Things to Do in Monrovia

About Monrovia

Where the Atlantic meets West African resilience, Monrovia pulses with an energy born from triumph over adversity and an unshakeable spirit of renewal. This coastal capital, named after an American president yet distinctly Liberian in soul, offers travelers an authentic glimpse into a nation rewriting its narrative—where vibrant markets hum with commerce, contemporary art scenes flourish alongside historical landmarks, and a warm, determined people welcome visitors into their story of transformation. Monrovia isn't a destination that reveals itself at first glance; it's a city that rewards the curious with layers of complexity, culture, and unexpected beauty.

Travel Tips

• Currency and Cash: Always carry small denominations of Liberian dollars alongside US dollars (both are accepted), as many vendors cannot make change for large bills, and ATMs are unreliable outside major hotels and banks.

• Transportation Timing: Avoid traveling during heavy rainstorms from May to October, as Monrovia's roads flood quickly and become impassable; plan important trips for morning hours when roads are driest and traffic is lighter.

• Local Markets: Visit Waterside Market or Red Light Market early in the morning (before 10 AM) for the best selection of fresh produce and local goods, but keep valuables secured and stay aware of your surroundings in these crowded areas.

• Beach Safety: When visiting local beaches like Elwa Beach or Kendeja, only swim in areas where you see locals swimming and avoid going in the water alone, as riptides are common and there are no lifeguards on duty.

When to Visit

Monrovia's climate splits dramatically between a dry season (November through April) and an intense wet season (May through October), with the latter bringing torrential monsoon rains that can dump over 200 inches annually, making July and August particularly challenging with daily downpours, flooded streets, and extremely high humidity that can feel oppressive. The ideal window is December through February when temperatures hover around 26-30°C (79-86°F) with lower humidity, clearer skies, and minimal rainfall, though this coincides with higher accommodation prices and the vibrant Liberia Independence Day celebrations on July 26th (which falls in the wet season, so plan accordingly with rain gear). March and April offer a sweet spot for budget travelers with still-manageable weather before the rains begin, temperatures climbing to 31-33°C (88-91°F), and better hotel rates, though humidity starts increasing noticeably by late April. November can work for adventurous visitors willing to gamble on transitional weather—occasional rain showers taper off but beaches may still see rough surf and overcast days—while offering the advantage of fewer tourists and negotiable prices. Avoid June through September unless absolutely necessary, as relentless rainfall transforms red dirt roads into muddy quagmires, limits outdoor activities, increases malaria risk in standing water, and can strand travelers when rural roads become impassable, though die-hard surfers sometimes brave this period for dramatic Atlantic swells.