Harmattan season in West Africa
The Harmattan is the dry, dusty north-easterly wind that blows from the Sahara across West Africa during the dry season. It brings hazy skies, very low humidity, cool mornings and hot afternoons.
Conditions right now
When it blows
The Harmattan usually reaches the Sahel in November and the Gulf of Guinea coast in December. It is strongest from December to February and fades in March as moist monsoon air returns from the south. Near the coast it comes and goes in spells of a few days; inland, in northern Nigeria, Niger and Mali, it can dominate for weeks.
What it feels like
Humidity can drop below 20 percent, lips and skin crack, and fine dust settles on everything. Nights and early mornings can be surprisingly cool, especially on the Jos Plateau and across the north, while afternoons still climb into the thirties. Visibility falls in strong outbreaks, which can delay flights and make driving dangerous.
Frequently asked questions
When does Harmattan start and end?
It usually begins in late November, peaks from December to February and ends in March. The exact dates vary each year and from north to south.
Is Harmattan cold?
Mornings and nights can be cool, sometimes below 15°C in the north, but afternoons remain warm to hot. The big swing between day and night is typical.
Why is the sky white during Harmattan?
The wind carries fine Saharan dust high into the air. The particles scatter sunlight, turning the sky a pale, hazy white and dimming the sun.