Last updated: January 18, 2025
Ashanti, Ghana, falls under the Köppen-Geiger climate classification of Aw, indicating a tropical savanna climate characterized by a distinct wet and dry season. The region experiences a minimum temperature of 17°C (63°F) in January, while summer months can see an average high reaching 41°C (106°F) in March. The overall average annual temperature stands at 27°C (81°F), reflecting the warmth commonly associated with West African climates. This climatic pattern influences various ecological and agricultural practices in the area, shaping both the natural and human landscapes of Ashanti.
Temperature patterns in Ashanti, Ghana, exhibit a distinct seasonal variation influenced by the tropical savanna climate. The year starts off with cooler temperatures in January, featuring a minimum of 17°C (63°F), before gradually warming up in February, where the minimum reaches 20°C (68°F). March sees the warmest temperatures, with maximums hitting 41°C (106°F). As the season transitions into the rainy months, temperatures stabilize, achieving lower averages around 25-27°C (78-81°F) from July to September. This cooling trend persists through October, before tapering off slightly in November and December, where temperatures range from 17°C (64°F) to 37°C (99°F), showcasing the region's dynamic and warm conditions while still allowing for significant fluctuations throughout the year.
In Kumasi, temperatures vary significantly throughout the year, with December experiencing a minimum of 19°C (66°F) and March peaking at a maximum of 38°C (101°F). These fluctuations highlight the region's warm climate and the importance of staying prepared for varying weather conditions. For more detailed information, visit monthly temperatures in Kumasi.
Precipitation in Ashanti, Ghana, displays significant variability throughout the year, marking distinct wet and dry seasons. January begins with relatively low rainfall, recording only 9 mm (0.3 in) over about a day. As the year progresses, precipitation increases sharply, with February receiving 38 mm (1.5 in). The most substantial rainfall occurs from March to September, peaking in September with 215 mm (8.5 in), indicative of the region's prominent rainy season. The pattern shows a gradual buildup of moisture, particularly evident in May and June, when rainfall climbs to 129 mm (5.1 in) and 140 mm (5.5 in), respectively.
The intensity and frequency of rainfall align closely with the number of rainy days, with the wettest months such as July seeing an average of 24 wet days. During this period, consistent rainfall supports the lush vegetation synonymous with the region. Following the peak in September, precipitation begins to decrease, though October still experiences significant rainfall at 164 mm (6.5 in) over 25 days. By November and December, the precipitation reduces further to 75 mm (2.9 in) and 21 mm (0.8 in), respectively, signaling the transition to a dryer climate as the year concludes.
In Ashanti, Ghana, sunshine duration shows a notable seasonal trend, with the dry months enjoying the longest hours of sunlight. From January to May, the region experiences a steady increase in sunshine, peaking in April and May with 293 hours and 294 hours, respectively. This period is characterized by bright, sunny days, making it ideal for outdoor activities and agricultural practices. The transition to the rainy season begins in June, resulting in a slight dip in sunshine hours to 253 hours, indicating the influence of cloud cover and increased precipitation.
As the year progresses into the later months, sunshine duration continues to fluctuate. July and August remain relatively consistent with 246 hours and 247 hours, while September experiences a decline to 228 hours, as the rainy season continues to dominate. However, the months of October through December show a remarkable recovery, with December boasting 298 hours—the highest of the year—as the weather stabilizes and the dry season returns. This pattern highlights the cyclical nature of sunshine in Ashanti, illustrating how seasonal changes significantly impact both sunlight availability and the local climate.
In Ashanti, Ghana, the UV Index exhibits a consistently high range throughout the year, reflecting the region's proximity to the equator. Beginning in January, the UV Index is measured at 10, classified as very high, which signifies a notable risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure within just 15 minutes. As the year progresses into the peak months of February and March, the index escalates to an extreme category, reaching 11 and 12, respectively, and demanding protective measures be taken within a mere 10 minutes of exposure. April marks the highest point with a UV Index of 14, intensifying the need for caution.
The trend continues into the rainy season, where the UV Index remains predominantly high, fluctuating between 12 and 13 from May to September, categorically labeled as extreme. This consistency indicates that even during the wet months, the risk of UV exposure remains critical, with burn times remaining low at 10 minutes. By November and December, the UV Index slightly declines to 10 and 9, reverting back to a very high category, yet still necessitating protective measures, particularly for individuals engaging in outdoor activities. This data underscores the importance of sun safety practices year-round in Ashanti due to the persistent UV risk.
UV Risk Categories
In Ashanti, Ghana, daylight duration exhibits a slight variation throughout the year, largely maintaining a consistent pattern due to its equatorial location. From January to February, the region enjoys approximately 11 hours of daylight, creating a uniform experience during these months. As the year progresses into March, daylight extends to 12 hours, a duration that persists through the rainy season until September. This consistent exposure to sunlight can have beneficial effects on agriculture and daily life, fostering an environment conducive to growth and outdoor activities.
As daylight hours wane, October through December witnesses a gradual decline back to 11 hours each day. This cyclical nature highlights the minimal fluctuations characteristic of equatorial climates, where deviations in daylight duration remain relatively modest compared to temperate regions. The consistent daylight in Ashanti provides a steady rhythm to life in the region, allowing for year-round agricultural planning and ensuring that various activities can be conducted throughout the day.
Kumasi, Ghana experiences a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and seasonal rainfall. Average temperatures range from a minimum of 19°C (67°F) in January to around 22°C (71°F) from March to November, with maximums frequently hitting 37°C (99°F) in January and February. The wet season runs from March to October, peaking in September with 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while the driest months are January and December. Despite the rainfall, the region enjoys substantial sunshine, particularly from January to May, with hours peaking at 296 in May. For more details, visit Kumasi climate.
In conclusion, Ashanti, Ghana, presents a compelling climate profile characterized by high temperatures, significant rainfall, and extended daylight hours throughout the year. The region's tropical savanna climate fosters a warm environment with distinctly defined wet and dry seasons, influencing both ecological systems and human activities. With a consistently high UV Index, the population is reminded of the importance of sun safety at all times. The steady duration of daylight, relatively uniform across months, complements the region's agricultural practices and lifestyle. Overall, understanding these climate dynamics is crucial for effective planning and resource management, as they directly impact the livelihoods and well-being of the people in Ashanti.