Lome in August

August weather, activities, events & insider tips

August Weather in Lome

29°C (84°F) High Temp

23°C (74°F) Low Temp

30 mm (1.2 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is August Right for You?

Advantages

Peak mango season - local varieties like Kent and Keitt are at their sweetest, selling for 500-800 CFA (0.85-1.35 USD) per kg at Assigamé Market
Harmattan winds haven't started yet, so beach visibility is crystal clear for swimming and the Atlantic Ocean temperature is perfect at 26°C (79°F)
Lomé's rainy season creates lush green landscapes perfect for photography, especially around Lac Togo just 35 km (22 miles) northeast
Festival season begins - August marks preparation time for September's harvest festivals, so you'll see traditional drumming practice sessions in neighborhoods like Bè and Amoutivé

Considerations

Afternoon humidity peaks at 85% between 1-4pm, making outdoor exploration uncomfortable during these hours
Brief but intense rainfall (typically 15-25 minutes) can flood certain streets in downtown Lomé, particularly around Niamey
Mosquito activity increases in the evenings due to standing water from rains - malaria prophylaxis essential

Best Activities in August

Atlantic Coast Beach Tours and Water Sports

August offers ideal ocean conditions with minimal waves and 26°C (79°F) water temperature. Morning hours (7-11am) provide perfect conditions before afternoon heat peaks. Local fishermen return with catches around 6am, creating authentic cultural experiences at beaches like Daressalaam and Robinson Plage.

Booking Tip: Book water activities for early morning slots. Jet ski rentals typically cost 15,000-25,000 CFA ($25-42) per hour. Look for operators with proper safety equipment and insurance. See current beach tour options in booking section below.

Lac Togo Eco-Tours and Traditional Fishing

The lagoon system is at its most beautiful in August with rain-fed vegetation creating a green corridor. Water levels are optimal for pirogue (traditional canoe) navigation. Best visited between 8-10am when local fishermen demonstrate traditional net casting techniques.

Booking Tip: Half-day eco-tours range from 12,000-18,000 CFA ($20-30). Book through eco-tourism cooperatives for real feels. Tours typically include Togo historical site. Current options available in booking widget below.

Lomé Grand Marché and Artisan Quarter Exploration

August brings fresh textile imports and the market is less crowded than peak tourist months. Early morning visits (6:30-9am) avoid afternoon heat and humidity. Local artisans work on traditional kente cloth preparation for upcoming festival season.

Booking Tip: Cultural walking tours cost 8,000-15,000 CFA ($13-25) for 3-4 hours. Look for guides certified by the tourism office. Bargaining is expected - start at 30% of asking price. See guided market tours in booking section.

Kpalimé Mountain Forest Hiking

August rainfall creates spectacular waterfalls in the Kloto region, 120 km (75 miles) northwest. Temperature drops to comfortable 22-25°C (72-77°F) at higher elevations. Butterfly activity peaks during this period with over 40 species visible.

Booking Tip: Day trips from Lomé cost 25,000-35,000 CFA ($42-58) including transport and guide. Book 5-7 days ahead during August. Choose tours that include Château Viale viewpoint and Kpimé Falls. Current mountain tours in booking widget.

Traditional Music and Dance Workshops

August is preparation season for September harvest festivals, making it ideal timing for authentic cultural experiences. Local drumming groups practice 3-4 times weekly in community centers. Temperature is perfect for evening outdoor performances starting at 6pm.

Booking Tip: Workshop sessions range from 5,000-10,000 CFA ($8-17) for 2-3 hours. Look for programs at Brazzaville or local cultural associations. Evening performances offer better weather comfort. Check current cultural experiences below.

Aného Colonial Architecture and Slave Route Tours

Located 45 km (28 miles) east of Lomé, August's overcast skies provide ideal lighting for photography of colonial German and French buildings. Less tourist traffic makes for more intimate historical experiences. Local guides share stories passed down through generations.

Booking Tip: Full day historical tours cost 20,000-30,000 CFA ($33-50) including transport. Book through certified historical guides for accurate information. Include lunch at local Ewe traditional restaurants. Historical tours available in booking section.

August Events & Festivals

Throughout August

Evala Wrestling Preparation Season

While the main Evala festival occurs in July, August marks training intensification in the Kara region. You can observe young men preparing through traditional conditioning exercises and community support rituals.

Late August

Yam Festival Preparations

Northern communities begin preparing for harvest celebrations. Local markets feature increased yam varieties and traditional ceremonies blessing the upcoming harvest season.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry cotton or linen shirts - avoid polyester as it traps moisture in 70% humidity conditions

Lightweight rain poncho (not umbrella) - August showers are often windy and last 15-25 minutes

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 even on overcast days near the equator

Closed-toe shoes for market visits - Niamey has uneven surfaces that become slippery when wet

Long pants for evening mosquito protection - DEET 30% minimum recommended for 6pm-6am

Lightweight scarf or shawl for air-conditioned venues and cultural site visits

Waterproof phone case - essential for boat trips on Lac Togo and unexpected rain

Electrolyte packets - humid conditions increase dehydration risk even with minimal exertion

Cash in small denominations (1,000 and 2,000 CFA notes) - many vendors cannot change large bills

Portable battery pack - humidity can affect phone battery life and power outages occur during storms

Insider Knowledge

Local buses (bush taxis) increase fares by 20-30% during rainy periods due to fuel costs and road conditions - negotiate before getting in

Maquis (local restaurants) serve the best palm wine from 4-6pm when it's freshest, before evening rains start

ATMs at Ecobank and BTCI work most reliably during power fluctuations common in August - avoid standalone ATMs during storms

Togolese typically take shelter during afternoon rains rather than continuing activities - plan indoor backup options for 2-4pm daily

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities for early afternoon - humidity becomes oppressive and brief rains are common between 1-4pm

Bringing only lightweight sandals - many attractions require closed shoes and wet surfaces become dangerously slippery

Exchanging money at hotels instead of banks - hotel rates are typically 8-12% worse than bank rates during August when tourism is lower