Last updated: January 18, 2025
Central Ghana experiences a tropical savanna climate, classified under the Köppen-Geiger system as Aw. Characterized by a warm to hot temperature range, the region records a minimum of 18°C (64°F) in January, with an average temperature of 27°C (80°F) throughout the year. The hottest month, February, can reach maximum temperatures of 38°C (100°F), showcasing the region's significant heat during the dry season. The interplay of these climatic elements shapes the local environment and influences agricultural practices and daily life in Central Ghana.
In Central Ghana, temperature patterns exhibit a distinct seasonal trend, with warmer conditions prevailing from January to April, where average temperatures hover around 27°C to 28°C (81°F to 83°F) and maximums peak at 36°C to 38°C (97°F to 100°F). As the region transitions into the rainy season from May to August, temperatures slightly decline, with averages around 25°C to 27°C (77°F to 81°F) and maximums reaching the low 30s°C (mid-80s°F). This period brings relief from the heat, but it remains relatively warm, particularly in August. The temperatures begin to rise again in September and October, with averages returning to 26°C to 27°C (79°F to 81°F) before peaking again in February. Overall, Central Ghana showcases a tropical climate characterized by a hot dry season and a milder, wet season, influencing both local ecosystems and human activities.
In August, Winneba experiences a minimum temperature of 22°C (72°F) and a maximum of 29°C (85°F), whereas both Cape Coast and Elmina have slightly higher minimum temperatures of 23°C (73°F) and maximums reaching 30°C (87°F) in January. For detailed monthly temperature data, you can check Winneba here, Cape Coast here, and Elmina here.
Precipitation in Central Ghana reveals a clear seasonal pattern, marked by a sharp increase from the beginning of the year to the peak rainy months. In January, the region receives a mere 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain over approximately 5 days. However, by March, rainfall rises to 71 mm (2.8 in), and in April, it escalates to 77 mm (3.0 in), indicating the onset of the wet season. May represents a significant shift, with precipitation soaring to 167 mm (6.6 in) across 24 days, followed closely by June, which records the highest monthly rainfall at 240 mm (9.5 in) over 26 days, illustrating the wettest conditions of the year.
As the rainy season continues into July and August, precipitation declines to 119 mm (4.7 in) and 58 mm (2.3 in), respectively. September and October see a resurgence in rainfall, with 134 mm (5.3 in) and 147 mm (5.8 in), highlighting the extended rainy season. By November, rainfall decreases to 82 mm (3.2 in), and December concludes the year with 39 mm (1.5 in). This pattern not only shapes the regional agricultural practices but also significantly influences the environmental dynamics throughout Central Ghana.
In Central Ghana, sunshine duration exhibits a clear seasonal trend, characterized by increasingly longer days from January through April. January begins with 252 hours of sunshine, gradually increasing to 306 hours in April, indicating an upward trend as the region transitions into the warmer months. March stands out with 305 hours, while April achieves its peak, providing ample sunlight for agricultural activities and solar energy generation. The month of May retains substantial sunshine with 301 hours; however, the advent of the rainy season begins to introduce slightly more cloud cover, leading to gradual fluctuations in sunshine duration.
As the rainy season progresses into June, the region experiences a notable decrease in sunshine to 259 hours. Yet, the months of July and August see a resurgence, with 299 hours and 304 hours respectively, suggesting that even during the wet season, there remain long periods of sunlight available. This trend stabilizes into the latter part of the year, with notable sunshine totals of 287 hours in September, 299 hours in October, and a peak of 314 hours in December. This resurgence highlights the importance of seasonal adjustments in planning for agricultural practices, energy harvesting, and other solar-dependent activities throughout Central Ghana.
In Central Ghana, the UV Index consistently ranks among the highest levels throughout the year, emphasizing a significant need for sun protection in outdoor activities. Starting at a UV Index of 11 in both January and February, conditions are categorized as extreme, necessitating only 10 minutes of unprotected sun exposure before skin damage can occur. As the seasons progress, March sees a slight increase to 12, culminating in April when the UV Index peaks at 14, indicating the highest risk of harm from the sun's rays during this time. This extreme category persists into May, where the UV Index measures 13, making it imperative for individuals to take protective measures to minimize sun exposure.
As the rainfall begins in June and continues through the following months, the UV Index stabilizes around 12, remaining in the extreme category through July and August. Interestingly, the index drops slightly to 13 in September and back to 12 in October, maintaining high exposure risks. By November, the UV Index decreases to 10, transitioning to a very high exposure category with a burn time of 15 minutes. Finally, December concludes the year with a UV Index of 9, also classified under very high, further emphasizing the importance of regular sun protection strategies throughout the year, given Central Ghana's harsh UV conditions.
UV Risk Categories
In Central Ghana, daylight duration exhibits a relatively stable pattern throughout the year, fluctuating modestly between 11 to 12 hours. The year begins consistently with 11 hours of daylight in both January and February, which provides a predictable rhythm as the region transitions into the spring months. As March arrives, daylight increases to 12 hours, a duration that continues through April and May, bringing longer daylight hours that support agricultural activities and outdoor pursuits. This extended sunlight period is a significant advantage for farmers, allowing for extended cultivation and harvesting times.
As the rainy season approaches in June, the daylight duration remains steady at 12 hours, which lasts through to September, maintaining consistent lighting conditions despite seasonal changes. Following this stable period, daylight duration begins to decline again in October to 11 hours, and this trend continues into November and December, where the daylight once again settles at 11 hours. This cyclical pattern reflects the balanced climatic conditions in Central Ghana, where daylight length remains relatively constant, allowing residents to plan their daily activities with ease throughout the entire year.
Cape Coast, Ghana, experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. Average temperatures range from 24°C (75°F) in July to 30°C (86°F) in the warmer months, with minimal fluctuation throughout the year. Rainfall peaks between May and June, with June recording the highest precipitation at 275 mm (10.8 in). The city enjoys abundant sunshine, particularly in December with 317 hours, making it a desirable destination for sun-seekers. For more detailed information, visit Cape Coast climate.
Elmina, Ghana, experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures and distinct rainy seasons. Average temperatures range from 24°C (75°F) in July to 28°C (82°F) in late months, with maximums peaking at 30°C (86°F). The wettest months are June and May, with rainfall reaching up to 275 mm (10.8 in) in June, while January is relatively dry with just 16 mm (0.6 in). Despite the rainfall, Elmina enjoys ample sunshine, particularly in the peak months of March to August, averaging over 300 hours per month. For more details, visit Elmina climate.
Winneba, Ghana experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures year-round, with average highs around 27-29°C (81-85°F) and lows ranging from 22-25°C (72-77°F). The region sees a marked rainy season from May to July, with June recording the highest rainfall at 234 mm (9.2 in). Conversely, January has the least precipitation, at just 12 mm (0.5 in), while February enjoys the most sunshine, boasting 285 hours. The overall weather makes Winneba an inviting destination for those who appreciate warm temperatures and ample sunshine throughout the year. For more information, visit Winneba climate.
In conclusion, Central Ghana's climate is characterized by its tropical savanna conditions, which significantly influence temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight patterns throughout the year. The region experiences hot temperatures, particularly from January to April, coupled with distinct wet and dry seasons that shape agricultural practices and daily life. Notably, the high UV Index throughout the year underscores the importance of sun protection, while the consistent daylight duration provides a reliable framework for outdoor activities. Understanding these climatic elements not only aids in effective planning and resource management but also enhances the overall resilience of the communities in Central Ghana as they navigate the impacts of their dynamic environment.