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"Step out into the sun and explore Cape Coast & Elmina Slave Castles. February is an ideal time to visit Accra. Immerse yourself in a blend of modern culture and local traditions."
We built this guide using recent climate data, hotel price trends, and our own trips, so you can pick the right month without guesswork.
Why Visit Accra?
Accra pulses as West Africa's most accessible capital where Afrobeat rhythms pulse from nightclubs, Cape Coast's whitewashed slave castles confront brutal history of transatlantic trade, Makola Market's organized chaos sells everything from fabrics to fried plantains, and Ghana's reputation as one of Africa's friendliest nations ('Akwaaba'—welcome!—greets visitors everywhere) makes it ideal first-time Africa destination. The coastal metropolis (around 2-3M in the urban area, 5.5M in the Greater Accra region) blends colonial British legacy (English official language), pan-African symbolism (Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park honors independence leader, Black Star symbolizes African liberation), and modern vibrancy in Osu (Oxford Street) where hipsters sip craft beer at Republic Bar and international restaurants serve Lebanese, Chinese, and Italian alongside jollof rice and fufu. Yet Accra's defining experiences lie outside city limits: Cape Coast and Elmina Castles (2-3hrs west) UNESCO slave forts where dungeons held hundreds to thousands of enslaved Africans at a time before brutal Middle Passage—emotional, essential, sobering tours guide through 'door of no return' and cramped quarters explaining West Africa's central role in slave trade (1500s-1800s).
Kakum National Park canopy walkway (30min from Cape Coast) suspends visitors 30m above rainforest on swaying bridges spotting butterflies and listening for forest elephants. Accra proper offers Independence Square's colonial parade ground, Jamestown's fishing community and historic lighthouse, Arts Centre crafts market (aggressive haggling—start 50% lower), and Labadi Beach (locals' favorite, live music weekends). Yet nightlife defines modern Accra: the city is a major hub for Afrobeats and the birthplace of highlife and azonto, two of West Africa's most influential music and dance styles, with clubs like +233 Jazz Bar, Carbon Nightclub, and Twist staying packed till dawn (Ghanaians party hard—clubs fill after midnight).
Food culture centers on jollof rice (Ghana claims superiority over Nigeria—friendly rivalry), banku (fermented corn dough) with tilapia, fufu (pounded cassava/plantain) eaten with soups, kelewele (spicy fried plantains), and street food everywhere ($1.77–$4.12 / GHS 19–GHS 45 filling meals). The coast offers beach resorts: Kokrobite (30min, backpacker beach, drum circles, Bob Marley vibes), Busua (4hrs, surfing), and Ada Foah (2hrs, river estuary, turtle nesting). Lake Volta (world's largest man-made lake) and Volta Region's Wli Waterfalls (highest in West Africa) add nature escapes.
With visa required for most nationalities ($65–$159 / GHS 700–GHS 1,717 depending on type—apply through embassy or online), Ghanaian Cedi currency, English language (British colonial legacy means easy communication), and moderate prices (meals $2.95–$8.25 / GHS 32–GHS 89, hotels $32–$82 / GHS 343–GHS 890), Accra delivers welcoming West African introduction—one of West Africa's safest and most stable countries, and genuinely friendly where 'Ghana' means 'Warrior King' but visitors feel royal welcome.
What to Do
Historical Sites
Cape Coast & Elmina Slave Castles
UNESCO World Heritage sites 2–4 hours west of Accra (traffic dependent) where enslaved Africans were held before the Middle Passage. Non-Ghanaian adult entry is around $7.07 / GHS 76 per castle (reviewed July 2023); guided tour is typically included. Combine both castles in a day trip. If booking from Accra, expect group day tours (castles + Kakum) around $106–$177+ / GHS 1,145–GHS 1,908+ per person; private day trips commonly $236–$306+ / GHS 2,544–GHS 3,307+ depending on inclusions. Respectful behavior required.
Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park
Beautiful memorial honoring Ghana's first president and independence leader. Entry $9.42 / GHS 102 for foreign visitors (Ghanaian adults $2.36 / GHS 25). Mausoleum, museum, and gardens celebrating Ghana's 1957 independence—first sub-Saharan African nation to gain freedom. Peaceful, educational, and air-conditioned museum offers respite from Accra heat. Allow 1-2 hours. Combines well with nearby Independence Square for photos.
Nature & Adventure
Kakum National Park Canopy Walkway
Seven suspension bridges ~30m above rainforest canopy, spanning ~350m. For non-Ghanaian adults, expect to pay around $15 / GHS 165 total for gate + canopy fees as of late 2025/2026 (fees can change). Located near Cape Coast; usually combined with the castles. Go early for cooler weather. Not for those afraid of heights—bridges sway significantly.
Beaches: Kokrobite & Labadi
Kokrobite Beach (1 hour west): backpacker vibe, drumming lessons ($4.71 / GHS 51/hour), reggae bars, and Bob Marley atmosphere. Perfect for sunset. Labadi Beach (Accra): locals' favorite with live music weekends, entry $2.83 / GHS 31 regular or $3.53 / GHS 38 festive days (La Pleasure Beach), swimming, and vibrant Sunday crowds. Both offer beach bars, fresh coconut water, and grilled fish. Avoid isolated beaches due to robbery risk—swim where locals swim.
Local Culture & Markets
Makola Market
Organized chaos of Accra's largest market where locals shop for everything—fabrics, spices, food, electronics. Free to wander but watch belongings carefully (pickpockets). Overwhelming sensory experience with vendors calling out, vibrant textiles, and authentic Ghanaian life. Best with a guide who knows the layout. Go morning (08:00–11:00) when freshest produce arrives. Haggling expected. Nearby Arts Centre crafts market better for souvenirs.
Jamestown & Lighthouse
Historic fishing community with colonial-era streetscapes and strong Ga culture. Great for photography and walking tours. Note: access to James Fort/Ussher Fort has seen closures and controlled reopenings; confirm current opening and fees locally before promising entry. The Jamestown Lighthouse is also sometimes closed for restoration—expect to view it from outside and focus on the neighborhood walk instead.
Afrobeat Nightlife
Accra is a major hub for Afrobeats and the birthplace of highlife and azonto, two of West Africa's most influential music and dance styles. Top clubs: +233 Jazz Bar (live music), Carbon Nightclub, Twist (dress well). Clubs open after 22:00, fill after midnight, party till dawn. Entry $4.71–$19 / GHS 51–GHS 204. Republic Bar in Osu offers craft beer and more relaxed vibe. Ghanaians party hard—expect loud music, energetic dancing, and late nights. Safe but watch drinks.
Gallery
Travel Information
Getting There
- Airports: ACC
- From :
Best Time to Visit
November, December, January, February, July, August
Climate: Tropical
Entry Requirements
Entry rules vary by passport
Check requirements| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 33°C | 25°C | 4 | Excellent ((best)) |
| February | 33°C | 26°C | 6 | Excellent ((best)) |
| March | 33°C | 26°C | 11 | Good |
| April | 33°C | 26°C | 12 | Good |
| May | 32°C | 25°C | 16 | Wet |
| June | 30°C | 24°C | 23 | Wet |
| July | 29°C | 24°C | 17 | Excellent ((best)) |
| August | 28°C | 23°C | 16 | Excellent ((best)) |
| September | 29°C | 24°C | 20 | Wet |
| October | 30°C | 24°C | 21 | Wet |
| November | 32°C | 25°C | 12 | Excellent ((best)) |
| December | 33°C | 25°C | 7 | Excellent ((best)) |
Weather data: Open-Meteo Archive (2020-2025) • Historical avg. 2020–2025
Travel Costs
Per person per day, based on double occupancy. 'Budget' reflects hostels or shared accommodation in high-cost cities.
💡 🌍 Traveler Tip (February 2026): February 2026 is perfect for visiting Accra!
Practical Information
Getting There
Kotoka International Airport (ACC) is ~6km from the Airport Residential/Cantonments area. Official airport taxis are available (often negotiated). Uber and Bolt operate; expect roughly $2.36–$7.07 / GHS 25–GHS 76 for short hops and ~$9.42–$14 / GHS 102–GHS 153 for airport → Osu/Labone depending on traffic and demand. Tro-tros (minibuses) are very cheap but awkward with luggage. International flights commonly connect via Amsterdam, London, Brussels, Istanbul, or major African hubs.
Getting Around
Taxis: negotiate before entering; short rides within Osu/Labone/Cantonments often $2.36–$7.07 / GHS 25–GHS 76. Airport taxis can quote $14–$27 / GHS 153–GHS 293 to Osu depending on negotiation and luggage. Uber/Bolt: typically $2.36–$7.07 / GHS 25–GHS 76 around town; airport → Osu often ~$9.42–$14 / GHS 102–GHS 153. Tro-tros: shared minibuses, very cheap (often under $1.18 / GHS 13), crowded and confusing routes but authentic. For Cape Coast: cheaper long-distance buses can be around ~$3.53 / GHS 38 one-way; STC executive coaches are commonly ~$8.25–$9.42 / GHS 89–GHS 102 one-way (both ~3–4hrs, traffic depending). Full-day organized tours from Accra (castles + Kakum) usually start around $106–$177 / GHS 1,145–GHS 1,908 per person; private tours are commonly $236–$306+ / GHS 2,544–GHS 3,307+. Walking: doable in Osu/Labone, but heat and traffic are tiring. Rental cars $53–$82 / GHS 572–GHS 890/day for flexibility but traffic is chaotic.
Money & Payments
Ghanaian Cedi (GHS, GH₵). Exchange rate: $1 ≈ 11 GHS. ATMs common (withdraw max—fees apply). Cards accepted at hotels, upscale restaurants, malls; cash needed for street food, tro-tros, markets. Bring some USD/EUR for exchange (better rates than ATM). Tipping: 10% restaurants, $0.47–$0.94 / GHS 5.09–GHS 10 for services, round up taxis. Bargain at markets.
Language
English is official—Ghana was British colony (Gold Coast) until 1957. English widely spoken—government, education, tourism, business. Communication easy—one of Africa's easiest for English speakers. Local languages: Twi/Akan most common (70+ languages total). Learn: Akwaaba (welcome), Medaase (thank you), Ete sen? (how are you?). Signs in English. Ghanaian English accent unique but understandable.
Cultural Tips
Friendliness: Ghanaians incredibly welcoming—'Akwaaba!' (welcome) everywhere, strangers help tourists, genuine warmth. Safe to engage. Jollof wars: Ghana vs Nigeria jollof rice rivalry—joke but take sides carefully! Haggling: expected at markets (Arts Centre, Makola)—start low, smile, walk away if too high. Handshakes: right hand, often with finger snap at end (cool handshake—ask locals to teach!). Dress: modest (Ghana conservative)—cover shoulders/knees, beachwear only at beach. Churches: important (large Christian population), Sunday services lively. Food: street food everywhere (try at busy stalls—turnover means fresh), fufu eaten with right hand. Music: highlife, Afrobeats, azonto—clubs after midnight (Ghanaians party late). Traffic: chaotic, honking constant (communication, not anger). Yellow fever: REQUIRED certificate—carry always. Drinking: Club beer, Star beer local favorites, palm wine traditional. Obroni: term for white person (not offensive, descriptive). Beach safety: swim where locals swim (riptides dangerous), don't walk isolated beaches (robberies). Slave castles: emotional—respectful silence, no laughing/joking. Ghanaians proud of independence (first sub-Saharan African nation independent, 1957). Pan-Africanism strong—Kwame Nkrumah revered. Embrace slow pace—Ghana time is relaxed!
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Perfect 4-Day Accra & Cape Coast
Accra City Highlights
Cape Coast Slave Castles
Kakum Canopy & Beach
Culture & Departure
Where to Stay
Osu
Best for: Nightlife, Oxford Street restaurants, embassies, expat scene
Airport Residential
Best for: Upscale hotels, quiet streets, embassy district, business
Labone / Cantonments
Best for: Trendy cafés, art galleries, residential charm, emerging creative scene
Jamestown / Ussher Town
Best for: Historic Ga culture, fishing harbor, colonial forts, authentic Accra
East Legon
Best for: Modern Accra, shopping malls, expat families, residential luxury
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Accra
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- Official tourism boards and visitor guides
- GetYourGuide and Viator activity data
- Booking.com and Numbeo pricing data
- Google Maps reviews and ratings
This guide combines personal travel experience with comprehensive data analysis to provide accurate recommendations.
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