Abidjan Weather in January

January: warm and mostly settled

January feels hot from morning to evening, with warm nights and plenty of sunshine. Short showers still turn up, but the month is drier than December and February, so you'll usually have good conditions for exploring Plateau or taking a boat across Ébrié Lagoon. The humidity can make long walks feel tiring, though. Save a full afternoon hike in Banco National Park for a cooler, less sticky day, and don't count on every beach visit being rain-free.

New Year in the city

New Year's Day is a public holiday in Côte d'Ivoire. Some businesses and services may close, while restaurants and popular spots can be busier around the holiday. If you hate crowds, visit Plateau after the New Year rush, when you can enjoy its broad streets and city views at a slower pace. January is one of Abidjan's best-weather months, so it isn't usually the time to expect the lowest hotel prices. The first days may cost more than quieter periods later in the month.

Make the most of the dry spell

With less rain than in the months either side, January suits sightseeing and meals outdoors. Try attiéké, a cassava side dish, with grilled fish in Cocody, then take a stroll by the lagoon before the evening gets sticky. A useful local tip: use the lagoon boats to travel between Abidjan's waterfront areas, rather than sitting in traffic on the bridges. Keep some flexibility for showers, especially if you're heading to Banco National Park, where wet paths can make walking less pleasant.