The best time to visit Gabon

January in Gabon marks the peak of the rainy season, characterised by heavy downpours, high humidity and temperatures averaging around 27°C. Coastal areas and rainforests, including Loango National Park and Ivindo National Park, experience frequent rains, making some remote areas harder to access.

Indoor cultural experiences, such as visiting museums and markets in Libreville, are also popular. While wildlife tracking can be challenging, primates and other species remain active in dense forest habitats, offering unique viewing opportunities. It’s essential to plan around potential transport disruptions due to the heavy rains and make sure to pack waterproof gear and insect repellent.

February continues the rainy trend with persistent heavy rainfall, high humidity and temperatures of 28°C. Flooding can occur in low-lying areas, making travel between cities and rural regions more challenging. The rainforest areas are particularly vibrant, making it a great time for bird-watching and photographing lush landscapes, though carrying protective gear for cameras is advisable.

Despite the weather, urban centres like Libreville and Port-Gentil remain lively, offering indoor activities like visiting cultural centres, art galleries and local craft workshops.

Rainfall starts to reduce slightly, though humidity remains high with temperatures still hovering around 28°C. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, but mornings and evenings are cooler. This transitional month allows for more outdoor exploration, especially in the national parks, where wildlife activity increases as rain eases. Loango National Park is popular for primate tracking and bird-watching, while coastal walks become more enjoyable with fewer showers.

March is considered a shoulder season, so tourist numbers are still low and accommodation prices are moderate. Take advantage of this period to explore less crowded attractions while keeping an eye on weather forecasts for potential rainstorms.

April marks the beginning of the short dry season in Gabon. Rainfall decreases significantly and temperatures average around 27°C. The landscape remains lush from previous rains, making it an ideal month for nature photography and outdoor activities.

Wildlife viewing improves as animals become more visible near water sources. Coastal regions such as Pongara National Park are particularly attractive, offering the chance to spot sea turtles and explore pristine beaches. Lightweight clothing and sun protection are essential as the sun becomes more intense with reduced cloud cover.

May sees the full arrival of the short dry season, characterised by lower humidity, minimal rainfall and temperatures of 26°C. Enjoy a variety of activities from trekking in Monts de Cristal to wildlife safaris in Lope National Park. Coastal areas like Port-Gentil attract beachgoers, with clear skies offering ideal conditions for boating and fishing. It’s a fantastic time for gorilla tracking as vegetation becomes less dense.

Labour Day is celebrated across the country on the 1st May with parades, community events and social gatherings and the Festival Akini-a-Loubou is a contemporary dance festival in Libreville showcasing local and international performances. Tourism starts to pick up, meaning accommodation prices start to increase. Booking ahead is recommended, particularly for popular national parks. Sunscreen and comfortable hiking gear are essential during daytime excursions.

June ushers in the long dry season, making it one of the best months to visit Gabon. With average temperatures of 25°C and clear skies, it’s prime time if you’re a wildlife enthusiast. National parks like Loango and Ivindo are bustling with activity, as animals gather at water sources, making for excellent safari experiences. Coastal regions are also accessible, with beach activities and whale watching in full swing, especially around Cape Lopez.

While June marks the beginning of the peak travel period, prices are not yet at their highest. Early reservations are advised for popular lodges and wildlife tours. Light, breathable clothing is suitable for both coastal and inland areas, as temperatures remain mild and pleasant.

July is a prime month for visiting Gabon, with the dry season in full swing. Temperatures drop slightly to around 24°C and skies remain predominantly clear. This is the ideal time for wildlife viewing, particularly in Loango National Park, where gorillas, elephants and buffalos can be spotted near water sources. Coastal areas such as Pongara and Mayumba are perfect for beach outings and the calm weather is great for river cruising and hiking in Monts de Cristal.

Les Nuits Atypiques de Mighoma is a traditional music festival in the Nyanga region celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Gabonese music and dance that takes place in July. Accommodation tends to book up quickly and prices are higher than average making early planning essential, especially for popular safari lodges and beach resorts. Bring light layers for cooler mornings and evenings, especially if venturing into the forested interior.

August continues the dry season with temperatures averaging 24°C and minimal rainfall. It’s one of the best months to visit Gabon, particularly for wildlife enthusiasts and cultural explorers. Loango National Park remains a hotspot for safari experiences, while coastal areas like Libreville and Port-Gentil thrive with beachgoers. The Gabon 9 Provinces Festival showcases traditional music, dance and crafts from various ethnic groups, offering a unique insight into the country’s diversity.

Accommodation is at its most expensive and booking well in advance is necessary. Expect vibrant city celebrations and festive energy. Dress comfortably for both day and night activities, as evenings can be cool.

September marks the gradual end of the dry season, with light showers becoming more frequent and temperatures rising to around 26°C. Wildlife viewing remains decent, but some animals start to disperse as water sources become more plentiful. Inland trekking may be more difficult as a result of the rains, coastal areas on the other hand remain accessible.
Visiting national parks remains feasible, although trails might become muddy in the latter part of the month. As the shoulder season begins, tourist numbers start to decrease and accommodation prices drop slightly. It’s a good time for budget-conscious travellers to explore before the rains fully return. Keep a light rain jacket handy for sudden showers.

October marks the start of the long rainy season, with temperatures averaging 27°C and frequent heavy rainfall. Outdoor activities are limited as rain makes forest trails slippery and some rural roads impassable. However, the renewed lushness of the landscapes makes this a vibrant month for nature photography.

Urban exploration in Libreville and cultural centres becomes more appealing during rainy spells. Be prepared for unpredictable weather by carrying waterproof gear and choosing indoor activities when necessary.

November is one of Gabon’s wettest months, with rainfall intensifying and temperatures hovering around 28°C. Travel to national parks can be challenging, but wildlife photographers might find the lush green scenery appealing. City exploration, including visiting museums, art galleries and craft markets in Libreville, is recommended.

Bird-watching remains a highlight, particularly in Ivindo and Lope National Parks, where migratory birds are prevalent. If travelling in November, opt for reliable transport services and consider staying in major cities to avoid road disruptions.

December continues the rainy trend, but the festive atmosphere makes cities like Libreville vibrant and welcoming. Temperatures average 27°C and humidity remains high. Coastal regions experience occasional breaks in the rain, allowing for beach visits and coastal hikes. Wildlife spotting becomes more challenging, but visiting forest reserves can still yield sightings of primates and rare birds.

Christmas and New Year celebrations dominate the month, with Libreville hosting public events, concerts and community gatherings. Expect a festive ambiance, with decorated streets and lively markets. While international tourism is relatively low, many expatriates and locals travel, so booking city accommodation ahead of time is wise. Prepare for rain with lightweight, quick-drying clothes.