When to Guineabissau
Climate guide & best times to travel
Best Time to Visit
Month-by-Month Guide
January
January is one of the most pleasant months in Guinea-Bissau, falling in the heart of the dry season. The Harmattan winds bring dry air and clear skies, though occasional dust haze from the Sahara may reduce visibility. This is peak tourist season with excellent conditions for all activities, from beach relaxation to wildlife viewing in national parks.
February
February continues the dry season with warm, sunny days and minimal rainfall. The Harmattan influence begins to wane, bringing slightly clearer skies. This is an excellent time to visit, coinciding with Carnival celebrations and offering perfect beach weather and ideal conditions for island-hopping in the Bijagós Archipelago.
March
March marks the transition toward hotter weather as temperatures begin to climb. The dry season continues with virtually no rainfall and low humidity, making it comfortable for exploration. This is still an excellent time for visiting, with wildlife concentrated around water sources and excellent visibility for photography and nature observation.
April
April is one of the hottest months of the year as the dry season reaches its peak. Humidity begins to rise slightly in anticipation of the coming rains, and temperatures can feel quite intense, particularly inland. Despite the heat, it remains a good time for travel with clear skies and dry conditions, though visitors should stay well-hydrated.
May
May is the transitional month when the first rains arrive, bringing relief from the intense heat. Early May can still be very hot and humid, but by month's end, afternoon thunderstorms become more frequent. This shoulder season offers fewer crowds and the landscape begins its transformation to lush green, though some facilities may start reducing services.
June
June marks the beginning of the rainy season with regular rainfall and high humidity. The landscape becomes increasingly green and busy, and wildlife is abundant. While rain showers are frequent, they often come in short, intense bursts, leaving parts of the day clear for activities. This is low season with fewer tourists and potential for better rates.
July
July is deep in the wet season with heavy rainfall and high humidity throughout the month. The countryside is at its most lush and beautiful, with rivers full and waterfalls flowing. Travel can be challenging as roads become muddy and some areas may be inaccessible, but it's an excellent time for experiencing Guinea-Bissau's natural beauty and observing abundant birdlife.
August
August experiences the peak of the rainy season with the heaviest rainfall of the year. High humidity and frequent downpours characterize this month, and travel to remote areas can be difficult or impossible. However, for adventurous travelers, this is when Guinea-Bissau's ecosystems are most busy, with spectacular green landscapes and excellent conditions for observing amphibians and water birds.
September
September continues the wet season though rainfall begins to decrease slightly toward month's end. The landscape remains lush and green, and temperatures are moderated by cloud cover and rain. Roads and trails can still be muddy and challenging, but conditions gradually improve. This is still low season with minimal tourist activity.
October
October marks the transition from wet to dry season with rainfall tapering off significantly. The landscape remains beautifully green from the rains, but conditions become more favorable for travel as roads begin to dry out. This shoulder season offers good value and fewer crowds while still providing excellent wildlife viewing opportunities as animals emerge after the rains.
November
November signals the start of the dry season and the beginning of the tourist season. Rainfall becomes rare, humidity drops, and comfortable temperatures return. The landscape is still lush from the recent rains but conditions are now excellent for all types of travel. This is an ideal time to visit with pleasant weather and the country's natural beauty at its peak.
December
December is one of the best months to visit Guinea-Bissau, with the dry season well established. The Harmattan winds begin to influence the weather, bringing dry air and occasional dust haze. Temperatures are warm but comfortable, humidity is low, and rainfall is virtually non-existent. This is peak season for tourism with excellent conditions for beaches, wildlife viewing, and cultural experiences.