Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of South-West Cameroon is classified under the Köppen-Geiger system as Af, characterized by a tropical rainforest climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. Average temperatures hover around 25°C (77°F), with a striking range that sees minimums dipping to 11°C (53°F) during January and soaring to maximums of 40°C (104°F) in March. This unique temperature variation, combined with the region's rich biodiversity, makes South-West Cameroon a critical area for environmental studies and conservation efforts.
Temperature patterns in South-West Cameroon exhibit a distinct seasonal rhythm, characterized by warm averages throughout the year, hovering around 25–26°C (77–79°F). The year begins with a cooler January, where minimums drop to 11°C (53°F), gradually increasing as February and March witness maximums reaching 40°C (104°F). As the region transitions into the rainy season from April to June, temperatures slightly decline, with maximums remaining in the low to mid-30s Celsius (34–37°C), while minimums stabilize around 15–16°C (60°F). The summer months of July and August continue this cooler trend, maintaining consistent averages of 24°C (75°F). The year concludes with a return to warmer temperatures in November and December, where maxima again approach the mid-30s, illustrating a clear fluctuation between cooler and warmer months that shapes the local climate.
Buea experiences a temperature range between a minimum of 19°C (66°F) in January and a maximum of 33°C (92°F) in February, making it a destination with a warm climate. In contrast, Limbe's climate is slightly warmer, with a minimum of 22°C (72°F) in September and a maximum of 31°C (87°F) in April. For more detailed information, you can explore the monthly temperatures in Buea and the monthly temperatures in Limbe.
Precipitation in South-West Cameroon follows a pronounced seasonal pattern, predominantly influenced by the monsoon climate. The year commences with relatively low rainfall in January, recording 50 mm (2.0 in) over approximately 12 days. As February progresses, total precipitation increases significantly to 81 mm (3.2 in), and the region experiences its rainy season starting in March, culminating in substantial downpours that peak in June and July. March alone witnesses 222 mm (8.8 in) of rain, escalating to an impressive 613 mm (24.1 in) in July, marking this period as the wettest.
From July onward, the intensity of the rains gradually diminishes, although September still yields 607 mm (23.9 in). The transition into the drier months arrives with October and November, where precipitation totals drop to 468 mm (18.4 in) and 251 mm (9.9 in), respectively. December marks a substantial decrease, with only 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain recorded over 16 days. This clear delineation of wet and dry periods significantly shapes the region’s ecological dynamics and agricultural practices.
Sunshine duration in South-West Cameroon reveals a distinctive seasonal trend, with significant variations throughout the year. The year begins with 251 hours of sunshine in January, gradually increasing to 271 hours in February, and peaking at 268 hours in March, showcasing a consistent climb toward the warmer months. As the transition to the rainy season occurs in April and May, sunshine hours plateau at around 250 hours, indicating the onset of cloud cover accompanying the precipitation. However, weeks marked by rain do not severely impede sunlight, providing a balanced climate conducive to both agriculture and biodiversity.
As the peak rainy months of July and August approach, sunshine hours begin to decline, dropping to 241 hours and 228 hours, respectively. September continues this downward trend with only 203 hours of sunlight, marking the lowest point of the year. Subsequently, October and November see a slight recovery, with sunshine durations rising again to 233 hours and 260 hours. Notably, December stands out with an impressive 302 hours of sunshine, completing the year on a bright note. This fluctuation in sunshine hours highlights the important interplay between rainfall and sunlight, significantly impacting local ecosystems and agricultural practices throughout the seasons.
The UV Index in South-West Cameroon remains notably high throughout the year, reflecting the region's equatorial proximity and intense solar radiation. The maximum exposure levels peak in April, with a UV Index of 15, classified as "extreme," necessitating caution as unprotected skin can burn in just 10 minutes. Following closely are the months of February, March, and May, with UV Index ratings of 13. This consistently extreme exposure reflects the need for adequate sun protection measures among residents and visitors alike, particularly during these critical months.
As the year progresses into the latter half, the UV Index remains significant, with readings hovering around 12–13 from June through October, indicating persistent extreme exposure levels. November sees a slight decrease to 11, still categorized as extreme, while December marks a further decline to 10, classified as "very high," but with a longer burn time of 15 minutes. This seasonal trend highlights the importance of sun safety year-round, as prolonged exposure can have detrimental effects on skin health, emphasizing the necessity for protective measures in this sun-drenched region.
UV Risk Categories
In South-West Cameroon, daylight duration shows only slight fluctuations throughout the year, contributing to the region's consistent tropical environment. The year begins with approximately 11 hours of daylight in both January and February. As spring approaches, daylight extends to 12 hours in March, maintaining this duration through June, which facilitates longer days conducive to agricultural activities and social interactions. This period of extended daylight helps invigorate local ecosystems, allowing plants to thrive and wildlife to become more active.
As the year transitions into the latter months, daylight hours begin to decrease again, dropping back to 11 hours in October and persisting through December. This gradual reduction signals the end of the growing season, encouraging local farmers to prepare for the forthcoming months. Despite the slight variations, the relatively stable daylight duration year-round fosters a unique ecological balance, providing a dependable schedule for both natural processes and human activities dependent on sunlight.
Buea, Cameroon, experiences a tropical climate characterized by high humidity and significant rainfall, particularly from May to September. Temperatures are relatively stable year-round, with averages ranging from 23°C (74°F) to 26°C (79°F) and maximums reaching up to 33°C (91°F). The wettest months are July and September, recording over 700 mm (27.6 in) of rain. In contrast, January and December receive the least rainfall, making these months relatively drier. For more detailed climate information, visit Buea climate.
Limbe, Cameroon, experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures year-round and significant rainfall, particularly from May to September. The average temperatures range from about 24°C (75°F) to 26°C (79°F), with monthly highs peaking at around 31°C (87°F) in April. Precipitation is heaviest in July with approximately 680 mm (26.8 in), while the sunniest months are December and February, boasting around 270 hours of sunshine. This coastal city offers a unique blend of warm weather and lush, vibrant surroundings, making it a notable climate destination. For more detailed information, visit Limbe climate.
In conclusion, the climate dynamics of South-West Cameroon, characterized by its high temperatures, substantial rainfall, intense UV radiation, and stable daylight duration, reveal a region that thrives under consistent tropical conditions. The seasonal variations in temperature and precipitation play a crucial role in shaping the local ecosystems and agricultural practices, while the persistent high UV Index underscores the importance of sun protection for residents and visitors alike. Overall, the interplay of these climatic factors not only influences the natural environment but also significantly impacts the lifestyle, culture, and socio-economic activities within this vibrant region.