabilize after rainy season, making navigation safer on Africa's largest artificial lake. Local fishing communities welcome visitors as tourism supplements lean fishing periods. Temperatures on the water stay comfortable at 26-28°C (79-82°F) with reliable breezes reducing humidity.

Booking Tip: Day trips typically cost ₵250-400 ($15-25) including boat transport and fishing equipment. Book through operators with proper life safety equipment and local fishing licenses. Morning departures (6am-7am) offer best fishing conditions and cooler temperatures. See current lake tour options in booking section below.

October Events & Festivals

Mid October

Accra [dot] alt Street Art Festival

Annual celebration of contemporary Ghanaian urban art featuring local and international artists creating murals across Osu and Airport Residential areas. Live music, spoken word performances, and artist workshops showcase modern Accra's creative evolution.

Late October

Ghana National Fishing Festival

Coastal communities from Tema to Elmina celebrate peak fishing season with traditional boat races, net-mending competitions, and fresh seafood markets. Jamestown fishing community hosts the largest celebrations with drumming and traditional Ga ceremonies.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry synthetic clothing - 70% humidity means cotton stays damp for hours after brief afternoon storms

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index hits 8 with strong reflection off Atlantic waters

Compact umbrella and light rain jacket - afternoon storms last 20-30 minutes but arrive with zero warning

Closed-toe walking shoes with good grip - Accra's streets become slippery during October's 10 rainy days

Portable phone charger/power bank - frequent brief power outages during storms affect charging opportunities

Insect repellent with DEET - standing water after rains increases mosquito activity, especially around lagoons

Light cotton scarf or shawl - for respectful covering when visiting mosques and traditional sites

Anti-diarrheal medication - increased street food activity during harvest season requires stomach preparation

Waterproof bag for electronics - protect cameras and phones during sudden downpours and humid conditions

Comfortable sandals for beach activities - Atlantic waters at 26°C (79°F) invite frequent cooling-off sessions

Insider Knowledge

October is harvest season for local palm wine - visit palm wine bars in Nungua and La between 4-6pm when fresh palm wine arrives daily from rural tappers

Shared taxis (tro-tros) reduce frequency during afternoon storm hours (2-4pm) - plan indoor activities during this window or budget extra for private transport

Local SIM cards from MTN or Vodafone cost ₵5-10 ($0.30-0.60) and provide better internet than hotel WiFi during storm-related outages

Banking hours extend in October as businesses prepare for holiday season - Ecobank and GCB branches stay open until 5pm instead of typical 4pm closure

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities between 2-4pm when afternoon storms are most likely - plan museum visits or shopping mall time during these hours instead

Underestimating travel time during rainy periods - flooding around Circle and Kaneshie markets can triple normal journey times

Expecting all coastal tours to operate daily - many operators reduce schedules in October, running full programs only on weekends