Everyone talks about Detty December, and with good reason. But if you ask locals, November is a month worth a closer look. The southern rains are winding down, the dry season is starting, and the Volta Region has a festival weekend that pairs perfectly with a week of waterfalls, mountains and lake views.
Here’s how to make the most of November in Ghana.
Why November?
Dry season is starting. In the south, the rainy seasons are roughly April to June and September to October. The dry season, the most popular time to visit, runs roughly November to March. (Up north there’s one rainy season, roughly May to September.)
It’s usually before the Harmattan haze. The dusty Harmattan haze is most common from December to February, so November usually comes before it settles in.
It’s before the December peak. December is peak festive season, and it’s when many diaspora visitors come home. If flights are your biggest worry, it’s worth comparing fares outside the December rush.
As ever, the weather does its own thing, so pack for the odd shower.
Hogbetsotso: first Saturday of November, Anloga
The Hogbetsotso festival takes place in Anloga, in the Volta Region, usually on the first Saturday of November. In 2026 that falls on Saturday 7 November. Confirm locally before you book, as festival dates can move.
Hogbetsotso, the Anlo Ewe festival of exodus, remembers the escape of the Anlo people from the walled town of Notsie, in present-day Togo, and its tyrannical king Agorkoli. Tradition says they walked out backwards so their footprints would mislead pursuers. Today the day centres on a grand durbar of chiefs in Anloga, the Atrikpui war dance and Agbadza drumming and dancing.
Festival dates can shift, so check our events calendar and confirm locally before you book. For background on Ghana’s festivals and tips on attending respectfully, read our Ghana festivals guide.
Make it a Volta week
If you’re heading to Anloga, you’re already in one of Ghana’s most beautiful regions, so stay a while. Our seven-day Volta Region adventure covers:
- Wli Falls
- Mount Afadjato
- Lake Volta
The itinerary page has timings and tips. You have to see Volta for yourself.
Add the coast or Accra
Got more than a week? Combine itineraries:
- Three days in Cape Coast and Elmina: the castles and the Kakum canopy walk. Read more in our guides to Cape Coast and Elmina castles and Kakum National Park.
- One day in Accra: a perfect start or finish, since most international flights arrive at Kotoka International Airport (ACC). It’s also a good excuse to dive into Ghana’s music scene.
All three are on our itineraries page.
Staying into early December?
The first Friday of December is Farmers’ Day, a national holiday. In 2026 that is Friday 4 December. Stay a little longer and you’ll catch the start of December’s festive season in Accra and along the coast.
Before you go: the essentials
- Visa: Most visitors need a visa or entry permit, depending on your passport. Rules, fees and processing times change, so confirm on the official Ghana Immigration Service website or with the Ghana embassy or high commission in your country. Only apply through official channels.
- Health: Ghana requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for entry. Malaria is present, so talk to a travel clinic or GP well before you travel.
- Safety: Check your government’s current travel advice for Ghana before and during your trip. See also our safety guide.
- Money: The currency is the Ghana cedi (GHS). Larger hotels, restaurants and malls take cards, but carry cash for markets, taxis and smaller places.
- Staying connected: Either get a local SIM (ID registration needed on arrival) or buy a travel eSIM before you fly, such as Vibqo’s Ghana eSIM, so you have data from the moment you land. Your phone must support eSIM and be carrier-unlocked.
- Plugs and time: Plugs are mostly UK-style 3-pin (type G), plus type D, at 230V. Ghana is on GMT all year.
There’s more in our full Plan a trip to Ghana guide.
Want help planning?
Send us your dates, group size and interests through the Plan my trip form, by email at info@cometoghana.com, or on WhatsApp, and a person from our team will reply with ideas. It’s free, with no obligation.
And follow @_cometoghana on TikTok for more insider tips. Akwaaba!
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