In Togo, due to its proximity to the equator, it is hot and humid throughout the year, with alternating wet and dry seasons. Below, the climate characteristics of each season and major seasonal events are introduced.
Spring (March to May)
Climate Characteristics
- Temperature: Daytime temperatures around 30°C, and nighttime temperatures above 20°C, continuing high temperatures
- Precipitation: Rainfall begins to increase in late March, and from April to May, a full-fledged long rainy season mainly affects the southern region
- Features: Humidity rises, and the greenery of plants becomes denser
Major Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Content and Relation to Climate |
| March |
Easter (Christianity) |
Under the mild weather after the dry season, church events and family gatherings are actively held. |
| April |
Independence Day (April 27) |
Parades and ceremonies are held in relatively stable weather just before the onset of the rainy season. |
| May |
Evala Festival (wrestling festival) |
A rite of passage for youths held in the northern region of Kabié. Traditional competitions take place in a lush green land. |
Summer (June to August)
Climate Characteristics
- Temperature: Maximum temperatures reach around 35°C, and the humidity continues
- Precipitation: The most intense rainy season occurs in southern regions from June to July, with local heavy rain and risk of flooding
- Features: Tropical cyclones and thunderstorms are likely to develop
Major Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Content and Relation to Climate |
| June |
Aného Festival (traditional event) |
Held in the coastal town of Aného. Outdoor dances and music festivals are conducted even as the rainy season starts. |
| July |
Eid al-Fitr (Islam) |
Some years coincide with heavy rains, increasing indoor worship and family events. |
| August |
Assumption of Mary (Catholic) |
Mass and pilgrimages are held in church amidst hot and humid conditions, praying for fine weather just before the dry season. |
Autumn (September to November)
Climate Characteristics
- Temperature: Still high, but humidity slightly decreases
- Precipitation: A brief secondary rainy season in September, with a decrease in rainfall from October onwards as it heads towards the dry season
- Features: Cool winds begin to blow at dusk
Major Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Content and Relation to Climate |
| September |
Yenda Yam Festival (harvest festival) |
Celebrates the harvest of yams. Under mild weather, village festivals are lively. |
| October |
Ewe Agbes (traditional dance festival) |
A festival of traditional dance and music. Outdoor performances are actively held in relatively stable weather just before the dry season. |
| November |
United Nations Day (November 14) |
Ceremonies at public facilities. With many clear days as the dry season starts, ceremonies are held outdoors. |
Winter (December to February)
Climate Characteristics
- Temperature: Daytime around 30°C, and nighttime is relatively comfortable at 15 to 20°C
- Precipitation: The dry season with almost no rainfall, and the Harmattan (dry northwest wind) blows
- Features: The air becomes dry, and there is a somewhat larger temperature difference between day and night
Major Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Content and Relation to Climate |
| December |
Christmas (December 25) |
Under dry, sunny weather, church masses and family events become lively. |
| January |
Togo Vodun Festival (varies, around mid-January) |
Traditional rituals and dances take place in the cool winds of Harmattan (varies by region). |
| February |
Lomé Carnival |
Held in the capital Lomé. Costume parades and music events unfold in the stable sunny weather of the dry season. |
Summary of Seasonal Events and Climate
| Season |
Climate Characteristics |
Example Major Events |
| Spring |
Hot and humid, beginning of long rainy season |
Easter, Independence Day, Evala Festival |
| Summer |
Intense rainy season, hot and humid |
Aného Festival, Eid al-Fitr, Assumption of Mary |
| Autumn |
Drying after secondary rainy season, increased coolness in evening |
Yam Festival, Ewe Dance Festival, United Nations Day |
| Winter |
Almost no rain during dry season, drying winds from the Harmattan |
Christmas, Togo Vodun Festival, Lomé Carnival |
Additional Notes
- The climate in Togo shows little difference between the northern and southern regions, but the southern coastal area receives more rainfall, while the north tends to be drier.
- The timing of the rainy season can vary from year to year, affecting agricultural activities and festival schedules.
- Traditional events vary by region, and even within the same season, the timing and content of events may differ.
- The Harmattan is a seasonal phenomenon in winter, and attention to health management is needed due to dust and dryness.
The seasonal events in Togo are deeply connected to the climate, shaping the rhythm of agriculture, religion, and traditional culture throughout the year.
Thundery outbreaks possible