Togo: When to Go

Togo spans six geographic zones and ranges in climate from the tropical south to semi-arid north, which make planning a trip a tricky affair. One of the best times to visit is mid-June to mid-July. This is after the heaviest early rains have passed, and the country is humid but not scorching hot. The period from March to May can be a real scorcher. The July to September and November to February periods are the driest but also coincide with the choking, dust-laden harmattan winds and with poor visibility, it is rotten time for photographers. If you're sticking close to the coastline, December to March is the area's 'tourist season,' as the harmattan only makes it through to the coast a few times.

Major roads are dependable throughout the year, but unsealed roads, such as those in the national parks, can be impassable during and after the rains.

Weather

With two rainy seasons, one peaking around May or June, one in October, Togo's tiny coastline is generally wetter than the country's arid north, but at least provides shelter from the harsh harmattan winds. Temperatures are generally hotter during the first six months of the year, reaching 27-33°C (80-91°F) during the day on the coast and climbing a bit higher inland.