Sierraleone in August

August weather, activities, events & insider tips

August Weather in Sierraleone

31°C (88°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

400mm (15.7 inches) Rainfall

85% Humidity

Is August Right for You?

Advantages

Lush green landscapes at their most spectacular - waterfalls like Sekumpul Falls flow at maximum power and rice terraces are emerald green
Significantly lower accommodation prices (30-50% cheaper than dry season) and fewer crowds at major attractions
Perfect season for river activities and waterfall exploration - rivers are full and swimming holes are refreshed daily
Authentic cultural experience as you'll see how locals adapt to rainy season rhythms, with busy indoor markets and cozy evening gatherings

Considerations

Daily heavy rainfall (typically 2-4 hours between 2pm-6pm) disrupts outdoor activities and makes transportation challenging on unpaved roads
High humidity (85%) combined with temperatures reaching 31°C (88°F) creates uncomfortable conditions for hiking and outdoor exploration
Many coastal activities like boat trips and beach visits are frequently cancelled due to rough seas and poor visibility

Best Activities in August

Freetown Peninsula Beach Tours

August brings dramatic wave action and cooler temperatures perfect for early morning beach walks along River No. 2 Beach and Tokeh Beach. Mornings (6am-10am) offer the best conditions before afternoon storms. The rainy season creates spectacular cloud formations over the Atlantic, ideal for photography.

Booking Tip: Book half-day morning tours (6am-11am) to avoid afternoon rains. Tours typically cost $25-45 per person including transport. Look for operators with covered vehicles and flexible rescheduling policies for weather cancellations.

Bunce Island Historical Tours

The cooler, overcast conditions of August make exploring this former slave trading post more comfortable than the scorching dry season. River levels are high, ensuring reliable boat access, and the dramatic weather adds atmosphere to this sobering historical site.

Booking Tip: Book through operators offering covered boats as afternoon showers are common during the 45-minute river journey. Tours range $35-60 per person. Schedule morning departures (8am-9am) for best weather conditions.

Gola Rainforest Canopy Walks

August is prime time for rainforest exploration - the canopy is at its most lush, wildlife is active, and the frequent light rains create a mystical atmosphere. Elevated walkways keep you above muddy ground while offering spectacular views of the rain-refreshed forest.

Booking Tip: Book 2-3 day eco-lodge packages ranging $80-150 per day including meals and guided walks. Essential to choose operators with proper rain gear and covered rest areas. Early morning walks (6am-8am) offer best wildlife viewing.

Freetown Indoor Cultural Experiences

August's frequent rains make indoor cultural activities particularly appealing. Visit the Sierra Leone National Museum, explore the busy indoor sections of Big Market, and experience traditional krio music performances in covered venues. Locals gather indoors more during rainy season, creating authentic social experiences.

Booking Tip: Cultural walking tours with indoor focus cost $15-30 per person. Look for guides offering flexible itineraries that can adapt to weather. Book tours that include covered transport between sites.

Mount Bintumani Trekking

While challenging, August offers the most dramatic mountain scenery with cloud forests, flowing streams, and lush vegetation. The cooler temperatures (18°C/64°F at elevation) make hiking more comfortable, though trails are muddy and require proper preparation.

Booking Tip: Multi-day treks cost $120-200 per person including guides, porters, and camping gear. Essential to book operators providing quality rain gear and waterproof tents. Only suitable for experienced hikers comfortable with muddy, slippery conditions.

Bo Town Market and Diamond Mining Tours

August's rains bring diamond mining activities to life as water is abundant for washing gravel. The cooler weather makes exploring Bo's bustling markets more comfortable, and you can witness traditional mining techniques enhanced by seasonal water flow.

Booking Tip: Day tours from Freetown cost $60-90 including transport and guide. Choose operators with 4WD vehicles essential for rainy season road conditions. Morning departures (7am) allow full day before heaviest afternoon rains.

August Events & Festivals

Mid August

Independence Day Celebrations

Sierra Leone's Independence Day on April 27th doesn't fall in August, but many communities hold delayed celebration festivals during August when travel is easier after the early rainy season rush. Features traditional dancing, local food, and cultural performances often held in covered venues due to weather.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

High-quality rain jacket with hood - afternoon storms dump 25-50mm (1-2 inches) in 2-3 hours

Quick-dry pants and shirts in synthetic materials - cotton stays wet for hours in 85% humidity

Waterproof hiking boots with good tread - trails become muddy and slippery, especially above 300m (984 ft) elevation

Large waterproof backpack cover - essential for protecting electronics and documents during sudden downpours

SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index of 6 still requires protection despite cloud cover

Insect repellent with DEET - standing water from rains increases mosquito breeding

Waterproof phone case - humidity and rain pose constant threats to electronics

Lightweight towel that dries quickly - regular towels remain damp in high humidity

Flip-flops or water sandals - for muddy areas and quick drying after river crossings

Headlamp with extra batteries - power outages are common during storms

Insider Knowledge

Locals schedule important activities for 6am-1pm to avoid afternoon rains - follow this pattern for outdoor plans and you'll have much better experiences

August is mango season - street vendors sell perfectly ripe mangoes for 2,000-5,000 leones (20-50 cents) each, and locals know the best trees

Transportation costs increase 20-30% in August due to poor road conditions - negotiate taxi fares in advance and budget extra for 4WD vehicles outside Freetown

Most Sierra Leoneans carry small umbrellas year-round in August - buy one at any market for 15,000-25,000 leones ($1.50-2.50) rather than a bulky tourist umbrella

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking afternoon outdoor activities (2pm-6pm) when 80% of daily rainfall occurs - always schedule outdoor adventures for morning hours

Bringing only cotton clothing which stays wet and uncomfortable for hours in the high humidity - synthetic quick-dry fabrics are essential

Underestimating travel times during rainy season - roads outside Freetown can become impassable, doubling journey times to places like Bo or Kenema