Lome in October

October weather, activities, events & insider tips

October Weather in Lome

31°C (88°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

102 mm (4.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is October Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect beach weather - dry season has fully arrived with minimal rainfall (only 10 rainy days vs 15+ in September), ideal for Lomé's impressive coastline and water activities
Festival season peaks with Fête de l'Indépendance celebrations creating busy cultural atmosphere throughout the city with traditional music, dance, and authentic local food experiences
Shoulder season pricing - accommodation costs drop 25-30% compared to December peak season while weather remains excellent for all outdoor activities
Harmattan winds begin bringing cooler evening temperatures around 24°C (75°F), making outdoor dining and night market exploration comfortable until late hours

Considerations

UV intensity peaks at index 8 requiring constant sun protection and limiting comfortable outdoor exploration to early morning (before 10am) and late afternoon (after 4pm)
Afternoon thunderstorms, though brief (20-30 minutes), can disrupt beach plans and outdoor activities between 2-5pm on roughly 30% of days
Higher humidity at 70% makes midday temperatures feel significantly hotter than actual 31°C (88°F), causing fatigue for travelers not accustomed to tropical conditions

Best Activities in October

Atlantic Coast Beach Tours

October's reduced rainfall and consistent sunshine make this perfect for exploring Lomé's 30 km (18.6 miles) of pristine coastline. Morning beach visits (7-10am) offer ideal conditions before heat peaks, while afternoon Harmattan breezes create perfect sunset viewing. Water temperature remains warm at 26°C (79°F) with minimal chance of rain disruption.

Booking Tip: Book coastal tours 5-7 days ahead through licensed operators. Tours typically cost 15,000-25,000 CFA ($25-42 USD). Look for operators providing sun shelters and early morning departure options. Reference booking widget for current tour availability.

Grand Marché Cultural Tours

October's festival season brings peak activity to Lomé's central market with traditional crafts, textiles, and Independence Day preparations. Lower humidity in early morning hours (7-9am) makes navigating the crowded market comfortable. Local vendors showcase seasonal specialties and festival decorations unavailable other times of year.

Booking Tip: Half-day cultural tours range 8,000-15,000 CFA ($13-25 USD). Book with certified cultural guides who speak local Ewe language. Tours typically last 3-4 hours starting at 7am to avoid afternoon heat. See current options in booking section below.

Koutammakou Architecture Excursions

October's clear skies and reduced rainfall create optimal conditions for exploring traditional Batammariba architecture 200 km (124 miles) north of Lomé. Cooler morning temperatures make the 3-4 hour journey comfortable, and dry conditions ensure access to remote villages often inaccessible during rainy months.

Booking Tip: Full-day excursions cost 35,000-50,000 CFA ($58-83 USD) including transport and guide. Book 10-14 days ahead as October is popular for this UNESCO site. Tours depart 6am returning 7pm. Choose operators with air-conditioned vehicles for comfort.

Togoville Historical Tours

Lake Togo's water levels are ideal in October after rainy season replenishment but before dry season reduction. The historic town of Togo, birthplace of modern Togo, is easily accessible via 30-minute boat ride. October's stable weather ensures reliable lake crossings and comfortable exploration of colonial-era sites.

Booking Tip: Day trips including boat transport cost 12,000-20,000 CFA ($20-33 USD). Book through operators with life jackets and covered boats. Tours combine well with voodoo temple visits. Allow 6-8 hours total including 45 km (28 mile) drive from Lomé.

Independence Festival Street Food Tours

October's Independence celebrations bring out Lomé's best street food vendors with traditional dishes like akassa, fufu, and grilled tilapia. Cooler evening temperatures from Harmattan winds make food market exploration comfortable from 6-10pm. Festival atmosphere adds cultural authenticity impossible to experience other months.

Booking Tip: Evening food tours range 5,000-10,000 CFA ($8-17 USD) for 3-4 hours including tastings. Book with guides familiar with food safety standards. Tours typically start 5pm when heat subsides. Current tour options available in booking widget below.

Fazao-Malfakassa National Park Wildlife Tracking

October marks optimal wildlife viewing as animals gather around permanent water sources after rainy season. Park access roads are fully navigable but not yet dusty from dry season. Early morning temperature of 24°C (75°F) provides comfortable hiking conditions in Togo's largest national park 350 km (217 miles) from Lomé.

Booking Tip: Multi-day park excursions cost 60,000-90,000 CFA ($100-150 USD) including accommodation and meals. Book 2-3 weeks ahead as October is peak wildlife season. Requires 4WD vehicle and certified park guide. Tours typically 2-3 days minimum.

October Events & Festivals

April 27th (but October features preliminary cultural celebrations and independence-themed festivals throughout the month)

Fête de l'Indépendance (Independence Day Celebrations)

Togo's most important national holiday features military parades, traditional dance performances, and cultural exhibitions throughout Lomé. Streets fill with vendors selling traditional foods, textiles, and crafts. Bangui opens for public viewing, and evening celebrations continue until midnight with live music.

Mid to Late October

Festival de Lomé Arts and Culture

Annual celebration of Togolese arts featuring local musicians, traditional dancers, and contemporary artists. Venues include Banjul, Cultural Center, and outdoor stages along the beach. Features workshops in traditional crafts, cooking demonstrations, and evening concerts showcasing both traditional and modern Togolese music.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight cotton or linen clothing in light colors - avoid polyester which becomes unbearable in 70% humidity and 31°C (88°F) temperatures

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 8 requiring reapplication every 90 minutes during outdoor activities

Quick-dry rain jacket or poncho - afternoon storms last 20-30 minutes but can be intense with limited shelter options along the coast

Comfortable walking sandals with good grip - Lomé's streets can become slippery during brief October showers, and beach sand gets extremely hot midday

Insect repellent with 20%+ DEET - October's humidity and occasional standing water after rains increase mosquito activity especially at dawn and dusk

Portable fan or cooling towels - humidity makes 31°C (88°F) feel like 36°C (97°F) during midday market visits or cultural site exploration

Waterproof phone case and camera protection - essential for beach activities and protection during unexpected afternoon downpours

Cash in small CFA denominations - many local vendors and transport operators don't accept cards, and ATMs can be scarce outside central Lomé

Electrolyte supplements or rehydration salts - easy to become dehydrated in high humidity conditions during active sightseeing days

Insider Knowledge

Visit beaches and outdoor attractions before 10am or after 4pm - locals avoid midday sun entirely during October, and you'll find better photo opportunities with softer lighting during these hours

October is mango season - street vendors sell the sweetest varieties for 200-500 CFA, and locals consider this the best time to experience authentic Togolese fruit that doesn't export well

Book accommodation with reliable air conditioning by September - October's combination of heat and humidity makes this essential, and budget options often have inadequate cooling systems

Learn basic Ewe greetings ('Woezɔ' for hello) - October's festival atmosphere makes locals especially welcoming to visitors who make cultural effort, often leading to invitations to family celebrations

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities during midday (11am-3pm) when local businesses close and temperatures peak - plan indoor museum visits or meal breaks during these hours instead

Bringing only sandals - while beaches are perfect for flip-flops, exploring inland attractions requires closed-toe shoes due to uneven terrain and occasional mud after October rains

Assuming all restaurants accept credit cards - even mid-range establishments in Lomé operate cash-only, and ATM networks can be unreliable during Independence Day celebrations