Freetown, Sierra Leone Climate & Monthly Averages
The climate of Freetown
Freetown has a tropical wet-and-dry climate, marked by year-round warmth split between a rainy season and a pronounced dry season. Average daytime highs range from about 79°F (26°C) in August to around 85°F (29°C) in December, and the city records roughly 215 days of measurable precipitation a year.
Climate quick facts
- Hottest month: December - highs near 85°F (29°C)
- Coldest month: August - highs near 79°F (26°C)
- Record high: 94°F (35°C) · Record low: 69°F (21°C) (2015–2024)
- Wettest month: August (30 rainy days) · Sunniest: February (10.8 h sun/day)
- Climate type: tropical wet-and-dry - year-round warmth split between a rainy season and a pronounced dry season
Temperatures through the year
The warmest stretch of the year centers on December. Highs average 85°F (29°C) and overnight lows stay near 77°F (25°C). The coolest month is August, with typical highs of 79°F (26°C) and lows around 74°F (23°C). Based on 2015–2024 weather data, temperatures have reached as high as 94°F (35°C) and dropped as low as 69°F (21°C).
Rain, sun and snow
August is usually the wettest month. It brings about 30.2 inches (767 mm) of rain over 30 days, while February is the driest. February brings the most sunshine, averaging 10.8 hours of sun a day.
Monthly climate table
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Precipitation | Sunshine | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 85° | 76° | 2 | 0.2 in | 10.4 h/day | 79% |
| February | 85° | 76° | 1 | 0.2 in | 10.8 h/day | 79% |
| March | 84° | 77° | 3 | 0.3 in | 10.7 h/day | 79% |
| April | 84° | 78° | 8 | 1.4 in | 10.4 h/day | 81% |
| May | 84° | 78° | 23 | 7.9 in | 9.4 h/day | 84% |
| June | 82° | 75° | 29 | 16.9 in | 7.7 h/day | 87% |
| July | 80° | 74° | 30 | 28.1 in | 6.5 h/day | 89% |
| August | 79° | 74° | 30 | 30.2 in | 6.2 h/day | 89% |
| September | 80° | 74° | 29 | 21.0 in | 6.7 h/day | 89% |
| October | 82° | 75° | 30 | 11.8 in | 8.4 h/day | 88% |
| November | 83° | 76° | 23 | 6.0 in | 9.9 h/day | 85% |
| December | 85° | 77° | 7 | 1.0 in | 10.4 h/day | 78% |
Freetown month by month
Freetown weather in January
January brings highs around 85°F (29°C), lows near 76°F (24°C), about 2 wet days.
Freetown weather in February
February brings highs around 85°F (29°C), lows near 76°F (25°C), about 1 wet days - typically the driest month and the sunniest month of the year in Freetown.
Freetown weather in March
March brings highs around 84°F (29°C), lows near 77°F (25°C), about 3 wet days.
Freetown weather in April
April brings highs around 84°F (29°C), lows near 78°F (25°C), about 8 wet days.
Freetown weather in May
May brings highs around 84°F (29°C), lows near 78°F (25°C), about 23 wet days.
Freetown weather in June
June brings highs around 82°F (28°C), lows near 75°F (24°C), about 29 wet days.
Freetown weather in July
July brings highs around 80°F (26°C), lows near 74°F (23°C), about 30 wet days.
Freetown weather in August
August brings highs around 79°F (26°C), lows near 74°F (23°C), about 30 wet days - typically the coldest month and the wettest month of the year in Freetown.
Freetown weather in September
September brings highs around 80°F (27°C), lows near 74°F (23°C), about 29 wet days.
Freetown weather in October
October brings highs around 82°F (28°C), lows near 75°F (24°C), about 30 wet days.
Freetown weather in November
November brings highs around 83°F (28°C), lows near 76°F (24°C), about 23 wet days.
Freetown weather in December
December brings highs around 85°F (29°C), lows near 77°F (25°C), about 7 wet days - typically the hottest month of the year in Freetown.
Seasons in Freetown
March through May
March through May in Freetown brings hot afternoons, with daytime highs averaging 84°F (29°C) and nights around 77°F (25°C); expect showers on roughly 34 days across the season. With the humidity factored in, afternoons often feel hotter than the thermometer reads - run the numbers through the humidity and dew point converter to see why.
June through August
June through August in Freetown is pleasantly warm, with daytime highs averaging 80°F (27°C) and nights around 74°F (24°C); expect showers on roughly 89 days across the season.
September through November
September through November in Freetown runs hot, with daytime highs averaging 82°F (28°C) and nights around 75°F (24°C); expect showers on roughly 82 days across the season.
December through February
December through February in Freetown is hot, with daytime highs averaging 85°F (29°C) and nights around 77°F (25°C); rain falls on about 10 days over the three months.
Climate questions, answered
What is the average temperature in Freetown?
Is Freetown hot in summer?
Is Freetown cold in winter?
How many rainy days does Freetown get in a year?
Best time to visit Freetown
The best time to visit Freetown is generally December to April, when these months combine the driest skies with the most comfortable heat. Daytime temperatures in that window typically sit near 84°F (29°C).
Pack for Freetown with a compact umbrella or rain shell - showers are a regular feature; moisture-wicking fabrics to cope with the humidity. Evenings can feel noticeably cooler than afternoons - December nights average 77°F (25°C).
Freetown temperature records (2015-2024)
Derived from ERA5 reanalysis data, 2015–2024. Official station records may differ.