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Contents
- The climate of Bissau
- The best time to visit Bissau
- The worst time to visit Bissau
- Spring weather in Bissau
- Summer weather in Bissau
- Autumn weather in Bissau
- Winter weather in Bissau
- Weather in January
- Weather in February
- Weather in March
- Weather in April
- Weather in May
- Weather in June
- Weather in July
- Weather in August
- Weather in September
- Weather in October
- Weather in November
- Weather in December
- Frequently asked questions
- Average temperature
- Average rainfall
- Average rainfall days
- Average sea temperature
- Average daylight
- Average sunshine
- Average UV index
Trees along the golden sandy shores of Bijagos Islands in Bissau, Guinea Bissau in West Africa
Climate and monthly weather forecast
The climate of Bissau
As per Köppen climate classification, Bissau, the capital of Guinea-Bissau, experiences a Tropical wet and dry or savanna climate, dominantly identified as 'Aw'. Spreading a blanket of warmth all year round, the town witnesses high temperatures, be it any season. A roller coaster for the mercury, it can leap from an average low of 17.8°C (64°F) to an alarming 33.9°C (93°F), which is ordinarily witnessed in the month of March. The annual average high temperature fluctuates from 29.4°C (84.9°F) to 33.9°C (93°F).
The sunlight hours remain generous throughout the year, ranging from 11.4 to 12.8 hours per day, providing ample warmth. January sees around 8 hours of daily sunshine, eventually increasing to 9 hours from March to April and then reducing again to 8 hours by December. The city also walks under the shadows of rain clouds, with wide variations in rainfall from 1mm (0.04") in the drier January to a substantial 683mm (26.89") in September. The city observes rainfall days ranging from zero days in a few months to an overwhelming 22 days in August.
The UV index is at its peak with a high level of 12 from February to August, dipping to a still high level of 9 by December. The sea temperature varies from a cozy 24.8°C (76.6°F) to an inviting 28.8°C (83.8°F) during the year.
The sunlight hours remain generous throughout the year, ranging from 11.4 to 12.8 hours per day, providing ample warmth. January sees around 8 hours of daily sunshine, eventually increasing to 9 hours from March to April and then reducing again to 8 hours by December. The city also walks under the shadows of rain clouds, with wide variations in rainfall from 1mm (0.04") in the drier January to a substantial 683mm (26.89") in September. The city observes rainfall days ranging from zero days in a few months to an overwhelming 22 days in August.
The UV index is at its peak with a high level of 12 from February to August, dipping to a still high level of 9 by December. The sea temperature varies from a cozy 24.8°C (76.6°F) to an inviting 28.8°C (83.8°F) during the year.
The best time to visit Bissau
Considering the combination of pleasant temperatures and manageable rainfall, the best time to explore Bissau is from November to January. Average high temperatures range from 30.6°C (87.1°F) to 31.1°C (88°F), coupled with the minimal rainfall of 1mm (0.04") to 2mm (0.08") that bring relief from the typically high precipitation seen during most months. These months also experience lesser rainfall days with only one day in December to two days in November. The daylight hours remain plentiful, guaranteeing a well-spent, rain-free day out in the city.
The worst time to visit Bissau
If constant heavy rainfall and high humidity are not on the wish list, avoiding Bissau from June to September is advisable. These months record the highest rainfall figures, with August witnessing a significant 683mm (26.89") over an average of 22 days, drenching the city thoroughly. Coupled with high temperatures from 29.4°C (84.9°F) to 33.3°C (91.9°F), the humidity can make the climate uncomfortable for tourists.
Spring weather in Bissau
Spring in Bissau, from March to May, witnesses an interesting weather pattern. While March starts on a hotter note with a high of 33.9°C (93°F) and a low of 19.4°C (66.9°F), May brings a slight dip in temperatures averaging between 22.2°C (72°F) to 32.8°C (91°F). There is also a noticeable increase in rainfall from 1mm (0.04") in March to 17mm (0.67") in May, contributing to the higher humidity levels. Daily sunshine reduces by an hour, shifting from 9 hours in March to 8 hours in May.
Summer weather in Bissau
Summer, from June to August, experiences the heaviest rainfall with drastic spikes from 175mm (6.89") in June to 683mm (26.89") in August. The average high temperature remains from 29.4°C (84.9°F) to 32.8°C (91°F), while the low temperature registers a steady 22.8°C (73°F). The daily sunshine duration dips to 5-6 hours, while sea temperatures peak from 28.2°C (82.8°F) to a warm 28.6°C (83.5°F). It is also the period with the most rainfall days, especially in August, with an average of 22 days.
Autumn weather in Bissau
Autumn months, from September to November, present a mixed bag of weather conditions. September persists with substantial rainfall of 435mm (17.13") which gradually decreases to 41mm (1.61") by November. High temperatures span from 30°C (86°F) to 31.7°C (89.1°F) while the low temperature remains constant at 22.8°C (73°F). The daylight and sunshine hours show a slow increase from 12.2 to 11.6 hours and 6 to 8 hours, respectively.
Winter weather in Bissau
Winter in Bissau, from December to February, offers a respite from high temperatures and heavy rainfall. December records the lowest rainfall of 2mm (0.08"), while February sees slightly more at 1mm (0.04"). The high temperature ranges from 30.6°C (87.1°F) to 32.8°C (91°F) while the low lay between 18.9°C (66°F) and 18.3°C (64.9°F). Winter houses the maximum sunshine with 8 hours daily, invoking pleasant and comfortably warm days.
Weather in January
Bissau, Guinea-Bissau kicks off the year with predictably balmy temperatures and minimal rainfall. An unseasonably high of 31.1°C (88°F) gets recorded while diverse flora and fauna bask in an average of 11.5 hours of daylight. Weather in January »
Weather in February
As the calendar flips to February, the weather in Bissau takes a slight turn becoming marginally warmer than January. A significant incline in sea temperature becomes observable. The daylight duration extends by some minutes, inviting more sunshine into the day. Weather in February »
Weather in March
Progressing into March, the weather situations exhibit significant differences from the previous month. While the temperatures keep their steady climb, hitting a high of 33.9°C (93°F) during the day, noticeably longer daylight hours bring out Bissau's vibrant city life. Weather in March »
Weather in April
April shifts the weather landscape in Bissau quite a bit. There is a noticeable jump in rainfall to 1mm (0.04") from the near absence of rain in the preceding months. Signs of the upcoming wet season become observable with a subtly more humid climate. Weather in April »
Weather in May
As May commences, one can observe Bissau transitioning from the hot, dry phase into the wet season. There is a considerable upswing in rainfall, with May registering 17mm (0.67"), indicating the arrival of the monsoon. Sea temperatures continue to rise, reaching a warming 26.8°C (80.2°F). Weather in May »
Weather in June
June marks the onset of the peak rainy season in Bissau, with rainfall skyrocketing to 175mm (6.89"). It showcases a significant contrast to the dry and hot conditions experienced just a few months prior. The increase in sea temperatures impacts local weather patterns, enhancing humidity levels in the city. Weather in June »
Weather in July
Bissau witnesses its heaviest rainfall of the year during July with precipitation levels reaching 473mm (18.62"). The sea temperature plateaus at around 28.6°C (83.5°F), compounding the existing humidity. Despite the deluge, the city experiences the longest daylight hours and maintains a consistent UV index, marking it among the highest of the year. Weather in July »
Weather in August
August sees Bissau dealing with the aftermath of the peak rainy season, experiencing the highest rainfall amount of 683mm (26.89"). The continually high sea temperature influences the longevity of the rainy conditions. A decrease in daylight to 12.5 hours comes as a slight respite from the heat and humidity. Weather in August »
Weather in September
In September, Bissau witnesses a significant decline in rainfall to 435mm (17.13"), signaling the nearing end of the wet season. Sea temperature remains stable at 28.3°C (82.9°F), feeding into the overall temperature and rainfall. Weather in September »
Weather in October
October signals a stronger shift towards the dry season, with rainfall reducing drastically to 195mm (7.68"). The slightly shortened daylight hours do not deter city activities, especially as sea temperatures rise to their yearly highest at 28.8°C (83.8°F). Weather in October »
Weather in November
November ushers in the late dry season as Bissau experiences a substantial decrease in rainfall to 41mm (1.61"). The sea temperature remains at its yearly high of 28.8°C (83.8°F), maintaining the warm air currents around Bissau. Weather in November »
Weather in December
In December, Bissau rounds off the year with a mere 2mm (0.08") of rainfall, indicating the fullest transition to the dry season. The metropolis basks in the mercifully cooler winter sun under 11.4 hours of daylight. As temperatures begin to drop, sea temperatures follow suit, recording a still-warm 27.2°C (81°F). Weather in December »
Updated: Feb 5, 2024
Published by: Weather Atlas | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Published by: Weather Atlas | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Frequently asked questions
What is the driest month in Bissau?
The months with the least rainfall are January and March with 1mm (0.04") of accumulated rain.
How much does it rain in Bissau?
Throughout the year, 2023mm (79.65") of rain is accumulated.
What is the month with the coldest sea water in Bissau?
The month with the coldest seawater in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau, is February, with an average sea temperature of 24.8°C (76.6°F).
When is the highest UV index in Bissau?
February through September, with an average maximum UV index of 12, are months with the highest UV index.
What time of the year is the hottest in Bissau?
In Bissau, March is the month with the highest recorded average temperatures, measuring a high of 33.9°C (93°F) and a low of 19.4°C (66.9°F).
What is the month with the most sunshine in Bissau?
The months with the most sunshine are March and April, with an average of 9h of sunshine.
When are the longest days in Bissau?
The month with the longest days in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau, is June, with an average of 12h and 48min of daylight.
What time of the year is the coldest in Bissau?
Bissau, Guinea-Bissau, notes the coldest temperatures in July, with a average high of 29.4°C (84.9°F) and a low of 22.8°C (73°F).
What is the rainiest month in Bissau?
August is the month with the most rainfall in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau. Rain falls for 22 days and accumulates 683mm (26.89") of precipitation.
What is the month with the least sunshine in Bissau?
August has the least sunshine of the year, with an average of 5h of sunshine.
When is the sea warmest in Bissau?
October and November, with an average sea temperature of 28.8°C (83.8°F), are months with the warmest seawater.
What is the month with the shortest days in Bissau?
With an average of 11h and 24min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year.
Is there Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Bissau?
Bissau does not observe Daylight Saving Time (DST). GMT timezone is used throughout the entire year.
What is the month with the lowest UV index in Bissau?
With an average maximum UV index of 9, December is the month with the lowest UV index in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau.
Average temperature
Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is March (33.9°C).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is July (29.4°C).
The months with the highest average low temperature are June, July, August, September and October (22.8°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (17.8°C).
Average rainfall
Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
- Average rainfall in January:
0.5mm - Average rainfall in February:
0.8mm - Average rainfall in March:
0.5mm - Average rainfall in April:
0.8mm - Average rainfall in May:
17.3mm - Average rainfall in June:
174.8mm
- Average rainfall in July:
472.5mm - Average rainfall in August:
682.5mm - Average rainfall in September:
434.9mm - Average rainfall in October:
194.8mm - Average rainfall in November:
41.4mm - Average rainfall in December:
2mm
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is August (682.5mm).
The driest months (with the least rainfall) are January and March (0.5mm).
Average rainfall days
Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
- Average rainfall days in January:
0 days - Average rainfall days in February:
0 days - Average rainfall days in March:
0 days - Average rainfall days in April:
1 days - Average rainfall days in May:
3 days - Average rainfall days in June:
10 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
18 days - Average rainfall days in August:
22 days - Average rainfall days in September:
19 days - Average rainfall days in October:
10 days - Average rainfall days in November:
2 days - Average rainfall days in December:
1 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is August (22 days).
The months with the least rainy days are January, February and March (0 days).
Average sea temperature
Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
The best months for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) are October and November (28.8°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is February (24.8°C).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
- Average daylight in January:
11h and 3min - Average daylight in February:
11h and 5min - Average daylight in March:
12h and 1min - Average daylight in April:
12h and 2min - Average daylight in May:
12h and 4min - Average daylight in June:
12h and 5min
- Average daylight in July:
12h and 4min - Average daylight in August:
12h and 3min - Average daylight in September:
12h and 1min - Average daylight in October:
11h and 5min - Average daylight in November:
11h and 4min - Average daylight in December:
11h and 2min
The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 12h and 48min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 11h and 24min).
The months with the most sunshine are March and April (Average sunshine: 9h).
The month with the least sunshine is August (Average sunshine: 5h).
Average UV index
Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
The months with the highest UV index are February, March, April, May, June, July, August and September (UV index 12).
The month with the lowest UV index is December (UV index 9).
