Cameroon - Things to Do in Cameroon in August

Cameroon in August

August weather, activities, events & insider tips

August Weather in Cameroon

28°C (82°F) High Temp
22°C (72°F) Low Temp
280mm (11 inches) Rainfall
85% Humidity

Is August Right for You?

Advantages

  • Lush green landscapes at their most spectacular - waterfalls like Ekom Nkam reach maximum flow and jungle canopies are busy emerald green
  • Dramatically reduced tourist crowds mean you'll have major attractions like Waza National Park virtually to yourself
  • Cooler temperatures 22-28°C (72-82°F) make hiking more comfortable than dry season peaks of 35°C+ (95°F+)
  • Peak fruit season brings mangoes, avocados, and plantains at rock-bottom prices in local markets

Considerations

  • Daily heavy rains 3-6pm make outdoor activities unpredictable - expect to shelter indoors most afternoons
  • Many remote roads become impassable, limiting access to northern parks and highland regions without 4WD
  • High humidity 85% creates uncomfortable conditions and potential mold issues with gear and clothing

Best Activities in August

Douala Urban Cultural Exploration

August's frequent rains make Douala's covered markets, art galleries, and indoor cultural sites perfect. The city's busy music scene peaks with indoor concerts escaping the wet season. Humidity makes street walking challenging, but air-conditioned museums and covered Kinshasa provide cultural immersion without weather exposure.

Booking Tip: No advance booking needed for most cultural sites. Entry fees typically 1,000-3,000 CFA francs. Visit markets 8-11am before afternoon rains. See current guided tour options in booking section below.

Yaoundé Hills and Museums

The capital's elevation 750m (2,460ft) provides cooler August temperatures and excellent rainy season views. Indoor attractions like Banjul and Yaounde offer air-conditioned comfort during daily downpours. Morning hikes on Yaounde are possible before 2pm rain window.

Booking Tip: Museum entries 500-2,000 CFA francs. Book city tours 2-3 days ahead, typically 15,000-25,000 CFA francs per day. Morning departures essential. Check booking widget for current options.

Kribi Beach Resort Areas

August brings powerful Atlantic swells perfect for experienced surfers, while beach lodges provide covered terraces for rain watching. Chutes de la Lobe waterfalls are at peak flow meeting the ocean. Rain typically stops by sunset, creating dramatic beach evening light.

Booking Tip: Beach accommodations 20,000-80,000 CFA francs nightly. Book 3-4 weeks ahead for August beach season. Surfboard rentals available locally. Current tour packages in booking section.

Bamenda Highlands Indoor Markets

Cool mountain temperatures 18-24°C (64-75°F) and frequent mist create cozy conditions for exploring covered markets and traditional crafts workshops. August rains make outdoor trekking difficult, but cultural immersion in covered spaces is ideal.

Booking Tip: Reach Bamenda via domestic flights in rainy season - road conditions unpredictable. Craft workshop visits 5,000-15,000 CFA francs. Book highland tours through booking widget below.

Limbe Botanical Gardens and Indoor Attractions

August rains create lush tropical displays in covered sections of Saint Vincent. Limbe Wildlife Centre offers sheltered animal viewing perfect for wet weather. Mount Cameroon's lower slopes accessible in morning before daily 2pm rains begin.

Booking Tip: Garden entry 1,500 CFA francs, Wildlife Centre 3,000 CFA francs. Combine both in morning visits 8am-1pm. Tour packages typically 10,000-20,000 CFA francs. See current options below.

August Events & Festivals

Late August

Ngondo Festival

Traditional Duala water ceremony held along Wouri River in Douala. Features canoe races, traditional dancing, and spiritual river blessings. August rains actually enhance the water-focused celebrations, though some outdoor events move to covered venues.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof daypack cover - daily 3-6pm downpours will soak unprotected bags
Quick-dry synthetic clothing - cotton takes days to dry in 85% humidity
Waterproof phone case essential - sudden heavy rains can destroy electronics in minutes
Sturdy waterproof boots for muddy conditions - flip-flops inadequate for August terrain
Compact umbrella that fits in daypack for unexpected morning showers
Anti-fungal foot powder - constant moisture creates athlete's foot conditions
Lightweight rain poncho covering backpack - more practical than rain jacket alone
Moisture-absorbing packets for camera gear - humidity fogs lenses and damages electronics
SPF 30+ sunscreen - despite clouds, UV index reaches 6 between rain bursts
Insect repellent with DEET - standing water increases mosquito populations significantly

Insider Knowledge

Local term 'saison des pluies' helps communicate with French-speaking guides - shows you understand August is rainy season
Shared taxis (bush taxis) often refuse long journeys in August due to road conditions - negotiate fixed-price 4WD transport instead
Many Cameroonians take August holidays visiting family - book accommodations early as domestic tourism peaks despite rains
Street food vendors move indoors or under permanent covered stalls in August - look for 'abri' (shelter) locations for authentic meals

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning outdoor activities after 2pm - daily rains make afternoon sightseeing miserable and dangerous
Underestimating road travel time - August mud and washouts can triple normal journey duration
Packing only cotton clothing - synthetic fabrics essential for humid conditions that prevent cotton from drying

Activities in Cameroon