Guineabissau in February

February weather, activities, events & insider tips

February Weather in Guineabissau

31°C (88°F) High Temp

23°C (73°F) Low Temp

25 mm (1 inch) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Peak of dry season - only 25mm (1 inch) rainfall across entire month with just 3 rainy days, perfect for island hopping and outdoor activities
Northeast trade winds create cooling ocean breezes averaging 15-20 km/h (9-12 mph), making the heat much more comfortable than inland West Africa
Sea conditions are calmest of the year - wave heights under 1m (3 feet) - ideal for fishing, sailing between islands, and beach activities
Cashew harvest season brings fresh nuts and local caju wine festivities, plus local markets overflow with seasonal fruits at lowest prices

Considerations

Harmattan dust winds from Sahara create hazy conditions 40% of days, reducing visibility for photography and creating respiratory irritation for sensitive travelers
Peak tourist season means accommodation prices increase 30-50% and advance booking essential, especially for Bijagós Islands lodges
Extreme UV levels (index 9) combined with equatorial sun requires constant sun protection - sunburn happens in under 15 minutes

Best Activities in February

Bijagós Archipelago Island Hopping

February's calm seas make this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve accessible by traditional pirogue boats. Sea turtle nesting season overlaps, and hippo populations are concentrated around permanent water sources. Dry season means clearer waters for wildlife viewing and comfortable camping temperatures.

Booking Tip: Book island lodge stays 4-6 weeks ahead as February fills up quickly. Multi-day packages typically cost $120-180 per day including boat transfers, meals and guide. Look for operators with UNESCO certification and local Bijagó community partnerships.

Saltwater Fishing and Mangrove Exploration

February brings peak fishing season as dry weather concentrates fish in channels and lagoons. Tarpon, barracuda, and red snapper are most active. Low rainfall means mangrove waterways are at optimal depth for navigation while wildlife is highly visible around water sources.

Booking Tip: Half-day fishing excursions range $80-120, full-day $150-220. Book through coastal operators in Bissau or Bubaque who provide traditional equipment and local knowledge. Best fishing is early morning 6-9am when winds are calmest.

Cultural Village Tours and Craft Markets

Dry season is celebration time for ethnic Balanta, Fula, and Mandinka communities. February coincides with harvest festivals, traditional music performances, and artisan craft production. Comfortable walking temperatures in early morning and late afternoon.

Booking Tip: Village tour packages cost $40-65 per day including transport and guide. Book through cultural centers in Bissau or directly with village chiefs. Bring small gifts for children and respect photography restrictions during ceremonies.

Cacheu River Wildlife Safaris

February's low water levels concentrate hippos, crocodiles, and manatees in deeper river pools, making wildlife spotting exceptional. Migratory birds from Europe peak in numbers. Cool early mornings and late afternoons provide comfortable safari conditions.

Booking Tip: River safari day trips range $90-130 including boat, guide, and lunch. Operators based in Cacheu town offer best local knowledge. Book 2-3 days ahead, and always verify boat safety equipment and life jackets before departure.

Portuguese Colonial Architecture Walking Tours

February's lower humidity makes urban exploration comfortable. Many colonial buildings are best photographed in February's dry conditions before rainy season damage begins. Early morning light (7-9am) and late afternoon (4-6pm) provide ideal photography conditions.

Booking Tip: Self-guided walking tours cost nothing but hire local guides for $25-35 per day for historical context and safety in Bissau's older neighborhoods. Focus on Bissau Velho district and avoid midday heat 11am-3pm.

Cashew Plantation and Caju Wine Tasting

February is peak cashew harvest season. Plantations welcome visitors to see traditional harvesting, cashew apple processing, and caju wine fermentation. Fresh cashew apples are only available this time of year, and local festivals celebrate the harvest.

Booking Tip: Plantation visits cost $15-25 per person including tastings. Many plantations accessible by bush taxi from Bissau for $3-5. Bring sun protection for outdoor walking tours and expect rustic facilities.

February Events & Festivals

Throughout February

Cashew Harvest Festivals

Local communities celebrate the cashew harvest with traditional music, dancing, and caju wine ceremonies. Each village has its own celebration dates, featuring Gumbe music and traditional mask dances

Late February

Carnival Preparations

Communities begin preparing for March carnival with mask-making workshops, costume creation, and practice performances. Visitors can observe artisans creating elaborate carnival masks and participate in drum circle practices

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ sunscreen in large quantities - UV index reaches 9 and local sunscreen is expensive and limited

Lightweight long-sleeved cotton shirts for sun protection and mosquito defense during dawn/dusk activities

Quick-dry pants for boat trips and village visits where shorts may be culturally inappropriate

Sturdy sandals with ankle support for rocky coastlines and muddy mangrove walks

Lightweight rain jacket for brief afternoon showers and protection from Harmattan dust winds

Insect repellent with 25%+ DEET - malaria mosquitoes are active despite dry season

Portable water filter or purification tablets as bottled water is expensive outside Bissau

Cash in CFA francs - credit cards not accepted anywhere outside major hotels in Bissau

Headlamp with extra batteries for village accommodation and early morning wildlife viewing

Respiratory dust mask for sensitive travelers during Harmattan dust wind days

Insider Knowledge

Bush taxis (Toyota Hiace vans) run fixed routes between major towns for $2-5 but operate on 'full passenger' schedules - expect 2-3 hour delays

Bring gifts for village chiefs when visiting communities: quality tea, sugar, or small electronics are most appreciated and ensure warm welcomes

Many locals speak Portuguese and Kriol but French is widely understood from Senegalese influence - English speakers are rare outside tourism

CFA franc cash must be pristine condition - banks and merchants refuse torn, marked, or old bills, so exchange money at banks, not airports

Avoid These Mistakes

Wearing shorts when visiting villages - conservative dress covering knees and shoulders is expected and required for cultural sites

Not bringing enough cash - ATMs are unreliable outside Bissau and only accept Visa cards, Mastercard acceptance is limited

Booking accommodation only in Bissau - the real experience is in island lodges and village guesthouses, but these require advance planning