Am thinking about doing trip round Ghana over Christmas and New Year period but have just read about Harmattan wind. Any info about how severe it is and particular areas it affects would be appreciated, also any suggestions about festivities going on over this period and where to head to.
Thanks!
Ghana just cant wait to welcome you onto her soil.well Harmattan is more severe in the northern part of Ghana.sometimes we do have late Harmattan season and it could start somewhere in February so if you are lucky enough then you wont even experience the Harmattan till you leave Ghana.during the harmattan season you can be in your aircondition and you wont feel it that much.with festivals just check out this website and alot of info there for you
http://www.touringghana.com/festivals.asp#december
Akwaaba to Ghana in Advance!!!
Harmattan means there is dust in the area, making it cooler at times - obscuring the sun - and you need a good shower at the end of the day, but don't let it put you off. December-January is a good time to go.
There are of course Christian Christmas festivities, but relatively muted, the place does not shut down, and there are many other festivals around this time, notably Elmina and Winneba along the coast.
You will find a detailed document Advice for Travelling in Ghana on my web site at the bottom of this page http://www.ghana-tours-travel.com/travelling-in-ghana/
For the coastal region the weather is great around December / January. We're on the coast and there's no Harmattan issue at all. You should be able to see loads of sights, do lots, or just chill out. Christmas is pretty bizarre around here. It isn't celebrated as much, but with the amount of volunteers and tourists, there are festivities and the atmosphere is generally even more friendly than usual!!
I was in Ghana in January of this year and contrary to the posts above the Harmattan was deffinitly there along the coast. But dont let that put you off, the only real downside is that there will not be a blue sky for photos. When I was there in January and February the haze was very severe when I was along the coast, you can see that in may of my photos at www.greenbugadventures.com . As I travled north it let up but this is not exactly the norm, I was glad thought that I got some great photos in the north with blue skys.
One good thing is that you will not have to worry to much about rain and the diffuculties fo traveling in the rainy season.
Enjoy,
Leif