Sierraleone in February

February weather, activities, events & insider tips

February Weather in Sierraleone

27°C (81°F) High Temp

23°C (73°F) Low Temp

25mm (1 inch) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season with minimal rainfall - only 25mm (1 inch) across the entire month, making it ideal for beach activities and outdoor exploration
Perfect temperatures averaging 25°C (77°F) with cool Atlantic breezes, especially pleasant for hiking in the Western Area Peninsula
Harmattan winds from the Sahara create crystal-clear visibility for photography and reduce humidity to comfortable 65%
Sea conditions are calmest of the year - perfect for boat trips to Banana Islands and Turtle Islands with minimal seasickness risk

Considerations

Peak tourist season means accommodation prices increase 40-60% and popular beaches like Tokeh and River Number Two can feel crowded on weekends
Intense UV levels (index 9) require constant sun protection - locals avoid midday sun between 11am-3pm
Harmattan dust can cause respiratory irritation for sensitive travelers and affects air quality in Freetown

Best Activities in February

Banana Islands Day Trips

February's calm seas make this the perfect month for boat excursions to these pristine islands 20km (12 miles) offshore. Crystal-clear waters and minimal wave action ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The historic ruins of old colonial settlements are easily accessible in the dry conditions.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through licensed boat operators at Government Wharf. Trips typically cost Le 400,000-600,000 ($20-30 USD) including lunch. Ensure operators provide life jackets and have marine insurance. See current tour options in the booking widget below.

Western Area Peninsula Forest Hikes

The dry season and cooler temperatures make February ideal for exploring the peninsula's rainforest trails. Wildlife viewing peaks as animals congregate near water sources. The trail to Leicester Peak (500m/1,640ft) offers impressive views without the muddy conditions of rainy season.

Booking Tip: Guided hikes cost Le 200,000-350,000 ($10-18 USD) for full day including transport from Freetown. Book through environmental organizations or eco-lodges for certified guides. Early morning starts (6am) avoid afternoon heat. Current guided options available in booking section below.

Freetown Cultural Walking Tours

February's pleasant weather makes walking the historic downtown areas comfortable. The dry conditions are perfect for exploring Cotton Tree, the old Krio architecture on Kissy Road, and the busy markets. Harmattan winds keep temperatures bearable for 3-4 hour walking tours.

Booking Tip: Half-day walking tours range Le 150,000-250,000 ($8-13 USD) per person. Book through licensed guides with cultural heritage knowledge. Morning tours (8am-12pm) beat the heat. Avoid unlicensed guides near major hotels. Check booking widget for current tour options.

River Number Two Beach Activities

February's dry weather and calm conditions make this Sierra Leone's best beach month. Perfect for surfing lessons (waves are consistent but not overwhelming), beach volleyball, and extended swimming sessions. The 45km (28 mile) drive from Freetown is dust-free on paved sections.

Booking Tip: Day trips cost Le 300,000-500,000 ($15-25 USD) including transport and lunch. Surfboard rentals Le 80,000-120,000 ($4-6 USD) daily. Book through established beach resorts for quality equipment and safety. Weekend trips book up fast - reserve Tuesday-Thursday for better availability.

Bunce Island Historical Tours

The dry season provides optimal conditions for visiting this former slave trading post. Boat access is easier with calm waters, and the historical ruins are fully accessible without muddy paths. February's clear skies enhance the powerful experience of this UNESCO World Heritage candidate site.

Booking Tip: Full day tours including boat transport cost Le 500,000-750,000 ($25-38 USD). Book minimum 5 days ahead as boat capacity is limited. Tours require minimum 4 people. Historical guides essential for context - verify guide credentials. Current tour operators listed in booking widget.

Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary Visits

February's cooler temperatures and dry trails make this the ideal month for the 30-minute forest walk to viewing platforms. Chimpanzees are more active in the pleasant weather, and feeding times (10am and 3pm) are comfortable to observe. The 45-minute drive from Freetown on improved roads is dust-free.

Booking Tip: Entry fees Le 100,000 ($5 USD) plus transport Le 200,000-300,000 ($10-15 USD) roundtrip. Book guided visits through the sanctuary directly for educational talks. Morning visits (9am-12pm) offer best wildlife viewing and cooler temperatures. Transport options available through booking platform below.

February Events & Festivals

Mid February

Freetown Music Festival

Annual celebration of Sierra Leonean music featuring local artists and international acts. Three-day outdoor festival showcasing traditional Krio music, contemporary Afrobeat, and emerging artists. Perfect February weather allows for comfortable outdoor concerts.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 9 and Harmattan winds can deceive you about sun intensity

Lightweight cotton or linen clothing in light colors - avoid synthetic fabrics that trap heat in 27°C (81°F) temperatures

Light rain jacket or poncho - brief afternoon showers still occur 3 days in February, lasting 15-20 minutes

Sturdy walking sandals and closed hiking shoes - for beach activities and forest trails on the Western Peninsula

Dust mask or bandana - Harmattan winds carry Sahara dust that can irritate respiratory systems

Insect repellent with 20% DEET - mosquitoes are less active but still present, especially near water sources

Power bank and universal adapter (Type D/G plugs) - power outages are common and charging opportunities limited outside Freetown

Water purification tablets or quality bottled water - stick to sealed brands like Aqua Sierra or Pure Water

Cash in small denominations (Leone and USD) - cards rarely accepted outside major hotels, ATMs unreliable

Basic first aid kit including anti-diarrheal medication and rehydration salts - medical facilities limited outside Freetown

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations by early January - February is peak season and quality hotels fill up quickly, especially beachfront properties that raise rates 40-60%

Shop at Kissy Street Market early morning (6-8am) when vendors have best selection and before afternoon heat makes browsing uncomfortable

Hire drivers through your accommodation rather than street taxis - roads to beach destinations require experienced local drivers familiar with seasonal conditions

Exchange money at forex bureaus in downtown Freetown rather than hotels - rates are 8-12% better and they're familiar with current USD exchange needs for tourists

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating sun exposure due to pleasant temperatures and breezes - many visitors get severe sunburns, especially on boat trips

Not carrying enough cash - card payments extremely limited and ATMs frequently broken or empty outside central Freetown

Booking same-day transport to beaches on weekends - popular destinations like Tokeh and River Number Two get overcrowded and transport fills up by 9am