Liberia - Things to Do in Liberia in August

Liberia in August

August weather, activities, events & insider tips

August Weather in Liberia

25°C (77°F) High Temp
20°C (68°F) Low Temp
51 mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall
70% Humidity

Is August Right for You?

Advantages

  • Perfect beach weather with 25°C (77°F) highs and minimal rainfall - ideal for Robertsport surfing and coastal activities
  • Mango season peaks in August - roadside vendors sell perfect Julie mangoes for L$25-50 each, and locals gather for community mango festivals
  • Dry forest wildlife viewing is exceptional as animals congregate around remaining water sources in Sapo National Park
  • Cultural calendar comes alive with county meet celebrations and traditional storytelling sessions during evening hours when temperatures drop to comfortable 20°C (68°F)

Considerations

  • Infrastructure challenges intensify with 51 mm (2.0 inches) of August rainfall causing muddy roads outside Monrovia, making rural travel require 4WD vehicles
  • Power outages increase during rainy periods affecting air conditioning in budget accommodations - expect 2-4 hour daily outages
  • Limited flight options as August sits in low tourist season with only Belgium Airlines offering reliable international connections

Best Activities in August

Robertsport Surfing and Beach Activities

August brings consistent 1-2 meter swells and offshore winds perfect for both beginners and experienced surfers. Water temperature stays warm at 24°C (75°F) while avoiding the heavier rains of June-July. Local surf instructors are most available during low season, and accommodation rates drop 30-40% from peak season.

Booking Tip: Book surfboard rentals and lessons 3-5 days ahead through guesthouses. Expect to pay L$2,500-4,000 per day for board rental and basic instruction. Look for operators with proper safety equipment and local community connections.

Sapo National Park Wildlife Tracking

Dry season wildlife viewing reaches its peak as forest elephants, pygmy hippos, and over 500 bird species concentrate around permanent water sources. Reduced canopy coverage from dry conditions improves animal spotting opportunities. Morning temperatures of 20°C (68°F) make early tracking comfortable before afternoon humidity rises.

Booking Tip: Arrange 2-3 day camping expeditions through licensed eco-guides typically costing L$15,000-25,000 per person including meals and permits. Book minimum 2 weeks ahead as park access requires advance coordination with Forestry Development Authority.

Monrovia Cultural Walking Tours

August's variable weather creates perfect morning touring conditions before afternoon showers. This is storytelling season when elders gather in community centers sharing oral histories. this destination buzzes with seasonal produce, and the Banjul hosts special August exhibitions on Liberian independence themes.

Booking Tip: Self-guided walking is ideal, but hiring local cultural guides through community organizations costs L$3,000-5,000 for half-day experiences. Focus on morning hours 8am-11am before humidity peaks. Always carry rain protection for sudden 20-30 minute downpours.

Traditional Iron Ore Mine Historical Tours

August provides optimal conditions for exploring Liberia's mining heritage sites around Bong County. Cooler mornings allow comfortable hiking to historical Bomi Hills and Mano River sites. Local communities organize storytelling sessions about mining history, particularly active during August community gatherings.

Booking Tip: Contact Bong County tourism office 1-2 weeks ahead for authorized site access. Tours typically cost L$8,000-12,000 per group including transport from Monrovia (120 km/75 miles). Verify road conditions before booking as recent rains can affect accessibility.

Kpatawee Waterfall Adventures

August water levels are ideal for swimming and photography after July rains have filled the falls but before October flood conditions. The 45-minute hike through tropical forest is most comfortable during August's moderate humidity. Local communities organize traditional blessing ceremonies at the falls during August full moon periods.

Booking Tip: Coordinate with Bong County guides for the 3 km (1.9 mile) forest approach - expect L$4,000-6,000 for guided day trips from nearest village. Pack waterproof bags as afternoon showers are common. Swimming is safest during morning visits.

August Events & Festivals

Throughout August weekends

County Meet Celebrations

Traditional gatherings where Liberian communities reconnect with their county origins through storytelling, traditional music, and shared meals. Features authentic country cooking, tribal dances, and elder-led historical presentations about pre-war community life.

Mid to Late August

Mango Festival Community Gatherings

Informal village celebrations marking peak mango harvest season with communal fruit sharing, traditional preservation demonstrations, and local variety tastings. Particularly busy in Grand Bassa and Margibi counties where century-old mango trees produce exceptional fruit.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry synthetic pants - cotton stays wet too long in 70% humidity and frequent brief showers
Waterproof phone case - afternoon downpours happen unexpectedly and electronics are expensive to replace locally
SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index of 8 requires serious protection, and quality sunscreen costs 3x US prices in Monrovia
Headlamp with extra batteries - power outages are common and street lighting outside Monrovia is minimal
Water purification tablets - municipal water quality varies and bottled water isn't always available in rural areas
Antimalarial medication started 2 weeks before arrival - August mosquito activity increases with humidity
Lightweight merino wool socks - prevent foot fungus in humid conditions and dry faster than cotton
Cash in small US bills - many places don't accept cards and change for large bills is often unavailable
Portable power bank - charge devices during power availability windows to avoid dead batteries during outages
Mosquito net and DEET repellent - evening humidity brings increased insect activity after 6pm

Insider Knowledge

Visit local mechanics' shops on Tubman Boulevard for reliable motorbike taxi contacts - they know which drivers maintain their bikes properly for rural trips
Buy fresh bread before 10am at Lebanese-owned bakeries - afternoon humidity affects quality and popular items sell out by noon
Negotiate accommodation rates on arrival rather than online booking - August low season means managers have flexibility for 20-30% discounts
Follow local weather patterns: morning activities 7am-11am, indoor rest 11am-3pm during peak humidity, evening activities after 4pm when temperatures drop to 22°C (72°F)

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming afternoon rain will last hours - August showers typically last 20-30 minutes then clear completely, so don't cancel outdoor plans
Overpacking heavy rain gear - lightweight protection is sufficient as August rainfall is moderate compared to June-July deluges
Booking accommodation far from generators - verify backup power availability as August humidity makes rooms uncomfortable during 2-4 hour daily outages

Activities in Liberia