Climate Gabon
Crossed by the equator and open to the Atlantic Ocean, Gabon enjoys a tropical climate, generally hot and humid. Throughout the year, it alternates between dry and rainy seasons, which vary in length depending on the period. During the dry seasons, the sky often remains cloudy, the temperatures are rather pleasant, even cool in the forest or along the coast. During the rainy season, rainfall is abundant, sometimes giving rise to thunderstorms, but they are often followed by clearings. The climate varies slightly depending on whether you are on the coast or inland, in the north or south. Thus, in June, when it is 24°C in Libreville, temperatures can reach 30°C in Franceville. The same applies to rainfall, where the northern coast receives the most rainfall, with almost 3,000 mm recorded per year. Here is a look at the seasons that mark the Gabonese cycle.
The dry seasons, an ideal period
There are two dry seasons in Gabon: a long one from June to September and a short one from December to January. They both correspond to the high tourist season of the country. Contrary to what one might think, the sunshine rate during this period is very low, the sky being often cloudy. A few isolated showers sprinkle the country, called the mango rain. During this period, temperatures remain mild, around 26°C, but cool down along the northern coastline and in the forests. They are generally higher in the western part of the country, particularly in the Cocobeach - Mouila - Omboué - Port-Gentil quadrilateral. In the interior regions, which are also often warmer than the coast, there are however hilly areas where it is cooler at higher altitudes, particularly in the Chaillu massif. When it is 33°C in August in Lastoursville, Port-Gentil records 25°C. There is very little difference in temperature between morning and evening. However, you should remember to take long clothes, as mosquitoes are also present in this season.
A country that gets watered during the rainy season
Between the dry seasons, there are two periods of rainy season, quite contrasting from each other. The larger one, which generally extends from February to June, is characterized by violent showers, often accompanied by tornadoes. As for the smaller one, from September to December, it is marked by abundant precipitation, followed by sunshine. It is during this period that Gabon reveals its most beautiful colours, between the luxuriant green of its forests and the blue waters that bathe its coasts. However, rainfall peaks in October-November and January-February. The rest of the time, the sky is clear and the heat can be heavy, particularly in March and April. Temperatures then exceed 30°C, as in Lastoursville, Lambaréné and Bitam. Annual rainfall is around 3,000 mm in Libreville and 1,400 to 1,600 mm in the Ogooué and Nyanga plains in the southeast of the country. The humidity level is over 80%, reaching 100% in the rainy season - this is what gives the feeling of being "showered" as soon as you step away from the air conditioner! In addition to rain gear, but also light clothing, you should think about taking an anti-malaria treatment as well as a repellent product, as mosquitoes are very present during these two periods.
