Gabon Weather

Gabon climate

Gabon lies on the equator on the Atlantic coast of Central Africa, covered by dense tropical rainforest that accounts for nearly 90% of its land area. The country has a hot, humid equatorial climate with two wet seasons and two dry seasons: the long rains from February to May, the long dry season from June to September, the short rains from October to November, and a brief dry spell in December and January. Annual rainfall ranges from 1,500mm in the south to over 3,000mm in the northwest near Libreville.

The Benguela Current's cold waters influence the coast, creating a relatively dry season from June to September when sea surface temperatures drop and atmospheric stability increases. Despite being equatorial, this dry season brings cooler temperatures and overcast skies to the coast, a phenomenon unique to this part of Africa. The interior forest regions maintain more consistent rainfall throughout the year, with towering thunderstorms building almost daily over the canopy. Gabon's forests play a crucial role in Central Africa's regional weather patterns through evapotranspiration.

Libreville has a tropical wet-and-dry climate with average temperatures around 26°C year-round and high humidity that makes conditions feel considerably warmer. The dry season from June to September is the most comfortable period, with lower humidity and cooler nights around 21°C. Port-Gentil, the oil industry hub on the coast, has a similar climate but is slightly drier. The interior town of Franceville is marginally cooler due to its plateau location. Lope National Park in central Gabon experiences the full range of equatorial weather, with spectacular thunderstorms and misty mornings in the forest.