Cameroon in June

June weather, activities, events & insider tips

June Weather in Cameroon

28°C (82°F) High Temp

22°C (72°F) Low Temp

220 mm (8.7 inches) Rainfall

85% Humidity

Is June Right for You?

Advantages

Lush green landscapes at their most spectacular - waterfalls like Ekom Nkam reach peak flow with 3x normal volume, creating dramatic photo opportunities
Wildlife viewing improves significantly as animals congregate around water sources - primates in Korup National Park are 40% more active during cooler rainy periods
Accommodation prices drop 25-40% from peak season rates, with luxury lodges offering substantial discounts to offset lower tourist numbers
Cultural authenticity peaks as you'll encounter genuine local life without tourist crowds - markets, festivals, and daily activities proceed normally without performance aspects

Considerations

Daily heavy rains from 2-6pm make outdoor activities challenging - expect 220 mm (8.7 inches) of rainfall with 18 rainy days that can disrupt planned excursions
Road conditions deteriorate significantly, especially unpaved routes to remote attractions - journeys can take 50-100% longer due to muddy conditions and poor visibility
High humidity at 85% makes hiking and trekking extremely taxing - even short 2 km (1.2 mile) walks feel exhausting in the oppressive moisture

Best Activities in June

Waza National Park Wildlife Safaris

June transforms Waza into a wildlife great destination as animals cluster around remaining water sources, making game viewing exceptional. The cooler, overcast conditions mean animals are active throughout the day rather than hiding during hot afternoons. Rain creates temporary waterholes that attract species normally spread across the park.

Booking Tip: Book 2-3 weeks ahead through park-certified guides (typically 35,000-45,000 CFA per day). Early morning departures at 6am avoid afternoon rains. Look for operators with covered vehicles and waterproof equipment storage. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Limbe Botanic Garden and Coastal Exploration

The rainy season brings Limbe's botanical gardens to peak beauty, with rare endemic plants flowering and the cooler coastal climate providing relief from inland humidity. Black sand beaches are less crowded, and the dramatic contrast of rain clouds against Mount Cameroon creates impressive photography conditions.

Booking Tip: Self-guided visits work well (entry 2,000 CFA), but guided tours (8,000-12,000 CFA) provide insider knowledge of seasonal blooms. Combine with nearby wildlife centers that remain open during rain. Pack waterproof camera protection.

Dja Faunal Reserve Canoe Expeditions

June's high water levels make previously inaccessible areas of this UNESCO site reachable by canoe. Rivers run fast and clear, forest sounds are amplified by rain, and the reduced tourist numbers mean genuine encounters with local Baka communities. Primate viewing improves as animals seek shelter in predictable locations.

Booking Tip: Multi-day expeditions (65,000-85,000 CFA per person for 3 days) require advance booking with certified eco-lodges. Ensure operators provide waterproof tents and dry storage. Best accessed via Yokadouma with 4WD transfers included in packages.

Douala Cultural and Market Immersion

June showcases authentic Douala life as rain creates natural rhythms around indoor activities. Visit covered markets like Marché Central during afternoon downpours, experience local cuisine at peak freshness with seasonal ingredients, and enjoy busy nightlife that moves indoors to intimate venues.

Booking Tip: Cultural walking tours (15,000-25,000 CFA for half-day) work best with morning starts before afternoon rains. Look for guides who include covered market visits and indoor cultural sites. Evening food tours capitalize on local indoor dining culture.

Kribi Beach and Waterfall Photography Tours

June creates perfect conditions for waterfall photography as Chutes de la Lobe reaches maximum flow, crashing dramatically into the Atlantic. Beach crowds are minimal, and dramatic storm clouds create spectacular sunset conditions when rain breaks. The contrast of tropical rain and ocean is uniquely photogenic.

Booking Tip: Day trips from Douala (45,000-60,000 CFA including transport) should start early to capture morning light at waterfalls. Look for photographers' tours that include waterproof equipment and timing expertise. Beach lodges offer 30% discounts in June.

Mount Cameroon Lower Slope Hiking

While summit attempts are inadvisable in June due to clouds and rain, lower elevation hikes through lush rainforest showcase the mountain's biodiversity at its peak. Streams are full, vegetation is busy, and the cooler temperatures make forest hiking more comfortable than dry season attempts.

Booking Tip: Half-day guided hikes (20,000-30,000 CFA) focusing on altitudes below 1,500 m (4,920 ft) work best. Avoid multi-day ascents due to poor visibility and dangerous conditions above 2,000 m (6,560 ft). Choose guides with extensive wet-weather experience and proper safety equipment.

June Events & Festivals

Throughout June

Ngondo Festival Preparations

June marks the beginning of preparations for the major Sawa people's water festival, with communities along the Wouri River beginning traditional ceremonies and craft preparations. While the main festival occurs later, June offers authentic glimpses into cultural preparation rituals.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

High-quality rain jacket and waterproof pants - daily 4-hour downpours with 85% humidity require gear that breathes while staying completely waterproof

Quick-dry synthetic clothing only - cotton takes 2-3 days to dry in 85% humidity and becomes uncomfortable and potentially problematic for health

Waterproof daypack covers and dry bags - essential for protecting electronics, documents, and spare clothing during sudden torrential downpours

Sturdy waterproof hiking boots with ankle support - muddy trails require serious grip and protection, even for short 1 km (0.6 mile) walks

SPF 30+ sunscreen despite clouds - UV index of 6 means burns still occur through overcast conditions, especially near water

Insect repellent with 25%+ DEET - increased mosquito activity during rainy season makes strong protection essential for malaria prevention

Headlamp with extra batteries - frequent power outages during storms and early sunset due to cloud cover require reliable portable lighting

Lightweight long pants and long sleeves - protection from insects is crucial, and air-conditioned indoor spaces can feel cold after outdoor humidity

Waterproof phone case or bag - even brief exposure to rain can damage electronics, and you'll want to capture the dramatic weather conditions

Antifungal foot powder - constant moisture and humidity create ideal conditions for fungal infections without proper foot care prevention

Insider Knowledge

Schedule outdoor activities between 7am-1pm daily - afternoon rains are predictable and intense, starting around 2pm and lasting until 6pm with remarkable consistency

Book internal flights rather than long road trips - unpaved roads become nearly impassable, turning 6-hour drives into 12-hour ordeals with frequent vehicle problems

Carry 500 and 1,000 CFA notes in waterproof storage - many transactions require cash, and wet money is often refused by vendors and transportation providers

Stay in accommodations with backup generators - power outages during storms are frequent, and having reliable electricity becomes crucial for drying gear and maintaining comfort

Avoid These Mistakes

Attempting Mount Cameroon summit hikes in June - visibility above 2,500 m (8,200 ft) drops to near zero, making the climb dangerous and unrewarding with no summit views

Booking beach-focused itineraries expecting sunny weather - while beautiful in its own way, June beaches are often overcast with limited swimming conditions due to rough seas

Packing only one pair of shoes - mud, puddles, and constant moisture mean you need backup footwear when your primary shoes need 48+ hours to dry properly