The climate of Yaounde
In accordance with the Köppen climate classification standards,
Yaounde, the capital city of
Cameroon, is situated within the Aw or Tropical wet and dry climate zone. Situated near the equator, this tropical savanna climate features distinct wet and dry seasons throughout the year.
The weather in Yaounde cycles through varying patterns of rainfall, humidity, and temperatures. The temperatures remain consistently high all year round; the highest average high being 31°C (87.8°F) in
October and the average lows ever so slightly under 20°C (68°F), showcasing not much temperature difference, underpinning why it is considered tropical. The region also experiences substantial humidity levels which stay relatively consistent from 79.5% to a peak of 86%.
The variance in rainfall is more noticeable, wherein the driest month,
January encountering a total of 19mm (0.75") of precipitation and
May, the wettest month, experiencing a significantly higher average rainfall of 294mm (11.57"). On a similar note, the number of daylight hours are relatively consistent, peaking only by 0.4 hours at 12.3 hours in
June from 11.9 hours in January. On the other hand, average sunshine hours sees a greater fluctuation, dipping to only 2.8 hours on an average in
August and
September and peaking at 6.4 hours in May.
The best time to visit Yaounde
Due to the incessant high temperatures throughout the year, defining the best time to visit
Yaounde depends largely on the rainfall and corresponding humidity. The most comfortable travel time frame is between
November to
February when rainfall records its yearly lowest. With average values below 43mm (1.69"), these months present the most convenient time to explore the city. The average low temperatures during this period remain just under 20°C (68°F) complementing the reduction in rainfall with welcoming warmth.
The worst time to visit Yaounde
The period from
May to
October is arguably the least favorable to visit
Yaounde due to the heavy rainfall. During these months, the city encompasses an average rainfall ranging from 157mm (6.18") in
June to a high 294mm (11.57") in October. The corresponding increase in humidity levels, reaching up to 86% in
September, further compounds the discomfort during these months.
Spring weather in Yaounde
The spring months, from
March to
May, are classified by increasingly high rainfall. The precipitation advances from an average 125mm (4.92"), in March, to a peak of 294mm (11.57") in May. Average high temperatures remain nearly consistent from 30.4°C (86.7°F) to 28.8°C (83.8°F). The average low temperature moves a little from 20.3°C (68.5°F) to 20.2°C (68.4°F) maintaining a comfortable warmth.
Summer weather in Yaounde
In the summer months of
June through
August, there is a slight relief from intense rainfall compared to the preceding spring months. Nonetheless, rainfall remains high from 157mm (6.18") in June to 114mm (4.49") in August. The temperatures stay relatively steady with average highs fluctuating between 28.5°C (83.3°F) and 27.7°C (81.9°F), whilst average lows from 20.2°C (68.4°F) to19.3°C (66.7°F).
Autumn weather in Yaounde
September through
November, typically considered autumn months experience resumption of higher rainfall. From September's 232mm (9.13") it tapers down slightly to 94mm (3.7") in November. The high temperatures remain steady from 27.5°C (81.5°F) to 28.1°C (82.6°F), while low temperatures average at about 19°C (66.2°F).
Winter weather in Yaounde
Winter in
Yaounde, from
December to
February, marks the dry season with rainfall recording minimal values between 19mm (0.75") in
January and settling at 43mm (1.69") in February. High temperatures range between 29.6°C (85.3°F) and 30.4°C (86.7°F), while low averages keep within a narrow band from 19.5°C (67.1°F) to 20.3°C (68.5°F). With reduced humidity and minimal rainfall, winter offers the most amicable conditions for visitors.
Weather in January
Stepping into the new year,
Yaounde witnesses a shift in temperature with a discernible rise in humidity from the preceding month. This change is marked by unyielding high temperatures that peak at 29.6°C (85.3°F) and an increase in rainfall beginning at 19mm (0.75").
Weather in January »Weather in February
In
February, the weather in
Yaounde moves into a notably wetter phase compared to
January. This period sees an escalation from 19mm (0.75") to 43mm (1.69") in rainfall that affect the city's rhythm. As the second month proceeds, it carries a near-constant high temperature, a characteristic of this zone's tropical climate.
Weather in February »Weather in March
With the arrival of
March,
Yaounde's weather scales have significant fluctuations, deep into the rainy season. The city experiences an extraordinary leap in precipitation to 125mm (4.92"), compared to the previous month's figures.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April's weather in
Yaounde intensifies the regular patterns of the tropical rainforest. This state transforms the city's profile with a precipitation peak at a significant 171mm (6.73"). Despite being the wettest month, the city ensures an extended course of daylight, accommodating the city's everyday rhythm.
Weather in April » Weather in May
As the month of
May rolls in,
Yaounde meets both temperature and rainfall in the high range. The showers peak for the year, hitting a record 199mm (7.83"), while temperatures persistently hover around the same scale. Despite the slight dip in temperature, May doesn’t quite let off its tropical tendencies.
Weather in May »Weather in June
In
June,
Yaounde weather begins a transition towards a dry spell, easing from the intense rainy season of the preceding months. Comparatively, rainfall decreases to 157mm (6.18"), hinting at the forthcoming drier times. However, humidity remains comparatively high, leaving a lingering essence of monsoon in the atmosphere.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
The
July weather in
Yaounde indicates a more pronounced retreat from the monsoon, going down to a mere 74mm (2.91") of rainfall. The change in weather is marked not just by a drop in the monthly rainfall but also a minor decrease in the relative humidity.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August in
Yaounde heralds an increase in rainfall at 114mm (4.49"), diverging from the declining trend of the last two months. This somewhat erratic pattern is an interesting attribute of the city’s tropical monsoon climate. The occasional showers do little to dampen the temperature, which remains practically stable from the previous month.
Weather in August » Weather in September
In
September,
Yaounde's weather achieves its second peak for the year in terms of rainfall, with an impressive 232mm (9.13") precipitation, almost twice the amount compared to
August. This increase in rainfall, while substantial, is quite characteristic of Yaounde's equatorial climate.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
Yaounde's weather stretches into its highest rainfall phase for the year in
October. The city succumbs to its highest precipitation of the year, at a massive 294mm (11.57"). This culmination is in line with the city’s tropical rainforest climate, making October a month of prolonged showers.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November is a month where
Yaounde's weather transitions into a drier phase, with rainfall falling to a significantly lower 94mm (3.7"). Notwithstanding the reduction in rainfall, high temperatures persist throughout the month, marking the shift from the rainy to the drier season.
Weather in November » Weather in December
In
December,
Yaounde's weather concludes the year as it started: warm and relatively dry. This month sees the lowest rainfall of the year, at a mere 19mm (0.75"). December days continue to uphold the consistent tropical climate, signified by warm temperatures and long daylight hours.
Weather in December » [Resources]