Understanding the Harmattan
A continental climate explainer from the AfricaMeteo Climate Division.
Published June 7, 2026
A dry season wind
The Harmattan is a dry, dusty north-easterly trade wind that blows from the Sahara across West Africa between roughly late November and March. It carries fine dust that can reduce visibility to a haze and sharply lowers humidity.
Impacts to watch
Cooler nights, large day-to-night temperature swings, and elevated dust are typical. The haze affects air quality and aviation, while the dry air raises wildfire risk. The AfricaMeteo Early Warning Division monitors dust outbreaks through the season.