Best Time to Visit Monrovia

December to February: the dry spell

This is the best stretch, and it's easy to see why. January is the driest month, with only three rainy days. Skies are clearer and the sun shows up for six or seven hours a day. It's still hot, but the evenings feel easier.

December is the sweet spot for many people. Liberians living abroad often come home for Christmas, so flights fill up and the city feels lively. If you want a beach day, head to Silver Beach or Kendeja, just outside the centre. The Atlantic is rough, so swim with care and ask locals where it's safe.

Late in the season, the Harmattan can bring a dusty haze. It's a dry wind from the Sahara. It's usually milder this far south, but it can soften the views.

March to May: the build-up

Rain creeps in. March has about 11 wet days and April has 14. By May it rains on 20 days. It's humid and the sky is often grey, but the downpours tend to pass.

This is a fair choice if you want fewer visitors and don't mind a soggy afternoon. Plan your outdoor stops, like Providence Island or a walk along Broad Street, for the mornings. Keep indoor options ready, such as the National Museum on Broad Street.

June to October: the heavy rains

Be honest with yourself about this season. August is the wettest month, with 443 mm and rain on 27 days. September and July aren't far behind. You'll get 1 to 3 hours of sun a day, and roads can turn to mud. Travel outside the city gets slow, since many routes flood or wash out.

Beaches are best skipped, and the sea is rough. On the plus side, it's the quietest time, and the greenery is at its peak. If work or family brings you here, you'll cope. For a holiday, it's a hard sell.

Which month for which trip?

For a first visit, beaches or day trips, pick December to February. For a cheaper, quieter trip, try November or March, when rain is moderate. Both months are rated Fair.

Liberia's Independence Day falls on 26 July, in the middle of the wet season. Expect parades and speeches, but pack for rain. Flag Day on 24 August is also a national holiday. Most other big dates, like Christmas, fall in the dry months, so those are the busiest times in town.