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Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 16 June 2026 by the Regional Report weather desk. Data from national met services via Open-Meteo.
Live data from Open-Meteo · updates automatically ·
Africa’s weather ranges from the Sahara’s blistering heat to the equatorial rainforests and the southern hemisphere’s seasonal shifts. The live forecast above shows current conditions for key regions, but a broad view helps travellers and residents plan ahead.
What is the weather like in Africa today?
Conditions vary enormously depending on latitude, altitude and proximity to the coast. The live forecast above gives the most up‑to‑date picture for major cities, but here are the general patterns for today:
- North Africa weather today – largely hot and dry across the Sahara, with coastal areas such as Morocco and Tunisia enjoying milder sea breezes. Daytime highs often exceed 35°C inland.
- West and Central Africa – the monsoon brings heavy showers to countries like Nigeria and Ghana, especially in the afternoon. Humidity remains high.
- East Africa – a mix of warm, dry conditions in Kenya and Tanzania’s highlands and humid, rainy spells near the coast and Lake Victoria.
- Southern Africa – winter is ending in the south, so South Africa weather is becoming warmer and drier, though Cape Town can still experience cool, wet fronts.
How does the weather change by season and region?
Africa’s climate is not uniform; the equator splits it into mirroring seasons, and the Sahara creates a stark dry belt. Understanding these patterns helps when checking the weather in Africa for 10 days or planning a trip.
- Africa weather by month – the northern hemisphere summer (June–August) brings extreme heat to the Sahel and Sahara, while southern Africa experiences its cool, dry winter. Conversely, December–February sees the south’s summer rains and the north’s milder winter.
- Africa weather September – a transitional month: the West African monsoon peaks, the Sahara remains very hot, and southern Africa begins to warm up ahead of its rainy season.
- Africa weather tomorrow – short‑term forecasts are best obtained from sources such as Africa weather BBC or the live panel above, as local conditions can shift rapidly with passing fronts.
Is it always hot in Africa?
No. While much of the continent is warm year‑round, high‑altitude areas such as the Ethiopian Highlands and Mount Kilimanjaro can be cold, and southern Africa has a distinct winter. Coastal regions like Cape Town can be cool and wet in July.
What is the rainy season in Africa?
It depends on location. West and Central Africa typically have a single long rainy season from April to October. East Africa has two rainy seasons (long rains March–May, short rains October–December). Southern Africa’s rains fall from October to March.
How does south Africa weather differ from north Africa?
South Africa weather is temperate, with warm summers and mild winters, and it lies in the southern hemisphere so seasons are reversed. North Africa weather today is generally hotter and drier, dominated by the Sahara, with very little rainfall year‑round.
For more local forecasts, see our UK weather hub or check the 10‑day forecast for the UK.