The dry seasons, an ideal period
Gabon has two dry seasons: a long one from June to September, and a short one from December to January. Both correspond to the country's peak tourist season. Contrary to popular belief, there is very little sunshine at this time of year, and skies are often cloudy. A few isolated showers, known as "mango rains", sprinkle the country. During this period, temperatures remain mild, around 26°C, but cool down along the northern coast and in the forests. They are generally higher in the western part of the country, particularly in the Cocobeach, Mouila, Omboué, Port-Gentil quadrilateral. Inland regions are also often warmer than on the coast, although there are hilly areas where it is cooler at higher altitudes, notably in the Chaillu massif. When it's 33°C in August in Lastoursville, Port-Gentil records 25°C. There is very little difference in temperature between morning and evening. However, remember to take long clothing, as mosquitoes are also present at this time of year.
A country that gets watered during the rainy season
Between the dry seasons, there are two periods of rainy season, each quite different from the other. The longest, from February to June, is characterized by violent downpours, often accompanied by tornadoes. The smallest, from September to December, is marked by abundant rainfall, followed by sunshine. It's during this period that Gabon reveals its most beautiful colors, between the lush 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 skies are clear and the heat can be intense, 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 between 1,400 and 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 - which is what gives you that "showery" feeling as soon as you step away from the air conditioner! In addition to light rainwear, you'll need to take anti-malaria treatment and repellent, as mosquitoes are very prevalent during these two periods.
