When the skies open up in Ghana—especially during the major rainy seasons from April to July and September to November—Accra’s streets can quickly turn chaotic. Flash floods, traffic gridlocks, and health hazards become part of daily life. Whether you’re a resident, visitor, or daily commuter, knowing which areas to avoid during the rainy season in Ghana can save you time, money, and even your safety.
In this guide, we highlight 8 flood-prone areas in Accra that are best avoided when the rains come down.
Rainy Season vs. Harmattan: Ghana’s Two Seasonal Extremes
Unlike the humid and flood-prone rainy period, Harmattan season arrives with dry winds, dust, and cooler mornings, typically between December and February. This is part of the dry season in Ghana, when visibility drops due to Saharan dust, but there’s very little rainfall. Roads are dry, and flooding isn’t a concern.
So while the rainy season in Ghana comes with waterlogged streets and slippery conditions, Harmattan brings dryness, cracked skin, and haze, often causing respiratory discomfort. Yet, many locals actually prefer Harmattan over the rainy season, simply because movement around Accra becomes easier and traffic isn’t paralyzed by floodwaters.
Understanding the contrast between these two weather extremes is crucial, especially if you’re planning a trip and wondering about the best time to go to Ghana.
8 Places to Avoid in Accra During the Rainy Season in Ghana
1. Circle (Kwame Nkrumah Interchange)
© Goldenwabbit/Wikimedia – CC BY-SA 4.0
Kwame Nkrumah Interchange, commonly known as Circle, is one of Accra’s busiest transportation and commercial zones. On a normal day, it’s bustling with trotro stations, street vendors, and chaotic traffic. But during the rainy season, it becomes nearly impassable.
Poor drainage frequently leads to knee-deep flooding. Cars stall, pedestrians wade through murky water, and vendors scramble to save their wares. Severe floods in the past have even caused accidents and electrocutions, making Circle a high-risk zone during downpours.
Avoid it: Want to dodge hours in traffic or getting stranded in floodwater? Stay away from Circle during heavy rain. If you absolutely must pass through, check out how to avoid traffic jams in Accra or consider using Okadas (motorbike taxis) for quicker mobility.
2. Odawna / Kwame Nkrumah Circle Drainage Zone
Adjacent to Circle lies Odawna, home to the often-overflowing Odaw River. This area floods with alarming regularity during the rainy season, endangering property, vehicles, and public health due to contaminated floodwaters.
The tragic June 3rd, 2015 disaster, where over 150 people died in a fuel station explosion amid flooding, stands as a grim reminder of the dangers in this area.
Avoid it: If you live or work near Odawna, plan alternate routes during rainy days—and never underestimate the power of fast-rising water.
© Fquasie /Wikimedia – CC BY-SA 4.0
3. Kaneshie Market and First Light Area
A key commercial district, Kaneshie market is notorious for flooding. The market and roads around First Light often become unwalkable after a storm. Slippery surfaces, open drains, and fast-flowing water increase the risk of injury.
Traffic along the Kaneshie–Mallam stretch becomes nightmarish, turning short commutes into hours-long delays.
Avoid it: If you can, postpone trips to Kaneshie during rainstorms. If not, wear sturdy footwear and check the forecast before heading out.
4. Darkuman-Kokompe
This area is popular for spare parts and vehicle repairs, but it becomes a swampy mess when it rains. Flooded paths, open gutters, and deep potholes make navigation risky for both pedestrians and vehicles.
Because it’s a commercial area focused on vehicle servicing, you’ll find oil and grease mixing with floodwater—a hazardous combination for slipping and contamination.
Avoid it: Don’t visit Kokompe during or immediately after heavy rain unless absolutely necessary. If you do, proceed cautiously and with waterproof footwear.
Rain during Howowo Festival. © Benson Ibeabuchi/Wikimedia – CC BY-SA 4.0
5. Tema Motorway
The Tema Motorway is a major highway connecting Accra to Tema, but it has drainage issues. During heavy rains, certain stretches become waterlogged, causing vehicles to hydroplane or break down entirely. Accidents are common, especially around the Ashaiman and Kpone sections.
Moreover, visibility drops drastically in the rain, and potholes become hidden hazards. Traffic enforcement is minimal during bad weather, so you’re often on your own in dangerous conditions.
Avoid it: If there’s a major storm, postpone travel on the motorway. Listen to traffic reports and wait until conditions improve.
6. Achimota and Tesano
These two neighborhoods are largely residential but include important roads like the Nsawam Road, which connects various parts of Accra. During the rainy season, poor drainage and ongoing construction projects in these areas lead to severe flooding.
Achimota’s main road, which connects to the Accra-Kumasi highway, is particularly vulnerable. Tesano also sees significant build-up of water, especially near the Police Training School and GBC junction.
Avoid it: If you must travel through these zones, check in advance for weather and traffic updates. Otherwise, use alternate routes through more elevated parts of the city.
7. Avenor / Abosey Okai
Both areas are dense with mechanic shops, scrap dealers, and metal works businesses. Rain turns their already-challenging terrain into dangerous sludge pits. Open gutters and broken sidewalks make the area dangerous to navigate. Cars and motorbikes struggle with grip, and pedestrians can easily fall or get injured.
Avoid it: Avoid these areas on rainy days unless you have protective footwear and know the terrain well.
8. East Legon – Underbridge Area
East Legon is known as an affluent neighborhood, but parts of it—especially around the underbridge and towards the Adjiringanor stretch—are notorious for flash floods. These are caused by poor urban planning, clogged drains, and unchecked development.
During downpours, cars can get stuck or damaged, and movement comes to a standstill. The water level can rise quickly, catching drivers and residents off guard.
© Fquasie/Wikimedia – CC BY-SA 4.0
Avoid it: Stick to the main roads and elevated routes. If possible, delay your commute or switch to safer transport modes like ride-hailing apps with experienced local drivers.
Seasons in Ghana: When Is the Best Time to Travel to Ghana?
Ghana experiences two main seasons: The rainy season, which occurs twice a year:
- April to July (major)
- September to November (minor)
- The dry season, which includes the Harmattan period from December to February and continues into March with hot, dry weather.
In simple terms: Ghana has two rainy seasons and two dry seasons, alternating throughout the year.
Best Time to Visit Ghana
So, when is the best time to travel to Ghana? Most travelers agree that the dry season (December to March) is the best time to visit Ghana, especially if you want to explore Accra, go on safari, or attend festivals like Chale Wote or Afrochella.
The dry season offers clear skies, less humidity, and fewer travel disruptions, making it ideal for sightseeing, road trips, and beach visits.
Cheapest Time to Visit Ghana
If you’re on a budget and wondering about the cheapest time to visit Ghana, consider the minor rainy season (September to early November). While you may face occasional downpours, flight and hotel prices are generally lower, and crowds are fewer. Just avoid flood-prone areas in Accra, as described below.
Rainy Season Safety Tips for Accra
- Check the weather forecast before stepping out.
- Avoid driving or walking through floodwaters—they’re deeper and more dangerous than they seem.
- Wear waterproof shoes or boots with a strong grip.
- Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle (torchlight, power bank, water, spare clothes).
- Don’t park in low-lying areas or near uncovered drains.
- Follow real-time updates via Citi FM, Joy News, GhanaWeb, or local traffic apps.
