Sierra Leone

Climate & when to go

Sierra Leone is one of West Africa’s wettest and hottest countries, with an average annual rainfall of 3150mm and temperature of 27°C. The rainy season stretches from mid-May to mid- November, with July and August the wettest months. The humidity can be oppressive along the coast, although sea breezes afford some relief. Inland, the days are even hotter, but it cools down much more at night, especially in Kabala and other northwest towns.

The best time to visit is November, after the rains and before the dusty harmattan winds blow in and paint the skies grey. During the rainy season, washed out roads make travel to some destinations difficult or impossible, though there are some sunny days at the beginning and end. The further you go into the dry season the more heat you’ll have to endure and the less green you’ll see in the countryside.