Cameroon in February

February weather, activities, events & insider tips

February Weather in Cameroon

32°C (90°F) High Temp

18°C (64°F) Low Temp

25mm (1 inch) Rainfall

55% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season means minimal rainfall (only 25mm/1 inch) with excellent road conditions for reaching remote areas like the Ring Road and northern national parks
Harmattan winds from the Sahara bring crystal-clear visibility perfect for Mount Cameroon climbing - success rates are 85% higher than rainy season attempts
Wildlife viewing is exceptional as animals concentrate around water sources, making Waza National Park visits highly productive with 70% higher mammal sighting rates
Cultural festival season peaks with Ngondo Festival preparations and traditional ceremonies across the Northwest and Southwest regions

Considerations

Harmattan dust can cause respiratory irritation and reduces air quality, particularly problematic for those with asthma or allergies
Extreme temperature variations between 32°C (90°F) days and 18°C (64°F) nights require careful packing for both conditions
Tourist peak season means accommodation prices increase 40-60% and advance booking essential, especially around Mount Cameroon and coastal areas

Best Activities in February

Mount Cameroon Climbing Expeditions

February offers the best climbing conditions with minimal cloud cover and stable weather. The harmattan winds provide exceptional visibility from the summit at 4,095m (13,435 ft). Success rates are highest this month due to dry trails and predictable weather patterns. Morning starts are essential to avoid afternoon heat.

Booking Tip: Book certified guides 3-4 weeks ahead as February is peak climbing season. Expeditions typically cost 180,000-250,000 CFA (300-420 USD) for 3-day climbs. Look for guides registered with the Mount Cameroon Ecotourism Organisation. See current climbing packages in the booking section below.

Waza National Park Wildlife Safaris

February is prime game viewing season as the dry conditions force animals to congregate around remaining water sources. Elephant herds, lions, and antelope are most easily spotted. The park's 170,000 hectares are fully accessible with dry roads, unlike rainy season when 60% becomes impassable.

Booking Tip: Multi-day safari packages range 120,000-200,000 CFA (200-330 USD) including accommodation and meals. Book through operators with proper park permits and 4WD vehicles. Best viewing is early morning (6-9 AM) and late afternoon (4-6 PM). See current safari options in the booking section below.

Ring Road Cultural Circuit Tours

The famous Ring Road through the Northwest and Southwest regions is in perfect condition during February's dry season. This 367km (228 mile) route passes through Bamenda, Kumbo, and traditional Fon palaces. February coincides with important cultural ceremonies and the landscape photography is exceptional with harmattan clarity.

Booking Tip: Self-drive rentals cost 45,000-65,000 CFA (75-110 USD) per day, or guided tours range 150,000-280,000 CFA (250-470 USD) for 4-5 day circuits. Ensure vehicles have spare parts as remote areas have limited services. Book accommodations in Bamenda and Kumbo well ahead. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Kribi Beach and Pygmy Village Experiences

February's dry conditions make the 3-hour drive from Yaoundé to Kribi much more comfortable, and the famous Lobe Falls are at optimal flow levels. The Baka Pygmy villages are accessible via dry forest paths, offering authentic cultural encounters. Beach temperatures are perfect at 28-30°C (82-86°F).

Booking Tip: Combined beach and cultural packages typically cost 95,000-140,000 CFA (160-235 USD) for 2-3 days including accommodation. Choose operators that provide fair compensation to Pygmy communities. February is peak season so book coastal lodging 2-3 weeks ahead. See current packages in the booking section below.

Limbe Botanical Garden and Wildlife Centre Visits

February's lower humidity (55%) makes the extensive botanical garden walks much more comfortable. The 52-hectare site showcases over 1,500 plant species, and the adjacent wildlife centre's primate rehabilitation programs are most active during cooler morning hours. Black beach visits are perfect in dry season.

Booking Tip: Entry fees are 2,000 CFA (3.50 USD) for gardens, 5,000 CFA (8.50 USD) for wildlife centre. Guided botanical tours cost 15,000-25,000 CFA (25-42 USD) and are worth the investment for plant identification. Best visited 8-11 AM before peak heat. See current guided tour options in the booking section below.

Douala and Yaoundé Urban Cultural Tours

February's pleasant weather makes city exploration much more enjoyable. Douala's markets like Kinshasa are bustling with dry season trade goods, while Yaoundé's museums and craft centers showcase regional artistry. The National Museum's collections are best appreciated when you can comfortably walk between climate-controlled buildings.

Booking Tip: Urban guided tours range 35,000-55,000 CFA (60-95 USD) for full-day experiences including transport and lunch. Focus on morning activities (8 AM-12 PM) to avoid midday heat. Independent exploration is safest with pre-arranged transport rather than walking long distances. See current city tour options in the booking section below.

February Events & Festivals

February 11

Youth Day Celebrations

National Youth Day on February 11th features parades, cultural performances, and traditional music across all major cities. Yaoundé and Douala host the largest celebrations with elaborate displays of regional costumes and dances. This is an excellent opportunity to experience Cameroonian patriotic culture and traditional arts.

Throughout February

Traditional Wrestling Season

February marks peak traditional wrestling season in the Northwest and Western regions. Villages around Bamenda and Bafoussam host weekend competitions featuring ancient combat styles unique to Cameroon. These events are deeply cultural with traditional music, palm wine ceremonies, and community feasting.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight long sleeves and pants for harmattan dust protection - the Saharan winds carry fine particles that irritate skin and lungs

Warm jacket or fleece for 18°C (64°F) nights, especially if camping or staying in highland areas above 1,000m (3,280 ft)

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 9 and harmattan winds reduce natural cloud cover

Dust mask or bandana for face protection during windy days, particularly when traveling on unpaved roads

Moisturizer and lip balm - humidity drops to 55% creating dry skin conditions unusual for tropical climates

Layered clothing system for 14°C (25°F) temperature swings between day and night

Closed-toe shoes for dusty conditions plus sandals for beach areas and lodge relaxation

Eye drops and nasal saline spray to combat dust irritation during outdoor activities

Light rain jacket despite dry season - occasional brief showers still occur in coastal areas

Power bank and dust-proof phone case - harmattan dust can damage electronics if not protected

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations by early January as February is when European retirees and North American winter escapees arrive, driving up prices and availability

Travel in the morning hours (6-10 AM) to avoid both heat and harmattan dust which intensifies in afternoon winds

Carry 500 and 1,000 CFA notes for small purchases - February markets often lack change due to increased tourist activity

Mount Cameroon climbing permits cost 20,000 CFA but must be purchased in Buea before ascending - not available at trailheads

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating the cold nights - many tourists pack only for 32°C (90°F) days and suffer in 18°C (64°F) nights without warm clothing

Not protecting electronics from harmattan dust - cameras and phones frequently malfunction when dust enters ports and lenses

Assuming all of Cameroon is hot year-round - highland areas like Bamenda can be surprisingly cool, especially in early morning