Wondering when’s the best time of year to visit Ghana? Ghana has plenty to offer visitors and locals throughout the year, and, with tropical climate, diverse geography, traditions and culture, there is never a bad time to visit. When planning a trip to Ghana, it’s important to take into account the time of year, because of what you’ll be able to do, and where and when to catch uncanny buzz of local festivals. If you’re in need of some advice before travelling, check out our handy guide on the best time of year to visit Ghana.
Akwasidae Festival
Ghana leave much room for cultural thrills, once every six weeks, travellers can bask in the tradition with a magnificent Ashanti celebration. Celebrated on a Sunday, 9 times per year, Manhyia Palace opens its doors to all for the Akwasidae festival. A vivid splendour, magnificence and cultural display of wealth in performance and customs with the Ashanti People of Kumasi, Ghana. As a landmark cultural festival in Ghana, Akwasidae Festival of the Ashanti kingdom is next only in importance to Ghana’s National Day celebrations.
January – March
January to March, are the driest months in Ghana, this makes the best time for spotting seasonal migrants from Europe, North America and Asia. African safari-goers enthusiasts should make the most of Ghana’s hot climate and dry season by visiting in January. One of the best things about being in the country is that at this time, the grass is lower and animals are drawn to water sources. Ghana’s largest wildlife destination, the Mole National Park has so much to offer nature and wildlife lovers.
Average temperature: 31C (89F)
May
May strikes the perfect temperature balance in Ghana, as it marks the start of the rainy season. There’s also a unique festival, homowo festival, a celebration which has taken place every year since 1900. Locals make their way to the capital, Accra, for the homowo, a special food festival celebrated by the Ga people of Greater Accra Region. Homowo, literally means “hooting at hunger,” the event is in the remembrance of the famine that once happened in precolonial Ghana. Visitors in Ghana in May, can also attend the Aboakyer festival, a hunting festival celebrated every first Saturday in the month of May by the people of Winneba in the Central Region of Ghana.
Average temperature: 26C (78F)
July
Highlights in July include Bakatue, celebrated on the first Tuesday in the month of July every year by the people of Elmina. A celebration which has taken place every year dating as far back as 1847. The event symbolizes the ‘process of discharge’ of the Benya Lagoon, to mark the beginning of the fishing season in this Ghanaian port city. Elmina, is one of the most beautiful and culturally rich towns in Ghana.
Average temperature: 25C (77F)
August
You can attend the Chale Wote Street Art Festival in Accra, Ghana. The annual festival held in Jamestown, the oldest district in the city of Accra, is one of the best and largest festivals in Ghana. This weeklong event draw art lovers and thousands to the streets of the Ghana capital to connect through art that include street painting, graffiti murals, interactive installations, food and fashion marketplace, live street performances, African Cinema pavilion, music block party and much more. The warm people, local cuisine, art and the country’s natural beauty are all part of a fluid mix of wonderful adventure. Here’s your ultimate festival guide to all you need to know about Chale Wote Street Art Festival.
Average temperature: 28C (83F)
September
Visit Cape Coast, one of the most beautiful towns in Ghana, in early September for the unique Fetu Afahye festival, celebrated by the chiefs, Oguaa people and the locals. The festival is celebrated to keep the town clean and to prevent epidemic befalling the people – ritual functions are observed include libation and slaughtering of livestock, to appease the gods and show appreciation to the deities in the region. Other highlight in September include Hogbetsotso festival, a peace-making period in which all disputes are resolved. The community is purified and sanitised traditionally to maintain the peace and harmony laid down by their ancestors. The festival is celebrated by the chiefs and people of Anlo in the Volta region of Ghana.
Average temperature: 28C (83F)
December
From the Afro Nation Ghana to Afrochella, visiting in December Ghana offers an incredible experience for any traveller. It has a life of its own during the year end and turns into a festival wonderland in last weeks of December. From active city jaunts to relaxing trips to the beach or culture-rich events, here’s complete December guide for Accra, Ghana, with everything you need to know.
Average temperature: 31C (89F)
