Last updated: April 14, 2025
Cameroon's climate is as diverse as its landscapes, ranging from the arid north to the lush, tropical south. In the North-West, temperatures can dip to a chilly 8°C (47°F) in January, while the Far North experiences blistering highs of up to 46°C (116°F) in April. Precipitation varies drastically across the regions; the Far North sees virtually no rain in January, whereas the South-West can receive a staggering 613 mm (24.1 in) in July. Humidity levels also fluctuate, with the Far North averaging a dry 10% in February, contrasting sharply with the Centre, where October brings a humid peak of 93%. This climatic variability shapes the rich biodiversity and agricultural practices found throughout the country, making Cameroon a fascinating study in meteorological contrasts.
Cameroon boasts a rich tapestry of climate zones, shaped by its diverse geography. The Adamaoua region experiences a tropical savanna climate (Aw), while the Centre area showcases both Aw and the more humid Am climate. To the east, the East region maintains the Aw climate, similar to the Far North, which features a mix of BSh and Aw climates. Along the coastal line, the Littoral is characterized by a tropical monsoon climate (Am), contrasted by the predominantly Aw climate in the North. The North-West region presents a unique blend of Am and Aw, while the South stands out with its Af, Am, and Aw climates, showcasing a high level of biodiversity. The South-West and West regions also offer tropical monsoon climates (Am), along with Aw conditions, further illustrating the climatic diversity that defines Cameroon.
| Climate Zone | Description |
|---|---|
| Af | Tropical rainforest climate with no dry season and high temperatures year-round. |
| Am | Tropical monsoon climate with heavy rainfall and high temperatures. |
| Aw | Tropical savanna climate with a dry season occurring in winter. |
| BSh | Hot semi-arid climate with low rainfall and high temperatures. |
Cameroon's monthly temperatures reveal a striking contrast between the cooler highlands and the scorching plains. In the North-West, January starts with a brisk minimum of 8°C (47°F), gradually rising to around 14°C (57°F) through the midyear months. In the Far North, however, temperatures soar to highs of 41°C (106°F) in January, peaking at an intense 46°C (116°F) in April before slightly cooling to a manageable 36°C (97°F) by August. Notably, March and April showcase the most extreme heat, with maximums reaching 45°C (112°F) and 46°C (116°F), respectively. As the year progresses, the heat begins to moderate, particularly from August onwards, with September to December consistently seeing maximums around the low 40s °C. While the North-West region maintains a more temperate climate, the Far North's searing heat underscores the remarkable diversity in Cameroon's climate throughout the year.
Cameroon's precipitation patterns reveal a striking contrast between its regions and seasons, illustrating the country's diverse climate. In the Far North, dry conditions dominate, with January recording a minimum of 0 mm of rainfall and a complete absence of precipitation days in February. This starkly contrasts with the South-West, where the monsoon peak occurs in July, bringing a staggering 613 mm of rain over the course of 30 days. As a result, the climate variability not only highlights the significance of geography in weather patterns but also underscores the need for adaptive strategies in agriculture and water management across the country.
Cameroon's humidity levels reveal a striking contrast across the year and regions, showcasing the country's diverse climate. In the Far North, February sees a dry spell with humidity plummeting to a mere 10%, creating arid conditions ideal for certain agricultural practices. However, as October approaches, the situation transforms dramatically in the Centre, where humidity soars to a staggering 93%, illustrating the region's lush and tropical nature during this period. This upward trend in humidity from the dry season to the wet season highlights the pronounced seasonal shifts that define Cameroon’s climate, affecting both lifestyle and local ecosystems.
In Cameroon, UV Index trends reveal significant peaks throughout the year, notably in the northern and Adamaoua regions. For instance, September demonstrates an impressive average daily maximum UV Index of 14 in the North, indicating a period of heightened solar exposure. Similarly, April records an even higher average daily max UVI of 15 in Adamaoua, suggesting that this time of year also brings intense sun exposure. These trends highlight the need for residents and visitors in both regions to take proactive measures against UV radiation, especially during these peak months.
UV Risk Categories
Cameroon's sunshine duration showcases intriguing regional variations, with significant peaks during certain months. Notably, January shines brightly in the Adamaoua region, basking in approximately 274 hours of sunlight, while the South experiences a vibrant month of May with 284 hours of glorious sunshine. However, the standout is the Far North, where the same month offers a remarkable 342 hours, making it the sunniest spot in the country. In contrast, the South-West region sees a dip in September with 203 hours of sunlight, highlighting the diverse climatic patterns across the nation. This interplay of sun hours not only enriches the landscapes but also plays a crucial role in shaping the agricultural practices and lifestyles within these regions.
The likelihood of sunny weather in Cameroon displays notable regional variation throughout the year. In October, the Southern region experiences a relatively low probability of sunshine, with only 9% of days likely to be clear. In contrast, the Far North region enjoys a much sunnier disposition in January, boasting an impressive 83% likelihood of sunny days. This striking difference highlights how the climate shifts across Cameroon, offering diverse weather experiences depending on the season and location.
Daylight hours in the Far North region of Cameroon show a noticeable variation throughout the year. In December, residents experience about 11 hours of daylight, while this stretches to 12 hours in June. This trend highlights the region's gradual increase in daylight as it transitions into the warmer months, providing longer days for both activities and exploration. Such fluctuations reflect the subtropical climate’s impact on daily life, allowing for a better understanding of seasonal rhythms in the area.
The climate in Adamaoua, Cameroon showcases a striking contrast between the dry and wet seasons. From January to February, temperatures range from a comfortable 10°C to a scorching 39°C, with low humidity levels hovering around 33-35%. As the rainy season begins in March, temperatures remain high, but humidity soars, peaking in the humid months of July and August, where it reaches a staggering 89-90%. The rains culminate in October, delivering a substantial 196 mm of precipitation before the year closes out with a return to drier conditions in December. This dynamic climate fosters a unique environment, reflective of the diverse natural beauty that Adamaoua has to offer. For more details on the weather patterns, visit Adamaoua climate.
The climate in Centre, Cameroon is characterized by a warm tropical atmosphere, with average temperatures ranging from a mild 25°C (77°F) to a sizzling 39°C (103°F), particularly in the early months of the year. Notably, precipitation peaks in the spring and summer, where April and May witness the highest levels of rainfall, averaging around 166 mm (6.5 in) and 137 mm (5.4 in) respectively. This precipitation, coupled with high humidity levels, reaching up to 93% in October, creates a lush environment, perfectly suited for the region's vibrant flora. Visitors should be prepared for both heat and rain as they explore the natural beauty of this diverse region. To learn more, check out the detailed climate information at Centre climate.
The climate in East Cameroon features a diverse range of temperatures and significant seasonal rainfall. From January to December, temperatures fluctuate from a cool 13°C (55°F) in January to a sizzling 39°C (102°F) in February, creating the perfect conditions for both warm and more temperate days. Rainfall begins to ramp up in March, peaking in October with a hefty 236 mm (9.3 in) as humidity hovers around a sultry 92% by month's end. The rainy season spans from March to November, fostering a lush environment that contrasts sharply with the drier months. For more detailed insights, explore the full climate profile at East climate.
The climate of Far North Cameroon showcases a striking contrast between searing heat and seasonal rains. From January to March, the region experiences extreme temperatures, peaking at 46°C (116°F) in April, combined with remarkably low humidity that dips to just 10% in February. As the rainy season approaches, May brings a notable increase in precipitation, soaring to 260 mm (10.2 in) in August, alongside rising humidity levels that reach 83%. This transformation highlights the region's unique climate dynamics, making it a fascinating yet challenging environment. For more detailed insights, explore the Far North climate.
The climate in the Littoral region of Cameroon is characterized by warm temperatures and significant humidity throughout the year. January starts with pleasantly mild nights at around 13°C (55°F), while daytime highs reach up to 37°C (99°F). As the year progresses, the region experiences its peak rainfall, especially in the summer months of July and August, when precipitation can soar to 442 mm (17.4 in), coupled with humidity levels often exceeding 85%. This tropical climate not only supports rich biodiversity but also creates a lush environment that is captivating to explore. For more detailed information, visit Littoral climate.
The climate in North Cameroon is characterized by a striking contrast between scorching temperatures and varied precipitation throughout the year. From January to February, the region enjoys dry spells with temperatures soaring to a blistering 41°C (105°F), while the humidity hovers below 15%. As the months progress into the rainy season starting in May, temperatures remain high around 31°C (88°F), but humidity rises dramatically, hitting a peak of 85% in August. This season brings heavy rainfall, with August receiving nearly 227 mm (8.9 in), transforming the landscape and cooling the air. For an in-depth look at the yearly weather patterns, check out North climate.
The climate in North-West Cameroon showcases a striking contrast between dry and wet seasons, presenting a unique blend of temperatures and humidity levels. January starts the year with mild temperatures ranging from 8°C (47°F) to 35°C (96°F), while July sees cooler averages around 20°C (68°F) as humidity peaks at 88%, creating a lush environment. Rainfall intensifies from April through September, accumulating as much as 459 mm (18.1 in) in September, contributing to the region's vibrant green landscapes. Despite the heavy rains, temperatures remain pleasantly warm, making this area a haven for nature enthusiasts. For a detailed overview, explore the full North-West climate.
The climate in South Cameroon is characterized by a tropical experience, with temperatures ranging from a cool 15°C (60°F) in January to a warm 35°C (95°F) in February and March. The region witnesses a pronounced wet season from March to October, with precipitation peaking in October at 322 mm (12.7 in), giving rise to lush landscapes. High humidity levels, often reaching up to 92% in October, enhance the tropical feel, making the air thick with moisture. Visitors can expect a refreshing climate, especially from June to August, when temperatures drop, but rain remains prevalent. For a deeper dive into the climatic intricacies of this vibrant region, explore South climate.
Nestled in South-West Cameroon, the climate is a captivating blend of warmth and moisture, with temperatures hovering between 11°C (53°F) and 40°C (104°F) throughout the year. While January starts cool and dry, the region witnesses a significant surge in rainfall from March to July, with July alone receiving an impressive 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, making it the wettest month. Humidity levels soar during this period, peaking at 91% in September, creating a lush, green landscape that is truly enchanting. As the year progresses, a gentle retreat of rain in the latter months ushers in a more temperate feel, making it a unique destination for nature lovers. For a detailed look at what to expect, explore the South-West climate.
The climate in the West region of Cameroon is characterized by a distinct pattern of warmth and humidity throughout the year. January ushers in cooler temperatures, with daytime highs reaching up to 36°C (97°F), while the humidity begins to rise, peaking in the mid-year months of July and August with levels upwards of 89%. The rainy season kicks off around March, culminating in heavy downpours during the summer months, particularly in September with an average of 353 mm (13.9 in) of precipitation. By December, the region transitions back to drier conditions, creating a vibrant and lush landscape shaped by its climate. For more insights, check out the detailed information on West climate.
Cameroon's climate showcases a remarkable diversity, with temperatures ranging from a brisk 8°C (47°F) in January in the North-West to a blistering 46°C (116°F) in April in the Far North. Such extremes highlight the stark contrast between regions. Precipitation patterns further illustrate this diversity; while the Far North can experience a dry January with no rainfall, the South-West is drenched in July, receiving an impressive 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain. Humidity levels also vary dramatically, with the Far North witnessing a low of 10% in February, compared to the sweltering 93% humidity observed in October in the Centre. This dynamic interplay of temperature, rainfall, and humidity shapes Cameroon's unique ecosystems and influences the lives of its inhabitants, underscoring the profound impact of regional climate variations.