Climate and monthly weather forecast
Central African Republic

The Central African Republic, situated right in the heart of Africa, boasts a diverse landscape that consists of savannahs in the north, tropical rainforests in the south, and desert areas in the northeast. This diverse geography lends itself to a tropical climate, characterized by wet and dry seasons. Between May and October in the south and June to September in the north, the country experiences a wet season marked by heavy rainfall averaging from 1100mm (43.31") to 1800mm (70.87") per year. During these periods, temperatures typically range between 20°C (68°F) and 28°C (82.4°F).

The dry season in the Central African Republic spans November to May in the south and October to May in the northern regions. During this season, the northern areas are hot and humid from February to May, with temperatures rising from 30°C (86°F) to 40°C (104°F). The country is also occasionally subject to the dry and dusty Harmattan wind, which originates from the Sahara Desert and typically occurs between November and March. The southern regions, on the other hand, are relatively cooler with temperatures from 20°C (68°F) to 30°C (86°F) but are subject to desertification. The extreme northeast regions are a steppe, where temperatures can plummet to as low as 15°C (59°F) during the coldest months.

For those planning a trip to the Central African Republic, the best time to visit is typically between December and February. This period marks the beginning of the dry season when the weather is relatively cooler, and the country is less susceptible to heavy rainfall. These months offer visitors a more comfortable climate with temperatures ranging from 20°C (68°F) to 28°C (82.4°F). Furthermore, wildlife spotting in national parks is typically better during the dry season as animals congregate around water sources, making for an enriching safari experience.

Conversely, the worst time to visit the Central African Republic is during the wet season from May to October in the south and from June to September in the north. Torrential rainfall characterizes these periods, causing potential flooding and making many roads impassable. Furthermore, high humidity levels coupled with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 28°C (82.4°F) can make for a particularly uncomfortable experience. Malaria is also more prevalent during the rainy season, posing additional health risks to travelers.

The Central African Republic does not experience a traditional spring season due to its location on the equator. Instead, it transitions from a dry season to a wet season. However, for the sake of this analysis, the period from February to April can be considered equivalent to a spring season. During this period, the north becomes hot and humid, with temperatures soaring from 30°C (86°F) to 40°C (104°F). In contrast, the south experiences a cooler climate with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) to 30°C (86°F).

Summer in the Central African Republic, which coincides with the wet season from May to October in the south and from June to September in the north, is characterized by high humidity and heavy rainfall. During this period, temperatures range between 20°C (68°F) and 28°C (82.4°F), providing a brief respite from the intense heat of the previous months. However, the heavy rainfall can make travel challenging, particularly in rural areas where infrastructure is limited.

Autumn, as understood in temperate regions, does not occur in the Central African Republic. Still, if we associate this season with the transitional period between the wet and dry seasons, then October and November serve this role. During this time, the rainfall gradually decreases, giving way to the dry season. Temperatures remain relatively warm, ranging from 20°C (68°F) to 30°C (86°F). This period offers a balance between the extremes of the wet and dry seasons, making it an appealing time for travel.

Winter in the Central African Republic coincides with the dry season. From November to May in the south and from October to May in the north, rainfall is scarce, and temperatures range from 15°C (59°F) in the northeast steppe regions to 40°C (104°F) in the northern savannahs. The Harmattan wind, most prevalent between November and March, adds a dusty haze to the environment, making it a unique time to experience the Central African Republic's climate. In the south, the temperatures during this period remain comfortable, ranging from 20°C (68°F) to 30°C (86°F), although it is subject to desertification.

January, in the Central African Republic, falls within the dry season. During this time, the climate is characterized by lower humidity levels and infrequent rainfall, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities and travel. The temperature in the southern regions ranges from 20°C (68°F) to 30°C (86°F). Weather in January »

In the Central African Republic, February signifies the continuation of the dry season. This month is characterized by low humidity, minimal rainfall, and typically warm temperatures. The southern regions of the country, including cities like Bangui and Mbaiki, experience temperatures ranging from 20°C (68°F) to 35°C (95°F). Weather in February »

In the Central African Republic, March signifies the transition from the dry season to the onset of the wet season. This period sees a slight increase in rainfall across the country, while temperatures remain high. The southern regions, such as Bangui and Mbaiki, continue to experience warm conditions, with average temperatures ranging from 22°C (71.6°F) to 35°C (95°F). Weather in March »

April in the Central African Republic is typically characterized as a transitional month, indicating the onset of the wet season across the country. During this period, rainfall starts to become more frequent, and humidity levels increase, particularly in the southern regions. Weather in April »

May in the Central African Republic signifies the full arrival of the wet season, particularly in the southern regions of the country. During this time, the country experiences heavy rainfall, high humidity, and consistently warm temperatures. In the southern cities such as Bangui and Mbaiki, temperatures typically range between 22°C (71.6°F) and 33°C (91.4°F). Weather in May »

June in the Central African Republic is firmly within the wet season, particularly in the south, while the north sees the onset of its wet season. This period is characterized by high humidity, consistent heavy rainfall, and warm temperatures across the country. In the southern regions, including cities such as Bangui and Mbaiki, the average temperatures range from 22°C (71.6°F) to 31°C (87.8°F). Weather in June »

July in the Central African Republic continues to be within the wet season, with significant rainfall, high humidity, and relatively warm temperatures across the country. In the southern regions, such as the cities of Bangui and Mbaiki, average temperatures fluctuate between 21°C (69.8°F) and 30°C (86°F). Weather in July »

In the Central African Republic, August remains within the wet season with rainfall being a dominant feature of the month. Humidity remains high, and temperatures are warm, though slightly moderated by the consistent rain. In the southern parts of the country, such as the cities of Bangui and Mbaiki, average temperatures range between 21°C (69.8°F) and 31°C (87.8°F). Weather in August »

In the Central African Republic, September marks a transition from the wet season towards the dry season, particularly in the southern regions of the country. This transition brings about a gradual decrease in rainfall, while humidity remains high and temperatures continue to be warm. In the southern regions, such as Bangui and Mbaiki, temperatures typically range from 21°C (69.8°F) to 32°C (89.6°F). Weather in September »

In the Central African Republic, October marks a further progression from the wet season towards the dry season. The month is characterized by a significant decrease in rainfall, particularly in the southern regions, while temperatures remain warm. In the southern regions, such as Bangui and Mbaiki, temperatures typically fluctuate between 21°C (69.8°F) to 32°C (89.6°F). Weather in October »

In the Central African Republic, November signifies the beginning of the dry season in the southern regions, while the northern regions start transitioning towards it. The month is characterized by further decreases in rainfall and consistently warm temperatures. In the southern regions, including cities such as Bangui and Mbaiki, temperatures range from 21°C (69.8°F) to 33°C (91.4°F). Weather in November »

In December, the Central African Republic fully embraces the dry season across most of its regions. This period is characterized by significantly reduced rainfall, high temperatures, and lower humidity compared to the wet season months. In the southern regions, including the capital city of Bangui and Mbaiki, average temperatures range between 19°C (66.2°F) to 33°C (91.4°F). Weather in December »