Guineabissau in August

August weather, activities, events & insider tips

August Weather in Guineabissau

31°C (88°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

285mm (11.2 inches) Rainfall

85% Humidity

Is August Right for You?

Advantages

Lush green landscapes at their most beautiful - rice fields and forests are busy after months of rain, creating impressive photography opportunities
Dramatically reduced tourist numbers mean you'll have beaches, villages, and cultural sites largely to yourself - some guesthouses offer 40-50% discounts
Fresh seasonal fruits peak in August including mangoes, cashews, and papayas sold at roadside stands for 50-100 CFA per piece
Cooler temperatures than dry season months due to cloud cover and rain - mornings average 24°C (75°F) instead of 28°C (82°F) in dry months

Considerations

Heavy afternoon rains lasting 2-4 hours occur 18 days of the month, severely limiting outdoor activities between 2-6pm daily
Many rural roads become impassable, particularly in the interior - some villages accessible only by canoe during peak rain periods
High humidity at 85% makes simple activities feel exhausting, and clothes rarely dry completely overnight

Best Activities in August

Bissagos Islands Island-Hopping by Traditional Canoe

August's calmer seas between storm fronts create perfect conditions for traditional canoe travel between islands. Morning departures (6-10am) avoid afternoon rains while offering excellent wildlife viewing as animals emerge after overnight showers. The islands' turtle nesting season coincides with August rains.

Booking Tip: Book through local fishermen cooperatives 3-5 days ahead. Trips typically cost 15,000-25,000 CFA per person for full day including lunch. Look for guides certified by the national park authority. Check current island access in the booking section below.

Bolama Colonial Architecture Walking Tours

Rain-washed colonial buildings reveal their architectural details most clearly in August's filtered light. Early morning tours (7-10am) before daily rains showcase Portuguese-era structures including the former governor's palace. Fewer tourists mean unrestricted photography and local interactions.

Booking Tip: Self-guided tours work best - hire local guides at the ferry dock for 5,000-8,000 CFA per group. Waterproof camera protection essential. Tours typically take 2-3 hours before afternoon rains begin.

Bissau Central Market and Bandim Neighborhood Food Exploration

August brings peak seasonal produce to markets - fresh cashews, mangoes, and palm wine are abundant and cheapest. Rain creates natural air conditioning in covered market areas. Local specialties like jollof rice and grilled fish are most flavorful with fresh ingredients.

Booking Tip: Visit markets between 8-11am before afternoon closures due to rain. Budget 3,000-5,000 CFA per person for food sampling. Look for covered market sections during rainy periods. No advance booking needed.

Cantanhez Forest Reserve Primate Tracking

August rains bring chimpanzees and colobus monkeys to lower forest areas seeking shelter, dramatically increasing viewing opportunities. Morning tracking (6:30-10:30am) offers 80% success rates compared to 40% in dry season. Lush vegetation provides impressive backdrop for wildlife photography.

Booking Tip: Reserve permits 7-10 days ahead through park headquarters - 12,000 CFA per person plus guide fees of 8,000 CFA per group. Waterproof boots essential for muddy forest trails. Access roads require 4WD vehicles during August.

Traditional Music and Dance Sessions in Rural Villages

August evening ceremonies increase as communities celebrate successful planting seasons. Rain confines activities to covered pavilions, creating intimate cultural experiences. Gumbé and traditional balanta music sessions happen 3-4 evenings weekly in villages like Varela and Cacheu.

Booking Tip: Arrange through local cultural associations 2-3 days ahead. Participation fees typically 2,000-4,000 CFA per person. Transportation requires local guides familiar with August road conditions. Sessions usually start after evening prayers around 7pm.

August Events & Festivals

Throughout August, typically weekends

Planting Season Ceremonies (Festa di Chuba)

Traditional blessing ceremonies for rice planting occur throughout August in rural communities. These involve traditional music, palm wine sharing, and community feasts celebrating the agricultural cycle. Most authentic cultural experience available to respectful visitors.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry synthetic clothing only - cotton stays wet for days in 85% humidity and never fully dries overnight

Waterproof bag for electronics and documents - sudden downpours can soak through regular backpacks within minutes

SPF 50+ sunscreen despite clouds - UV index 6 still causes burns, especially reflected off wet surfaces

Lightweight rain poncho plus umbrella - ponchos for walking, umbrellas for stationary activities like market visits

Waterproof hiking boots with good grip - rubber boots sold locally for 3,000-5,000 CFA work better than imported gear

Anti-fungal foot powder - essential for preventing infections from constantly damp conditions

Waterproof phone case rated IPX8 minimum - regular water-resistant cases fail in August's humidity levels

Multiple pairs of quick-dry socks - plan to change socks twice daily due to moisture

Mosquito repellent with 30%+ DEET - standing water after rains increases mosquito populations significantly

Portable dehumidifier packets for camera equipment - silica gel packs prevent lens fogging and equipment damage

Insider Knowledge

Local guesthouses offer 'rainy season rates' of 40-50% off standard prices - negotiate directly rather than booking online for best deals

Morning flights (before 10am) have 90% on-time rates while afternoon flights face frequent delays due to thunderstorms - always book earliest available departure

Carry small denomination CFA notes (1,000-5,000) in waterproof pouches - vendors rarely have change for large bills and ATMs frequently malfunction in humid conditions

Download offline maps and translation apps before arrival - internet service becomes unreliable during heavy rain periods, especially outside Bissau

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities after 1pm - afternoon rains are almost guaranteed and last 2-4 hours with little warning

Bringing only cotton clothing which never dries in 85% humidity - synthetic materials are essential for comfort and hygiene

Assuming 4WD isn't necessary for rural areas - many roads become impassable even for experienced drivers during August rains