Guineabissau in April

April weather, activities, events & insider tips

April Weather in Guineabissau

32°C (90°F) High Temp

22°C (72°F) Low Temp

180 mm (7.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect timing for wildlife viewing in Bijagós Islands - nesting season for sea turtles and migratory birds have arrived but tourist boats are minimal
Cashew harvest season creates busy local markets with fresh caju fruit and traditional ceremonies in rural villages
Shoulder season pricing - accommodation rates are 30-40% lower than European winter months when expats return
Cooler morning temperatures 22-26°C (72-79°F) make early exploration comfortable before afternoon heat peaks

Considerations

Afternoon thunderstorms begin mid-month, typically 2-4pm lasting 45-90 minutes, disrupting outdoor plans
Rising humidity makes midday activities uncomfortable - feels like 38°C (100°F) during peak hours
Some remote island connections become irregular as boat operators prepare for full rainy season

Best Activities in April

Bijagós Archipelago Island Hopping

April offers the last month of reliable boat transfers before rough seas begin. Sea turtle nesting season starts on Poilão Island, and manatee spotting peaks in calm waters. Morning departures 7-8am avoid afternoon storms. Water visibility excellent at 15-20m (49-66 ft).

Booking Tip: Book 14-21 days ahead through licensed operators at Bissau port. Tours typically cost $80-120 USD per person including lunch. Look for operators with life jackets and VHF radios. See current island tour options in booking section below.

Bissau Cultural Walking Tours

Perfect weather for exploring Bissau's colonial architecture and Bandim Market before heat peaks. Fortaleza de Amura and Bangui area best visited 8-11am. Local guides share stories of independence struggle during cooler morning hours.

Booking Tip: Arrange through licensed local guides, typically $25-40 USD for half-day tours. Book 5-7 days ahead. Include Pidjin language basics and colonial history focus. Check current city tour options below.

Cantanhez Forest Reserve Primate Watching

Dry season wildlife viewing before leaves become too dense. Chimpanzees most active in early morning 6-9am. Colobus monkeys easier to spot in leafless canopy. Access roads still passable before heavy rains begin.

Booking Tip: Book eco-tours 10-14 days ahead, typically $60-90 USD including transport from Bissau (2.5 hours each way). Overnight options recommended. Licensed guides mandatory for primate areas.

Traditional Cashew Harvest Experiences

April is peak caju (cashew fruit) season. Rural villages like Bafatá and Gabú offer authentic harvest participation. Learn traditional fermentation for caju wine and watch cashew nut processing. Afternoon ceremonies common but weather-dependent.

Booking Tip: Arrange through local contacts or guesthouses, typically $30-50 USD per day including meals. Village stays recommended. Book transport early as this coincides with local harvest needs.

Varela Beach Relaxation

Last month of consistent sunshine before rainy season. Beach temperature perfect at 28-30°C (82-86°F). Sea breeze reduces humidity impact. Fewer crowds than dry season peak. Turtle nesting begins on northern stretches.

Booking Tip: Beach lodge bookings 7-14 days ahead recommended. Day trips from Bissau typically $40-60 USD. 4WD vehicle necessary for final 15 km (9.3 miles). Check current beach tour availability below.

Cacheu River Boat Expeditions

Historical slave port exploration combined with mangrove wildlife spotting. River levels optimal for navigation. Hippos visible in deeper pools. Colonial ruins accessible before vegetation overgrowth. Morning trips avoid afternoon storms.

Booking Tip: Book through Cacheu town operators 7-10 days ahead. Full day trips typically $45-70 USD including guide and lunch. Ensure boats have sun covers for UV protection. Motor boats recommended over paddling.

April Events & Festivals

Throughout April

Cashew Harvest Festival

Rural communities celebrate caju season with traditional music, dancing, and cashew wine ceremonies. Each village has different timing based on harvest readiness. Authentic cultural immersion opportunity.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry rain jacket - afternoon storms arrive suddenly and last 45-90 minutes with heavy downpours

SPF 50+ sunscreen and zinc stick - UV index reaches 8 with strong reflection off water during island visits

Lightweight long sleeves in breathable cotton - essential for mosquito protection during humid evenings

Waterproof phone case and dry bag - humidity and sudden rains can damage electronics quickly

Comfortable walking shoes with grip - colonial Bissau streets become slippery when wet

Insect repellent with 30%+ DEET - mosquito activity peaks during humid conditions

Electrolyte tablets or powder - dehydration happens quickly in 70% humidity even with moderate activity

Cash in small denominations (CFA francs) - ATMs unreliable and card acceptance minimal outside Bissau

Headlamp or flashlight - power outages common and rural areas have no street lighting

Personal water filtration or purification tablets - bottled water expensive outside main towns

Insider Knowledge

Book domestic flights immediately upon arrival - MAI (local airline) changes schedules frequently and Bijagós air service sells out quickly during good weather windows

Carry passport always - military checkpoints common on rural roads and police often request documentation in Bissau

Learn basic Kriol phrases like 'N ka intindi' (I don't understand) - Portuguese alone insufficient outside government offices, and locals appreciate Kriol effort

Fuel up vehicle whenever possible - petrol stations outside Bissau frequently run dry, especially during harvest season when rural transport increases

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning outdoor activities after 1pm - afternoon thunderstorms begin mid-April and can be dangerous on water or in exposed areas

Expecting reliable internet outside Bissau - connectivity sporadic even in regional capitals, download offline maps and translate apps beforehand

Underestimating travel times - 150 km (93 miles) can take 4-5 hours due to road conditions and military checkpoints