The best time to visit Cameroon

Cameroon’s dry season is in full swing, offering excellent travel conditions across the country. Clear skies and pleasant temperatures make this a prime month for wildlife safaris, beach holidays and hiking. The Harmattan wind brings cooler, dusty conditions to the north, while the south and coastal regions stay warm and sunny.

Safari in Waza National Park
In the Far North, Waza’s dry landscapes come alive with wildlife as animals gather at limited water sources. Elephants, giraffes, lions and antelope are often seen in the open. Accessibility is at its best, with roads passable and guided tours in full operation.

Mount Cameroon Trek
With the dry weather and relatively mild temperatures, January is the ideal time to attempt the climb up Mount Cameroon. Starting in Buea, the route passes through rainforest, savannah and lava fields, offering varied terrain and sweeping views of the Gulf of Guinea.

Weather remains dry and clear throughout Cameroon. Northern parks continue to offer excellent game viewing, while coastal towns like Kribi and Limbe are ideal for beach holidays. February also hosts major national celebrations, providing unique insight into Cameroonian culture.

National Youth Day
Held on 11 February, Youth Day is celebrated across the country with parades, dancing and cultural performances. In cities like Yaounde and Douala, public squares fill with colour and energy, showcasing local pride and traditions.

Kribi
Kribi is at its best in February, with calm seas, sunshine and low humidity. Visit the Lobe Waterfalls, where the river tumbles directly into the Atlantic Ocean, or take a canoe trip to nearby Bagyeli communities for a deeper cultural experience.

March sees the end of the dry season in southern Cameroon, with humidity beginning to rise. The north remains dry and favourable for safaris. This transitional month is quieter, ideal for travellers seeking fewer crowds and more cultural immersion.

Foumban
The historic town of Foumban is a centre of traditional Bamoun culture. Visit the Royal Palace, explore the Museum of Bamoun Art and watch artisans at work in copper, leather and wood.

Benoue National Park Safari
Before rains return, Benoue offers rewarding wildlife encounters in a scenic riverine setting. Buffalos, hippos, monkeys and antelope are often spotted along the Benoue River, and birdlife is prolific, especially as migratory species prepare to move.

April marks the onset of the rainy season in the south and central regions. While downpours increase, the landscape becomes lush and green. Travel is more challenging in rainforest areas but offers rich rewards for those seeking solitude and scenery.

Douala’s Creative Quarter
With wetter weather limiting outdoor activity, Douala’s art scene offers an excellent alternative. Visit galleries and artist collectives in Bonapriso and Akwa, or explore the Maritime Museum for a window into the region’s colonial and cultural past.

Birdwatching in Campo Ma’an
This lesser-visited national park near the Equatorial Guinea border becomes vibrant with life. Though roads can be muddy, guided trips offer sightings of hornbills, turacos and primates. April’s rain brings out lush foliage and early signs of wildlife births.

May is typically one of the wettest months across southern Cameroon. While tourism dips due to rain, the landscape is lush and accommodation deals are easier to find. The north remains drier and is still accessible for wildlife and cultural tourism.

Bamenda Highlands Walks
The misty highlands around Bamenda offer rewarding walks through farmland, forest and traditional villages.

Yaounde
As showers limit outdoor activity, spend time exploring the capital’s cultural institutions. The National Museum, Mvog-Betsi Zoo and the Benedictine Monastery’s museum offer engaging insights into Cameroonian history, religion and biodiversity.

Rainfall remains high across the southern half of Cameroon, particularly in coastal and rainforest regions. The northern regions start transitioning into the dry season. Despite wet conditions, highland regions remain cool and attractive for cultural and nature-based travel.

National Day Celebrations
Held on 20 May and often extending into June with regional events, expect colourful military parades, traditional dances and concerts across major cities and regional capitals.

Dschang’s Museum and Lake
Located in the West Region, Dschang’s mild climate and scenic lakeside setting make it a worthwhile stop. The Museum of Civilisations provides excellent context on the country’s diverse ethnic groups, while boat trips on the lake offer a peaceful break from the rains.

July is the height of the rainy season in the south. Travel can be slow, but the landscape is strikingly verdant and cultural experiences continue year-round. The far north is significantly drier, making it a good escape from the rain.

Rhumsiki
In the dry Far North, explore the surreal volcanic rock formations of Rhumsiki near Maroua. Visit local blacksmiths, storytellers and fortune tellers, and hike the surrounding Mandara Mountains.

Limbe Wildlife Centre
Rain or shine, this sanctuary for rescued primates and other wildlife provides insight into conservation efforts. Nearby, the Limbe Botanic Garden flourishes during the wet season, with vivid blooms and canopy walks sheltered from the rain.

Rain persists in southern and central regions, keeping crowds low and landscapes lush. Travel to the north is good, with improved accessibility and pleasant weather. Coastal areas see brief dry spells that allow for beach visits.

Waza National Park
Increased dryness in the north reopens tracks in Waza. Wildlife sightings become more frequent as water sources diminish. The mix of savannah and semi-desert scenery under August skies makes for superb photography conditions.

Village Homestays
August is a great time to connect with Cameroonian hospitality through community-based tourism. Spend a few days in a rural village near Bafoussam or Foumbot, where you can take part in cooking, farming or traditional ceremonies.

Rains begin to recede, especially in northern and western Cameroon. Conditions improve for travel, though central rainforest regions remain humid. This shoulder month brings quieter tourist sites and lush surroundings.

Bafut Palace
Near Bamenda, the Palace of the Fon of Bafut remains a key cultural attraction. Guided visits cover traditional governance, architecture and sacred rituals.

Dja Faunal Reserve Trek
With improved access and fewer showers, September is a good time to visit this UNESCO-listed reserve. Guided treks reveal towering trees, rare primates and opportunities to learn about Baka Pygmy traditions.

October marks a turning point in the climate: the south dries out while the north remains favourable. Travel becomes easier and visibility improves. Parks and hiking routes become more accessible and rural scenery is still vivid from the rains.

Mount Manengouba Crater Lakes
Trek into the highlands near Bangem to discover the Male and Female Lakes. Surrounded by rolling pastures and traditional villages, the area offers a mix of geological wonder and cultural connection.

Lobeke National Park
October is excellent for visiting this remote rainforest park in the east. Wildlife viewing platforms near clearings attract forest elephants, gorillas and birds. Lodges reopen and humidity levels drop slightly, making treks more comfortable.

Dry season conditions return to most of Cameroon, particularly in the north and west. Roads are improving, parks are reopening and beaches become more appealing. November is a good month for multi-region trips.

Festival of Heritage in Buea
Celebrating the diverse cultures of the Southwest Region, this festival features music, storytelling, dance and food. Set at the foot of Mount Cameroon, it’s an immersive introduction to local identity and hospitality.

Benoue River Safaris
Rising wildlife activity makes this a rewarding time to cruise or drive along the Benoue River in the North Region. Look for crocodiles, monkeys and hippos, as well as the vibrant plumage of bee-eaters and kingfishers.

December is one of Cameroon’s most popular times to visit, with warm, dry weather, vibrant festivals and ideal wildlife conditions. From the mountains to the beaches, the country is in full swing for the festive season.

Ngondo Festival in Douala
Held on the Wouri River’s banks, this ancestral water people’s festival includes boat races, dances and symbolic rites. It’s one of Cameroon’s most spectacular and spiritual cultural events.

Kribi Christmas by the Sea
Celebrate the festive season in Kribi, where palm-lined beaches meet lively markets and relaxed coastal charm. December brings perfect beach weather and a celebratory atmosphere, with seafood feasts and local music on offer.