Weather in Guinea-Bissau

The dry season from November through May is the recommended time to visit Guinea-Bissau. During these months, temperatures are hot — typically 28°C to 33°C on the coast — but the humidity drops to manageable levels, roads are passable, and boat travel through the estuaries and to the Bijagós islands is relatively straightforward. November through February are the coolest months and the most comfortable for exploration. This is also the prime season for birdwatching, as the archipelago fills with wintering migratory species from Europe alongside its remarkable year-round residents.

The rainy season from June through October transforms the country into a sodden landscape of flooded roads and swollen estuaries. While the vegetation becomes spectacularly lush and the rivers run full, travel becomes extremely difficult — many roads become impassable and boat services to the outer islands are frequently suspended. The heaviest rains fall in July and August, when it is effectively impossible to move freely around the country. If you do visit during the shoulder season in October, you may catch the tail end of the rains with improving conditions and the added benefit of very few other tourists and lower prices.