Climate Guinea
Guinea's climate is characterized by two distinct seasons, a rainy season and a dry season, but the intensity and duration of these seasons vary according to the four natural regions. The rainy season generally begins around May and ends in October. Also known as the wintering season, this period is synonymous with regular, even daily rains from August onwards. Humidity invades the atmosphere and water is everywhere in abundance. It is also a period when getting around can be an improbable adventure, on a road network that is not always in very good condition. The dry season, which really starts in November, is clearly the ideal time to discover the country. Until January, the temperatures are pleasant and the sun is largely present, whereas from February, the big heats settle everywhere and the water so present in the rivers becomes rare.
The rainy season
It is the season of renewal after months without a drop of water from the sky. In Conakry and on the coast, from July to September, the rains are intense and can last for long hours. In July and August, more than 2,000 mm of rain can fall in Conakry. Humidity creeps in everywhere. Temperatures remain around 25°C with daytime highs above 30°C. The atmosphere is stifling. Further north, in Fouta, the rains appeared around April. They are less intense and the total rainfall over the season rarely exceeds 2,000 mm. This is a period when temperatures remain around 25°C with a night-time temperature that can approach 10°C in cities such as Dalaba. It is not uncommon to stay several days wrapped in mists hanging from the surrounding peaks, reinforcing the impression of coolness. In Upper Guinea, further east, rain appeared at almost the same time, but with much lower accumulations, below 1,500 mm. It brought a relative coolness with a drop in temperatures of 4 to 5°C, but which remained above 30°C. This is undoubtedly the best time to stay in the region, which is subject to overwhelming heat during the rest of the year. Guinea Forestière is the only region where it can rain almost all year round with a moderate intensity, but which in the end gives an impression of permanent humidity. It is also the region with the smallest temperature range.
The dry season
With the month of November, the heavy rainfall is no more than a memory and the rare showers that may still fall are not very intense. This is the most pleasant time to enjoy the beaches of the islands of Loos or the coast. Of course the temperatures remain high, between 30 and 35 °C, but the sea trade winds largely attenuate the feeling of heat
In Fouta, the rivers are swollen and the waterfalls spectacular. The landscapes are clear with a beautiful luminosity. The temperatures remain pleasant until February. Beyond that, they approach and exceed 30°C and the flow of the rivers decreases regularly. From March-April, heat mists often veil the landscapes, but swimming is also more pleasant.
In the forest, clearings become more frequent and this relatively clearer weather can be an opportunity to climb the Nimba Mountains and enjoy a unique panorama. It is also the opportunity to organize a trek in the forest of Ziama to soak up this rich ecosystem. In the direction of Upper Guinea, the dry season allows you to discover the local fauna around the water holes, which are rarer in this season, in the park of Upper Niger or the Diwasi park. Be careful, however, as temperatures can exceed 40°C. It is better not to forget to have your own water reserves.
