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When to visit Gabon

The best time to visit Gabon is during the dry season, which runs from June to September. During this time, the weather is mild, and there is little to no rainfall, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities such as hiking, wildlife safaris, and beach activities. The dry season is also a great time to see whales and dolphins along Gabon's coast.

The wet season, which runs from October to May, brings heavy rains and high humidity, which can make travel and outdoor activities difficult. However, the wet season can also be a great time to visit Gabon's national parks as the lush vegetation attracts more wildlife. Additionally, birdwatching can be particularly rewarding during this time, as many migratory birds visit Gabon during the wet season.

GAB St Gabon Elephant Shutterstock
Sl Congo Ngaga Camp Gorilla Credit Andrew James

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The best time to visit Gabon


January is during the rainy season in Gabon, which typically runs from October to May. During this time, Gabon experiences high levels of precipitation and high humidity. In January, the average temperature in Gabon is around 27°C (81°F), with average highs of 31°C (88°F) and lows of 24°C (75°F). In terms of rainfall, Gabon experiences an average of 250-300 mm of rainfall in January. This means that it is likely to rain on most days, and heavy downpours and thunderstorms are common. The high humidity combined with the rainfall can make it feel quite uncomfortable at times, so it is important to stay hydrated and protect yourself from mosquitoes and other insects. Despite the wet conditions, January can still be a good time to visit Gabon's national parks, as the rain can make the vegetation lush and green, and the wildlife more active. However, it is important to be prepared for the wet conditions and bring appropriate rain gear and waterproof footwear.


February is still part of the rainy season in Gabon, which usually runs from October to May. In February, Gabon experiences high levels of precipitation and high humidity, similar to January. The average temperature in Gabon during February is around 27°C (81°F), with average highs of 31°C (88°F) and lows of 24°C (75°F).


March is still part of the rainy season in Gabon, which typically runs from October to May. In March, Gabon experiences high levels of precipitation and high humidity, similar to January and February. The average temperature in Gabon during March is around 27°C (81°F), with average highs of 31°C (88°F) and lows of 24°C (75°F). In terms of rainfall, Gabon experiences an average of 300-400 mm of rainfall in March, which is slightly higher than January and February. This means that it is likely to rain on most days, and heavy downpours and thunderstorms are still common. Despite the wet conditions, March can still be a good time to visit Gabon's national parks and wildlife reserves, especially if you're interested in birdwatching. The rain can make the vegetation lush and green, and the wildlife more active

April is towards the end of the rainy season in Gabon, which typically runs from October to May. In April, Gabon still experiences high levels of precipitation and high humidity, but the amount of rainfall starts to decrease gradually. The average temperature in Gabon during April is around 26°C (79°F), with average highs of 30°C (86°F) and lows of 23°C (73°F).


May marks the end of the rainy season in Gabon, which typically runs from October to May. In May, Gabon experiences decreasing levels of precipitation and humidity. The average temperature in Gabon during May is around 25°C (77°F), with average highs of 29°C (84°F) and lows of 22°C (72°F). In terms of rainfall, Gabon experiences an average of 100-200 mm of rainfall in May, which is considerably less than in the previous months. Although it can still rain on some days, the frequency and intensity of the rainfall decrease significantly. The humidity also starts to decrease gradually, making it feel more comfortable. May can be a good time to visit Gabon's national parks and wildlife reserves, as the rainforest is still lush and green, and the wildlife is more active. Migratory birds also start to return during this time. The lower levels of rainfall and humidity make it a more comfortable time to explore the country.


June marks the start of the dry season in Gabon, which typically runs from June to September. In June, Gabon experiences a significant decrease in rainfall and humidity compared to the previous months. The average temperature in Gabon during June is around 24°C (75°F), with average highs of 28°C (82°F) and lows of 21°C (70°F). In terms of rainfall, Gabon experiences an average of 50-100 mm of rainfall in June, which is considerably less than in the previous months. The frequency and intensity of the rainfall decrease significantly, and it is possible to have several consecutive days without rain. The humidity also continues to decrease, making it more comfortable to explore the country. June is a good time to visit Gabon's national parks and wildlife reserves, as the dry season makes it easier to spot wildlife, particularly large mammals like gorillas and elephants. The rainforest is still lush and green from the previous months' rains, and the weather is generally pleasant.

July is part of the dry season in Gabon, which typically runs from June to September. In July, Gabon experiences a continuation of the dry weather with a slight increase in temperature. The average temperature in Gabon during July is around 24°C (75°F), with average highs of 28°C (82°F) and lows of 21°C (70°F).


In terms of rainfall, Gabon experiences very little precipitation in July, with an average of only 10-30 mm of rainfall. This is the driest month of the year in Gabon, and it is unlikely to rain at all during your visit. The humidity continues to decrease, making it very comfortable to explore the country.


August is part of the dry season in Gabon, which typically runs from June to September. In August, Gabon experiences similar dry weather to July with a slight increase in temperature. The average temperature in Gabon during August is around 25°C (77°F), with average highs of 29°C (84°F) and lows of 22°C (72°F). In terms of rainfall, Gabon experiences very little precipitation in August, with an average of only 10-30 mm of rainfall. This is the driest month of the year in Gabon, and it is very unlikely to rain at all during your visit. The humidity continues to decrease, making it very comfortable to explore the country. August is a good time to visit Gabon's national parks and wildlife reserves, as the dry weather makes it easier to spot wildlife, particularly large mammals like gorillas and elephants. The rainforest is still lush and green from the previous months' rains, and the weather is generally pleasant.


September is the last month of the dry season in Gabon, which typically runs from June to September. In September, Gabon experiences a continuation of dry and sunny weather, but with a slight increase in humidity compared to the previous months. The average temperature in Gabon during September is around 25°C (77°F), with average highs of 29°C (84°F) and lows of 22°C (72°F). In terms of rainfall, Gabon experiences very little precipitation in September, with an average of only 10-30 mm of rainfall. This is the driest month of the year in Gabon, and it is very unlikely to rain at all during your visit. However, humidity levels start to increase, making it feel a bit muggier than the previous months.


October marks the start of the rainy season in Gabon, which typically runs from October to May. In October, Gabon experiences a transition from dry to wet weather, with increasing amounts of rainfall and humidity. The average temperature in Gabon during October is around 25°C (77°F), with average highs of 29°C (84°F) and lows of 22°C (72°F). In terms of rainfall, Gabon experiences a significant increase in precipitation in October, with an average of 140-220 mm of rainfall. The rainforest becomes more lush and green, and river levels rise, making it a good time for water-based activities like kayaking and fishing. However, it's important to note that heavy rain can sometimes lead to flooded roads and disrupted travel plans. October is still a good time to visit Gabon's national parks and wildlife reserves, as wildlife is still abundant, and the rainforest is at its greenest. However, it's important to be prepared for wet weather and bring appropriate rain gear


November is a transitional month in Gabon, with increasing amounts of rainfall and humidity as the country transitions into the rainy season, which typically runs from October to May. The average temperature in Gabon during November is around 25°C (77°F), with average highs of 29°C (84°F) and lows of 22°C (72°F). In terms of rainfall, Gabon experiences a significant increase in precipitation in November, with an average of 190-310 mm of rainfall. The rainforest becomes more lush and green, and river levels continue to rise, making it a good time for water-based activities like kayaking and fishing. However, it's important to note that heavy rain can sometimes lead to flooded roads and disrupted travel plans.


December marks the height of the rainy season in Gabon, which typically runs from October to May. In December, Gabon experiences heavy rainfall, high humidity, and warm temperatures. The average temperature in Gabon during December is around 26°C (79°F), with average highs of 30°C (86°F) and lows of 23°C (73°F). In terms of rainfall, Gabon experiences the highest levels of precipitation in December, with an average of 290-420 mm of rainfall. Heavy rain can lead to flooded roads and disrupted travel plans, so it's important to be prepared and plan accordingly. Despite the heavy rain, December is still a good time to visit Gabon's national parks and wildlife reserves. The rainforest is at its greenest, and the rivers are full, making it a good time for water-based activities like kayaking and fishing. Wildlife is still abundant, but it can be more difficult to spot in the dense foliage. It's important to bring appropriate rain gear and be prepared for wet weather. It's worth noting that some lodges and accommodations may close during the rainy season, so it's important to plan ahead and check availability. Additionally, some roads and areas may be inaccessible due to flooding or other weather-related issues.


Things to do in Gabon

Visit a National Park

10% of the land in Gabon is protected by its 13 national parks. This commitment to wildlife and natural world conservation has led to a huge number of animals present within the National Parks. These include forest elephants, buffalo, hippos and the lowland gorilla. View our comprehensive guide to wildlife in Gabon for more information.

Explore the Culture

There are over 40 different ethnic groups that call Gabon their home, each with its own unique traditions and customs. Being able to spend time with some of these groups is wonderful and you'll also want to make time to sample Gabonese food such as maboké (meat or fish cooked with spices and wrapped in banana leaves), poulet nyembwe (chicken cooked in palm nut sauce), alongside various seafood dishes..

Enjoy the Beaches

Gabon boasts some of the most unspoiled and beautiful beaches in the world. Pongara, Pointe-Denis and Cap Estérias are some of the popular spots for relaxing, swimming, and water sports.

Gorilla Trekking

Gabon is home to the critically endangered Western Lowland Gorillas. Seeing these incredible creatures in their natural habitat is a real treat so do go and browse our Gabon safaris to explore options for viewing the Gorillas.