Country Summary
This page presents high-level information for Sierra Leone's climate zones and its seasonal cycle for mean temperature and precipitation for the latest climatology, 1991-2020. Climate zone classifications are derived from the Köppen-Geiger climate classification system, which divides climates into five main climate groups divided based on seasonal precipitation and temperature patterns. The five main groups are A (tropical), B (dry), C (temperate), D (continental), and E (polar). All climates except for those in the E group are assigned a seasonal precipitation sub-group (second letter). Climate classifications are identified by hovering your mouse over the legend. A narrative overview of Sierra Leone's country context and climate is provided following the visualizations.
Sierra Leone is located in West Africa between the Republic of Guinea in the north and the Republic of Liberia to the southeast. The western border stretches for 465 kilometers along the Atlantic Ocean. It is situated in the northern hemisphere between latitudes 7° and 10° N and longitudes 10° and 13° W and spans for 72,325 square kilometers. Coastal plains, interior lowland plains, plateaus, hills, and mountains characterize Sierra Leone and the country is endowed with substantial natural resources: mineral deposits, fertile agricultural land, and a deep natural harbor. About 80-90% of over 7.9 million (2020) inhabitants reside in rural areas and most of the population derives their income from natural resources. Agriculture comprises the largest sector of the economy and employment. Climate change threatens food security and the livelihoods of most of the population. Changes in precipitation and temperature, increase in risks of droughts, floods, and increase in sea level effect the country’s agriculture, water, energy, infrastructure and coastal areas.