Weather in Bissau

Planning your day in Bissau? Check out the latest weather information. Here you will find current data, forecasts, and useful charts.

In Bissau, the capital of Guinea-Bissau, a tropical climate prevails, characterized by high temperatures throughout the year. The average annual temperature fluctuates between 27-29°C, with daily highs often reaching 30-36°C. Nights are also warm, with minimum temperatures rarely dropping below 20°C.

The city has two clearly defined seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. The dry season lasts approximately from November to May. During this period, precipitation is virtually absent, especially from December to April, when the number of rainy days approaches zero. This time is characterized by sunny and hot weather. The rainy season usually begins in June and reaches its peak in July, August, and September, when a significant amount of rainfall occurs, and the number of rainy days can reach 28-29 per month. In October, rain intensity decreases, preparing the transition to the dry season.

Thus, when planning a trip to Bissau, expect hot weather at any time of the year. If you prefer to avoid rain, the best time to visit is from November to May. During the summer months (June-September), be prepared for high humidity and frequent, sometimes heavy, tropical downpours.

In Bissau, truly tropical weather awaits you year-round, although temperature regimes have their monthly peculiarities. The hottest months are typically March and April: the average monthly temperature reaches 29.2-29.6°C, and daily highs confidently hit the 36°C mark. Nights during this period also remain very warm, with minimum values around 22-23°C. The "coolest" month by average temperature is considered August (26.8°C), which coincides with the peak of the rainy season when cloud cover and precipitation somewhat moderate the daytime heat. However, the lowest night temperatures, around 20°C, are characteristic of January.

The period from March to May is characterized as a season of intense heat. Daytime temperatures are consistently high, often exceeding 35-36°C, especially in March and April. This time is predominantly dry, which contributes to strong heating of the air. Nights bring some relief but remain warm, with temperatures around 22-24°C. Daily temperature fluctuations in March and April can be quite significant, reaching 13-14°C, which is comparable to the "coolest" nights of the year, but with very high daytime peaks.

Speaking of more moderate temperatures, two distinct periods stand out. Firstly, December and January: days here are very warm, with highs up to 33-34°C, but nights bring noticeable freshness as the thermometer drops to 20-21°C. It is during these months that the greatest differences between day and night temperatures are observed. Secondly, during the peak of the rainy season (July and August), daytime temperatures become more restrained, rarely rising above 29-30°C, while the average temperature holds at 27°C. This is due to dense cloud cover and frequent rainfall. At the same time, nights remain quite warm and humid (around 24-25°C), and daily temperature fluctuations are minimal, amounting to just 4-5°C.

In Bissau, there is a pronounced seasonality of precipitation, dividing the year into a long dry period and a clearly defined rainy season. The dry season covers the months from November to May, with precipitation being almost completely absent from December to April; the number of rainy days in these months is zero, and the total volume of fallen moisture is 0 mm. May and November are transitional, with minimal rainfall and very few rainy days.

The rainy season in Bissau falls on the period from June to October. Precipitation intensity increases in June (2 mm of rainfall, 9 rainy days) and reaches its peak in July and August. August is the wettest month of the year, with an average of 16 mm of rainfall, and the number of rainy days reaching 29. July is also very rainy: 13 mm of rainfall and 28 days with rain. September continues the rainy period with 12 mm of rainfall and 26 rainy days. By October, rain intensity noticeably decreases (4 mm of rainfall, 19 rainy days), heralding the imminent arrival of the dry season. The nature of precipitation during the rainy season is typically tropical downpours, which can be quite intense.

Thus, the driest months in Bissau are January, February, March, April, and December, when rain is not expected at all. Conversely, the wettest months, with frequent and abundant precipitation, are July, August, and September. Travelers should consider this information when planning a trip, especially if they prefer to avoid rainy weather.

When planning a trip to Bissau, it is important to consider its tropical climate with high temperatures year-round and a distinct rainy season. Regardless of the time of your visit, the basis of your wardrobe should be light, breathable fabrics such as cotton or linen. T-shirts, shorts, light trousers, and sundresses will be your best companions. Don't forget a hat for sun protection, sunglasses, and high SPF cream, as the sun here is very active, especially in the dry season (from November to May). Comfortable walking shoes – sandals or light sneakers – are also mandatory for exploring the city.

If your trip falls during the rainy season (approximately from June to October), especially at its peak – July and August, when the number of rainy days is maximal – be sure to take a light raincoat or waterproof jacket and perhaps a small folding umbrella. Although rains are often heavy but short, quick-drying clothes will be very handy. Humidity is elevated during this period, so loose clothing will help you feel more comfortable. Despite the rain, the temperature remains high, so warm clothes will hardly be needed, except perhaps a light cardigan or stole for evening walks or air-conditioned rooms.

In the dry season (from November to May), when precipitation is minimal or absent altogether, and daytime temperatures can reach 34-36°C, especially from January to April, the focus shifts to maximum protection from the sun and heat. Light-colored clothing that better reflects sun rays is recommended. Evenings and nights, especially in December-January, can be a bit cooler (around 20-21°C), so a light wrap may be useful. In general, the principle of layering is not as relevant here as choosing the right materials and protection from the sun and precipitation in the respective season.