In heavy rain, slow down, double your following distance, switch on your dipped headlights, and never drive into floodwater when you cannot tell how deep it is. The city sits on low, fairly flat ground, and its drains struggle after intense downpours, so streets can go from wet to impassable quickly. Preparing the car before the rains, knowing how water affects braking and steering, and having a plan for when a road is blocked are the habits that matter most.
When the rain comes
Climate averages for the city show a wet period centred on May and June, with June the wettest month at roughly 190 mm on average, May at about 150 mm, and a smaller rise in April and again around October. Annual rainfall averages just under 800 mm, based on 1991 to 2020 records for Accra's airport. Those are long-term averages, not forecasts, and a single storm can drop a large share of a month's rain in a few hours. The first heavy storms after a dry spell tend to be the most slippery, because the water lifts oil and dust that have built up on the road surface. Check the Ghana Meteorological Agency's forecasts when a storm is expected, and consider delaying a journey if a severe warning is out.
Before the rains: a quick car check
| Item | What to look at |
|---|---|
| Tyres | Visible tread depth and correct pressure; worn tyres lose grip rapidly on wet roads |
| Wipers | Blades that smear or squeak should be replaced; check the washer fluid |
| Lights | Headlights, brake lights and indicators all working and clean |
| Brakes | No pulling to one side or soft feel; have them checked if unsure |
| Battery | Starts cleanly; damp conditions expose weak batteries |
| Demisting | Air conditioning or heater clears the windscreen quickly |
| Insurance | Know what your policy covers; third-party cover does not pay for damage to your own car |
A roadworthiness certificate is a legal document, not a guarantee, so do your own check as well. If you are still learning, ask your instructor for a wet-weather lesson; see choosing a driving school for what a good course includes.
Driving techniques in heavy rain
- Reduce speed early. Stopping distances grow on wet surfaces, so ease off before bends and junctions rather than braking late.
- Brake gently and in a straight line. Sudden braking can lock the wheels or cause a skid.
- Beware of standing water. A fast pass through a puddle can cause aquaplaning, where the tyres ride on a film of water and steering goes light. If it happens, lift off the accelerator and hold the wheel steady.
- Keep your lights on. Dipped headlights help other road users see you, even in daytime.
- Watch for pedestrians and motorbikes. People rush for shelter, and riders may swerve to avoid spray or potholes.
- Leave more room around trotros and trucks, which throw up spray and stop without warning.
- Do not use your phone for any reason while driving; the 2026 regulations set penalties for it, summarised in our guide to fines and road rules.
Floodwater: the decisions that matter
In a city with low-lying districts and open drains, flooding is the hazard that sets heavy rain apart. Water tends to collect around major drains and underpasses, and areas such as those near Circle and Kaneshie have been reported to flood in severe storms, though conditions change from year to year. Treat these as places to approach carefully rather than as a fixed list.
- If you cannot see the road surface, do not enter. Open drains, missing manhole covers and deep potholes can sit invisibly under brown water.
- Do not follow someone else through. A tall truck can cross water that would swamp a small car.
- If water is deeper than the bottom of your doors, turn around. Moving water pushes a car sideways long before it looks dangerous, and deeper water can lift it off the road.
- Drive slowly and steadily through shallow flooding, without stopping, and keep revs up. Test your brakes lightly afterwards by pressing gently while moving.
- Never restart an engine that has stalled in deep water. Water inside the engine can wreck it. Leave it, and arrange a tow.
The 2026 regulations were reported as requiring vehicle owners to subscribe to a towing service or hold insurance that includes towing, which is worth knowing before the season starts. Our guide to driving in the city has more on routes and timing.
If you get stuck
If the water is rising around the car, get out while you still can and move to higher ground. Do not stay inside a car that is starting to float. If you break down or crash, switch on your hazard lights, and call 112, the national emergency number, if anyone is hurt or in danger. After a flood, have the car inspected before you drive it again, because electrical systems, brakes and the gearbox can all suffer.
Rain is not the only seasonal factor
In the dry months, dust and harmattan haze can reduce visibility, and the same advice applies: slow down, use dipped headlights and keep a larger gap in front. Heat also puts strain on tyres and batteries, so keep pressures correct year-round.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the rainy season in Accra?
Climate averages show the heaviest rain in May and June, with a smaller rise in April and around October. Individual storms can occur outside these months.
Is it safe to drive through floodwater?
Not if you cannot judge the depth. Hidden drains, potholes and moving water can disable or sweep away a car. Turn around or wait.
Should I use hazard lights in heavy rain while moving?
Use dipped headlights while moving. Hazard lights are better kept for when your vehicle is stopped and needs to be seen.
Does my insurance cover flood damage?
Third-party cover pays for harm to others, not for your own vehicle. Check with your insurer whether your policy covers flood damage.
What should I do if my engine stalls in water?
Do not restart it. Get to safety, call for a tow and have the engine inspected before it is used again.