Guinea-Bissau Weather

Guinea-Bissau climate

Guinea-Bissau has a tropical climate strongly influenced by the West African monsoon, with a distinct wet season from June to October and a dry season from November to May. Annual rainfall in the capital Bissau exceeds 2,000mm, with the heaviest downpours occurring in August when the Intertropical Convergence Zone reaches its northernmost position. Temperatures remain consistently warm throughout the year, typically ranging between 24°C and 34°C.

The Bijagos Archipelago off the coast experiences slightly moderated temperatures due to Atlantic Ocean breezes, while the interior lowlands can become intensely hot during the late dry season in April and May. The Harmattan wind from the Sahara occasionally reaches Guinea-Bissau between December and February, bringing hazy skies and lower humidity. Cashew orchards across the country are highly dependent on the timing and reliability of the monsoon rains.

Bissau's climate features oppressive humidity during the wet season, with daily thunderstorms that can produce localized flooding in low-lying areas. The dry season brings relief from the rain but temperatures remain high, particularly in March and April before the monsoon returns. The country's extensive mangrove swamps and river systems are shaped by the seasonal rainfall patterns, with tidal influences from the Atlantic adding complexity to coastal weather conditions.