Cameroon in January

January weather, activities, events & insider tips

January Weather in Cameroon

31°C (88°F) High Temp

18°C (64°F) Low Temp

15 mm (0.6 inches) Rainfall

45% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Harmattan season brings clear skies and excellent visibility - perfect for Mount Cameroon climbing with views extending 50 km (31 miles) on clear days
Wildlife viewing peaks as animals congregate around water sources in Waza National Park - elephant sightings increase 300% compared to rainy season
Road conditions are at their best with completely dry laterite roads allowing 4WD access to remote villages and waterfalls in the Ring Road circuit
Cultural festivals intensify as farming communities celebrate post-harvest - Ngondo water festival in Douala and traditional dances in the Northwest Region occur during this period

Considerations

Harmattan dust from the Sahara creates hazy conditions and can irritate respiratory systems - visibility drops to 2-3 km (1.2-1.9 miles) on worst days
Extreme temperature swings from 18°C (64°F) at dawn to 31°C (88°F) midday require multiple clothing layers and careful hydration planning
Tourist season peaks driving accommodation prices up 40-60% in Kribi beach resorts and Bamenda mountain lodges compared to September rates

Best Activities in January

Mount Cameroon Volcano Climbing

January offers the most reliable weather for Africa's most active volcano climb. Clear harmattan conditions provide spectacular sunrise views from 4,095 m (13,435 ft) summit. Temperatures range from 5°C (41°F) at summit to 25°C (77°F) at base camp. Two-day climbs have 90% success rate in January versus 60% during rainy months.

Booking Tip: Book 3-4 weeks ahead through licensed Buea-based operators. Expect 180,000-250,000 CFA ($300-415) for guided 2-day climbs including camping gear and porters. Peak season demand requires early booking.

Waza National Park Safari Tours

Dry season concentrates wildlife around permanent water sources creating optimal game viewing. Elephant herds of 50+ animals common, plus giraffes, lions, and 300+ bird species. Morning temperatures of 18°C (64°F) mean active wildlife versus midday heat when animals shelter.

Booking Tip: 4WD safaris typically cost 85,000-120,000 CFA ($140-200) per day including guide and park fees. Book through operators with Maroua base for best access. See current tour options in booking section below.

Kribi Beach and Lobé Waterfalls

Dry season reveals pristine beaches with calm Atlantic waters perfect for swimming. Lobé Falls plunge 20 m (66 ft) directly into ocean at reduced volume, allowing safe swimming in natural pools. Zero rainfall days mean consistent beach weather.

Booking Tip: Day trips from Douala cost 35,000-50,000 CFA ($58-83) including transport and guide. Multi-day packages with beachfront accommodation range 75,000-150,000 CFA ($125-250) per night during peak season.

Ring Road Cultural Circuit

Dry roads open access to traditional Grassfields kingdoms including Foumban's Sultan's Palace and Bafut's Fon's compound. Cool mountain temperatures 20-25°C (68-77°F) ideal for walking through craft villages. Local festivals peak during post-harvest January period.

Booking Tip: Self-drive or guided tours cost 60,000-90,000 CFA ($100-150) per day. Book reliable 4WD through Bamenda operators minimum 2 weeks ahead. Current guided options available in booking section below.

Korup National Park Rainforest Treks

While coastal areas face harmattan dust, Korup's ancient rainforest maintains 75% humidity and lush conditions. January offers driest trails for multi-day treks to see endemic drills, forest elephants, and 1,000+ butterfly species in Africa's oldest forest ecosystem.

Booking Tip: 3-5 day guided treks cost 120,000-200,000 CFA ($200-330) including camping, meals, and mandatory eco-guards. Book through Mundemba village operators 4-6 weeks ahead for peak season availability.

Bamenda Highlands and Lake Nyos Tours

Cool highland climate 15-22°C (59-72°F) provides relief from coastal heat. Clear skies offer impressive crater lake views and access to traditional markets. Lake Nyos presents unique geology education opportunity about limnic eruptions with expert guides.

Booking Tip: Day tours cost 45,000-65,000 CFA ($75-108) from Bamenda including transport and guide fees. Multi-day highlands circuits available 80,000-120,000 CFA ($133-200) per day through mountain lodge partnerships.

January Events & Festivals

Early January

Ngondo Water Festival

Traditional Sawa people celebration along Wouri River in Douala featuring canoe races, ancestral spirit ceremonies, and cultural displays. Thousands gather for riverside festivities with traditional food and palm wine.

Mid to Late January

Grassfields Traditional Festivals

Post-harvest celebrations in Northwest Region kingdoms including masked dances, royal ceremonies, and traditional wrestling competitions. Villages around Bamenda and Bafut host authentic cultural experiences.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Dust masks or bandanas - harmattan dust can be severe, especially around Garoua and northern regions

Layered clothing system - temperature swings of 13°C (23°F) between dawn and midday require adaptability

SPF 50+ sunscreen and UV-blocking hat - UV index reaches 10 with thin harmattan atmosphere offering little protection

Lightweight long sleeves for dusty conditions - protects from sun and airborne particles during travel

Insulated sleeping bag rated to 0°C (32°F) for Mount Cameroon overnight climbs

Hiking boots with ankle support - dry season enables access to rocky terrain in Ring Road and mountain areas

Electrolyte supplements - rapid dehydration occurs in low humidity harmattan conditions

Quality dust-proof camera protection - fine Sahara dust penetrates standard camera bags

Moisturizing lotion and lip balm - 45% humidity causes severe skin and lip cracking

Headlamp with extra batteries - early morning wildlife viewing and potential power outages in rural areas

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations by early November - peak season rates jump 50-60% after December 15th and availability becomes severely limited in popular areas like Kribi and Bamenda

Start activities at 6 AM to avoid midday heat and dust - locals conduct business before 10 AM during harmattan season, then retreat indoors until evening

Carry 1000 CFA notes for park fees and local guides - larger denominations often cannot be changed in remote areas like Waza or Korup

Download offline maps before traveling - mobile data coverage drops significantly in northern regions and mountain areas during dry season equipment maintenance

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating harmattan dust severity - tourists arrive without proper eye protection and respiratory covers, leading to discomfort and shortened activities

Booking northern safaris for midday hours - wildlife is inactive 11 AM-4 PM during peak heat, wasting expensive guide time and missing animal activity

Assuming coastal accommodation availability - Kribi and Limbe beaches book solid during European winter holidays, requiring reservations 6-8 weeks ahead