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When To Go to Central African Republic

The best time to visit the Central African Republic is during the dry season from November to March. Sitting just north of the equator, the Central African Republic remains hot and humid most of the time with the majority of the rain falling in the southwest region where the largest trees grow. You can see wildlife here all year round, but some species are easier to spot towards the end of the dry period when they cluster around the remaining water sources.

April to October

Rainfall occurs throughout the year, with precipitation averages higher between the months of April to October, particularly so between August and November, whilst June and July more traditionally known as the ‘short dry season’. This is only a guideline and does not guarantee that you will not experience rain outside of these months. Similarly, it may not rain every day during these months. Most excursions are conducted under the forest canopy so you will be protected from the rain.

Clear skies make for excellent lighting conditions for wildlife photography in the Dzanga Bai and the rainforest is fruiting, so the lowland gorillas track well and are more easily visible as they search for food in the trees.

November to March

When the average rainfall starts to decline between the months of November and March wildlife viewing is generally good in the Dzanga Bai, and the lowland gorillas tend to spend more time on the ground in patches of forest. In particular, the best conditions tend to be between January and February, but one should bear in mind that rainfall is still possible even during these times.

If you want to go gorilla tracking

Gorillas can be found in the Central African Republic (CAR) in the Dzanga-Sangha Protected Areas, which include Dzanga-Ndoki National Park, Ndoki Forest Reserve, and Dzanga-Sangha Special Reserve. The best time to look for gorillas in CAR is during the dry season, which typically runs from December to February and then from June to September. During the dry season, the gorillas tend to stay closer to the forest edges, making them easier to spot. Additionally, the dry season is a time of less rainfall, making trekking through the forest easier and less muddy. However, it is important to note that gorilla sightings cannot be guaranteed and can be influenced by factors such as weather, gorilla behavior, and the overall ecosystem of the area.

St Western Lowland Gorilla Central African Republic Car Sergey Uryadnikov
CAR Isak Pretorias

Talk to an Africa Destination Specialist

When to go to CAR

January is in the middle of the dry season in the Central African Republic, which makes travel conditions relatively easier compared to other times of the year. During this time, the weather is typically warm and dry, with daytime temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to mid-90s Fahrenheit (24-35°C). This pleasant weather is ideal for outdoor activities, wildlife viewing and the roads are more accessible.

February falls within the dry season in the Central African Republic, which generally runs from December to February and then from June to September. During this time, the weather is usually hot and dry, with little to no rainfall. In February, temperatures in the Central African Republic typically range from around 20°C to 32°C (68°F to 90°F), depending on the region. The weather is generally sunny and warm, with low humidity and clear skies. The dry season in February is an excellent time to visit the country for wildlife viewing and gorilla trekking. The gorillas tend to stay closer to the forest edges during this time, making them easier to spot, and the dry weather conditions make trekking through the forest easier and less muddy.

March marks the start of the rainy season in the Central African Republic, which generally runs from March to November. During this time, the weather is usually hot and humid, with heavy rainfall and thunderstorms occurring frequently. In March, temperatures in the Central African Republic typically range from around 23°C to 32°C (73°F to 90°F), depending on the region. The humidity can be high, with occasional relief from rainfall. The rainy season can make travel more difficult in the Central African Republic, particularly in rural areas, as the heavy rainfall can cause flooding and make some roads impassable. However, the rainy season can also be a great time to visit for bird watching, as many migratory species arrive during this time.

April is part of the rainy season in the Central African Republic, which generally runs from March to November. During this time, the weather is usually hot and humid, with heavy rainfall and thunderstorms occurring frequently. In April, temperatures in the Central African Republic typically range from around 23°C to 32°C (73°F to 90°F), depending on the region. The humidity can be high, with occasional relief from rainfall.The rainy season can make travel more difficult in the Central African Republic, particularly in rural areas, as the heavy rainfall can cause flooding and make some roads impassable.

May is still part of the rainy season in the Central African Republic, which generally runs from March to November. During this time, the weaher is characterized by rising temperatures and increasing humidity. Daytime temperatures can range from the mid-70s to mid-90s Fahrenheit (24-35°C). However, as the month progresses, rainfall becomes more frequent with heavy downfalls and thunderstorms occurring frequently.

June marks the transition period between the rainy season and the dry season in the Central African Republic. The rainy season generally runs from March to November, and the dry season from December to February and then from June to September. In June, the weather in the Central African Republic is usually hot and humid, with occasional rainfall and thunderstorms. Temperatures typically range from around 23°C to 31°C (73°F to 88°F), depending on the region. As the dry season approaches, the weather becomes increasingly hot and dry, with little to no rainfall. The dry season is an excellent time to visit the country for wildlife viewing and gorilla trekking. The gorillas tend to stay closer to the forest edges during this time, making them easier to spot, and the dry weather conditions make trekking through the forest easier and less muddy.

July is in the middle of the dry season in the Central African Republic, which runs from June to September. During this time, the weather is usually hot and dry, with little to no rainfall. In July, temperatures in the Central African Republic typically range from around 22°C to 30°C (72°F to 86°F), depending on the region. The humidity can be low, and the skies are usually clear, making it an excellent time for wildlife viewing and gorilla trekking. The dry weather conditions make trekking through the forest easier and less muddy, and the gorillas tend to stay closer to the forest edges, making them easier to spot.

August is in the midst of the wet season, characterized by high temperatures and heavy rainfall. Daytime temperatures typically range from the mid-70s to mid-90s Fahrenheit (24-35°C). Humidity levels can be high during this time.

September is the end of the dry season in the Central African Republic, which runs from June to September. During this time, the weather is usually hot and dry, with little to no rainfall. However, towards the end of September, there may be occasional rainfall as the rainy season approaches. It's important to be prepared for sudden changes in weather and to pack accordingly.

October marks the beginning of the rainy season in the Central African Republic, which runs from March to November. During this time, the weather becomes increasingly humid, and there is more rainfall. In October, temperatures in the Central African Republic typically range from around 22°C to 28°C (72°F to 82°F), depending on the region. There may be occasional thunderstorms and rainfall, and the humidity levels can be high. The start of the rainy season can make wildlife viewing and gorilla trekking more challenging, as the rain can make the forest trails muddy and slippery, and wildlife may be harder to spot. However, this is still a good time to visit the country for bird watching, as many migratory species start to arrive in the region during this time.

November is still considered a part of the rainy season in the Central African Republic, which runs from March to November. During this time, the weather is typically hot and humid, with frequent rainfall. November is still a good time to visit the country for bird watching, as many migratory species can be spotted during this time. It's also a good time to visit the country's national parks, as the rain can create lush green landscapes, and many animals can be seen taking advantage of the abundant water sources.

December marks the end of the rainy season in the Central African Republic, which runs from March to November. During this time, the weather becomes less humid, and there is less rainfall. In December, temperatures in the Central African Republic typically range from around 22°C to 28°C (72°F to 82°F), depending on the region. The skies are usually clear, and the humidity levels start to decrease, making it an excellent time for wildlife viewing and gorilla trekking. The end of the rainy season can make the forests more accessible, as the trails become less muddy and slippery. This also means that the gorillas tend to venture further into the forest, making the trekking experience more challenging but rewarding. December is also a great time to explore the country's national parks, as the lush green landscapes are still visible, and many animals can be seen taking advantage of the abundant water sources.

April to October

Rainfall occurs throughout the year, with precipitation averages higher between the months of April to October, particularly so between August and November, whilst June and July more traditionally known as the ‘short dry season’. This is only a guideline and does not guarantee that you will not experience rain outside of these months. Similarly, it may not rain every day during these months. Most excursions are conducted under the forest canopy so you will be protected from the rain. Clear skies make for excellent lighting conditions for wildlife photography in the Dzanga Bai and the rainforest is fruiting, so the lowland gorillas track well and are more easily visible as they search for food in the trees.

November to March

When the average rainfall starts to decline between the months of November and March wildlife viewing is generally good in the Dzanga Bai, and the lowland gorillas tend to spend more time on the ground in patches of forest. In particular, the best conditions tend to be between January and February, but one should bear in mind that rainfall is still possible even during these times.


Chad Camels Will Bolsover

CAR & Chad Safari

Travel on an unforgettable and one-off journey combining two very unique counties. Unlike more popular safari destinations, the Central African Republic and Chad remain as hidden gems, providing a unique opportunity to explore untouched terrain, where untamed wilderness and extraordinary encounters await. This expert-led safari promises a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, conservation, and remarkable encounters in some of Africa’s few untouched wilderness areas.

From 52500 per person
CAR Isak Pretorias

Dzanga Sangha Gorilla Tracking Safari

Track endangered western lowland gorillas, observe forest elephants, bongos, and mangabey monkeys, and join the local Ba'Aka tribe on a net hunt in the dense rainforests of the Dzanga Sangha reserve.

From 9500 per person
CAR Dzangha Sangha Kyle De Nobrega

Sangha Lodge

Sangha Lodge is a eco-tourism lodge located in the Congo Basin rainforest in the Central African Republic. It is situated in the heart of the Dzanga-Sangha Protected Areas, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich biodiversity and unique wildlife. Sangha Lodge offers a variety of eco-tourism activities such as guided forest walks, bird watching, river trips, and gorilla and chimpanzee tracking. The lodge is committed to responsible and sustainable tourism practices, and works closely with the local communities to support conservation efforts and promote cultural understanding. The lodge is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers looking for a unique and authentic experience in one of the most remote and pristine wilderness areas in Africa.

Read more about the lodge
CAR Sl Central African Republic Dzanga Bai Elephant Credit Andrew James

Dzanga Sangha National Park

This is the Central African Republic’s major natural attraction and enticing area for tourists to visit, fully capturing the remarkably unspoilt and pristine beauty that the destination has to offer

Read more about the park

Things in do in the Central African Republic

River Expeditions

Discover secluded villages, verdant woods, and a variety of aquatic species by canoeing or boating along the Sangha River and adjacent waterways.

Dzanga Bai

Visit the well-known Dzanga Bai, a sizable forest clearing where elephants congregate to drink water rich in minerals. It's a great place to take pictures of wildlife.

If you want to go gorilla tracking

Gorillas can be found in the Central African Republic (CAR) in the Dzanga-Sangha Protected Areas, which include Dzanga-Ndoki National Park, Ndoki Forest Reserve, and Dzanga-Sangha Special Reserve. The best time to look for gorillas in CAR is during the dry season, which typically runs from December to February and then from June to September. During the dry season, the gorillas tend to stay closer to the forest edges, making them easier to spot. Additionally, the dry season is a time of less rainfall, making trekking through the forest easier and less muddy. However, it is important to note that gorilla sightings cannot be guaranteed and can be influenced by factors such as weather, gorilla behaviour, and the overall ecosystem of the area.

Contact a Destination Specialist