Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of Eastern Ghana is defined by the Köppen-Geiger classification as Aw, indicating a tropical savanna climate characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. Temperature variations are notable, with minimum averages hovering around 17°C (63°F) in December, rising to an average temperature of 27°C (80°F) throughout the year. During the peak of the dry season in March, temperatures can soar to a sweltering 38°C (101°F), illustrating the region's significant temperature range and its implications for local weather patterns and agricultural practices.
In Eastern Ghana, temperature patterns exhibit a clear seasonal rhythm throughout the year. Starting in January, the region experiences warm conditions with minimum temperatures gradually increasing from 18°C (65°F) to 21°C (70°F) by March, coinciding with a peak maximum temperature of 38°C (100°F). As the wet season approaches in April and May, the temperatures stabilize, averaging around 27°C (81°F) while maximums remain consistent at approximately 36°C (97°F). Transitioning into the cooler and rainier months of June to August, the region sees a drop in average temperatures to the mid-20s Celsius, as well as maximum temperatures peaking at around 33°C (92°F). By September through November, temperatures begin to rebound slightly, with average values returning to 27°C (80°F) before the year closes with cooler December nights that dip to 17°C (63°F). Overall, Eastern Ghana's climate is characterized by a warm dry period followed by a cooler wet season, underscoring the region's dynamic temperature fluctuations throughout the year.
In Koforidua, the climate features a minimum temperature of 19°C (66°F) in December and peaks at a maximum of 37°C (98°F) in March, showcasing a range of warm to hot conditions throughout the year. For more details, visit monthly temperatures in Koforidua.
Eastern Ghana experiences a distinctive precipitation pattern throughout the year, characterized by a marked wet season that begins around March and extends into October. January sees a modest rainfall of 17 mm (0.7 in), which increases significantly in February to 51 mm (2.0 in). By March, the cumulative rainfall surges to 104 mm (4.1 in), reaching a peak of 146 mm (5.7 in) in May. The wettest months are June and September, with 185 mm (7.3 in) and 211 mm (8.3 in) respectively, indicating substantial rainfall and prolonged periods of wet weather that contribute significantly to the region's hydrology.
The frequency of rainy days also illustrates the intensity of the wet season, with rainfall occurring on an increasing number of days from January through June. March and April both average 18 rainy days, while June and July maintain the trend with 24 rainy days each, showcasing the distribution of moisture during this time. After the heavy rains in September, precipitation gradually diminishes as October and November experience 183 mm (7.2 in) and 88 mm (3.5 in), respectively, while the year concludes with relatively dry conditions in December, dropping to 31 mm (1.2 in) over 8 days. This seasonal variation in rainfall shapes the local ecology and agricultural practices, emphasizing the importance of understanding precipitation dynamics in Eastern Ghana.
In Eastern Ghana, sunshine duration reveals a compelling seasonal trend, characterized by a notable increase from the beginning of the year to the peak sunlit months. The year kicks off with 249 hours of sunshine in January, gradually rising to 274 hours in February. March and April stand out as the sunniest months, boasting 300 hours and 301 hours respectively, providing residents with abundant sunlight as they approach the climax of the dry season. This peak period is critical, as it coincides with agricultural activities, maximizing crop growth and solar energy potential in the region.
As the wet season approaches in May and June, sunshine hours begin to temper, with May still enjoying a robust 295 hours, followed by a dip to 254 hours in June. However, the month of December shines brightly, closing the year with an impressive 308 hours of sunshine, highlighting a resurgence of sunlight at year-end. Interestingly, months like July and August, typically associated with the rainy season, still offer considerable sunlight, recording 272 hours and 280 hours respectively. Overall, Eastern Ghana's sunshine duration showcases a dynamic interplay between climatic seasons, underscoring the importance of light availability for ecological health and human activities alike.
In Eastern Ghana, the UV Index consistently indicates extreme levels of ultraviolet radiation throughout much of the year, highlighting the need for sun protection. Starting from January, the UV Index stands at 11, remaining high at this level through February. As the months progress, there is a slight increase culminating in April, where the Index peaks at 14, necessitating heightened caution due to a burn time of just 10 minutes for unprotected skin. This extreme exposure continues through May and June, where UV exposure remains dangerously high at 13, emphasizing the critical need for preventive measures during these peak months.
As the rainy season begins to wane in July and August, UV levels slightly decrease to 12 but remain categorized as extreme, with a burn time once again limited to 10 minutes. By November, the UV Index drops to 10, transitioning to the very high category, which offers a brief respite with a longer burn time of 15 minutes. The year ends with December showing a UV Index of 9, still classified as very high. These yearly patterns demonstrate the importance of awareness regarding UV exposure in Eastern Ghana, where adequate protection from the sun is crucial to mitigating risks associated with harmful ultraviolet rays.
UV Risk Categories
In Eastern Ghana, daylight duration remains relatively stable throughout the year, providing an average of approximately 11 to 12 hours of sunlight daily. The year begins in January and February with 11 hours of daylight, creating a consistent but shorter period of light that is characteristic of the dry season. As the calendar progresses into March and continues through the wet season, daylight extends to 12 hours from March to September, providing ample sunlight that supports vibrant agricultural activities and encourages outdoor lifestyles during these months.
As the dry season returns in October, daylight duration begins to shorten once again, reverting back to 11 hours through November and December. This gradual shift reflects the subtropical characteristics of the region, where daylight hours are less variable than in temperate climates. Throughout the year, the consistency in daylight hours contributes to a stable ecological environment, fostering the growth of diverse flora and fauna, while supporting the daily routines of the local population in Eastern Ghana.
Koforidua, Ghana, experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures year-round. Average temperatures range from a minimum of 19°C (66°F) in December to a maximum of 37°C (98°F) in February and March. The region sees its highest precipitation between May and September, with June recording up to 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while January remains the driest month. Sunshine is abundant, particularly from March to June, with over 300 hours of sunshine recorded each month during this period. For more detailed information, visit Koforidua climate.
In summary, Eastern Ghana exhibits a unique climatic profile characterized by stable temperatures, consistent precipitation patterns, extended sunshine duration, and high ultraviolet (UV) exposure throughout the year. These interrelated factors play a crucial role in shaping the region's agricultural practices, ecological health, and overall quality of life for its inhabitants. The predominance of extreme UV levels underscores the importance of sun safety measures, particularly during the sunniest months of the year. Additionally, the relatively uniform daylight duration provides a dependable framework for both natural ecosystems and human activities. Understanding these climatic dynamics is essential for sustainable development and effective resource management in Eastern Ghana.