🌤️ When to go?Best time to visit Gabon
The best time to visit Gabon for backpacking is during the dry season, which runs from June to September. This period offers pleasant temperatures and lower chances of rainfall, allowing for easier exploration of the country's diverse landscapes and wildlife. Additionally, visiting during this time reduces the risk of encountering impassable roads or disrupted travel plans due to heavy rains.Why visit Gabon in June?
June is a great time to visit Gabon because it falls within the dry season, offering pleasant weather and clear skies for outdoor activities. The country’s diverse landscapes, including pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and savannas, are perfect for exploring during this time. The lower humidity and comfortable temperatures make it an ideal time for hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife spotting in the national parks and reserves.Additionally, June is the beginning of the humpback whale migration season along Gabon’s coastline, providing a unique opportunity for whale watching. Visitors can witness these majestic creatures as they travel through the waters of Gabon, making for a memorable and awe-inspiring experience.
On the downside, June is also the start of the peak tourist season in Gabon, which means that popular attractions and accommodations may be more crowded and expensive. Additionally, while the weather is generally favorable, there is still a chance of sporadic rainfall, so it’s important to be prepared for potential wet weather during outdoor activities.
Overall, visiting Gabon in June offers a chance to experience the country’s natural beauty and wildlife at its best, with the added bonus of witnessing the incredible humpback whale migration.
Why visit Gabon in July?
July is a great time to visit Gabon because it falls within the dry season, offering visitors the chance to explore the country’s stunning natural landscapes and wildlife. The weather is typically warm and sunny, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife spotting in the country’s national parks and reserves.One of the main attractions in Gabon is its rich biodiversity, with a wide variety of flora and fauna to discover. In July, visitors can witness the migration of humpback whales along the coast, as well as the nesting of sea turtles on the beaches. The lush rainforests are also teeming with life, offering the opportunity to see a diverse range of animal species, including primates, elephants, and big cats.
For those interested in cultural experiences, July is a great time to immerse oneself in Gabonese traditions and festivals. The country’s vibrant music and dance scene comes to life during this time, with various events and performances showcasing the local culture and heritage.
Overall, July is a fantastic time to visit Gabon for nature enthusiasts, wildlife lovers, and those seeking to experience the unique culture of this West African country.
Why visit Gabon in August?
August is the perfect time to visit Gabon for wildlife enthusiasts. The country’s lush rainforests are teeming with life, and the cooler temperatures make it an ideal time for trekking and exploring the diverse ecosystems. In August, visitors have the opportunity to witness the migration of humpback whales along the coast, an incredible natural spectacle that shouldn’t be missed.For those interested in cultural experiences, August is also the month of the Augustinian Cultural Festival, a vibrant celebration of Gabonese music, dance, and art. This festival provides a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the local culture and connect with the friendly and welcoming Gabonese people.
August is also a great time for birdwatching, as many migratory bird species make their way through Gabon during this time. The country’s varied habitats, including savannas, wetlands, and forests, provide a rich and diverse birdlife that will captivate birdwatchers of all levels.
Overall, August offers a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty and cultural richness of Gabon, making it an ideal time to visit for those seeking an authentic and immersive travel experience.
Why visit Gabon in September?
September is a great time to visit Gabon due to the favorable weather conditions. The country experiences its dry season during this time, making it an ideal period for outdoor activities such as hiking, wildlife spotting, and beach relaxation. The temperatures are generally mild, ranging from 22°C to 28°C, providing a comfortable climate for exploration and adventure.Moreover, September is the prime time for witnessing the hatching of leatherback turtles along the country’s coastline. This natural phenomenon is a unique and unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. The opportunity to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat is a rare and special attraction that draws visitors to Gabon during this time of year.
On the flip side, September is also considered the peak of the tourist season in Gabon, which means that popular attractions and accommodations may be more crowded and expensive. Additionally, while the weather is generally dry, there is still a chance of sporadic rainfall, so visitors should be prepared for potential disruptions to outdoor activities.
Overall, visiting Gabon in September offers a chance to experience the country’s natural beauty and wildlife in a comfortable climate, with the added bonus of witnessing the extraordinary phenomenon of leatherback turtle hatching.
🌤️ Climate in Gabon
In Gabon, an African country crossed by the Equator and overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the climate is tropical, with a dry, relatively cool season from June to August.In the central and southern part of the coast, reached by the Benguela current, the decrease in temperature at this time of year is more evident.
Also, in the far south, the dry season is longer, and it goes from mid-May to mid-September.
The temperature varies little over the course of the year in the north and the center of the country. The warmest period is from January to May, when highs are equal to or higher than 30 °C (86 °F), while it drops a bit from June to September, hovering around 24/25 °C (75/77 °F) in the central and southern part of the coast and around 27/28 °C (81/82 °F) in inland areas.
Annual precipitation in most of the country ranges from 1,500 to 2,000 millimeters (60 to 79 inches), while it's close to 3,000 mm (118 in) in the northern part of the coast, where Libreville is located.
In the northern inland areas, near the Equator (see Bitam, Oyem, Makakou), in addition to the dry season from June to August, there is also a relatively dry season from December to February, so there are two rainy seasons, from March to May and from September to November, caused by the two zenith passages of the sun (that is, when it shines directly overhead in the sky at mid-day).
Much of Gabon is occupied by forests and mangroves, except the extreme east, which is occupied by the savannah. There are several national parks, designed to protect the biodiversity of the region.
The amount of sunshine is not great, and it's even worse in the dry season, from June to August, when the sky is often cloudy. The (relatively) sunniest period runs from December to February.
In the interior, there are hilly areas, where the heat is tempered by altitude. The highest peak in Gabon is Mount Bengoué, which is located in the northeast and is 1,070 meters (3,510 feet) high. In the center of the country, we find the Chaillu Mountains, whose highest peak is Mount Milondo, 1,020 meters (3,346 ft) high.
source: climatestotravel.com