🌤️ When to go?Best time to visit Guinea-Bissau
The best time to visit Guinea-Bissau for backpacking is during the dry season, which runs from November to May. During this time, the weather is generally hot and dry, with temperatures ranging from 25 to 35 °C (77 to 95 °F). This allows for comfortable exploration of the country's natural attractions, such as the Bijagós Archipelago and national parks.
Additionally, the dry season is ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, birdwatching, and exploring the country's vibrant markets and cultural festivals. The rainy season, which occurs from June to October, brings heavy rainfall and may make transportation and outdoor activities more challenging.
Additionally, the dry season is ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, birdwatching, and exploring the country's vibrant markets and cultural festivals. The rainy season, which occurs from June to October, brings heavy rainfall and may make transportation and outdoor activities more challenging.
Why visit Guinea-Bissau in January?
January is a great time to visit Guinea-Bissau due to its mild and dry weather. With average temperatures ranging from 24-30°C, it’s the perfect time to explore the country’s beautiful landscapes, pristine beaches, and diverse wildlife. The dry season also means clearer skies, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and exploring the Bijagos Archipelago.
January is also the peak time for cultural events and festivals in Guinea-Bissau. The country celebrates its independence on January 20th with colorful parades, traditional music and dance performances, and vibrant street parties. This is a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and witness the rich heritage of the country.
Furthermore, January is a great time for birdwatching in Guinea-Bissau, as many migratory bird species can be spotted during this season. The country is home to a wide variety of bird species, making it a paradise for bird enthusiasts. The Bijagos Archipelago, in particular, is a hotspot for birdwatching, with its diverse avifauna and stunning natural beauty.
Overall, January is a fantastic time to visit Guinea-Bissau, offering a combination of favorable weather, cultural festivities, and unique wildlife experiences.
January is also the peak time for cultural events and festivals in Guinea-Bissau. The country celebrates its independence on January 20th with colorful parades, traditional music and dance performances, and vibrant street parties. This is a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and witness the rich heritage of the country.
Furthermore, January is a great time for birdwatching in Guinea-Bissau, as many migratory bird species can be spotted during this season. The country is home to a wide variety of bird species, making it a paradise for bird enthusiasts. The Bijagos Archipelago, in particular, is a hotspot for birdwatching, with its diverse avifauna and stunning natural beauty.
Overall, January is a fantastic time to visit Guinea-Bissau, offering a combination of favorable weather, cultural festivities, and unique wildlife experiences.
Why visit Guinea-Bissau in February?
February is a great time to visit Guinea-Bissau because of its pleasant weather. The dry season typically starts in December and lasts until April, making it an ideal time to explore the country’s beautiful landscapes and beaches. With temperatures ranging from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius, visitors can enjoy the sunny weather without the discomfort of excessive heat or humidity.
February is also the month of Carnival in Guinea-Bissau, a vibrant and colorful celebration that showcases the country’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors can experience traditional music, dance, and elaborate costumes as they join in the festivities. The lively atmosphere and sense of community during Carnival make it a unique and memorable experience for travelers looking to immerse themselves in the local culture.
Additionally, February is a great time for birdwatching in Guinea-Bissau. The country is home to a diverse range of bird species, and the dry season makes it easier to spot them in their natural habitats. Bird enthusiasts can explore the Bijagos Archipelago and other wildlife reserves to observe a variety of bird species in their natural environment.
February is also the month of Carnival in Guinea-Bissau, a vibrant and colorful celebration that showcases the country’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors can experience traditional music, dance, and elaborate costumes as they join in the festivities. The lively atmosphere and sense of community during Carnival make it a unique and memorable experience for travelers looking to immerse themselves in the local culture.
Additionally, February is a great time for birdwatching in Guinea-Bissau. The country is home to a diverse range of bird species, and the dry season makes it easier to spot them in their natural habitats. Bird enthusiasts can explore the Bijagos Archipelago and other wildlife reserves to observe a variety of bird species in their natural environment.
Why visit Guinea-Bissau in March?
March is an excellent time to visit Guinea-Bissau for its pleasant weather. The dry season begins in March, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures, making it the perfect time to explore the country’s natural beauty and cultural attractions. The weather is ideal for outdoor activities such as birdwatching, hiking, and visiting the stunning Bijagós Archipelago.
March is also a great time to experience the local culture and festivities. The country celebrates its independence on March 24th with colorful parades, traditional music and dance performances, and vibrant street parties. This provides an opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of Guinea-Bissau and witness the joyous celebrations of its people.
Furthermore, March is an excellent time for wildlife enthusiasts to visit Guinea-Bissau. The Bijagós Archipelago, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including rare species of birds, hippos, and marine life. March offers the chance to observe nesting sea turtles and witness the natural beauty of this unique and ecologically important area.
Overall, March is an ideal time to visit Guinea-Bissau to enjoy the favorable weather, vibrant cultural celebrations, and unique wildlife experiences.
March is also a great time to experience the local culture and festivities. The country celebrates its independence on March 24th with colorful parades, traditional music and dance performances, and vibrant street parties. This provides an opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of Guinea-Bissau and witness the joyous celebrations of its people.
Furthermore, March is an excellent time for wildlife enthusiasts to visit Guinea-Bissau. The Bijagós Archipelago, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including rare species of birds, hippos, and marine life. March offers the chance to observe nesting sea turtles and witness the natural beauty of this unique and ecologically important area.
Overall, March is an ideal time to visit Guinea-Bissau to enjoy the favorable weather, vibrant cultural celebrations, and unique wildlife experiences.
Why visit Guinea-Bissau in April?
April is the perfect time to visit Guinea-Bissau because it falls during the dry season. This means you can expect warm, sunny weather with little to no rainfall, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities and exploring the country’s natural beauty. The landscape is lush and green, and the beaches are pristine, making it a great time for beachcombing, swimming, and enjoying water sports.
In April, Guinea-Bissau also celebrates its national day on the 24th, which is a great opportunity to experience the country’s vibrant culture and traditions. You can expect lively parades, traditional music and dance performances, and delicious local cuisine to be enjoyed during this festive time. It’s a chance to immerse yourself in the local way of life and witness the pride and joy of the Guinean people as they celebrate their independence.
April is also a great time for birdwatching in Guinea-Bissau, as many migratory bird species can be spotted during this time. The Bijagos Archipelago, a group of islands off the coast of Guinea-Bissau, is a particularly popular destination for birdwatchers, with its diverse avian population and stunning natural scenery. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a culture lover, or simply seeking a relaxing getaway, April is a fantastic time to visit Guinea-Bissau.
In April, Guinea-Bissau also celebrates its national day on the 24th, which is a great opportunity to experience the country’s vibrant culture and traditions. You can expect lively parades, traditional music and dance performances, and delicious local cuisine to be enjoyed during this festive time. It’s a chance to immerse yourself in the local way of life and witness the pride and joy of the Guinean people as they celebrate their independence.
April is also a great time for birdwatching in Guinea-Bissau, as many migratory bird species can be spotted during this time. The Bijagos Archipelago, a group of islands off the coast of Guinea-Bissau, is a particularly popular destination for birdwatchers, with its diverse avian population and stunning natural scenery. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a culture lover, or simply seeking a relaxing getaway, April is a fantastic time to visit Guinea-Bissau.
Why visit Guinea-Bissau in May?
May is a great time to visit Guinea-Bissau because of its pleasant weather. The country experiences a dry season during this time, with lower humidity and less rainfall, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities and exploring the natural beauty of the region. The temperatures are also comfortable, ranging from the mid-70s to low 80s, providing a perfect climate for sightseeing and enjoying the beaches.
Another reason to visit Guinea-Bissau in May is to experience the local culture and festivals. The month of May is host to various cultural events and celebrations, offering visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the vibrant traditions of the country. From music and dance festivals to religious and historical celebrations, there are plenty of cultural experiences to enjoy during this time.
On the downside, May is considered the peak tourist season in Guinea-Bissau, so visitors can expect larger crowds and higher prices for accommodations and activities. This may also lead to more crowded attractions and popular tourist spots, which can detract from the overall experience for some travelers. Additionally, it’s important to be mindful of the potential for increased tourist-related scams and petty theft during this time, and take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.
Another reason to visit Guinea-Bissau in May is to experience the local culture and festivals. The month of May is host to various cultural events and celebrations, offering visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the vibrant traditions of the country. From music and dance festivals to religious and historical celebrations, there are plenty of cultural experiences to enjoy during this time.
On the downside, May is considered the peak tourist season in Guinea-Bissau, so visitors can expect larger crowds and higher prices for accommodations and activities. This may also lead to more crowded attractions and popular tourist spots, which can detract from the overall experience for some travelers. Additionally, it’s important to be mindful of the potential for increased tourist-related scams and petty theft during this time, and take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.
Why visit Guinea-Bissau in November?
November is an ideal time to visit Guinea-Bissau due to its pleasant weather. The rainy season has ended, and the country is lush and green, making it a great time for nature enthusiasts to explore the diverse landscapes and wildlife. The temperatures are also comfortable, ranging from 25-30°C, perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
November is also a great time to experience the local culture and festivities. The country celebrates its independence on November 24th, with colorful parades, traditional music and dance performances, and vibrant street parties. This provides a unique opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the local traditions and celebrations.
On the downside, November is still considered the shoulder season for tourism in Guinea-Bissau, so some tourist facilities and services may not be fully operational. This could lead to limited options for accommodations, transportation, and guided tours. Additionally, some attractions or activities may have reduced operating hours or limited availability during this time.
Overall, November offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the natural beauty and cultural richness of Guinea-Bissau without the crowds of peak tourist season.
November is also a great time to experience the local culture and festivities. The country celebrates its independence on November 24th, with colorful parades, traditional music and dance performances, and vibrant street parties. This provides a unique opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the local traditions and celebrations.
On the downside, November is still considered the shoulder season for tourism in Guinea-Bissau, so some tourist facilities and services may not be fully operational. This could lead to limited options for accommodations, transportation, and guided tours. Additionally, some attractions or activities may have reduced operating hours or limited availability during this time.
Overall, November offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the natural beauty and cultural richness of Guinea-Bissau without the crowds of peak tourist season.
Why visit Guinea-Bissau in December?
December is the perfect time to visit Guinea-Bissau because it is the dry season, with warm temperatures and clear skies. This makes it an ideal time to explore the country’s beautiful beaches, such as the stunning Bijagos Archipelago, where you can relax on pristine sands and swim in crystal-clear waters.
Additionally, December is a great time to experience the vibrant culture and traditions of Guinea-Bissau. The country’s diverse ethnic groups celebrate a variety of festivals and events during this time, offering visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in local customs and celebrations. From traditional music and dance performances to colorful street parades, December is a lively and exciting time to experience the rich cultural heritage of Guinea-Bissau.
Furthermore, December is also an excellent time for birdwatching in Guinea-Bissau, as many migratory bird species flock to the country during this time. The Bijagos Archipelago, in particular, is a haven for birdwatchers, with its diverse birdlife and pristine natural habitats providing ample opportunities for birdwatching enthusiasts to spot a wide variety of species.
Overall, December is a fantastic time to visit Guinea-Bissau to enjoy its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and diverse wildlife, making it an ideal destination for a memorable and enriching travel experience.
Additionally, December is a great time to experience the vibrant culture and traditions of Guinea-Bissau. The country’s diverse ethnic groups celebrate a variety of festivals and events during this time, offering visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in local customs and celebrations. From traditional music and dance performances to colorful street parades, December is a lively and exciting time to experience the rich cultural heritage of Guinea-Bissau.
Furthermore, December is also an excellent time for birdwatching in Guinea-Bissau, as many migratory bird species flock to the country during this time. The Bijagos Archipelago, in particular, is a haven for birdwatchers, with its diverse birdlife and pristine natural habitats providing ample opportunities for birdwatching enthusiasts to spot a wide variety of species.
Overall, December is a fantastic time to visit Guinea-Bissau to enjoy its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and diverse wildlife, making it an ideal destination for a memorable and enriching travel experience.
🌤️ Climate in Guinea-Bissau
In Guinea-Bissau, the climate is tropical, hot all year round, with a dry season from November to May, and a rainy season from June to October due to the African monsoon.
The hottest period runs from February to May, before the rains, while the rainy season, though less hot, it's muggy. The heat is intense especially in the interior, while along the coast, where Bissau is located, it is relieved by the breeze.
The monsoon rains are definitely heavy, especially from July to September, when they can cause widespread flooding. In addition, the sky in this period is often cloudy. August is the rainiest month, and if possible, it should be avoided. The rainfall is more abundant in the central-southern part of the coast, where it exceeds 2,000 millimeters (79 inches) per year, and less abundant in the north-east, where it drops below 1,500 mm (60 in) per year.
During winter, there's good weather, and the air is dry because of the prevailing wind, the Harmattan, which blows from the desert, and can bring dust, making the sky whitish. Normally, the daytime temperature is about 30 °C (86 °F), but it can sometimes reach 40 °C (104 °F). However, this is the best time of the year.
Starting from February, both temperature and humidity gradually increase, reaching a peak between March and May, when the temperature can easily surpass 40 °C (104 °F).
Starting in June, in the rainy season, the temperature decreases to about 29/30 °C (84/86 °F). The weather gets muggy, but at least the heat on the coast is tempered by the breeze.
source: climatestotravel.com
The hottest period runs from February to May, before the rains, while the rainy season, though less hot, it's muggy. The heat is intense especially in the interior, while along the coast, where Bissau is located, it is relieved by the breeze.
The monsoon rains are definitely heavy, especially from July to September, when they can cause widespread flooding. In addition, the sky in this period is often cloudy. August is the rainiest month, and if possible, it should be avoided. The rainfall is more abundant in the central-southern part of the coast, where it exceeds 2,000 millimeters (79 inches) per year, and less abundant in the north-east, where it drops below 1,500 mm (60 in) per year.
During winter, there's good weather, and the air is dry because of the prevailing wind, the Harmattan, which blows from the desert, and can bring dust, making the sky whitish. Normally, the daytime temperature is about 30 °C (86 °F), but it can sometimes reach 40 °C (104 °F). However, this is the best time of the year.
Starting from February, both temperature and humidity gradually increase, reaching a peak between March and May, when the temperature can easily surpass 40 °C (104 °F).
Starting in June, in the rainy season, the temperature decreases to about 29/30 °C (84/86 °F). The weather gets muggy, but at least the heat on the coast is tempered by the breeze.
source: climatestotravel.com
Explore Guinea-Bissau
Does the weather seem nice in the period you would like to go? Find all the info you need to start your trip, including reasons why to go, general country info and health and safety advice.
