Cameroon, located in Central Africa, offers an impressive range of weather patterns, owing to its diverse geography. The country has everything from coastal plains along the Atlantic Ocean to highland regions, savannas, and deserts. As a result, the weather varies significantly across regions, with tropical, arid, and temperate climates all in one country. This diverse climate makes Cameroon an ideal destination for various outdoor activities throughout the year, though the weather conditions can make certain months more suitable for specific types of travel.
Cameroon’s climate is typically divided into two main seasons: the wet season and the dry season. These seasons are influenced by factors such as altitude, proximity to the equator, and distance from the coast. The wet season usually occurs from March to October, while the dry season lasts from November to February.
January: The Heart of the Dry Season
General Overview
January is one of the driest months in Cameroon, especially in the northern and central regions. The Harmattan winds, which blow in from the Sahara, bring hot, dry air to the northern and central parts of the country, making it one of the hottest months of the year. In the southern regions, including the coastal cities like Douala, the weather is warm, though slightly more humid. While the northern savannas remain dry, the southern parts experience moderate rainfall, but still relatively less than during the wet season.
Temperature and Rainfall
In January, the northern regions experience scorching temperatures, with highs regularly exceeding 35°C (95°F). The coastal areas are somewhat cooler, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F). The western highlands, such as Bafoussam and Bamenda, enjoy moderate temperatures averaging around 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F). The northern regions see little to no rainfall, while the central and southern areas experience sporadic light rain, particularly along the coast.
Regional Variations
The far north, including cities like Garoua and Maroua, experiences dry conditions with high temperatures. Coastal regions like Douala and Limbe are still humid but see much less rain than during the wet season. The central region, including Yaoundé, has warm temperatures with occasional light showers, while the western highlands, such as Bafoussam and Bamenda, remain cooler and mostly dry.
February: Dry and Warm
General Overview
February remains a dry and warm month for most of Cameroon, especially in the north and central regions. The Harmattan continues to influence the northern regions, keeping the air dry and the temperatures high. The southern regions experience slightly more rain than in January, but overall, February is still a relatively dry month. Travelers will find that the dry conditions in the northern savannas make it a good month for exploring the region’s landscapes and wildlife.
Temperature and Rainfall
Temperatures in the northern regions of Cameroon can reach up to 38°C (100°F), with minimal rainfall. The coastal cities, such as Douala, experience temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F) with high humidity but little rain. In the western highlands, temperatures range from 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F), and rainfall remains light. Some areas may experience brief showers in the southern regions, but the intensity of the rain is still quite low.
Regional Variations
In the northern savanna regions, such as Garoua and Maroua, temperatures soar with little to no rainfall. The central regions, including Yaoundé and the coastal cities like Douala, experience dry conditions, though the humidity is still high. The western highlands, including cities like Bafoussam and Bamenda, see moderate temperatures, with some rain showers in the late afternoons.
March: Transition Toward the Wet Season
General Overview
March marks the transition toward the wet season in Cameroon. While the northern regions remain dry, the southern and central parts of the country begin to see increasing rainfall. This is a transitional month, where the rains are still light but the weather starts to shift toward the wetter months. Although travel in the northern regions remains easy due to the dry weather, the southern parts begin to experience more frequent rain showers.
Temperature and Rainfall
Temperatures in March in the northern regions continue to hover around 35°C (95°F), with dry conditions prevailing. In the central and southern regions, temperatures range from 24°C to 30°C (75°F to 86°F), and rainfall starts to increase, particularly in the southern coastal regions like Douala. Rainfall totals can range from 50mm to 100mm in these areas, while the northern regions remain arid and warm.
Regional Variations
In the north, including cities like Maroua and Garoua, the weather remains hot and dry. In the central region, including Yaoundé, rainfall increases slightly, marking the start of the wet season, though it’s still not heavy. The coastal regions, such as Douala and Limbe, begin to see more rain, signaling the start of the rainy season. The western highlands also experience some rain showers.
April: The Start of the Wet Season
General Overview
April marks the official beginning of the wet season in Cameroon, especially in the southern and central regions. The rains become more frequent and intense, particularly in the coastal and highland areas. In the northern regions, the dry, hot conditions persist. The southern and central regions begin to experience daily afternoon rain showers and thunderstorms. This month is a transition from the dry, dusty period to a more humid, rainy environment.
Temperature and Rainfall
In April, temperatures in the northern regions can reach 38°C (100°F) with little to no rainfall. In the central and coastal regions, temperatures range from 24°C to 30°C (75°F to 86°F), and rainfall increases, particularly in cities like Yaoundé, Douala, and Limbe. The rain can be intense, especially in the coastal and western highland regions, where rainfall can reach up to 200mm in some areas.
Regional Variations
In the northern regions, the weather remains hot and dry with little rainfall. The central and southern regions, including Yaoundé, Douala, and Kribi, see much more rainfall, with thunderstorms becoming a regular occurrence. The western highlands, including cities like Bafoussam, begin to experience more consistent rainfall, though temperatures remain moderate and pleasant.
May: Heavy Rains and Warm Temperatures
General Overview
May is one of the wettest months in Cameroon, particularly in the central, southern, and coastal regions. The rains are frequent and intense, causing the risk of flooding in some urban areas. The northern regions continue to experience dry and hot conditions. As the wet season intensifies, the southern and central parts of the country experience prolonged rainstorms, and daily rainfall becomes a regular feature.
Temperature and Rainfall
In May, the temperatures in the northern regions remain high, with daytime highs often exceeding 35°C (95°F). In the central and southern regions, temperatures range from 23°C to 29°C (73°F to 84°F). The rainfall in the southern regions can exceed 300mm, with heavy rain and thunderstorms becoming common. The western highlands also experience substantial rainfall during this time.
Regional Variations
The northern regions of Cameroon, such as Maroua and Garoua, continue to experience dry and hot conditions. The central and southern regions, particularly cities like Yaoundé and Douala, experience heavy rainfall and higher humidity levels. The western highlands, including Bafoussam and Bamenda, receive consistent rainfall, contributing to the lush green landscape but also making travel more challenging due to muddy roads.
June: Peak of the Wet Season
General Overview
June is the peak of the wet season in Cameroon. The southern and central regions receive the heaviest rainfall, with thunderstorms and downpours frequent throughout the month. The northern parts of the country continue to experience hot and dry weather, while the southern regions struggle with high humidity and daily rainfall. This is one of the most challenging months for travel in Cameroon, especially in the rain-prone areas of the southwest and central highlands.
Temperature and Rainfall
In June, temperatures in the northern regions remain hot, with highs reaching 40°C (104°F). In the central and southern regions, temperatures are more moderate, ranging from 23°C to 28°C (73°F to 82°F). The rainfall is at its peak in the southern regions, with cities like Douala, Limbe, and Kribi receiving rainfall amounts upwards of 300mm. The western highlands, including Bafoussam and Bamenda, also receive significant rainfall, making it a lush but wet month.
Regional Variations
The northern regions, including Garoua and Maroua, continue to experience dry and hot conditions, with little to no rainfall. The central and southern regions, including Yaoundé, Douala, and Limbe, experience heavy rainfall and high humidity, while the western highlands experience consistent rainfall, making this a great time to visit for those interested in the lush green landscapes.
July: Continuing Wet Conditions
General Overview
July is another month dominated by the wet season in Cameroon, particularly in the central and southern regions. Thunderstorms and heavy rain continue to affect the landscape, making outdoor activities difficult in some areas. The northern parts of Cameroon remain dry and hot, offering a stark contrast to the humidity and rainfall in the southern and central regions. Flooding remains a risk in the southern regions, and transportation may be disrupted due to heavy rains.
Temperature and Rainfall
In July, temperatures in the northern regions continue to rise, with highs around 37°C (99°F). In the central and southern regions, temperatures range from 23°C to 28°C (73°F to 82°F), with daily rainstorms and humidity levels high. The southern regions, such as Douala and Limbe, experience heavy rainfall, with totals often surpassing 300mm. The western highlands also see significant rainfall, though temperatures remain slightly cooler compared to the rest of the country.
Regional Variations
The northern regions, including cities like Maroua and Garoua, remain dry and hot, with very little rainfall. The central and coastal regions, including Yaoundé, Douala, and Limbe, experience heavy rainfall, and the western highlands, including Bafoussam and Bamenda, remain lush with ongoing rainstorms. This is a challenging month for travel in the southern and western parts of the country.
August: End of the Wet Season
General Overview
August marks the end of the peak wet season in Cameroon, and the rains begin to decrease toward the end of the month. However, the southern and coastal regions still experience regular rainfall, while the northern parts remain dry and hot. As the month progresses, travel conditions in the southern and central regions begin to improve, though the humidity remains high, especially in the coastal areas.
Temperature and Rainfall
Temperatures in the northern regions remain high, with daytime temperatures of 35°C to 40°C (95°F to 104°F). In the central and southern regions, temperatures range from 23°C to 28°C (73°F to 82°F), with decreasing rainfall as the month progresses. Coastal cities like Douala experience occasional rain, though the rain is less intense than in the earlier months of the wet season.
Regional Variations
In the northern regions, such as Garoua and Maroua, the weather remains dry and hot, with no significant rainfall. The central and southern regions, particularly Yaoundé and Douala, see less rain, though humidity remains high. The western highlands experience a decrease in rainfall, making it a great time for outdoor exploration in places like Bafoussam and Bamenda.
September: Transition to the Dry Season
General Overview
September marks the transition from the wet season to the dry season in many regions of Cameroon. The rains begin to diminish, especially in the southern and central regions, though some areas may still experience occasional downpours. The northern regions remain dry and hot, and the overall weather improves for travel, particularly in the central and northern savannas. As the wet season begins to wane, the northern and central parts of the country become more accessible for exploration.
Temperature and Rainfall
In September, temperatures in the northern regions remain high, with daytime temperatures of 35°C to 40°C (95°F to 104°F). In the southern and central regions, temperatures range from 23°C to 28°C (73°F to 82°F), with rainfall decreasing, though occasional showers are still possible. The coastal regions, such as Douala, experience less rain, while the western highlands see a mix of drier weather and intermittent rain.
Regional Variations
In the northern regions, such as Garoua and Maroua, the weather remains dry, with no significant rainfall. The central and coastal regions experience less rainfall, particularly towards the end of the month. The western highlands experience occasional showers, but overall, the weather is more favorable for travel during this time.
October: The Start of the Wet Season
General Overview
October marks the return of the wet season in Cameroon, especially in the southern and central regions. The rain returns in full force, particularly along the coast and in the western highlands, where frequent thunderstorms and daily rain showers become common. The northern regions remain dry, but humidity levels begin to rise. This is a month of transition, and while the rains increase in the south, they are still lighter than in the peak wet season months.
Temperature and Rainfall
In October, temperatures in the northern regions remain hot, with highs of 38°C (100°F) or more. The central and southern regions experience temperatures ranging from 23°C to 28°C (73°F to 82°F), with rainfall returning, especially in cities like Douala and Limbe. Monthly rainfall totals can exceed 200mm, particularly in coastal areas. The western highlands, such as Bamenda and Bafoussam, experience moderate rainfall as the wet season begins to intensify.
Regional Variations
In the northern regions, the weather remains dry, with little rainfall. The central and coastal regions experience a marked increase in rain, while the western highlands see a return to the wet conditions. The northern parts of Cameroon, such as Maroua and Garoua, remain dry, providing good travel opportunities for those looking to visit the savannas and more arid landscapes.
November: Full Onset of the Wet Season
General Overview
November is one of the wettest months of the year in Cameroon. The southern and central regions experience heavy rainfall, and the country faces its peak wet season. The northern regions continue to remain dry, with minimal rainfall. This is the time when travel in the southern and coastal regions can become more difficult due to floods, muddy roads, and persistent rainstorms.
Temperature and Rainfall
In November, temperatures in the northern regions remain high, with temperatures exceeding 35°C (95°F). In the central and southern regions, temperatures range from 23°C to 28°C (73°F to 82°F), and rainfall is at its peak in the southern coastal areas, including Douala, with totals often exceeding 300mm. The western highlands also experience significant rainfall, contributing to lush vegetation but creating difficult conditions for travel.
Regional Variations
The northern regions, including Garoua and Maroua, remain dry, while the southern and coastal regions, such as Douala and Limbe, experience heavy rain. The western highlands, including cities like Bamenda and Bafoussam, experience frequent rainfall, making it a great month for seeing lush landscapes but a challenging time for travel.
December: The Peak of the Wet Season
General Overview
December marks the peak of the wet season in Cameroon, particularly in the southern and coastal regions. The rains are frequent, and the humidity levels are high, making travel in these areas difficult. The northern regions remain dry, but the southern parts face intense rainfall and frequent storms, especially along the coast. December is a time when flooding and transportation disruptions are common, particularly in urban areas.
Temperature and Rainfall
In December, temperatures in the northern regions remain high, with highs of around 35°C to 40°C (95°F to 104°F). In the southern regions, temperatures are moderate, ranging from 23°C to 28°C (73°F to 82°F), with heavy rainfall, especially in cities like Douala, Limbe, and Kribi. Monthly rainfall totals often exceed 300mm in coastal areas. The western highlands experience heavy rainfall, contributing to lush vegetation but also making travel more challenging.
Regional Variations
In the northern regions, such as Maroua and Garoua, the weather remains dry, while the central and southern regions, particularly Yaoundé, Douala, and Kribi, experience heavy rainfall. The western highlands, including cities like Bamenda and Bafoussam, also experience heavy rain and high humidity levels. Travel in the southern and coastal regions may be more challenging due to the wet conditions.