Monrovia in August

August weather, activities, events & insider tips

August Weather in Monrovia

176°F (80°C) High Temp

163°F (73°C) Low Temp

0.0 inches (0 mm) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is August Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season means minimal rainfall despite 10 scattered shower days - most rain falls as brief 15-20 minute afternoon sprinkles that actually provide cooling relief from the heat
Harmattan winds from the Sahara create clearer skies and reduced humidity compared to June-July, making outdoor activities more comfortable between 7am-11am
Local fishing season peaks in August, meaning fresh seafood is abundant and cheapest at markets like Waterside and SKD Boulevard - barracuda and snapper cost 30-40% less than other months
School holidays mean more cultural events and family gatherings - perfect time to experience authentic Liberian hospitality as locals have more time to engage with visitors

Considerations

Dust from Harmattan winds creates hazy conditions that reduce visibility for photography and can irritate respiratory systems - air quality drops noticeably compared to rainy season months
Electricity shortages peak in August due to low reservoir levels at Mount Coffee Hydropower Plant - expect 6-8 hour daily outages affecting air conditioning and WiFi
Road conditions deteriorate rapidly when brief rains hit dusty surfaces, creating slippery clay mud that makes driving treacherous for 2-3 hours after each shower

Best Activities in August

Robertsport Surfing and Beach Activities

August brings consistent 1.2-1.8m (4-6 ft) swells with offshore Harmattan winds creating clean wave faces. Water temperature stays warm at 26°C (79°F) while reduced rainfall means clearer water visibility. Local surf spots like Fisherman's Point work best during morning high tides.

Booking Tip: Book surf lessons and board rentals 5-7 days ahead through established surf camps. Expect to pay $25-40 USD per day for board rental, $45-60 USD for lessons. Look for camps with backup generators due to power outages.

Sapo National Park Wildlife Tracking

Dry conditions make animal tracking easier as wildlife concentrates around permanent water sources. Morning visibility is excellent before daily haze builds up. Forest elephants, pygmy hippos, and Diana monkeys are most active 6am-10am when temperatures are coolest at 24°C (75°F).

Booking Tip: Book 14-21 days ahead through licensed eco-tour operators with Forest Development Authority permits. Multi-day packages typically cost $180-250 USD including camping gear and meals. Ensure operators provide dust masks for Harmattan conditions.

Monrovia Historical Walking Tours

August's lower humidity makes walking tours more comfortable, especially early morning tours starting at 7am. Providence Island, Ducor Palace, and Waterside Market are best explored before 11am when dust levels increase. Clear morning light provides excellent photography conditions for colonial architecture.

Booking Tip: Book same-week through certified local guides at tourism information centers. Group tours cost $15-25 USD per person, private tours $40-60 USD. Choose guides with historical society credentials and backup indoor locations for dust storms.

Traditional Village Cultural Immersion

August rice harvesting season offers real feels in rural communities near Liberia and Ganta. Participate in harvest ceremonies, traditional cooking classes using fresh palm nuts, and storytelling sessions. Cooler evenings perfect for outdoor cultural performances around 6pm when temperatures drop to 27°C (81°F).

Booking Tip: Arrange through cultural centers 10-14 days ahead. Homestay packages typically cost $35-55 USD per day including meals. Look for programs that include translator services and contribution to community development funds.

Iron Ore Mining Heritage Tours

August's dry conditions provide safe access to former mining sites at Liberia and Bomi Hills. Clear weather offers spectacular views from mining terraces at 1,362m (4,469 ft) elevation. Historical tours explain Liberia's industrial past while showcasing environmental recovery efforts.

Booking Tip: Book through mining heritage organizations 7-10 days ahead. Day tours cost $45-65 USD including transportation and safety equipment. Verify current access permissions as some sites require government clearance.

Farmington River Kayaking

Lower August water levels create gentle class I-II rapids perfect for beginners. Reduced rainfall means clearer water and better wildlife spotting - monitor lizards, kingfishers, and fruit bats are commonly seen. River temperature stays comfortable at 25°C (77°F) with minimal current.

Booking Tip: Book 3-5 days ahead through water sports operators with safety certifications. Half-day trips cost $30-45 USD including equipment and guide. Choose operators with covered launching points to avoid midday sun exposure.

August Events & Festivals

Mid August

National Rice Festival

Celebrates the rice harvest season with traditional cooking competitions, cultural performances, and agricultural exhibitions. Features authentic Liberian dishes like jollof rice, palm butter, and cassava leaf prepared by rural communities.

Early August

Independence Day Extended Celebrations

While Independence Day is July 26th, community celebrations continue into early August with county-level festivals, traditional dance competitions, and local food fairs across rural areas outside Monrovia.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

N95 or KN95 dust masks - Harmattan winds carry Saharan dust that can cause respiratory irritation and reduce visibility

Portable power bank (20,000mAh minimum) - Daily 6-8 hour power outages are common in August affecting phone charging

Quick-dry synthetic clothing instead of cotton - humidity stays at 70% and brief afternoon showers create sticky conditions

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 8 despite hazy conditions from dust

Lightweight rain jacket with ventilation - Not for heavy rain but for brief 15-20 minute afternoon sprinkles

Closed-toe shoes with good grip - Clay mud becomes extremely slippery for 2-3 hours after light rain hits dusty roads

Electrolyte supplements or rehydration salts - High temperatures 176°F (80°C) and dust exposure increase dehydration risk

Moisturizer and lip balm - Harmattan winds are extremely drying to skin and lips

Headlamp or small flashlight - Power outages often occur without warning, especially in evenings

Anti-diarrheal medication - Increased dust can contaminate food and water sources more easily than during rainy season

Insider Knowledge

Local 'pepper soup' vendors set up evening stalls during August because the spicy broth helps locals cope with dusty air - join the lines around 6pm for real feel and respiratory relief

Moneychangers offer better USD-LRD rates in the morning before dust storms typically hit around 2pm - they're easier to find and negotiate with in clearer conditions

Motorcycle taxi drivers charge 25-30% more during the 2-hour period after afternoon showers because roads become treacherous - wait it out or walk short distances

Local phone networks (Orange, Lonestar) experience more outages in August due to power grid strain - download offline maps and carry cash as mobile money services are unreliable

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking outdoor activities after 11am - dust levels build throughout the day making afternoon excursions uncomfortable and offering poor visibility for photography

Underestimating dehydration risk because it's 'dry season' - Harmattan winds are deceptively dehydrating and many tourists end up with severe headaches by day 2

Not carrying cash reserves - Power outages frequently disable ATMs and mobile money systems, leaving card-dependent travelers stranded