Climate & Weather Guide · Ivory CoastClimate & Weather Guide in Ivory Coast
Climate zones, seasonal temperatures, rainfall patterns, and best travel times
Ivory Coast has a tropical climate with clear north-south variation. The south, including the coast and forest belt, is hot and humid with two rainy seasons, while the north has a longer dry season and lower rainfall. National climate summaries for 1991-2020 and country climate references indicate warm temperatures year-round, high humidity in the south, and a strong seasonal pattern driven by the West African monsoon and the Harmattan in winter. For residents and expats, this means lush coastal and southern areas with heavy rain and humidity, and a somewhat drier, more comfortable inland north. The climate is generally suitable for year-round living, but outdoor comfort varies significantly by region and season.
Summer Average
26-34°C
Winter Average
22-29°C
Climate Types
Tropical monsoon and Tropical savanna and Humid subtropical highland
1100-2000 mm
1,800-2,600 hrs/yr
65-85%
Regional Climate Variations
Southern Coastal Belt
This region covers Abidjan, the Atlantic coast, and nearby lowland forest areas. It is hot, very humid, and strongly rainy, with two wet seasons and only short dry breaks. Annual precipitation is among the highest in the country, and the air often feels heavy, especially during the rainy months. Temperatures stay warm all year, making the climate consistent but less comfortable for people sensitive to humidity. For expats, this is the most urbanized and internationally connected part of the country, but also the stickiest climate.
Hot, humid, and lush, with frequent downpours and a tropical feel that stays wet much of the year.
Central Forest and Plateau
The central belt around Yamoussoukro and the interior forest-plateau zone has a tropical transition climate. Rainfall is still substantial, but the seasonal pattern is a little less intense than on the coast, and temperatures are slightly moderated by elevation and inland distance from the ocean. Conditions are warm to hot throughout the year, with a noticeable wet season and a drier stretch from roughly December to February. This region is often a practical compromise for residents who want a greener environment without the strongest coastal humidity.
Warm, green, and seasonally wet, with less coastal heaviness but still distinctly tropical conditions.
Northern Savanna
Northern Ivory Coast is drier and more seasonally marked than the south, with a longer dry period and lower annual rainfall. Britannica notes that north of about 8° N latitude the climate becomes a southern savanna type, influenced by the Harmattan from December to February. Days are still hot, but nights can feel a bit cooler than in the south, especially during the dry season. For expats seeking less humidity and more open landscapes, this region offers the most pronounced dry-season weather in the country.
Hot, drier, and more seasonal, with a dusty dry season and a stronger contrast between wet and dry months.
Western Mountain Fringe
The far west, including the mountain-adjacent areas near the Guinean border, is cooler and wetter than much of the rest of the country. Britannica describes the western mountains as having no dry season and around 2,000 mm of precipitation, making this the wettest and one of the most climate-comfortable zones in terms of heat stress. The terrain helps moderate temperatures, especially at higher elevations, although rainfall can be frequent and intense. This is the best area for people who prefer cooler air and are comfortable with persistent wet conditions.
Slightly cooler than the lowlands, very wet, and green year-round, with reduced heat stress but lots of rain.
Ivory Coast is a warm tropical country with a humid, very wet south and a drier, more seasonal north. For residents and expats, the most comfortable conditions are usually found in the inland north or higher western areas, while the coast offers urban convenience but much heavier humidity and rainfall.
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