What is the best time to visit Côte d’Ivoire?

Best Time to Visit Côte d’Ivoire

The best time to travel to Côte d’Ivoire is during the dry season from November to March and the wet season from June to October.

Dry Season in Côte d’Ivoire

The dry season in Côte d’Ivoire runs from November to March. During this time, the temperatures are pleasant and the humidity is low. The days are mostly sunny and the nights are cool. This is the ideal time to explore the country’s attractions and festivals, as the weather is perfect for outdoor activities. The dry season is also the best time to visit the country’s national parks and wildlife reserves, as the animals are more active during this time.

Month-by-month guide for traveling in Côte d’Ivoire

Côte d’Ivoire in January

Weather

January in Côte d’Ivoire is typically hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 25-30°C (77-86°F). Rainfall is common, especially in the south of the country.

Events

• The International Jazz Festival of Abidjan is held in January, featuring concerts and performances by local and international jazz musicians.
• The annual Fête des Rois is celebrated on the 6th of January. This festival marks the end of the holiday season and includes traditional dancing, music, and feasting.
• The city of Yamoussoukro hosts the annual Festival de la Culture Ivoirienne in January, with traditional music, dance, and art performances.
• The Grand Bassam International Festival is held in January, featuring traditional music, dance, and art from the region.
• The International Film Festival of Abidjan is held in January, showcasing the best of African and international cinema.

Côte d’Ivoire in January

Weather

January in Côte d’Ivoire is the start of the dry season, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit and humidity levels ranging from 70-90%.

Events

• The International Francophone Film Festival takes place in Abidjan, the country’s largest city, in January. It is an annual event that showcases films from French-speaking countries around the world.
• The National Festival of the Arts is held in January in Abidjan. It is a celebration of the country’s culture, featuring music, dance, theater, and visual arts performances.
• The Grand-Bassam International Music Festival is held in January in Grand-Bassam, a coastal town in Côte d’Ivoire. The festival features a variety of musical genres, including jazz, blues, and traditional African music.
• The International Festival of African Music and Dance is held in January in Yamoussoukro, the capital of Côte d’Ivoire. The festival showcases traditional African music and dance performances from around the continent.
• The International Festival of African Literature is held in January in Abidjan. The festival is a celebration of African literature, featuring readings, workshops, and panel discussions.

Côte d’Ivoire in March

Weather

March in Côte d’Ivoire is typically hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from the mid-20s to the mid-30s Celsius (mid-70s to mid-90s Fahrenheit). Rainfall is common, with an average of about 5-7 days of rain per month.

Events

• The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is celebrated on March 21st. This day is used to promote understanding, tolerance and respect for all cultures and to combat racism and xenophobia.
• The International Day of Happiness is celebrated on March 20th. This day is used to recognize the importance of happiness in the lives of people around the world.
• The International Day of Forests is celebrated on March 21st. This day is used to raise awareness about the importance of forests and their role in maintaining the environment.
• The International Women’s Day is celebrated on March 8th. This day is used to recognize the achievements of women and to promote gender equality.
• The World Water Day is celebrated on March 22nd. This day is used to raise awareness about the importance of water and the need for sustainable management of water resources.

Côte d’Ivoire in April

Weather

April in Côte d’Ivoire is characterized by warm temperatures and high humidity. The average daily temperature is around 28°C (82°F), with highs of up to 33°C (91°F) and lows of up to 24°C (75°F). The rainy season is still in full swing in April, with an average of 8 days of rain throughout the month.

Events

• The International Festival of the Mask is held in April in Man, Côte d’Ivoire. This festival celebrates the culture and traditions of the people of the region, and features traditional music, dance, and art.
• The Grand Bassam Arts Festival is held in April in Grand Bassam, Côte d’Ivoire. This festival celebrates the culture and traditions of the region, and features traditional music, dance, art, and food.
• The Fête de la Musique is held in April in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. This festival celebrates music from around the world, and features concerts, workshops, and other events.
• The International Festival of Dance is held in April in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. This festival celebrates traditional and contemporary dance from around the world, and features performances, workshops, and other events.
• The International Festival of Cinema is held in April in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. This festival celebrates the art of film, and features screenings, workshops, and other events.

Côte d’Ivoire in May

Weather

May is the hottest month of the year in Côte d’Ivoire. The average temperature is around 27°C (80°F) during the day, and it can get as high as 33°C (91°F). The humidity is high, and the chance of rain is low.

Events

• The International Festival of the Arts and Culture is held in Abidjan in May. This festival celebrates the art, music, and culture of Côte d’Ivoire.
• The International Festival of Music and Dance is held in Grand-Bassam in May. This festival celebrates the traditional music and dance of Côte d’Ivoire.
• The International Festival of the Environment is held in Yamoussoukro in May. This festival celebrates the environment and encourages people to take action to protect the environment.
• The International Festival of Sport is held in Bouaké in May. This festival celebrates the sport of Côte d’Ivoire and encourages people to get active and stay fit.
• The International Festival of Cuisine is held in Abidjan in May. This festival celebrates the traditional cuisine of Côte d’Ivoire and encourages people to try new dishes.

Côte d’Ivoire in June

Weather

June in Côte d’Ivoire is typically hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 33°C. Rainfall is also common during this month, with an average of 5-7 days of rain per month.

Events

• The Fête de la Musique is celebrated on June 21st in Côte d’Ivoire. It is a day of music and festivities, with live performances taking place in the streets and public squares of the country.
• The International Day of the African Child is celebrated on June 16th in Côte d’Ivoire. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about the rights of African children and the challenges they face.
• The International Day of Yoga is celebrated on June 21st in Côte d’Ivoire. This day is dedicated to promoting the practice of yoga and its health benefits.
• The National Day of Côte d’Ivoire is celebrated on June 7th. This day is dedicated to celebrating the independence and unity of the country.
• The International Day of Families is celebrated on June 15th in Côte d’Ivoire. This day is dedicated to celebrating the importance of family and the values it brings to society.

Côte d’Ivoire in July

Weather

July is the beginning of the dry season in Côte d’Ivoire, with temperatures ranging from 21°C to 31°C and little to no rainfall.

Events

• The FESPACO Film Festival is held in July, attracting filmmakers and moviegoers from around the world.
• The International Day of the African Child is celebrated on July 16th.
• The National Day of Côte d’Ivoire is celebrated on July 7th.
• The International Day of Cooperatives is celebrated on July 4th.
• The National Festival of Music and Dance is held in July, showcasing traditional music and dance from Côte d’Ivoire.

Côte d’Ivoire in August

Weather

August in Côte d’Ivoire is typically hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 24-32°C (75-90°F). The rainy season is in full swing, with frequent showers and thunderstorms.

Events

• The International Festival of Dance and Music of Grand-Bassam is held in August, and is a celebration of traditional Ivorian music and dance.
• The Grand-Bassam International Film Festival is also held in August, and showcases films from around the world.
• The International Festival of Traditional Arts and Crafts of Grand-Bassam is held in August, and is a celebration of traditional Ivorian arts and crafts.
• The Grand-Bassam International Jazz Festival is held in August, and showcases jazz musicians from around the world.
• The Grand-Bassam International Marathon is held in August, and is a celebration of running and physical fitness.

Côte d’Ivoire in September

Weather

September in Côte d’Ivoire is the start of the dry season, with temperatures ranging from 24-32°C (75-90°F). Rainfall is minimal and humidity is low, making it an ideal time to visit the country.

Events

• The International Music Festival of Abidjan takes place in September. This festival is a celebration of music from all over the world, with performances from local and international artists.
• The Grand Marché de Cocody is held every Sunday in September. This market is a great place to buy local crafts, spices, and other items.
• The International Festival of Dance and Theater of Abidjan is held in September. This festival features performances from local and international dancers and theater groups.
• The International Film Festival of Abidjan is held in September. This festival showcases films from all over the world, with screenings and discussions from filmmakers and film critics.
• The Grand Prix of Abidjan is a motor racing event held in September. This event features races from local and international drivers.

Côte d’Ivoire in October

Weather

October in Côte d’Ivoire is generally hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 25-30°C (77-86°F). Rainfall is common during this time of year, with an average of 5-7 inches of precipitation.

Events

• The International Day of Older Persons is celebrated on October 1st. This day is dedicated to celebrating the contributions of older people in society and raising awareness of the issues they face.
• October is also the month for the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, which is celebrated on October 17th. This day is dedicated to raising awareness of the global poverty crisis and the need for collective action to end it.
• The African Development Bank holds its Annual Meetings in October, which are attended by representatives from governments, civil society, and the private sector.
• October is also the month for the International Day of the Girl Child, which is celebrated on October 11th. This day is dedicated to raising awareness of the issues faced by girls around the world and the need for gender equality.
• The Festival of the Arts is held in October in Côte d’Ivoire. The festival celebrates the country’s rich cultural heritage and includes performances, exhibitions, and workshops.

Côte d’Ivoire in November

Weather

November is the start of the dry season in Côte d’Ivoire, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit. Rainfall is minimal, with an average of 4.8 inches. Humidity is high, with an average of 85%.

Events

• The Grand Bassam International Music Festival is a two-day event held in the city of Grand Bassam. It is an opportunity to celebrate the culture and music of Côte d’Ivoire.
• The Yamoussoukro National Festival is a three-day event held in the city of Yamoussoukro. It includes traditional music, dance, and other performances.
• The Grand-Bassam International Film Festival is held in the city of Grand-Bassam. It is an opportunity to watch films from around the world and celebrate the art of filmmaking.
• The Abidjan International Marathon is held in the city of Abidjan. It is an opportunity to celebrate physical fitness and the beauty of the city.
• The Grand-Bassam International Art Festival is held in the city of Grand-Bassam. It is an opportunity to celebrate the art and culture of Côte d’Ivoire.

Côte d’Ivoire in December

Weather

December is the start of the dry season in Côte d’Ivoire, with temperatures ranging from the mid-20s to the mid-30s Celsius. Humidity is low and rainfall is minimal during this time.

Events

• The International Day for the Abolition of Slavery is celebrated on December 2nd. This day is dedicated to raising awareness of the plight of those still affected by modern slavery.
• The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is celebrated on December 3rd. This day is dedicated to promoting the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.
• The International Human Solidarity Day is celebrated on December 20th. This day is dedicated to celebrating the values of solidarity and mutual understanding between people.
• The Christmas holiday is celebrated on December 25th. This day is celebrated by Christians around the world, and is marked by feasting and gift-giving.
• The New Year’s holiday is celebrated on December 31st. This day is celebrated by people around the world, and is marked by fireworks and festivities.