Last updated: April 14, 2025
The climate of Guinea-Bissau is characterized by a striking contrast between temperature extremes and seasonal precipitation patterns. In the region of Gabú, temperatures vary significantly, ranging from a minimum of 13°C (56°F) in December to a scorching maximum of 44°C (112°F) in April. Precipitation patterns exhibit substantial variation as well, with January in Bafatá experiencing a dry spell of 0 mm, while July in Tombali registers an impressive 613 mm (24.1 in) of rainfall. Humidity levels also fluctuate dramatically, with averages as low as 14% in January in Gabú, rising to a peak of 88% in August, adding to the unique climatic tapestry of this West African nation.
Guinea-Bissau exhibits a predominantly tropical savanna climate (Aw), characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. This unique climate is evident across various regions, including Bafatá, Biombo, Bissau, Bolama, Cacheu, Gabú, Oio, Quinara, and Tombali. The region typically experiences high temperatures, with the rainy season stretching from June to October, offering a vital source of water and nourishment for its rich biodiversity. This climate not only shapes the local agriculture but also influences the lifestyle and cultural practices of its inhabitants.
| Climate Zone | Description |
|---|---|
| Aw | Tropical savanna climate with a dry season occurring in winter. |
Throughout the year, Guinea-Bissau experiences a notable range of temperatures that reflect its tropical climate. In the cooler months of January and February, minimum temperatures dip to around 14°C (57°F) in Oio, while maximums soar to an impressive 42°C (107°F) in Gabú. As spring approaches in March and April, we see a distinct warming trend, with temperatures reaching 44°C (111°F) in Gabú. The warmth continues into May, maintaining the highs at 44°C (112°F), but begins to moderate in June through August, where maximums drop to the mid-30s °C range. Notably, the yearly peak temperatures occur consistently in Gabú, which reflects its inland geographic position, while coastal areas experience slightly milder conditions. As the year closes with December bringing minimums back down to 13°C (56°F), it's evident that Guinea-Bissau's temperature cycles create a dynamic climate, making it an intriguing region for those curious about climate diversity.
In Guinea-Bissau, precipitation patterns reveal a striking seasonal variability that significantly influences the region's climate and ecology. The minimum recorded precipitation occurs in January at 0 mm in Bafatá, marking the dry season when rain is scarce. Conversely, July brings a dramatic surge in rainfall, peaking at 613 mm in Tombali. This month exemplifies the heart of the wet season, characterized by lush vegetation and vibrant ecosystems. Notably, while February records a complete absence of rain with 0 days of precipitation in Bolama, August stands out with a full 30 days of rainfall in Tombali, highlighting the transition into the peak rainy period. These trends reflect the essential rhythm of Guinea-Bissau's climate, shaping agricultural practices and the livelihoods of its people.
In Guinea-Bissau, humidity levels exhibit notable seasonal variation, reflecting the transition from dry to wet periods. January sees a refreshing low of 14% humidity in Gabú, providing a comfortable atmosphere, ideal for outdoor activities. However, as the year progresses into the height of the rainy season in August, humidity soars to a staggering 88% in the same region. This dramatic increase can create a muggy environment, highlighting the stark contrast between the dry and wet months. Overall, the fluctuation in humidity plays a crucial role in shaping the country's climate profile and influences daily life for its residents.
In Guinea-Bissau, the UV Index demonstrates notable trends as we transition from August to September. During August, Bafatá experiences an average daily maximum UV Index of 13, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As September rolls in, the risk intensifies in Cacheu, where the average daily maximum UV Index peaks at 14. This gradual increase highlights the need for heightened sun protection during this period, as residents and visitors alike should remain vigilant against the ultraviolet radiation that accompanies the changing seasons.
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The sunshine duration in Guinea-Bissau showcases intriguing variations across the year and its regions. In August, both Tombali and Cacheu experience abundant sunlight, with 233 hours and 253 hours respectively, indicating a healthy dose of vitamin D during the height of the tropical climate. However, the numbers soar in May, when Tombali basks in a dazzling 338 hours of sunshine, slightly outpaced by Cacheu with an impressive 345 hours. This trend illustrates the seasonal nature of sunshine in the country, highlighting May as a particularly bright month, ideal for outdoor activities and exploration.
In Guinea-Bissau, the likelihood of sunny weather varies significantly between regions and seasons. For instance, April in Biombo boasts an impressive 80% chance of sunshine, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities and exploration. In stark contrast, August in Tombali offers just a 10% likelihood of clear skies, reflecting the wet season's grip on that area. This stark disparity highlights the need for travelers to plan accordingly, taking advantage of the sunny April days while being prepared for the moisture-laden August.
In Guinea-Bissau, daylight hours exhibit a notable variation throughout the year, particularly observed in the region of Oio. During December, residents enjoy approximately 11 hours of daylight, a sign of the shorter days characteristic of the dry season. As the year transitions into June, this daylight extends to 12 hours, hinting at the sunny vibrancy of the rainy season. This gradual increase in daylight not only influences daily activities but also reflects the changing rhythms of life in this beautiful West African nation, where the sun plays a pivotal role in both culture and agriculture.
Bafatá experiences a tropical climate characterized by hot temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. From January to April, the region sees minimal rainfall and sweltering heat, with temperatures soaring up to 43°C (109°F) in April. The onset of the rainy season in June brings a dramatic shift, as humidity levels rise to 72% and rainfall peaks in August with over 450 mm (17.8 in). As the year progresses into the cooler months of November and December, temperatures drop slightly, providing a welcome respite before the cycle begins anew. For more detailed insights, visit Bafatá climate.
The climate in Biombo, Guinea-Bissau is characterized by a striking contrast between the dry and wet seasons. With January to April experiencing scorching temperatures peaking at 43°C (109°F) and minimal rainfall, this period invites sun-seekers to bask in the heat; however, humidity steadily climbs, culminating in a sticky 80% by June. The monsoon season arrives in July, bringing an impressive 387 mm (15.2 in) of rainfall, peaking in August at 480 mm (18.9 in). As the year progresses, temperatures generally moderate, with November and December providing a brief respite before the cycle begins anew. For more detailed insights, explore the Biombo climate.
Nestled on the coast, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau experiences a dynamic tropical climate marked by high temperatures and seasonal rains. From January to April, the mercury climbs steadily, peaking at a scorching 41°C (106°F) in April, while humidity increases throughout this dry season. The arrival of the rainy season in June brings dramatic downpours, with July and August showcasing impressive rainfall, reaching over 500 mm. As the year progresses, humidity levels soar to around 86% during the peak of the rains, offering a stark contrast to the dry months. For a deeper dive into the climate patterns of Bissau, visit Bissau climate.
Bolama, Guinea-Bissau, enjoys a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures year-round. From January to April, the weather sees pleasant averages around 26°C (79°F), but as the rainy season approaches, temperatures peak in March at 36°C (97°F). The onset of heavy rainfall begins in June, where humidity rises significantly, reaching a peak in August with an average of 86%. During this period, the island can experience intense rains, with July and August recording around 598 mm (23.6 in) and 560 mm (22.0 in), respectively. For an in-depth look at Bolama’s distinct climate patterns, visit Bolama climate.
Cacheu, Guinea-Bissau experiences a tropical climate characterized by hot temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. The year begins with warm, dry months from January to April, where temperatures can soar to 39°C (102°F) by February. As the rainy season approaches, June marks a shift; humidity rises significantly, peaking in August with a sultry 86% and average rainfall reaching 469 mm (18.5 in). From June through October, heavy downpours are common, providing much-needed relief from the heat but also making this period the wettest of the year. To learn more about the local weather patterns, visit Cacheu climate.
The climate in Gabú, Guinea-Bissau, is characterized by a hot tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. Temperatures soar from January to April, reaching as high as 44°C (112°F) in mid-April, with humidity gradually increasing as the wet season approaches. From June to September, the region experiences heavy rainfall, particularly in July and August, when precipitation can exceed 400 mm (15.7 in). Despite the high humidity levels, which peak during these months, the relatively dry spells of January to April bring refreshing relief from the heat. To explore more about Gabú's climate, visit Gabú climate.
The climate in Oio, Guinea-Bissau, is characterized by a striking contrast between blistering heat and heavy rainfall. With temperatures soaring to a scorching 44°C (111°F) in April and mild lows around 14°C (57°F) in January, the region experiences an oppressive dry season from January through April, marked by zero precipitation. However, from June to September, Oio transforms into a tropical haven, with staggering rainfall peaking in August at an impressive 463 mm (18.2 in) and humidity levels reaching 85%. This seasonal shift not only rejuvenates the lush landscapes but also introduces a more comfortable climate for visitors later in the year. For more insights about the weather patterns, check out Oio climate.
Quinara, Guinea-Bissau, experiences a tropical climate with distinctively warm temperatures year-round. With January averages around 26°C (80°F), the heat intensifies through April, peaking at 29°C (85°F) before reaching highs of 43°C (109°F). The onset of the rainy season in June brings heavy precipitation, with July and August witnessing the highest rainfall, averaging over 500 mm (19.6 in) each month. As humidity also rises to a notable 86% in August, the climate can feel quite sultry; however, the cooler months from December to February provide a refreshing respite. For more detailed insights, check out the full Quinara climate profile.
Tombali, Guinea-Bissau, experiences a notable tropical climate characterized by hot temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. From January to April, the region enjoys a dry spell with temperatures soaring to a high of 41°C (106°F) in March, while humidity remains moderate. As the rainy season sets in from June to September, the temperature dips slightly, but the humidity rises, often reaching 86% in August, accompanied by significant rainfall, peaking in July with over 600 mm (24.1 in). This rich contrast makes Tombali an intriguing destination for those who appreciate diverse weather patterns. For a deeper dive into the specifics of the weather, explore the Tombali climate.
The climate of Guinea-Bissau exhibits striking contrasts, marked by extreme temperatures and varying precipitation patterns throughout the year. In Gabú, for instance, temperatures fluctuate significantly, with a chilling minimum of 13°C (56°F) in December soaring to a scorching maximum of 44°C (112°F) in April, showcasing the region's seasonal extremes. Rainfall patterns reveal a dramatic shift, as illustrated by Bafatá, which records virtually no rain in January, while Tombali experiences an impressive peak of 613 mm (24.1 in) in July, highlighting the monsoon's profound impact. Humidity levels also reflect this variability, ranging from a low of 14% in January to a sultry 88% in August, further contributing to the region's distinctive climate. Such dynamics not only shape the natural environment but also influence agricultural practices and daily life in Guinea-Bissau.