Cameroon in September

September weather, activities, events & insider tips

September Weather in Cameroon

28°C (82°F) High Temp

22°C (72°F) Low Temp

180mm (7.1 inches) Rainfall

85% Humidity

Is September Right for You?

Advantages

Landscape photography great destination - Mount Cameroon and waterfalls at peak lushness after months of rain, with dramatic cloud formations perfect for dramatic shots
Bird watching excellence - migratory species arrive while resident birds are still active, making September the best month for species diversity in Korup National Park
Lower accommodation prices - September marks shoulder season before October's influx, with hotel rates 20-30% below peak season pricing
Authentic cultural immersion - September harvest festivals in the Northwest Region showcase traditional Tikar and Bamenda cultures without tourist crowds

Considerations

Transportation disruptions - unpaved roads to remote attractions become impassable during heavy rains, potentially cutting off access to pygmy villages and some waterfalls for 2-3 days at a time
High malaria risk - standing water from rains creates ideal mosquito breeding conditions, requiring extra vigilance with preventive measures
Unpredictable daily schedules - afternoon storms (typically 2-6pm) can derail outdoor activities, requiring flexible itineraries and indoor backup plans

Best Activities in September

Mount Cameroon Crater Lake Treks

September's post-rain conditions create optimal trekking on Mount Cameroon with cooler temperatures at altitude (18°C/64°F at 2,000m/6,562ft) and crystal-clear crater lake views. Morning departures avoid afternoon storms that roll in from the Atlantic. The volcanic landscape is dramatically green, and cloud cover provides natural sun protection during the 6-8 hour ascent.

Booking Tip: Book certified mountain guides 14-21 days ahead through Buea-based operators. Expect costs of 45,000-65,000 CFA ($75-110) per day including guide and basic gear. Verify guide certification with Cameroon Mountain Club. Start climbs by 6am to avoid afternoon weather.

Korup National Park Primate Tracking

September represents peak primate viewing as the rainy season ends but fruit trees remain abundant, keeping drill monkeys, chimpanzees, and red colobus active near research stations. Morning tracking (6-10am) offers best visibility before afternoon rains and when animals are most active in 26°C (79°F) temperatures.

Booking Tip: Reserve through Mundemba research station 2-3 weeks ahead. Tracking permits cost 15,000-25,000 CFA ($25-42) plus guide fees. Choose 3-4 day packages for best primate encounters. Rubber boots essential - station provides limited rentals.

Northwest Ring Road Village Homestays

September harvest season in Bamenda, Bafut, and Kumbo regions offers authentic cultural immersion during yam and corn harvests. Village homestays provide access to traditional ceremonies, palm wine tapping, and local farming practices. Cool highland temperatures (20-24°C/68-75°F) make this region comfortable during humid September weather.

Booking Tip: Arrange through community tourism cooperatives 10-14 days ahead. Homestay costs 8,000-15,000 CFA ($13-25) per night including meals. September requires advance booking due to harvest festival scheduling. Transport via shared taxis costs 3,000-5,000 CFA ($5-8) between villages.

Waza National Park Safari Preparation Tours

While Waza's main dry season hasn't begun, September offers unique pre-season scouting of wildlife areas and cultural encounters with Fulani herders during transhumance migrations. Cooler mornings (22°C/72°F) and fewer tourists create intimate wildlife viewing experiences, though animal concentrations remain lower than peak dry season.

Booking Tip: Book 4WD vehicle rentals 2-3 weeks ahead from Maroua operators. Expect 85,000-120,000 CFA ($142-200) per day including driver-guide. September requires covered vehicles due to sudden storms. Combine with cultural tours of Fulani camps for complete North Cameroon experience.

Douala-Limbe Coastal Waterfall Tours

September showcases Cameroon's coastal waterfalls at maximum flow after rainy season peaks. Ekom Falls and Chutes de la Lobé near Kribi offer spectacular photography opportunities with 25-30% higher water volume than dry season. Atlantic Coast temperatures remain moderate (26°C/79°F) with sea breezes.

Booking Tip: Organize through Douala-based eco-tour operators 7-10 days ahead. Day trips cost 35,000-50,000 CFA ($58-83) including transport and guide. Waterproof camera gear essential. Access roads require 4WD vehicles during September - verify vehicle type when booking.

Yaoundé Museum and Cultural Center Circuit

September's afternoon rain pattern (typically 3-7pm) makes this ideal for indoor cultural exploration. Banjul, Benedictine Monastery of Mont-Febe, and local artisan workshops offer climate-controlled environments during storm periods. Cultural events increase as September marks back-to-school season with enhanced programming.

Booking Tip: Museums open 9am-5pm with 2-hour lunch breaks. Entry fees 2,000-5,000 CFA ($3-8). Book artisan workshop visits through tourism office 3-5 days ahead. Budget 25,000-35,000 CFA ($42-58) for full-day cultural circuit including transport. Indoor venues essential for September afternoon backup plans.

September Events & Festivals

Mid to Late September

Northwest Harvest Festivals

Traditional thanksgiving ceremonies across Bamenda, Bafut, and surrounding villages celebrating yam and maize harvests. Features traditional Juju dances, palm wine ceremonies, and community feasts. Each village celebrates on different dates based on local harvest completion.

Late September

Mount Cameroon Annual Climb Season Opening

Unofficial opening of optimal climbing season as September rains taper off. Local guide associations in Buea organize group climbs and safety briefings for the upcoming dry season. Good time to join organized climbing groups and meet other trekkers.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry hiking boots with ankle support - trails remain muddy and slippery throughout September with 180mm (7.1 inches) of rainfall expected

Waterproof daypack cover - sudden afternoon downpours can soak gear in minutes, particularly dangerous for electronics and documents

Lightweight rain poncho AND compact umbrella - poncho for hiking, umbrella for city walking during frequent light drizzles

Long-sleeved moisture-wicking shirts - essential for 85% humidity levels and mosquito protection during peak malaria season

Waterproof phone case - September's high humidity (85%) and sudden storms can damage electronics even when not directly rained on

Antifungal powder - feet stay damp in humid conditions and wet boots, leading to fungal infections without proper foot care

Headlamp with extra batteries - power outages increase during September storms, and early morning wildlife activities require reliable lighting

Mosquito net and 30% DEET repellent - standing water from rains creates ideal breeding conditions requiring maximum protection

Plastic bags for dirty/wet clothes - laundry takes 2-3 days to dry in September humidity, requiring isolation of wet items

Lightweight fleece for highland areas - temperatures drop to 18°C (64°F) at altitude, feeling much cooler in high humidity

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations in Buea and Bamenda 3+ weeks ahead - September harvest festivals and university resumption create unexpected demand surges in highland towns

Carry 10,000-20,000 CFA ($17-33) cash daily - September road conditions often prevent reaching ATMs, and mobile money services experience storm-related outages

Start outdoor activities at 6am sharp - locals know afternoon storms hit predictably between 2-6pm, making morning hours crucial for nature activities

Download offline maps before traveling to remote areas - cell tower maintenance increases during September storms, creating dead zones exactly when navigation becomes critical on muddy roads

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking inflexible daily itineraries - September weather requires 2-3 backup indoor activities per day as outdoor plans frequently get postponed by afternoon storms

Underestimating road travel times - what takes 2 hours in dry season can take 4-5 hours in September due to muddy conditions and cautious driving on mountain roads

Packing only synthetic fabrics - cotton and linen handle Cameroon's 85% September humidity better than moisture-trapping polyester that becomes uncomfortable within hours