Weather in Bangui

Planning a trip or simply interested in the weather in Bangui? Here you will find the most up-to-date information on weather conditions, as well as detailed forecasts that will help you be ready for any of nature's surprises.

The climate in Bangui, the capital of the CAR, is characterized as tropical. High temperatures persist here throughout the year, with average monthly figures ranging from approximately 25.8°C to 29.6°C. This means that it is practically always warm in Bangui, and daily highs regularly exceed 30°C, especially during the period from December to March.

Two main seasons are clearly traceable in the city: the dry season and the rainy season. The dry season usually falls on the months from December to February, when rainfall is minimal or non-existent. The rainy season, conversely, lasts from approximately May to October, reaching its peak in terms of precipitation and rainy days in August, September, and October. March, April, and November are transitional months between these two seasons.

Thus, when planning a trip to Bangui, it is worth considering these seasonal fluctuations. Regardless of the time of year, warm weather awaits you; however, if you prefer to avoid the rain, it is better to aim for the winter months of the Northern Hemisphere. During the summer months and early autumn, the probability of precipitation is significantly higher, which, however, can bring refreshing coolness.

The temperature regime in Bangui is characterized by constant heat throughout the year. The average annual temperature fluctuates within a relatively narrow range, from approximately 25.8°C in August to 29.6°C in February. The hottest months are usually February (average temperature 29.6°C, maximum up to 35.9°C) and March (average 29.2°C, maximum up to 34.1°C), as well as January with its high daytime temperatures. The "coolest" period, if one can call it that for a tropical climate, falls on July-September, when average temperatures drop to 25.8-25.9°C, which coincides with the peak of the rainy season.

During the so-called "winter" period of the Northern Hemisphere, from December to March, hot and predominantly dry weather settles in Bangui. Daytime temperatures in these months often rise above 33-35°C, especially in January and February, when the air can warm up to 35.1°C and 35.9°C respectively. Nights bring some relief but remain warm, with average minimum temperatures around 21.7°C - 24.3°C. This period is characterized by more noticeable diurnal temperature fluctuations; for example, in January, the difference between the daily maximum and nightly minimum can be about 13 degrees, which is especially felt in dry weather.

With the onset of the rainy season, from approximately May to October, the temperature background in Bangui becomes more moderate, although true coolness does not arrive. Daily highs during this period usually stay within 29-32°C (for example, in July and August, the average maximum is about 29.3-29.4°C), and nightly lows are around 22-24°C. Diurnal temperature fluctuations smooth out, averaging 7-8 degrees, which is associated with the increased cloudiness and humidity characteristic of the rainy season. Even in the "coolest" months, such as August, the average daytime temperature rarely drops below 29°C, ensuring consistently warm weather.

Bangui experiences pronounced seasonality in precipitation, with a clear division into dry and rainy periods. The dry season covers the months from December to February. In January, precipitation is practically absent, with an average figure of 0 mm and no rainy days. December is also very dry (0 mm of precipitation, 1 rainy day). In February, although there may be up to 3 rainy days, the average monthly rainfall is also 0 mm. This period is characterized by predominantly clear weather.

The transition to the rainy season begins in March. In March and April, the number of rainy days increases to 10-12, and the average monthly rainfall volume is about 2 mm. In May and June, the trend towards increased humidity continues: the number of rainy days reaches 15-17, and precipitation amounts to 3 mm per month. During these months, rains become a more frequent occurrence, preparing the soil for the peak of the wet season.

The highest frequency of precipitation in Bangui occurs in the period from July to October. September and October are the wettest months: on average, 24 rainy days are registered in each, and the average monthly rainfall reaches 6 mm. In August, there are 23 rainy days with 5 mm of precipitation, and in July – 21 rainy days and 4 mm of precipitation. This means that at the height of the rainy season, precipitation falls regularly, although, judging by the average monthly volumes, it may not be too intense. Starting from November, the number of rainy days (12 days) and the volume of precipitation (2 mm) noticeably decrease, indicating the gradual return of the dry season.

When planning a trip to Bangui, remember that a hot tropical climate awaits you year-round. The basis of your wardrobe should be light, loose, and breathable clothing made from natural fabrics such as cotton or linen. Light colors will help you tolerate the daytime heat more easily, when the temperature often exceeds 30°C, and in the dry season (from December to February) can reach 35°C. Be sure to bring headwear (a hat or cap), sunglasses, and cream with high SPF to protect against the intense tropical sun. Comfortable footwear is key to comfortable walks: sandals or light breathable sneakers will be a good choice.

Bangui has a pronounced rainy season, which usually falls on the period from May to October, with the highest number of rainy days from July to October. If your trip falls during this time, do not forget to pack a light folding umbrella or a compact raincoat, as rains can be frequent, though not always heavy. Clothes made of quick-drying materials will also prove very practical. Although nights remain warm (minimum temperature rarely drops below 21-22°C), a light sweater or long-sleeved shirt may come in handy for protection against evening freshness after rain, from the sun during the day, or from insects, especially near bodies of water. Mosquito repellent is an important item on the list of things for a trip to the CAR at any time of the year.