West African Coast in November

The dry season from November through March offers the best weather for exploring the West African Coast. Temperatures hover around 80°F with minimal rainfall and lower humidity than the rest of the year. December and January are peak months - expect higher prices and more crowds, especially around Dakar and Accra. But this is also when the harmattan winds blow down from the Sahara, creating hazy skies and dusty conditions that some find uncomfortable. February and March provide the sweet spot - still dry but with clearer skies as harmattan winds weaken. The rainy season from June to October brings heavy downpours that can flood roads and cancel flights, though temperatures stay relatively stable year-round near the coast. However, this is also when everything turns green and waterfalls reach full power inland. Surfers actually prefer the rainy season when Atlantic swells are strongest, particularly around Sierra Leone's beaches. Cultural events happen year-round - Senegal's Saint-Louis Jazz Festival runs in May, while Ghana's Homowo harvest festival takes place in August. If you can handle occasional rain showers, the shoulder seasons of April-May and October-November offer fewer crowds and lower accommodation prices while still providing decent weather for beach time and sightseeing.