The climate of Gabon
Gabon is located in central Africa, straddling the equator. Its geography is primarily characterized by a narrow coastal plain, hilly interior, and savanna in the east and south. With its location near the equator, Gabon experiences a tropical rainforest climate. This implies that Gabon endures high temperatures throughout the year, with average daily temperatures typically exceeding 20°C (68°F). There is considerable rainfall all year round, usually more than 60mm (2.36") per month, which sustains the country's lush rainforests. Seasonal variations in Gabon's climate are relatively small, and the weather patterns tend to be dictated more by rainfall than by temperature. While there are minor fluctuations, the climate is consistently hot and humid.
The best time to visit Gabon
The most favorable time to visit
Gabon is during the dry seasons, particularly the longer one from
May to
September. During this time, rainfall decreases significantly, which makes it more feasible to travel and explore the country. The reduced rainfall also makes wildlife viewing more advantageous, especially for those interested in seeing gorillas, forest elephants, and other unique species in Gabon's national parks. The temperatures during this period are still high, but less oppressive than the wet season, generally ranging from 23°C (73.4°F) to 28°C (82.4°F).
The worst time to visit Gabon
The least desirable period to visit
Gabon is during the peak rainy seasons, which typically occur from
October to
December and
February to
April. During these times, the amount of rainfall increases considerably, making travel more challenging due to muddy and impassable roads. Moreover, the high humidity combined with temperatures that often exceed 30°C (86°F) can make the climate feel oppressive and uncomfortable. Additionally, the visibility for wildlife viewing in national parks is reduced due to the dense vegetation growth promoted by the rain.
Spring weather in Gabon
The concept of spring, as known in temperate climates, is not entirely applicable to
Gabon due to its location on the equator. However, in the period from
March to
May, Gabon experiences the end of one rainy season and the beginning of the dry season. During this time, the amount of rainfall starts to decrease, but humidity remains high. Temperatures are generally stable, with averages ranging from 24°C (75.2°F) to 29°C (84.2°F).
Summer weather in Gabon
In the months of
June,
July, and
August, which align with the concept of summer in the Northern Hemisphere,
Gabon experiences its long dry season. During this time, rainfall is minimal, allowing for easier travel and better opportunities for wildlife viewing. Temperatures remain relatively high, but slightly less humid, ranging from 23°C (73.4°F) to 28°C (82.4°F). This period is typically the most comfortable time of the year in Gabon.
Autumn weather in Gabon
Again, the concept of autumn does not apply to
Gabon in a traditional sense due to its equatorial location. However,
September to
November sees the end of the dry season and the return of the rainy season. Rainfall begins to increase gradually during this time, with accompanying high humidity. Temperatures typically range from 24°C (75.2°F) to 30°C (86°F), making it warmer and wetter as the season progresses.
Winter weather in Gabon
In the months of
December,
January, and
February, corresponding with winter in the Northern Hemisphere,
Gabon is in its rainy season. During this period, rainfall is high, leading to difficulties in travel and reduced visibility for wildlife viewing. Despite the rain, temperatures remain high, often exceeding 30°C (86°F). The combination of heat and high humidity can create uncomfortable conditions, particularly for those unaccustomed to tropical climates.
Weather in January
In
Gabon,
January falls within the rainy season, characterized by high rainfall, high temperatures, and significant humidity. Rainfall during January is particularly high, often reaching up to 250mm (9.84") in some parts of the country.
Weather in January »Weather in February
In
Gabon, the month of
February marks the continuation of the rainy season, though typically with slightly less rainfall than
January. The amount of rain often varies from 100mm (3.94") to 200mm (7.87") across the country. Temperatures in February remain consistently high, maintaining the tropical nature of the country's climate. The coastal city of Libreville continues to experience high temperatures and humidity.
Weather in February »Weather in March
In
Gabon, the month of
March signifies the final stage of the rainy season, typically with rainfall totals increasing again compared to
February. Across different regions of the country, rainfall can range from 150mm (5.91") to 250mm (9.84").
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Gabon marks a transitional phase in the climate as the country begins to shift from the rainy season to the dry season. This transition results in a noticeable decrease in rainfall compared to previous months, with totals generally ranging between 120mm (4.72") and 200mm (7.87") across different parts of the country.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May signifies the onset of the long dry season in
Gabon. This change in season brings a considerable decrease in rainfall across the country. Rainfall totals during May can range from 50mm (1.97") to 100mm (3.94"), which is significantly less than the previous months.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June in
Gabon is well within the long dry season, and the decrease in rainfall experienced in
May continues into this month. Typically, rainfall during June varies between 10mm (0.39") to 60mm (2.36") across the country, making it one of the driest months of the year.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Gabon falls in the midst of the long dry season, with the country experiencing some of the driest conditions of the year. Rainfall during July is typically minimal, ranging from 10mm (0.39") to 50mm (1.97") across different regions.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Gabon continues the trend of the long dry season, with the country experiencing similarly dry conditions as in the previous months. Rainfall during August is generally low, ranging from 10mm (0.39") to 60mm (2.36") across various regions, making it one of the driest periods of the year.
Weather in August » Weather in September
In
Gabon,
September signifies the end of the long dry season and the start of the short rainy season. This transition is marked by a slight increase in rainfall compared to previous months, with totals typically ranging from 30mm (1.18") to 100mm (3.94") across the country.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Gabon marks the continuation of the short rainy season, with an increase in rainfall observed across the country. Rainfall during October is generally higher than in
September, with totals ranging from 120mm (4.72") to 220mm (8.66").
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Gabon is characterized by the peak of the short rainy season, with rainfall significantly higher than during other periods of the year. Rainfall during November can range from 200mm (7.87") to 300mm (11.81"), making it one of the wettest months.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Gabon signals the end of the short rainy season and the start of the short dry season. Rainfall during December is lower than in
November but remains relatively high compared to other months, typically ranging from 150mm (5.91") to 250mm (9.84").
Weather in December » [Resources]