The climate of Malabo
Malabo, the capital of
Equatorial Guinea, is characterized by a Tropical Monsoon climate according to the Köppen climate classification. Located just north of the equator, this climate is characterised by high temperatures and plentiful precipitation throughout the year. Temperatures stay relatively consistent, fluctuating from 24.3°C (75.7°F) to 28.5°C (83.3°F) over the course of a year, with the peak generally observed from
March to
May.
The city's tropical climate features relatively high humidity levels, typically ranging from 76% to 82% and sometimes exceeding 80% during the rainiest months, from
June to
August. Sea temperatures remain warm throughout the year, while daylight hours staying fairly constant, ranging from 11.9 hours to a slightly longer 12.3 hours per day.
Rainfall in Malabo is seasonal, with the heaviest rains occurring between May and
September and the lowest levels from
December to
February. The most significant rainfall occurs in
July, reaching a high of 412mm (16.22"). There is no month without rain, although December has the least rain with around 51mm (2.01"). The city experiences a considerable amount of cloud cover throughout the year, especially during the rainy season.
The best time to visit Malabo
Considering the climate conditions and rainfall patterns, the best time to visit
Malabo is from
December to
February. During these months, the city experiences the lowest rainfall, with December having the least at 51mm (2.01"). This period is also marked by slightly cooler temperatures, ranging from 24.3°C (75.7°F) to 27.6°C (81.7°F).
The worst time to visit Malabo
June to
September is considered the worst time to visit
Malabo due to the heavy rainfall that the city experiences during these months. Rainfall amounts are the highest at this time, notably peaking in
July at 412mm (16.22"). In addition, the humidity levels also reach their peak, which can make the already warm temperatures feel even hotter.
Spring weather in Malabo
Spring in
Malabo, covering
March through
May, is characterized by high temperatures and increasing rainfall amounts. The temperature during this period ranges from 27.3°C (81.1°F) to 28.5°C (83.3°F), and the amount of rainfall significantly rises from 106mm (4.17") in March to a substantial 245mm (9.65") in May.
Summer weather in Malabo
Summer, from
June to
August, is the wettest time of the year in
Malabo. Rainfall rises further in June to reach 389mm (15.31") and peaks at 412mm (16.22") in
July. In contrast, temperatures drop slightly to a range between 24.3°C (75.7°F) and 26.8°C (80.2°F), whilst the relative humidity reaches its highest level of the year, often exceeding 80%.
Autumn weather in Malabo
Autumn, which is from
September to
November, sees a slow decrease in both temperatures and rainfall. Rainfall drops to 298mm (11.73") in September, further decreasing to 241mm (9.49") in
October and 134mm (5.28") in November. Despite this, it is still considerable and can impact outdoor activities. Temperatures during this time range from 24.6°C (76.3°F) to 27.5°C (81.5°F).
Winter weather in Malabo
Winter in
Malabo runs from
December to
February and is marked by the lowest rainfall of the year and moderate temperatures. December has the least rain at just 51mm (2.01"). Temperatures during the winter months range from 24.3°C (75.7°F) to 28°C (82.4°F). In
January, the city often experiences slightly higher temperatures, reaching up to 28°C (82.4°F).
Weather in January
Transitioning into the new year,
January brings to
Malabo a balmy yet overcast ambience as the city underlies relatively high humidity and increased cloud cover. The predominantly clouded sky blocks out a significant portion of the potential sunshine hours resulting in a slight drop in overall sunlight visibility.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February’s weather in
Malabo remains akin to
January, with marginally heightened temperature and rainfall metrics. A noteworthy increase in precipitation by 40mm (1.57") from the previous month is registered. Vulnerability to volatile weather conditions is further accentuated due to an intervention of higher winds and reduced barometric pressure.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March marks a climatic transition phase in
Malabo, with temperatures and expected rainfall exhibiting an upward trend. In comparison to
February, the rainfall doubles further intensifying the wet season. March invites more cloud cover which keeps the sunshine exposure comparatively low while the UV index maintains a steady value of 7.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Settling further in the wet season,
April carries forward the warmth and dampness of
March. Persistently high humidity adds to the relentless rain interspersed with cool winds ranging from 10.2km/h (6.3mph) to 11.1km/h (6.9mph). A slight decrease in rainfall, accounted for 147mm (5.79"), is noted from its predecessor month.
Weather in April »Weather in May
Progressing into
May,
Malabo experiences an escalation in precipitation levels reaching 245mm (9.65"), setting the month as one of the peak rainfall periods in the year. Weather patterns remain consistently warm with similar land and sea temperatures, while the UV index drops to 7.
Weather in May »Weather in June
As
Malabo steps into
June, the city witnesses a peak in its rainfall parameters. The increased gust of wind up to 16.6km/h (10.3mph) further infuses a sense of dynamism into the climate. The density of clouds heavily influences the sunshine hours, slashing them to the year's lowest point.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July acknowledges a slight relief as rainfall decreases to 412mm (16.22"), giving way to slightly longer sunshine hours. With a decent wind speed adding to the charm, the temperate sea becomes receptive to water-based activities. Clocking maximum wind gusts of 19.1km/h (11.9mph), July predominantly stays breezy.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Malabo greets its inhabitants with gradually receding rainfall and a marginal dip in temperature, transporting the city towards the tail end of the wet season. Despite lesser rainfall, the humidity stays relatively high while the sea temperature begins to show signs of increasing warmth.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September kick-starts
Malabo's transition out of the rainy season with noticeable drops in the rainfall index that records 298mm (11.73"). As rainfall recedes and sea temperatures ascend, the climate becomes more agreeable and inviting.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings about a pronounced shift in
Malabo's weather with a substantial decrease in rainfall to 241mm (9.49"), signalling the onset of the drier period. With the receding rains, cloud cover diminishes granting longer sunlight durations.
Weather in October » Weather in November
Gearing towards the year-end,
November in
Malabo witnesses further drying with a marked decrease in rainfall to 134mm (5.28"). With declining congestion of clouds, sunshine hours extend, leading to warmer and clearer days. The visibility also reaches the maximum value while the UV index stays constant at 7, indicating an increased exposure to sunlight.
Weather in November »Weather in December
Rounding off the year,
December in
Malabo offers the least rainfall, recording just 51mm (2.01"), and brings about the most serene weather of the year. A comparative increase in temperature and sunshine hours indicates the city's move into the driest period.
Weather in December »