When to Sierraleone
Climate guide & best times to travel
Best Time to Visit
Month-by-Month Guide
January
January is peak dry season with hot, sunny days and Harmattan winds bringing dusty, hazy conditions from the Sahara. This is one of the most popular months for tourists, with excellent beach weather and minimal rainfall. Temperatures are warm but bearable, and the humidity remains moderate despite the coastal location.
February
February continues the dry season with similar conditions to January, featuring hot temperatures and occasional Harmattan haze. This is excellent weather for all outdoor activities, from beach lounging to wildlife viewing. The month remains popular with tourists seeking guaranteed sunshine and minimal rain.
March
March marks the end of the Harmattan season with increasingly hot and humid conditions as the wet season approaches. Skies become clearer, and temperatures reach their annual peak. This is still an excellent time to visit with very little rainfall, though the heat can be intense during midday hours.
April
April is a transitional month as the dry season ends and the first rains begin to arrive. Temperatures remain high with increasing humidity, and occasional afternoon thunderstorms provide relief from the heat. Tourist numbers begin to decline as the wet season approaches, making it a good shoulder season for visiting.
May
May marks the beginning of the wet season with frequent afternoon rains and thunderstorms. Humidity rises significantly, and the landscape begins to turn lush and green. While mornings are often sunny, heavy downpours typically occur in the afternoons and evenings, though they usually don't last all day.
June
June sees increasing rainfall as the wet season intensifies, with frequent heavy showers and thunderstorms. The countryside is beautifully green, but travel to rural areas can become challenging. Temperatures remain warm, and high humidity makes conditions feel muggy, especially along the coast.
July
July is one of the wettest months with heavy monsoon rains, particularly intense in coastal areas around Freetown. Expect frequent downpours, overcast skies, and high humidity throughout the month. Roads can become difficult to navigate, and some beach activities may be limited, but the dramatic storms create spectacular scenery.
August
August represents the peak of the rainy season with the heaviest rainfall of the year. Persistent rains, overcast conditions, and very high humidity characterize this month. While temperatures are slightly cooler due to cloud cover, the constant moisture makes conditions uncomfortable. This is the quietest month for tourism.
September
September continues the wet season with heavy rainfall, though conditions begin to gradually improve toward month's end. Thunderstorms remain frequent, and humidity stays high, but there are occasional breaks in the rain. The landscape is at its most lush and green, and waterfalls are at their most impressive.
October
October marks the transition from wet to dry season with decreasing rainfall as the month progresses. While early October can still see significant rain, conditions improve noticeably by month's end. Humidity begins to drop, and sunny days become more frequent, making this a good shoulder season for budget travelers.
November
November signals the start of the dry season with dramatically reduced rainfall and increasingly sunny conditions. This is an excellent time to visit as the landscape remains green from the rains, temperatures are pleasant, and tourist crowds haven't yet peaked. Beach conditions improve significantly, and all outdoor activities become accessible again.
December
December offers excellent weather with minimal rainfall, warm temperatures, and the beginning of Harmattan winds bringing drier air. This is peak tourist season, particularly around the holidays, with perfect conditions for beach activities and sightseeing. The hazy conditions from Harmattan dust create impressive sunsets over the Atlantic.