Weather in Abidjan

Planning your day in Abidjan? In this section, you will find the latest weather information, including up-to-date data, forecasts, and useful charts to ensure your stay is as comfortable as possible.

Abidjan, located in Ivory Coast, enjoys a tropical climate characterized by warm weather throughout the year. Temperature fluctuations between months are insignificant: average values stay within a comfortable range from 25°C (in August) to 28.4°C (in February). This means that travellers can expect warm days and nights regardless of the season of their visit.

In Abidjan, there is no sharp change of temperature seasons in the traditional sense; rather, the climate is characterized by alternating periods of varying rainfall intensity. Rains occur quite frequently throughout the year, as evidenced by the high number of "wet days" each month. However, two main rainy seasons can be distinguished: the long rainy season usually occurs from April to July, with peak rainfall in June (11 mm) and a significant number of rainy days in May and June (29 days each). It is followed by the short rainy season – in September-October, when an increase in precipitation is also observed (up to 7 mm in October) along with the maximum number of rainy days in the year (30 days in October).

Thus, Abidjan is characterized by consistently warm and humid weather. Even during relatively "dry" periods, such as January to March (when only 2-3 mm of precipitation falls, yet there are still 18-21 rainy days) or in August (3 mm of precipitation and 24 rainy days), the likelihood of short-term rains remains. The coolest months, with an average temperature of around 25°C, are July and August, while February is considered the hottest, with an average temperature of 28.4°C. When planning a trip, it is worth considering the high humidity and frequent, though not always prolonged, rainfall year-round.

Warm weather prevails in Abidjan all year round, typical of a tropical climate. The annual range of average temperatures is small: from 25.0°C in August, considered the "coolest" month, to 28.4°C in February, which is the peak of the heat. Daytime highs in February can reach 31.7°C, while nighttime lows drop to 25.0°C. In August, daytime temperatures average 27.3°C, and nighttime temperatures can drop to 22.7°C, bringing relative freshness.

The period from January to April can be characterized as the hottest. During these months, daytime temperatures consistently stay above 31°C (for example, 31.1°C in January, 31.7°C in February, 31.4°C in March), and nighttime temperatures rarely fall below 24-25°C. The weather at this time feels hot and humid. From June to September, a "milder" period sets in. Average daytime temperatures range from 27.3°C (August) to 28.2°C (June), while nighttime lows can reach 22.7°C - 23.6°C, making evenings and nights more comfortable. Temperature fluctuations between day and night in Abidjan are not significant: the difference between average monthly maximum and minimum temperatures ranges from 4.4°C (in July) to 7.1°C (in January), indicating a relatively stable temperature background throughout the day.

Precipitation in Abidjan is a year-round phenomenon, although its intensity and frequency change noticeably throughout the year. It is important to note that even in months with the lowest total rainfall, the number of rainy days remains significant, indicating that rains can be frequent but not always heavy. Snow is not characteristic of Abidjan, so all precipitation falls as rain.

The main rainy season, often called the "long rainy season", falls between April and July. The peak in rainfall amount is observed in June, when an average of 11 mm falls. May and June also record a large number of days with precipitation during this period – 29 days in each month, suggesting a high probability of daily, sometimes intense, tropical downpours.

The long rainy season is followed by a shorter but also distinct wet period from September to November. A feature of this period is October, which leads in the number of rainy days per year – a full 30 days. Although the total amount of rainfall in October (7 mm) is lower than the June peak, such a high frequency of rains means that precipitation at this time can be very regular, even if not always as heavy as during the height of the main season.

Months from January to March and August are considered relatively "dry" periods. For example, in January, only 2 mm of precipitation falls, which is the annual minimum by volume. Nevertheless, even in January and February, there are 18 rainy days each, and in August (3 mm of precipitation) – 24 days. This highlights that even in the "dry" season in Abidjan, there remains a high probability of short-term rains or light drizzle, and absolute drought is practically non-existent here.

When planning a trip to Abidjan, it is important to consider its tropical climate with year-round warm weather and high humidity. Regardless of the time of year, the foundation of your wardrobe should be light, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics such as cotton or linen. T-shirts, shorts, light trousers, and sundresses will be most comfortable. Given that average temperatures rarely drop below 22-24°C even at night, warm clothing is unlikely to be needed. However, a light cardigan or wrap may be useful for evening walks, especially from July to August when the temperature drops slightly, or for visiting air-conditioned indoor spaces.

A key point when packing for Abidjan is preparing for frequent rainfall. Although the monthly amount of precipitation may vary, the number of "wet days" remains high throughout the year – from 18 days in January-February to 30 days in October. Therefore, a light umbrella or a waterproof raincoat are essential companions. Comfortable, quick-drying footwear, possibly waterproof, will also be very handy, especially if you plan on walking a lot. Do not forget sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, as the tropical sun is very active. For evenings, insect repellent may be useful.

Although there are no distinct cold seasons in Abidjan, periods with greater rainfall intensity can be identified. From May to June and from September to October, the probability of precipitation is especially high. During these months, waterproof items and perhaps a spare pair of shoes will be particularly relevant. The principle of layering here is not so much for warmth as for adapting to changing conditions – for example, a light raincoat that can be quickly removed after a tropical shower. Otherwise, the packing list will be approximately the same all year round: a focus on lightness, and protection from the sun and rain.