Lome in January

January weather, activities, events & insider tips

January Weather in Lome

91°F (33°C) High Temp

75°F (24°C) Low Temp

0.5 inches (13mm) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season with minimal rainfall - only 0.5 inches (13mm) total makes beach and outdoor activities most reliable
Harmattan winds from the Sahara bring cooler, drier air for 3-5 days at a time, dropping humidity from 85% to 60-70%
Yam Festival preparations create busy market atmosphere with traditional foods and cultural displays throughout the city
Hotel rates are 30-40% lower than European winter peak season, with excellent availability at beachfront properties

Considerations

Saharan dust from harmattan winds reduces visibility and can irritate sensitive airways - air quality drops significantly
Atlantic ocean temperatures reach 81°F (27°C) making swimming less refreshing in the afternoon heat
Construction and road repair projects peak during dry season, causing traffic delays especially on Boulevard du 13 Janvier

Best Activities in January

Lomé Grand Market and Traditional Craft Tours

January's dry weather makes navigating the sprawling Niamey ideal, with Yam Festival preparations adding extra cultural displays. Morning tours (7-10am) avoid both crowds and afternoon heat. The adjacent craft districts showcase traditional Ewe textiles and woodcarvings at their most active.

Booking Tip: Book cultural walking tours 5-7 days ahead through licensed guides. Tours typically cost 15,000-25,000 CFA ($25-40) for half-day experiences. Look for guides certified by the Ministry of Tourism. See current market tour options in the booking section below.

Aneho and Lake Togo Day Trips

January's low rainfall makes the 45km (28-mile) coastal road to historic Aneho most accessible. Lake Togo's stilt villages are best visited during dry season when water levels are stable for traditional pirogue boats. Cool harmattan breezes make the journey comfortable.

Booking Tip: Full-day excursions typically cost 35,000-50,000 CFA ($55-80) including transport and boat fees. Book 10-14 days ahead during January's moderate tourist season. Ensure operators include life jackets for lake activities. Check current Lake Togo tour availability in the booking widget below.

Kpalimé Mountain Hiking and Waterfall Tours

January's dry conditions make the 120km (75-mile) trip to Kpalimé mountains most rewarding. Waterfalls still flow from December rains while hiking trails are firm and safe. The 1,200m (3,937ft) Mount Agou offers clear Sahara dust-free views on non-harmattan days.

Booking Tip: Mountain day trips range 40,000-60,000 CFA ($65-95) including 4WD transport and guide fees. Book 14+ days ahead as January is peak hiking season. Verify guides carry emergency communication equipment for mountain areas. See current Kpalimé hiking options below.

Traditional Fishing Village Experiences

January's calm seas and stable weather create ideal conditions for visiting active fishing communities along the coast. Dawn fishing boat departures (5:30-6am) offer real feels with Ewe fishing families, and morning fish market activities peak around 8-9am.

Booking Tip: Village experiences cost 20,000-30,000 CFA ($30-50) for half-day programs including boat rides and market visits. Book through community-based tourism operators 7-10 days ahead. Ensure experiences include cultural orientation and local guide compensation. Current fishing village tours available in booking section.

Artisan Workshop and Traditional Music Sessions

January's dry season brings outdoor drum-making and textile workshops to peak activity. Ewe kente weaving demonstrations and traditional percussion lessons take advantage of comfortable humidity levels. Evening drum circles (7-9pm) benefit from cooler harmattan evening breezes.

Booking Tip: Workshop sessions typically cost 18,000-35,000 CFA ($30-55) for 3-4 hour experiences including materials. Book artisan workshops 5-7 days ahead, especially for weekend sessions. Look for UNESCO-recognized traditional craft masters. See current workshop availability below.

Togoville Historical and Voodoo Cultural Tours

January's accessible roads and stable weather make the trip to historic Togoville on Lake Togo most feasible. This birthplace of modern Togo offers authentic voodoo cultural experiences and German colonial history tours. Boat access is most reliable during dry season.

Booking Tip: Cultural tours to Togoville range 30,000-45,000 CFA ($50-70) including lake transport and cultural guides. Book 10+ days ahead and specify interest in historical vs. spiritual focus. Ensure tours include proper cultural protocols and permissions. Current Togoville tours in booking section below.

January Events & Festivals

Mid to Late January

Yam Festival (Fête de l'Igname) Preparations

Traditional yam harvest celebrations begin preparations in January with increased market activity, traditional food preparations, and cultural rehearsals throughout Togo's neighborhoods. Local families prepare ancestral altars and traditional dishes.

Throughout January

Lomé International Book Fair Planning Events

Pre-festival cultural events and author readings occur at Alliance Française and local cultural centers as February's book fair approaches. Literary discussions and cultural exhibitions increase throughout the city.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight long-sleeve cotton shirts for harmattan dust protection and mosque visits - polyester traps heat in 70% humidity

Quality dust mask or bandana for harmattan wind days when Saharan dust reduces visibility to under 1km (0.6 miles)

SPF 50+ sunscreen for UV index 8 conditions - reapply every 2 hours during outdoor activities

Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes for market exploration and protection from urban dust

Light rain jacket for brief afternoon showers - 10 rainy days typically bring 20-30 minute downpours

Cotton headscarf or hat for dual sun and dust protection, plus cultural site requirements

Insect repellent with 20%+ DEET for evening activities - mosquitoes increase after brief rains

Small daypack with dust-proof zippers for protecting electronics during harmattan periods

Electrolyte tablets or powder for hot weather hydration - temperatures reach 91°F (33°C) daily

Respectful covering clothes for religious sites - lightweight long pants and modest tops for cultural visits

Insider Knowledge

Time outdoor sightseeing for 7-11am when temperatures are coolest and before afternoon dust accumulates - locals call this 'morning blessing hours'

Stock up on bottled water during harmattan wind forecasts as dust can affect tap water quality and outdoor vendors close early

Negotiate taxi fares before 6am and after 6pm when cooler temperatures make drivers more reasonable - expect 20-30% better rates

Visit Niamey on Tuesday and Friday mornings when Yam Festival ingredients create the most busy cultural atmosphere

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities during 12-4pm peak heat without considering that 91°F (33°C) feels like 100°F+ (38°C+) in humidity

Not bringing dust protection during harmattan periods - many tourists suffer respiratory irritation and eye problems

Expecting constant beach weather - 10 rainy days means backup indoor plans are essential for flexible itineraries