Knowing the best time to visit Cote d’Ivoire will allow you to make the most out of your trip in this West African country. Known for its pristine beaches, tourist villages and safaris, Cote d’Ivoire (or Ivory Coast) is one of the region’s best tourist destinations.
But who wants to go to the beach on a rainy season? No one. So it’s best to do your homework and research the best time to visit Cote d’Ivoire to make your trip worthwhile and memorable. Here’s a little guide to the country’s climate:
Climate in each region. Cote d’Ivoire’s climate varies depending on the location. Along the coast, the climate is tropical, while the far north has a semi-arid climate. The south, on the other hand has an equatorial climate with rainy seasons during May to November.
Climate in general. Cote d’Ivoire generally has three seasons: Warm and Dry, which lasts from November to March, Hot and dry, from March to May, Hot and Wet from June to November.
Weatherwise, the best time to visit Cote d’Ivoire would be from November to March when the temperatures are quite bearable and the humidity is quite low compared to the rest of the year, except in the southern parts of the country where the humidity remains high but still quite bearable.
If you’re heading out to the south, on the other hand, it’s best to avoid the rainy season which falls on May to November if you don’t want to be stuck in the hotel the entire duration of your trip in Cote d’Ivoire.
But be warned: from January to early February, the sand-laden wind from the Sahara called the harmattan blows and covers everything in yellow dust. So it’s best to avoid visiting Cote d’Ivoire during this time, unless you plan to stay indoors for the entire duration of your trip in the country.
