Grand-Bassam, Côte d'Ivoire: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Grand-Bassam, Côte d'Ivoire? If you're planning to go to Grand-Bassam, the following is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Grand-Bassam, Côte d'Ivoire

Based on the climate and weather in Grand-Bassam, Côte d'Ivoire, the best time to go is January. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Grand-Bassam, Côte d'Ivoire

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Grand-Bassam, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Grand-Bassam, Côte d'Ivoire by month

January

Traveling to Grand-Bassam in January, you will notice that it is constantly hot and dry with little rain. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Côte d'Ivoire has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Grand-Bassam may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Make sure to pick the necessary kind. A lot of adapters available online are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most countries.

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you see the Musée National du Costume, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

February

If you vacation in Grand-Bassam during February, you will probably notice that it is extremely hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 70s F (mid 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Côte d'Ivoire has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Grand-Bassam may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. It's important that you get the necessary type. Most adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

If you see the Musée National du Costume, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

March

If you visit Grand-Bassam during March, you might see that it is extremely hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 70s F (mid 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Côte d'Ivoire has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Grand-Bassam may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Be careful to get the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters available are just plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most locations.

If you see the Musée National du Costume, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

April

If you visit Grand-Bassam during April, you will probably find that it can be very hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 70s F (mid 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Côte d'Ivoire has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Grand-Bassam may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Be sure to pick the necessary type. A lot of adapters on sale are just plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

If you see the Musée National du Costume, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

May

If you are traveling to Grand-Bassam in May, you will notice that it is constantly hot. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Côte d'Ivoire has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Grand-Bassam may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Take care to choose the right kind. The majority of adapters available online are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

If you see the Musée National du Costume, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

June

If you are traveling to Grand-Bassam in June, you will notice that it is extremely warm. Expect it to rain most days. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Côte d'Ivoire has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Grand-Bassam may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. It's important that you get the right kind. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are just plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

If you see the Musée National du Costume, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

July

July in Grand-Bassam is hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) to low 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Côte d'Ivoire has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Grand-Bassam may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Take care to choose the necessary kind. The majority of adapters currently available are simply plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most locations.

If you see the Musée National du Costume, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

August

August here is hot. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Côte d'Ivoire has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Grand-Bassam may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Check that you get the correct kind. The majority of adapters for sale now are simply plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

If you see the Musée National du Costume, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

September

If you vacation in Grand-Bassam during September, you will probably find that it is hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Côte d'Ivoire has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Grand-Bassam may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Make sure to pick the right type. The vast majority of adapters on sale are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you see the Musée National du Costume, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

October

If you visit Grand-Bassam during October, you may notice that it is constantly hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Côte d'Ivoire has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Grand-Bassam may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Take care to find the right type. The vast majority of adapters on sale are simply plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you see the Musée National du Costume, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

November

In November, Grand-Bassam can be very hot. Temperatures routinely are in the high 80s F (low 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the 70s F (low 20s C). This is also a rainy time for Grand-Bassam, with several of the days of the month having rain. Additionally, it is breezy.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Côte d'Ivoire has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Grand-Bassam may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Check that you find the necessary type. Most adapters available are simply plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you see the Musée National du Costume, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

December

If you visit Grand-Bassam during December, you may notice that it can be sweltering. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Côte d'Ivoire has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Grand-Bassam may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. It's important that you get the right kind. The majority of adapters available online are just plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

If you see the Musée National du Costume, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

What to do in Grand-Bassam, Côte d'Ivoire

Located on the Gulf of Guinea, Grand-Bassam is a beautiful coastal town in Côte d'Ivoire, which is renowned for its stunning beaches, historical monuments, and cultural landmarks. The town, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracts tourists from all over the world who want to get a glimpse of its unique blend of colonial architecture and traditional African culture. In this article, we are going to take a look at the top tourist attractions in Grand-Bassam.

1. The National Costume Museum

The National Costume Museum is one of the main tourist attractions in Grand-Bassam. Opened in 1998, the museum showcases the traditional clothing of the various ethnic groups in Côte d'Ivoire. Visitors can see fascinating displays of elaborate headdresses, brightly-colored fabrics, and intricate jewelry worn by the different tribes. The museum also hosts cultural performances and exhibitions that give visitors a glimpse of the country's rich cultural heritage.

2. The Historical Museum

The Historical Museum in Grand-Bassam is another must-see attraction. Housed in a former governor's residence, the museum offers insights into Côte d'Ivoire's colonial past. The exhibits include photographs, documents, and artifacts that highlight the country's history, including the slave trade and the struggle for independence.

3. The French Colonial Neighborhood

As a former French colonial capital, Grand-Bassam is home to many impressive colonial buildings that have been carefully preserved. Visitors can take a stroll around the stunning colonial neighborhood and admire the architecture, which includes imposing government buildings, elegant villas, and quaint chapels.

4. The Assinie-Mafia Beaches

One of the biggest draws of Grand-Bassam is its stunning coastal landscape. The Assinie-Mafia Beaches, which are about an hour's drive away from the town, are a favorite spot for tourists looking to soak up the sun and enjoy the turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can try their hand at water sports like jet-skiing, surfing or take a relaxing boat ride along the picturesque coastline.

5. The Sacred Forest of Osse River

The Sacred Forest of Osse River is a unique site that offers visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty of Côte d'Ivoire. Here you'll find an expanse of lush greenery and tall trees that are home to a range of exotic flora and fauna. Located close to Grand Bassam, the forest is a popular destination for tourists who enjoy hiking or birdwatching.

In conclusion, Grand-Bassam is a unique and fascinating destination that offers a blend of history, culture and stunning natural beauty. Whether you're looking to explore the town's colonial architecture, learn about traditional Ivorian culture, or simply relax on its beaches, this coastal town has something for everyone. So, if you're planning a trip to Ivory Coast, be sure to include Grand-Bassam on your itinerary.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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