Freetown, Sierra Leone Climate & Monthly Averages

The climate of Freetown

Freetown's year is organised around rain rather than temperature. 63% of its 125.2 inches (3179 mm) annual total arrives in the July to September window, while February averages 4 mm (0.2 in). Temperatures move far less: 85°F (29°C) at the year's warmest against 79°F (26°C) at its coolest.

Climate quick facts

• Hottest month: December - highs near 85°F (29°C)
• Coldest month: August - highs near 79°F (26°C)
• Decade extremes (2015-2024): 94°F (35°C) high · 69°F (21°C) low
• Wettest month: August (30 rainy days) · Sunniest: February (10.8 h sun/day)
• Climate type: tropical wet-and-dry
• Annual swing: 2°C between the average warmest and coolest month · day to night: 4°C
• Average humidity: 84%

Temperatures through the year

Days and nights are about 4°C apart on average - narrower than almost anywhere else we cover. August sits at the other end of the year: 79°F (26°C) by day, 74°F (23°C) at night. Warmth peaks in December: highs of 85°F (29°C), lows of 77°F (25°C). Across the gridded 2015-2024 daily record, the highest daily maximum for this location was 94°F (35°C) and the lowest daily minimum 69°F (21°C). Rainfall is strongly seasonal: 63% of the annual total falls in the July to September window, leaving February at 4 mm (0.2 in).

Rain, sun and snow

Between the average December and the average August lie 2°C, a narrower spread than all but 6% of the 3496 cities in our dataset. Relative humidity averages 84% across the year, more humid than 95% of the 3496 cities in our dataset - enough that summer afternoons feel hotter than the thermometer says, which is what the dew point converter is for. Sunshine averages 9.0 hours a day over the year, peaking in February at 10.8 hours.

How Freetown compares

• 63% of the year's precipitation falls in its wettest three months - more seasonal than 94% of the 3496 cities we track.
• Rain or snow reaches the ground on 215 days a year - more wet days than 93% of the 3496 cities we track.
• Freetown averages 79°F (26°C) across the year - warmer than 88% of the 3496 cities we track.

Ranked against every city in our dataset, each measured on the same ten-year window.

Best time to visit Freetown

December to April is the sweet spot for Freetown - the rains have stopped and the heat has not yet peaked. Expect 84°F (29°C) in the afternoon and around 4 days of rain in a typical month of it. For the same question asked the other way round, see where else is warm in December.

Pack for Freetown with light clothing for the warm months, proper waterproofs rather than an umbrella - wet days are the norm here and moisture-wicking fabrics for the humidity. December nights average 77°F (25°C), so evenings rarely match the afternoons.