Best time to visit Cameroon: seasons in Douala, Yaoundé and the West
Updated on 23 October 2026 · 6 min read
The best time to visit Cameroon for dry weather is from December to February, when Douala, Yaoundé and the West get the least rain. It is also the busiest time, because the diaspora comes home for Christmas and New Year. January and February combine dry weather with fewer crowds. Douala is very wet from June to October, peaking in July and August. Here is the year in detail, and when to book.
The best time to visit Cameroon, at a glance
| Months | Weather | Crowds |
|---|---|---|
| December | Dry in the south and the West | Peak: holidays, diaspora, family events |
| January–February | Driest months, hot | Quieter after the first week of January |
| March–May | Rains return, heavier in May | Easter is busy for families |
| June–September | Douala very wet (July–August); Yaoundé drier in July | July–August busy: summer diaspora |
| October–November | Heavy rain in Yaoundé and the West in October, easing in November | Calm until the December rush |
Douala: hot, humid and very rainy mid-year
Douala, on the coast, is one of the wettest cities in Africa: about 3,600 mm of rain a year. Average temperatures stay between about 26 and 29 °C all year, with high humidity. The rain is concentrated from June to October: July and August each get close to 700 mm, often as long, heavy downpours that flood some streets and slow traffic. December to February are the driest months, with only about 30 to 55 mm a month.
Yaoundé: two rainy peaks, slightly cooler
Yaoundé, inland and built on hills, is a little cooler (average about 23 to 26 °C) and gets less than half of Douala's rain, about 1,500 mm a year. The rain comes in two peaks: April–May and, the wettest, September–October. July is a drier break. December to February are dry, with under 50 mm a month.
The West: cool highlands
The West highlands (Bafoussam, Dschang, Bangangté) are high plateaus (Bafoussam sits at about 1,500 m) and much cooler: temperatures there usually range from about 15 °C at night to 27 °C by day. Bring a warm layer for the evenings. The dry season runs from about mid-November to mid-March, which is why many funerals and family celebrations are held then. The rest of the year is rainy, wettest in September and October, when some rural roads become difficult. See our guide Douala and Yaoundé to the West.
Rainy season is not a reason to stay home
Rain usually comes in heavy showers rather than all day. Plan outdoor visits in the morning, allow extra time on the road, and avoid driving between cities in a storm or at night.
Holiday peaks: when everything fills up
- Mid-December to early January: the biggest peak. Families come home, weddings and funerals follow one another, and flights, apartments and vehicles book up weeks ahead. The Ngondo festival of the Sawa people is held in Douala in early December.
- July and August: the summer holidays of the diaspora in Europe and North America. Busy, despite the rain in Douala.
- Easter: a shorter family peak.
- Public holidays: 1 January, 11 February (Youth Day), 1 May, 20 May (National Day), 15 August, 25 December, plus Good Friday, Ascension Day and the two Eid festivals, whose dates change each year. Offices close, and some roads may be closed for parades.
Prices and availability: when to book
Flights to Douala and Yaoundé usually cost most for December and the summer holidays. For those periods, book flights, your apartment and your pickup two to three months ahead; for the rest of the year, a few weeks is often enough. A 30% deposit secures your dates. For arrivals between 15 December and 10 January, the deposit is fully refunded if you cancel at least 30 days before arrival, and kept otherwise: see our cancellation policy. If you are coming home for Christmas, read coming home for the holidays.
So, which month?
- For dry weather and fewer crowds: mid-January to February.
- For the family atmosphere of the holidays: December, booked early.
- For a business trip: any month outside the holiday peaks; avoid the weeks around public holidays.
- For a family event: the date is often set for you. Book as soon as it is known; see funerals and family events.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Cameroon?
For dry weather, December to February. January and February are drier and quieter than December, which is the busiest month of the year.
When is the rainy season in Douala?
Mainly from June to October, with the heaviest rain in July and August, close to 700 mm each month. December to February are the driest months.
When is the rainy season in Yaoundé?
Yaoundé has two rainy peaks, April–May and September–October, with a drier break in July. December to February are dry.
Is it cold in the West of Cameroon?
It is cooler than Douala or Yaoundé: in Bafoussam, nights are often around 15 °C. Bring a warm layer for the evening.
When should I book for Christmas in Cameroon?
Two to three months ahead for flights, accommodation and transport. December is the busiest time of the year.