Fall in Douala feels like a constant mix of heavy rain, warm air, and sticky humidity that really shapes everyday life along Cameroon’s coast. Daytime highs usually sit in the low 80s °F, and those showers? They’re frequent and sometimes just go on for hours, especially in September.
Nights stay warm, rarely dropping below the mid-70s °F, so the air always feels thick and humid.
September and October bring some of the heaviest downpours of the year, making this the peak of rainfall. Most days, clouds take over the sky, and you only get short breaks of sunshine.
By late fall, rain starts to let up, but the air doesn’t really lose its muggy feel, and the skies still look mostly cloudy.
If you’re thinking about exploring Douala during fall, you’ll quickly see how the coastal setting shapes the weather. The Atlantic Ocean keeps temperatures steady, but it also stretches out the long wet season.
Knowing these weather patterns helps you get ready for the challenges—and the unique moments—that fall in Douala brings.
Overview of Fall Weather in Douala
Through the fall months, Douala stays hot and humid, with cloudy skies as rainfall slowly drops off. Warm daytime highs, muggy nights, and a steady shift from heavy rains in September to much drier conditions by late November make up the season.
Typical Fall Temperatures
Temperatures don’t swing much in Douala during fall, but things do get a bit warmer as the months roll on. Daily highs usually bump up from about 82°F (28°C) in early September to around 88°F (31°C) by late November.
Nights hold steady, with lows near 75°F (24°C).
Extreme temperatures hardly ever happen. Highs almost never go above 91°F (33°C) or fall below 79°F (26°C).
This steady climate makes things predictable, but if you’re not used to tropical weather, the heat and humidity can feel pretty intense.
If you compare Douala to other tropical coastal cities, you’ll see the same kind of steady temperatures. So, warm-weather clothes are all you’ll need—jackets and layers just gather dust here.
| Period | Average High | Average Low |
|---|---|---|
| Early Fall | 82°F (28°C) | 75°F (24°C) |
| Late Fall | 88°F (31°C) | 75°F (24°C) |
Humidity and Comfort Levels
Humidity just sticks around in Douala through the fall. The air feels muggy almost 100% of the time, day and night, thanks to the city’s coastal location and tropical monsoon climate.
You won’t really find dry air here. Even as rainfall drops off later in the season, the atmosphere still feels heavy with moisture.
This makes the heat feel even stronger than the numbers suggest.
Because of all this humidity, outdoor activities can wear you out faster. Light, breathable clothes and plenty of water are a must.
Fans or air conditioning indoors bring real relief, especially at night when the humidity just won’t quit.
Transition from Rainy to Dry Season
Fall really shows a shift in Douala’s climate. September stays super wet, with an average of 13 inches (330 mm) of rain over 31 days.
By November, rainfall falls off sharply to about 2 inches (50 mm).
The chance of a rainy day drops from about 80% in early September to under 20% by late November.
November turns into one of the driest months in this coastal city.
Clouds still hang around, with overcast or mostly cloudy skies about 80% of the time. But by late November, you’ll see more breaks in the clouds and a bit more sun.
If you’re planning a trip, this seasonal change matters. Early fall brings heavy showers and storms, while late fall is a lot better for outdoor adventures and exploring the city.
Rainfall Patterns and Seasonal Changes
Rainfall pretty much defines Douala’s climate, especially as the city moves from the wet months into the drier part of the year. You’ll spot clear changes in both how much it rains and how often as fall goes on.
End of the Rainy Season
By September, Douala is still deep in the rainy season. Heavy downpours are still common, and the sky usually stays overcast most of the day.
Frequent storms bring both quick bursts and long stretches of rain.
When October starts, rainfall begins to ease up. The city slowly moves toward the dry season, but it’s not a sudden change.
Showers still come often, though they’re usually lighter and don’t last as long as during the wettest months like July and August.
November brings a more noticeable break. Rain falls even less, and dry periods between storms get longer.
Humidity doesn’t really drop, but you’ll see clearer skies more often, signaling the start of the dry season.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
Rainfall in fall still adds up, but totals drop steadily each month. September usually sees 400–500 mm, making it one of the wettest months of the year.
That much rain can leave the ground saturated and cause flooding in low spots.
October brings a big drop, with averages closer to 250–300 mm. It’s still heavy compared to many places, but it’s a clear step down from the peak.
By November, monthly totals usually land around 100–150 mm. That drop signals the dry season is coming, and rain stops dominating daily life.
Frequency of Rainy Days
Rainy days decrease right along with total rainfall. In September, you’ll get rain on 25–27 days, so most days see at least some showers.
Even if it doesn’t rain all day, wet weather is likely.
October averages 20–22 days with measurable rain. Showers are still frequent, but you’ll start to notice more sunny breaks.
By November, rain falls on just 10–12 days. Outdoor activities become easier to plan, and you’ll enjoy longer dry stretches.
Many visitors find November offers a nice balance between warm tropical weather and fewer storm disruptions.
Temperature Trends During Fall
Fall temperatures in Douala stay warm, but there’s a slight shift as the season goes on. You’ll notice steady heat during the day, mild nights, and not much difference between early and late fall.
Average Highs and Lows
During fall, daily high temperatures rise from about 82°F (28°C) to 88°F (31°C). Highs rarely dip below 79°F (26°C) or go above 91°F (33°C), so you can count on warm afternoons.
Lows hover near 75°F (24°C), with barely any change. Nights hardly ever drop below 72°F (22°C) or go above 77°F (25°C).
This narrow range means you won’t see big swings in temperature week to week.
Compared to Douala’s other seasons, fall is a bit warmer than the wettest mid-year months but not as hot as February’s peak.
Packing is easy—lightweight clothes work the whole season.
| Period | Average High | Average Low |
|---|---|---|
| Early Fall | 82°F (28°C) | 75°F (24°C) |
| Late Fall | 88°F (31°C) | 75°F (24°C) |
Daytime vs Nighttime Temperatures
You’ll only notice a small difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures. Afternoon highs average about 10–13°F (5–7°C) warmer than nighttime lows.
This small gap keeps both day and night feeling humid and warm.
Daytime hours feel warm to hot, often hitting the mid-80s°F (about 30°C). Nights are muggy, with little break from the heat.
Dew points stay high, so humidity lingers after dark, and evenings can feel sticky even without the sun.
Douala doesn’t cool off much after sunset. If you’re planning something outdoors, mornings and late evenings might feel a little more comfortable, but expect warm air all day and night.
Humidity, Cloud Cover, and Sunshine
During fall in Douala, you’ll notice high humidity, lots of cloud cover, and not much sunshine. These things really shape how comfortable you feel outside and can change how you plan your day.
Relative Humidity Levels
Humidity stays high all year in Douala, and fall keeps that trend going. From September to November, you’ll usually see relative humidity between 82% and 88%, peaking in September.
This makes the air feel heavy and damp, especially in the mornings and evenings.
High humidity mixed with warm temperatures creates a muggy atmosphere. Even when the rain starts to ease in October and November, the air still feels thick.
If you’re sensitive to humidity, try to get outside in the early mornings when it’s a little less intense. Lightweight, breathable clothes and staying hydrated help you deal with the climate.
Cloudiness and Clear Skies
Cloud cover in Douala ramps up during the wettest months and sticks around through most of fall. September is still rainy season, so the sky often looks thick and gray.
By October and November, heavy clouds show up less often, but most days are still partly to mostly cloudy.
Clear days are rare. You might only see a few each month with mostly blue skies.
Overcast or partly cloudy skies cover more than half the days this season.
Cloudiness does cut down on direct sun, which can be a relief, but it also makes the city feel dim and damp. Some travelers like the softer light for walking around, though it doesn’t do much for beach days.
Sunshine Hours
Sunshine in Douala can change fast with the seasons. During fall, daylight hours slowly increase compared to the peak rainy season.
In September, you might only get 2–3 hours of sun per day. By November, that can rise to 5–6 hours.
Early fall has limited sun because of all the rain and thick clouds. As the rain fades, you’ll get longer stretches of brightness, though rarely a totally clear day.
If you want to plan outdoor activities, November gives you the best shot at sunshine. Early afternoons are usually brightest, while mornings and evenings tend to stay cloudy or hazy.
Coastal Influences on Fall Weather
Douala’s spot on the Atlantic coast really shapes its fall climate. The nearby ocean affects temperatures, humidity, and rainfall, keeping things warm, damp, and cloudy for much of the season.
Impact of the Coastline
Douala sits just a few feet above sea level along the Gulf of Guinea, so the coast plays a big part in its fall weather. The Atlantic Ocean keeps temperatures from swinging too much, so daily highs stay in the low-to-upper 80s °F, and nights stay in the mid-70s °F.
The coast also drives high humidity. Moist air from the ocean makes things muggy almost all the time. You’ll feel sticky even at night, as the air never really dries out.
Cloud cover is another coastal effect. In fall, the sky is overcast or mostly cloudy about 80% of the time.
Winds from the west bring in moist air, which forms thick clouds and frequent showers early in the season.
Rainfall drops sharply from September to November, but the coast means showers never totally disappear. Even late in the season, you should expect occasional rain because the sea keeps sending in moisture.
Sea Surface Temperatures
The surface water off Douala warms up slowly through the fall, rising from about 79°F (26°C) to 83°F (28°C).
This steady warming helps explain why the air stays hot and humid, even when rain slows down.
Warm waters fuel evaporation, adding moisture to the air. This supports frequent clouds and rain early in the season.
As rainfall drops in November, dew points stay high, so things still feel muggy.
Because the coastal waters never really cool down, you don’t get sharp seasonal changes in temperature. The ocean keeps the climate stable, so fall in Douala feels consistently warm, with only small shifts in comfort.
For travelers, warm sea water means swimming is always an option, though water clarity might not be great during September’s heavy rains.
Travel Tips and Seasonal Activities
Fall in Douala brings lots of rainfall, high humidity, and warm temperatures. You’ll want to plan your activities around the weather, picking times of day and places that work best for the season.
Best Times to Visit in Fall
From September to November, Douala gets a lot of rain. The downpours stay heavy, but you’ll notice the rainfall slowly dropping off toward the season’s end.
In September, it’s not unusual for rain to top 500 mm across more than 25 days. By November, that drops closer to 125 mm, and you’ll see fewer rainy days.
If you like things a bit cooler, September and October usually stick around 26–27 °C with high humidity. November edges up a bit warmer, averaging 27.5 °C, but you’ll catch more breaks between showers.
Many travelers say late October through November feels more comfortable for getting around the city. Sure, rain still happens, but you actually get longer dry spells—perfect for sightseeing or anything outdoors.
Bring light clothing for the heat. Don’t forget a waterproof jacket, umbrella, and quick-dry shoes. Heavy rain can flood roads, so give yourself extra time if you’re heading out. If you’re hoping to dodge the worst storms, try planning outdoor stuff for the morning, since showers usually aren’t as intense then.
Outdoor and Cultural Events
Even with all the rain, you’ll still find plenty to do in Douala during fall. The city’s markets, like Marché Central, stay lively no matter the weather.
Vendors set up covered stalls, so you can browse local crafts, spices, and fresh produce without getting soaked.
Cultural life doesn’t stop for the rain either. You’ll find art galleries, music venues, and theaters open and welcoming.
On a stormy afternoon, why not check out Doual’Art? It’s a contemporary art center that always has something interesting going on.
If you’re up for some outdoor exploring, try a quick trip to the coast near Douala. Beaches like Youpwe and Manoka Island aren’t too far, but it’s best to visit when the rain lets up a little.
The sea temperature usually sits around 26–28 °C in the fall. So, if the weather’s decent, you can still swim.
Sports fans might want to catch a local football match at a neighborhood field. Most games go on unless the rain gets really heavy, so you’ll get a real taste of community life.