Guinea-Bissau Weather by Month
Guinea-Bissau is a small West African country located on the Atlantic coast, bordered by Senegal to the north and Guinea to the southeast and south. Covering an area of approximately 36,125 square kilometers, it is characterized by low-lying coastal plains, mangrove swamps, rivers, and a chain of islands known as the Bijagós Archipelago. The country’s inland areas are slightly more elevated, but there are no significant mountain ranges. Much of the landscape consists of tropical savannas and woodlands, making it ideal for agriculture, though the extensive river systems and seasonal rainfall heavily influence the country’s agricultural cycles.
Guinea-Bissau has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: the dry season (from November to May) and the wet season (from June to October). These seasonal changes are driven by the movement of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), which brings heavy rainfall during the wet season and dry, dusty winds during the dry season. The coastal regions experience higher humidity, while inland areas can be hotter and slightly drier. The climate patterns impact the country’s environment, economy, and daily life, with farming and fishing closely tied to seasonal weather variations.
Guinea-Bissau Weather by Month
January
General Overview
- Average temperature: 19°C to 32°C (66°F to 90°F)
- Rainfall: Dry, minimal to no rainfall
January is part of Guinea-Bissau’s dry season, and the weather is typically warm with little to no rainfall. The Harmattan winds, which are dry and dusty, often blow from the Sahara, particularly affecting inland areas. These winds can reduce humidity, making the air feel less sticky, especially in the interior. Coastal regions, such as Bissau, remain more humid, though they benefit from the cooling influence of the Atlantic Ocean.
Regional Differences
- Coastal regions (Bissau, Bijagós Archipelago): Warm and humid, temperatures between 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F)
- Inland regions (Gabú, Bafatá): Hotter and drier, with temperatures between 19°C to 32°C (66°F to 90°F)
January is an excellent month for travel, as the dry weather and relatively mild temperatures provide ideal conditions for outdoor activities, particularly in the coastal regions.
February
General Overview
- Average temperature: 20°C to 33°C (68°F to 91°F)
- Rainfall: Dry, no significant rainfall
February remains part of the dry season, with conditions similar to January. The Harmattan winds continue to influence inland areas, and temperatures start to rise, particularly in the central and eastern regions. The humidity along the coast also increases slightly, but overall, it remains a dry and pleasant time to visit Guinea-Bissau.
Regional Differences
- Coastal regions: Warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from 21°C to 32°C (70°F to 90°F)
- Inland regions: Hotter and drier, temperatures between 20°C to 33°C (68°F to 91°F)
February is another great month for travel, especially for those looking to enjoy the beaches and explore the islands of the Bijagós Archipelago.
March
General Overview
- Average temperature: 22°C to 34°C (72°F to 93°F)
- Rainfall: Dry, but temperatures start to rise
March marks the transition toward hotter weather in Guinea-Bissau. While the dry season continues, temperatures climb, particularly in the inland regions, where it can become quite hot during the day. Humidity along the coast rises as well, though the breezes from the Atlantic Ocean provide some relief. Rain is still absent, but the days become noticeably warmer.
Regional Differences
- Coastal regions: Warm and humid, temperatures between 22°C to 33°C (72°F to 91°F)
- Inland regions: Hot and dry, temperatures around 22°C to 34°C (72°F to 93°F)
March is still a good time for travel, but visitors should be prepared for higher temperatures, especially if exploring inland areas. Coastal regions remain more comfortable due to the ocean breezes.
April
General Overview
- Average temperature: 24°C to 36°C (75°F to 97°F)
- Rainfall: Dry, but with increasing heat
April is one of the hottest months of the year in Guinea-Bissau, particularly in inland areas, where temperatures often exceed 35°C (95°F). The humidity in the coastal regions also rises, making it feel hotter, though there is still little to no rainfall. The dry season is nearing its end, and the country experiences dry, warm conditions, with very little relief from the heat.
Regional Differences
- Coastal regions: Warm and humid, with temperatures between 24°C to 35°C (75°F to 95°F)
- Inland regions: Very hot, with temperatures between 24°C to 36°C (75°F to 97°F)
April can be a challenging time for travel due to the intense heat, especially inland. However, coastal areas, with their beaches and breezes, offer a more comfortable experience.
May
General Overview
- Average temperature: 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F)
- Rainfall: Increasing humidity, with the first signs of rain
May is the final month of Guinea-Bissau’s dry season, and temperatures remain high, particularly inland. The humidity rises significantly, especially along the coast, as the country prepares for the onset of the rainy season. The first occasional rain showers may occur toward the end of the month, particularly in coastal areas. However, these rains are generally light and sporadic.
Regional Differences
- Coastal regions: Hot and humid, with temperatures between 25°C to 34°C (77°F to 93°F)
- Inland regions: Very hot, with temperatures between 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F)
May is a transitional month for Guinea-Bissau, and travelers should be prepared for increasing humidity and occasional rain. However, the rains typically bring a welcome respite from the heat.
June
General Overview
- Average temperature: 24°C to 33°C (75°F to 91°F)
- Rainfall: Beginning of the rainy season, with increasing showers
June marks the official start of the rainy season in Guinea-Bissau. Rainfall increases significantly, particularly in coastal and central regions, though inland areas receive less rain at first. The rains bring relief from the intense heat of the previous months, but they also increase humidity levels. Temperatures remain warm, though the rains help moderate the heat slightly.
Regional Differences
- Coastal regions: Warm with increasing rain, temperatures between 24°C to 32°C (75°F to 90°F)
- Inland regions: Warm and humid, with temperatures between 24°C to 33°C (75°F to 91°F)
June is a challenging time for travel due to the onset of the rainy season. Roads, particularly in rural areas, may become difficult to navigate, but the rains also bring lush green landscapes and vibrant wildlife, making it a beautiful time to experience Guinea-Bissau’s natural beauty.
July
General Overview
- Average temperature: 23°C to 31°C (73°F to 88°F)
- Rainfall: Heavy rain throughout the country
July is one of the wettest months of the year in Guinea-Bissau, with frequent and heavy rain showers. Coastal and inland areas alike experience high rainfall, and humidity levels are at their peak. The frequent downpours can make travel challenging, especially in rural areas where roads may become flooded or impassable. However, the rain brings cool relief from the heat, and the country’s landscapes become lush and green.
Regional Differences
- Coastal regions: Warm with heavy rain, temperatures between 23°C to 31°C (73°F to 88°F)
- Inland regions: Warm and wet, with temperatures between 23°C to 32°C (73°F to 90°F)
July is not an ideal time for travel due to the heavy rains, but it offers a unique opportunity to experience Guinea-Bissau’s tropical landscapes in full bloom, as the countryside becomes vibrant and wildlife is more active.
August
General Overview
- Average temperature: 23°C to 31°C (73°F to 88°F)
- Rainfall: Peak of the rainy season, with heavy and frequent showers
August is the height of the rainy season in Guinea-Bissau, with consistent and heavy rainfall across the country. Humidity remains very high, particularly in the coastal regions, and temperatures are slightly cooler than in the preceding months due to the persistent rain. The rainy season makes travel difficult, especially in rural areas, but the landscapes are lush, and water sources are abundant.
Regional Differences
- Coastal regions: Warm with heavy rain, temperatures between 23°C to 31°C (73°F to 88°F)
- Inland regions: Wet and slightly cooler, with temperatures between 23°C to 31°C (73°F to 88°F)
August is a challenging month for travel, but for those interested in nature and wildlife, it offers an excellent opportunity to explore Guinea-Bissau’s rainforests, wetlands, and rivers in full vitality.
September
General Overview
- Average temperature: 23°C to 31°C (73°F to 88°F)
- Rainfall: Heavy rain continues, but tapering off toward the end of the month
September is still part of the rainy season, but the frequency and intensity of rain start to decrease toward the end of the month. Humidity remains high, and temperatures are warm but slightly cooler due to the rain. The landscape remains green and lush, making it a beautiful time to experience the natural beauty of the country, though travel conditions are still challenging in many areas.
Regional Differences
- Coastal regions: Warm and rainy, with temperatures between 23°C to 31°C (73°F to 88°F)
- Inland regions: Warm and wet, temperatures between 23°C to 31°C (73°F to 88°F)
September offers a transitional period as the rains begin to subside, making it slightly easier for travel, especially toward the latter half of the month.
October
General Overview
- Average temperature: 23°C to 32°C (73°F to 90°F)
- Rainfall: End of the rainy season, with decreasing showers
October marks the end of the rainy season in Guinea-Bissau. Rainfall decreases significantly, though occasional showers may still occur, particularly in the first half of the month. The humidity begins to drop, and temperatures start to rise again, especially inland. The landscapes remain lush and green, and the rivers and water sources are full, making it a great time to experience the country’s natural beauty before the dry season begins.
Regional Differences
- Coastal regions: Warm and slightly humid, with temperatures between 23°C to 31°C (73°F to 88°F)
- Inland regions: Warm and drier, with temperatures between 23°C to 32°C (73°F to 90°F)
October is a good time for travel, as the rains have subsided and the country is still lush from the rainy season. It’s an excellent time for outdoor activities and exploration.
November
General Overview
- Average temperature: 23°C to 33°C (73°F to 91°F)
- Rainfall: Start of the dry season, with minimal rainfall
November marks the beginning of the dry season in Guinea-Bissau. Rainfall is minimal, and humidity levels begin to drop, especially inland. Temperatures rise slightly, but the weather is generally pleasant, particularly in the coastal regions. The landscapes remain green for the first part of the month but begin to dry out as the rainy season’s effects fade.
Regional Differences
- Coastal regions: Warm and humid, with temperatures between 23°C to 32°C (73°F to 90°F)
- Inland regions: Warm and dry, with temperatures between 23°C to 33°C (73°F to 91°F)
November is a great month for travel, as the weather is dry and comfortable, making it perfect for outdoor exploration and cultural activities.
December
General Overview
- Average temperature: 21°C to 32°C (70°F to 90°F)
- Rainfall: Dry season in full swing, with no significant rainfall
December is part of the dry season, with clear skies and warm temperatures throughout Guinea-Bissau. The Harmattan winds begin to blow, particularly in the inland regions, reducing humidity and making the air feel cooler and drier. Coastal areas remain slightly more humid, but the overall weather is comfortable and pleasant for travel and outdoor activities.
Regional Differences
- Coastal regions: Warm and slightly humid, with temperatures between 21°C to 31°C (70°F to 88°F)
- Inland regions: Warm and dry, with temperatures between 21°C to 32°C (70°F to 90°F)
December is an ideal month for travel, with dry, pleasant weather and plenty of opportunities to explore Guinea-Bissau’s cultural heritage, islands, and wildlife.
Summary of Guinea-Bissau’s Climate by Region
Coastal Regions (Bissau, Bijagós Archipelago)
- Best months: November to April (dry season, warm and pleasant)
- Wettest months: June to September (heavy rain and high humidity)
Inland Regions (Gabú, Bafatá)
- Best months: November to April (dry and warm)
- Wettest months: July to September (heavy rain and slightly cooler)
Guinea-Bissau’s weather is characterized by a distinct tropical climate, with a long rainy season from June to October and a dry season from November to May. The best time to visit is during the dry season, when the weather is warm, dry, and comfortable for travel. The rainy season, while challenging for travel, offers a chance to see the country’s landscapes in their most vibrant and lush state.
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