The climate of Bertoua
Bertoua,
Cameroon, falls under the Köppen climate classification as an Aw. This is defined as a tropical wet and dry or savanna climate. Located in the Central region of Cameroon, Bertoua experiences a varying climate throughout the year, due to its position in the tropical savanna.
The average temperature fluctuates mildly from a low of 26.8°C (80.2°F) to a high of 35.2°C (95.4°F). The minimum temperatures mainly fall between 19.2°C (66.6°F) and 22.1°C (71.8°F), whereas maximum temperatures vary between 30.4°C (86.7°F) and 35.2°C (95.4°F). Meanwhile, relative humidity ranges from a low of 34% to a high of 90%. This demonstrates a significant shift in humidity throughout the year, pointing to the variations in rainfall patterns and temperatures.
Rainfall varies dramatically from as little as 2mm (0.08") in
December to a high of 175mm (6.89") in
October. The number of rainfall days also shifts, with months with the least amount of rainfall having as low as 2.3 days of rain, and months with high rainfall recording up to 28.4 days of rain. One distinct meteorological aspect of Bertoua is the high cloud cover that can rise up to 64%, particularly during the high rainfall period, contributing to reduced visibility. Average visibility varies from 6km (3.7mi) to 10km (6.2mi).
Changes in atmospheric pressure are minimal, with mean pressure fluctuating between 1009.2 mb and 1013.5 mb. Wind speed varies between 5.3km/h (3.3mph) and 7.7km/h (4.8mph), with gusts reaching up to 12.1km/h (7.5mph).
The best time to visit Bertoua
Visitors seeking to explore
Bertoua might prefer the period from
November to
February. During this period, the city experiences less rainfall, with average monthly values dropping to as low as 2mm (0.08") to 29mm (1.14"). It also registers fewer rainfall days, ranging from 1.9 to 10.9 days. The reduced precipitation during these months results in a drop in relative humidity, enhancing comfort levels for outdoor activities. During this period, temperatures remain favourable averaging between 30°C (86°F) and 33.5°C (92.3°F).
The worst time to visit Bertoua
The period from
May to
October might prove challenging for travel, being the wettest period.
Bertoua registers the maximum rainfall during these months, with values skyrocketing from 118mm (4.65") to 175mm (6.89"). Consequently, the city records a spike in the number of rainfall days, ranging from 22.7 to 28.4 days. This coincides with the highest relative humidity values from 81% to 90%, which might create discomfort to visitors not accustomed to humid conditions.
Spring weather in Bertoua
Bertoua does not experience a typical spring season due to its location in the tropical savanna climate zone. However, for the purposes of comparison, mild temperatures ranging from 28.3°C (82.9°F) to 30.4°C (86.7°F) can be observed during the
March to
May period. The rainfall begins to increase dramatically during this period, jumping from 21mm (0.83") in
February to 149mm (5.87") in May, with the number of rainfall days climbing from 7.8 days to 25.8 days.
Summer weather in Bertoua
During the
June to
August period,
Bertoua experiences cooler temperatures, with average highs falling from 28.3°C (82.9°F) to 26.8°C (80.2°F). Rainfall is at its peak reaching 150mm (5.91"), with the number of rainy days peaking to 27.3 days in
July. Relative humidity also peaks during this period, reaching 88% in June and 89% in July.
Autumn weather in Bertoua
From
September to
November, rainfall begins to decrease, from 148mm (5.83") to a low of 29mm (1.14"). The temperature also begins to rise, from an average high of 27.1°C (80.8°F) to 30°C (86°F). Number of rainfall days also drops significantly from 27.2 days to 10.9 days, indicating a transition from the wet season to the dry season.
Winter weather in Bertoua
In the period from
December to
February, rain is rare, on average falling only on 2.3 days in December and 1.9 days in
January. The average temperature begins to increase, rising from 33.5°C (92.3°F) in December to reach 35.2°C (95.4°F) in February. Relative humidity falls to 41% in December, providing a dry and warm climate which is typical of the savanna climate zone.
Weather in January
The New Year in
Bertoua,
Cameroon commences with slightly cooler weather when compared to the tail end of the previous year.
January offers respite from the higher temperatures and rainfall before the wetter months of the year set in.
Weather in January »Weather in February
As
Bertoua steps into
February, the weather shows a slight increase in temperature, humidity, and even rainfall from the preceding month. This month is characteristic of some rainfall, approximately 21mm (0.83") over eight days, marking the onset of the wet season.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Weather in
March in
Bertoua,
Cameroon, is a transition towards increased rainfall, the volume doubling to 48mm (1.89") from the previous month. Increased cloud coverage and humidity are a prelude to the peak of the wet season. Noticeably, it also has slightly lower maximum temperatures when compared to
February.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Bertoua sees a sharp increase in rainfall from the transitionary period of
March, with a rainfall reading of 118mm (4.65"). It represents the month where relative humidity starts to consistently stay above the 70% mark. The prolonged sunshine hours seen in the previous months start to reduce.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May begins the phase of heaviest rainfall with 149mm (5.87") spread over the month, making it one of the wettest monthly periods in
Bertoua,
Cameroon. This shift in climate is evident with fewer sunshine hours, reduced visibility and increased cloud cover.
Weather in May » Weather in June
Meteorologically speaking,
June resembles much of the weather patterns seen in
May. Nonetheless, a gradual decrease in temperature, lower daylight hours, and reduced visibility are the trademark climatic indicators of the weather in June.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Through
July, the temperature in
Bertoua,
Cameroon, remains relatively stable with minimal fluctuations. However, we see a continuation of the damp conditions with 150mm (5.91") of rainfall, similar to the preceding month. There is an observable decrease in the amount of sunshine, as well as in the daytime length.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August sets itself apart with a significant decrease in sunshine duration to 6.8 hours. Additionally, it is noteworthy to acknowledge the wind speed which reaches a measurable high of 7.2km/h (4.5mph). August continues to maintain high levels of rainfall, exceeding 140mm (5.51").
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Bertoua sees a variation in several parameters, with the most striking being the decrease in rainfall levels to 148mm (5.83"). This month experiences a marked dip in wind speeds from the levels witnessed in
August.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October presents as a turning point in
Bertoua's climate, with a drop in rainfall to 175mm (6.89"). The arrival of drier weather conditions is marked by the decrease in humidity, reducing cloud coverage and a noticeable increase in visibility.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Bertoua,
Cameroon, has the most dramatic decrease in rainfall with just 29mm (1.14"). With the wet season almost behind us, visitors can experience significantly dryer weather. The transition towards drier months is made even more evident through a noticeable increase in sunshine hours to 9.3 hours daily.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December rounds out the year with a return to conditions similar to those at the start of the year. However, it takes the title for the month with the lowest rainfall, recording a mere 2mm (0.08"). It follows closely on
November's transition with clear skies, lower humidity, longer daylight hours along with an increase in temperature to 33.5°C (92.3°F).
Weather in December » [Resources]