Togo is a narrow West African nation stretching from the Gulf of Guinea to the Sahel, offering diverse landscapes from pristine beaches to lush mountains. This compact country combines vibrant markets, UNESCO heritage sites, rich Voodoo culture, and warm hospitality, making it an off-the-beaten-path destination for adventurous travelers.
Togo has a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The south, including Lomé, experiences two rainy seasons (April-June and September-October) with a short dry spell in between, while the north has a single rainy season (June-September). Temperatures remain warm year-round, averaging 25-30°C on the coast and slightly cooler in the Kpalimé highlands. The harmattan dry wind from the Sahara blows south from December to February, bringing dusty skies and lower humidity.
Best time to visit
Best: November to March (dry season)
Peak Season: November to March (dry season)
Shoulder Season: October and April
Avoid: May to September (rainy season)
Best Reason:
Avoid Reason:
Month-by-month weather
Typical conditions throughout the year.
January
27°C/81°F
Dry harmattan season with dusty skies; low humidity makes heat manageable; excellent for travel outside highlands
February
28°C/82°F
Driest month with harmattan winds; little rainfall; good visibility at coast but hazy in north
March
29°C/84°F
End of dry season, still excellent travel conditions before April rains begin; warm and mostly sunny
April
29°C/84°F
First rains arrive on the coast; green and lush; brief but heavy afternoon showers; still enjoyable
May
28°C/82°F
Rainier throughout the country; waterfalls building; landscape very green; some roads can flood
June
27°C/81°F
Main rainy season begins in north; south sees lighter rain; lower tourist numbers
July
26°C/79°F
Wettest month in the north; Evala wrestling festival cultural highlight; roads can be difficult in north
August
26°C/79°F
Drier in south (short dry spell); north still wet; waterfalls spectacular; pleasant coastal weather
September
27°C/81°F
Second rainy season begins on coast; north drying out; Epe-Ekpe festival; landscapes lush
October
27°C/82°F
Rain easing throughout country; conditions improving; fewer tourists; good value accommodation
November
27°C/81°F
Dry season begins; excellent travel conditions; green landscape still visible; uncrowded
December
27°C/81°F
Peak tourist season begins; dry and sunny; harmattan winds arriving; New Year beach parties
The seasons
What to expect in each part of the year.
Spring
Months: Mar-May
The first rainy season begins in April along the coast, bringing refreshing showers and lush green landscapes. March is still dry and excellent for travel, while May can see significant rainfall in the south.
Summer
Months: Jun-Aug
The main rainy season in the north and the gap between rainy seasons in the south. June-July sees rain throughout the country; August is drier in the south and wetter in the north. Waterfalls at their most spectacular.
Fall
Months: Sep-Nov
The second short rainy season in the south (September-October) followed by the beginning of the dry season in November. Landscapes are at their greenest and most photogenic; temperatures begin to drop slightly.
Winter
Months: Dec-Feb
Peak dry season throughout the country with very little rainfall. The harmattan wind arrives in December bringing dusty haze from the Sahara, reducing visibility on highlands but keeping humidity very low. Coolest temperatures of the year.
Crowds & peak times
When to expect tourists and when to avoid them.
- High Season
- November to March (dry season, peak tourism and business travel)
- Shoulder Season
- April and October (transition months with some rain but lower prices and crowds)
- Low Season
- May to September (rainy season, lowest prices, most challenging travel conditions in north)
Major events & festivals
Time your visit around what matters.
Epe-Ekpe (Stone Throwing Festival)
The annual stone-throwing festival in Aného marks the Guen people's new year. This unique tradition involves ritual stone throwing between families, followed by reconciliation and celebration. Spectacular cultural event with traditional dances, drumming, and ceremonial activities.
Evala Wrestling Festival
In the Kara region, young Kabye men participate in traditional wrestling matches as a rite of passage to adulthood. The week-long festival features wrestling competitions, traditional dances, and celebrations. One of Togo's most important cultural events attracting visitors from across West Africa.
Togo Independence Day
National holiday commemorating independence from France in 1960. Celebrations include military parades, cultural performances, traditional dancing, and festivities throughout the country. Major events held at Independence Monument in Lomé.
FEMUA (Urban Music Festival)
International urban music festival held in Aneho featuring African hip-hop, reggae, and contemporary music artists. Free outdoor concerts, beach parties, and cultural activities attract thousands of music lovers from across West Africa.
Akpéma Festival
Traditional harvest festival celebrated by Ewe people along the coast. Features traditional voodoo ceremonies, drumming, dancing, and cultural performances. Visitors can witness authentic spiritual practices and community celebrations.
Christmas and New Year Celebrations
Christian holidays celebrated enthusiastically throughout Togo. Lomé beach becomes a massive party zone with concerts, beach parties, and fireworks on New Year's Eve. Hotels and restaurants offer special menus and entertainment.
Habyarimana Festival
Cultural festival in Sokodé celebrating Kotokoli traditions with traditional wrestling, dance performances, craft exhibitions, and cultural demonstrations. Lesser-known festival offering authentic cultural immersion.