Things to Do in Ivory Coast in August
August weather, activities, events & insider tips
August Weather in Ivory Coast
Is August Right for You?
Advantages
- August sits right in the middle of Ivory Coast's 'petite saison sèche' (short dry season) - you'll get warm, relatively dry weather between 28-30°C (82-86°F) with fewer downpours than June or July. The rain that does fall tends to come in quick afternoon bursts rather than all-day soaks.
- Beach conditions along the Atlantic coast are actually excellent in August - the sea is calmer than during the windier months, and you'll find far fewer crowds at Grand-Bassam and Assinie than during European summer holiday peaks in July. Water temperatures hover around 26°C (79°F), which is genuinely comfortable for swimming.
- August is mango season at its absolute peak - you'll see massive piles of mangues Kent, mangues Amélie, and the prized mangues greffées at every market. It's also when attiéké (fermented cassava couscous) vendors start serving it with fresh-caught barracuda and tuna, as fishing picks up after the rougher July seas.
- Tourist infrastructure is fully operational but not overwhelmed - hotels in Abidjan's Plateau and Cocody districts run at about 60-70% capacity, meaning you can actually negotiate rates. The new Abidjan Metro Line 1, which opened in late 2024, is still relatively uncrowded compared to what it'll become, making it easy to navigate between Adjamé, Plateau, and Marcory.
Considerations
- Humidity sits stubbornly around 70-80% throughout August, and it's the kind that makes your clothes feel damp within minutes of stepping outside. Air conditioning becomes non-negotiable for comfortable sleep, which limits budget accommodation options significantly.
- While August is technically drier, you'll still get rain about 10 days of the month - usually short, intense afternoon storms between 2-4pm that can flood streets in poorly-drained areas of Abidjan like Yopougon and Abobo for an hour or two. This makes afternoon scheduling unpredictable.
- August falls outside major festival periods - you'll miss the Fêtes des Masques (usually November-December) and the FEMUA music festival (April). The cultural calendar is relatively quiet, though neighborhood street parties and maquis (outdoor bar-restaurants) are always active on weekends.
Best Activities in August
Grand-Bassam Colonial Architecture and Beach Day
August weather is ideal for exploring Grand-Bassam, the former French colonial capital 40 km (25 miles) east of Abidjan. Temperatures peak around 28°C (82°F) with ocean breezes keeping things comfortable. The UNESCO-listed colonial quarter is walkable in the mornings before heat builds, and you can swim at Bassam beach in the afternoons when the Atlantic is calmer than other months. The combination of history and beach makes this perfect for August's variable weather - if rain threatens, duck into the Musée National du Costume or one of the beachfront maquis.
Abidjan Street Food Market Tours
August is mango season and the best time to experience Abidjan's food markets when tropical fruit is at its peak. The humidity actually works in your favor for market visits - vendors set up early (6-10am) when it's coolest, and you'll find the freshest produce before midday heat. Adjamé market and Marché de Cocody are overwhelming on first visit, so guided food walks help navigate the chaos while sampling grilled fish, aloko (fried plantains), and fresh coconut water. The short afternoon rains mean morning tours are most reliable.
Banco National Park Rainforest Walks
This 3,000-hectare rainforest sits right inside Abidjan's city limits, and August's moderate rainfall keeps it lush without turning trails into mud pits. Morning walks (7-10am) offer the best wildlife spotting - monkeys, forest birds, and butterflies are most active before the heat peaks. The canopy provides natural shade, making this one of the few outdoor activities comfortable during midday. The park's laundry village, where women wash clothes in the Banco River using traditional methods, is fascinating and photogenic in morning light.
Assinie Beach Resort Day Trips
Assinie, 100 km (62 miles) east of Abidjan, offers the country's best beach experience in August when Atlantic swells calm down and water visibility improves. The lagoon-meets-ocean geography means you can swim in both calm lagoon waters and gentle ocean waves. August's drier weather makes the 2-hour drive on the coastal road more pleasant, and midweek visits (Tuesday-Thursday) find nearly empty beaches. Several resorts offer day passes including beach access, pools, and lunch.
Abidjan Nightlife and Live Music Circuit
August evenings are actually perfect for experiencing Abidjan's legendary nightlife - temperatures drop to comfortable 23-24°C (73-75°F) and rain typically clears by 6pm. The Cocody and Marcory districts have dozens of maquis (outdoor bar-restaurants) with live zouglou and coupé-décalé music Thursday through Sunday. Zone 4 in Marcory is the epicenter, with venues packed from 10pm until 4am. The music scene is genuinely world-class and completely absent from most tourist itineraries.
Yamoussoukro Basilica and Presidential Palace Day Trip
The 240 km (149 mile) drive north to Yamoussoukro makes a fascinating day trip in August when roads are passable but not yet damaged by heavy September rains. The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace - larger than St. Peter's in Rome - is genuinely jaw-dropping and air-conditioned, making it perfect for hot afternoons. The presidential palace with its sacred crocodiles and the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Foundation museum provide context for understanding modern Ivory Coast. August's moderate weather makes the 5-6 hour round-trip drive more comfortable than during hotter months.
August Events & Festivals
Independence Day Celebrations
August 7th is Ivory Coast's Independence Day (Fête de l'Indépendance), marking independence from France in 1960. Abidjan hosts military parades in Plateau district, typically starting at the Palais de la Culture around 9am. Neighborhoods organize street parties with grilled meat, attiéké, and plenty of Flag beer. It's one of the few times you'll see the entire city shut down for celebration. The patriotic atmosphere is genuine and worth experiencing if your dates align.