Harmattan is coming: how to prepare for dust season in West Africa
The dry north-easterly wind usually reaches the coast between late November and December. A few weeks of preparation make the season far easier.
Published October 14, 2026
The dry north-easterly wind usually reaches the coast between late November and December. A few weeks of preparation make the season far easier.
The Harmattan reaches the northern Sahel first, often in November, then pushes south toward the Gulf of Guinea. Humidity falls sharply, skies turn a hazy white, and the gap between day and night temperatures widens: in Kano or Niamey, mornings can feel cold while afternoons remain hot. In strong outbreaks, dust cuts visibility enough to delay flights at airports such as Kano, Abuja and Accra.
Dry, dusty air irritates the eyes, nose and throat and can trigger asthma attacks. Keep inhalers and regular medicines stocked, drink more water than feels necessary, and use a simple mask or cloth over the nose and mouth on the dustiest days. Lip balm and moisturiser help with cracked skin. Health authorities also watch for meningitis, which has historically spread across the Sahel’s meningitis belt in the dry season, so keep vaccinations up to date where campaigns are offered.
The Harmattan dries out vegetation fast, and bush and market fires become more common. Clear dry grass away from homes, be careful with cooking fires and burning rubbish on windy days, and keep water or sand at hand. On the roads, drive with headlights on and slow down when the haze thickens. Our seasonal page on the Harmattan tracks conditions across Nigeria, Ghana, Niger and Senegal as the season develops.