Best Time to Visit Yaounde

December to February: the dry season

This is the time to come. December and January are our top picks, and both rate Excellent. Days are warm, not scorching, and nights are mild. January is the driest month, with only 11 mm of rain. Most days you can walk around without checking the sky.

The hills around Yaoundé make the most of it. You can climb Mont Fébé for views over the city, or wander the craft stalls at the Centre Artisanal in Nlongkak. Sunsets from the hilltops are clear and golden. Haze from harmattan dust (a dry wind from the north) can soften the views at times.

February is still Good, but the rain starts creeping back. It's a fine choice if you want fewer people and don't mind the odd shower.

Travelling for a short city break? Dry months also make the roads easier, which matters if you plan a day trip toward Mbalmayo or the Sanaga River.

March to July: wet and muggy

March is where things turn. Rain falls on most days from March to July, humidity sits near 88%, and the sun rarely breaks through for long. All five months rate Poor. April is the wettest of the spring months, with rain on 27 days.

It isn't a washout every hour. Rain often arrives as a heavy burst, then eases. Plan museum stops, like the National Museum in the old presidential palace, for the afternoons. Save open-air markets such as Mokolo for the mornings.

Roads can turn muddy, and traffic slows when it pours. If you must travel in this period, June and July are slightly cooler, which helps with the stickiness.

August to November: the heaviest rain

September and October are the real low point. October is the wettest month, with 234 mm and rain on all 30 days. September is close behind. Skies stay grey, and you'll see very little sun.

This is the quietest stretch for visitors, though that's mostly because few people choose to come. Anything outdoors, like hiking or visiting the Mefou National Park near the city, is much harder in the mud.

November is a turning point. Rain drops by half and sunshine creeps back. It still rates Poor, but if you're booking a late-year trip, aim for December instead.

Football fans should note that matches and local events can shift in the wet months. Check with your host or hotel before travelling to anything outdoors.