When you picture fall in Yaoundé, you’re looking at warm days, mild nights, and a slow change from heavy rains to drier skies. Average high temperatures tick up a bit from about 26°C to 28°C, while rainfall drops sharply from its peak in early October to much lighter showers by the end of November.
This blend makes the season feel refreshing—kind of like the city is taking a breather.
You’ll see the skies mostly cloudy in September, but they gradually clear up as the weeks roll on. Humidity sticks around, but since rain falls less often, the air doesn’t feel quite as heavy.
Daylight only shortens a little, so you still get nearly 12 hours of sun each day. That’s plenty of time to get out and explore.
By late fall, you’ll notice calmer winds and fewer storms. Travel feels easier and the city is a bit more inviting without the intensity of the wettest months.
Overview of Fall Weather in Yaoundé
Fall in Yaoundé means the rains back off and skies dry out, but temperatures stay warm. Humidity doesn’t really let up. Rainfall drops fast as the season goes on, and you’ll catch more sun by late November.
Defining the Fall Season in Cameroon
In Cameroon, folks call September, October, and November the fall months. This stretch comes right after the heaviest part of the rainy season, which usually runs from April through early autumn.
During these three months, you’ll notice a shift from frequent heavy showers in September to much drier days by late November. Average daily highs hover between 26°C and 28°C (79°F–83°F), while lows stay near 20°C (68°F).
The chance of rain drops off quickly. In early September, about 70% of days see measurable rain, but by late November, that drops to less than 20%.
This change matters for farmers, travelers, and anyone planning time outside.
Daylight shrinks a bit, though not by much, with days averaging just under 12 hours of light.
Typical Climate Patterns During Fall
You can count on warm days and humid nights through fall in Yaoundé. The air feels muggy, and the odds of high humidity stick at around 95% for most of the season.
Unlike temperature, humidity levels barely budge, so don’t expect relief there.
Rainfall is uneven from month to month. September and early October still get average monthly totals above 150 mm. By November, it drops to 30–40 mm. Late fall ends up being one of the drier stretches of the year.
Cloud cover thins out as well. In September, skies are overcast or mostly cloudy more than 80% of the time, but by late November, it’s closer to 70%.
You’ll get more partly sunny days, but don’t expect totally clear skies.
Wind stays light, averaging 4–6 km/h, mostly blowing in from the west.
Comparison With Other Seasons
Compared to the long rainy season, fall is just more comfortable for travel. Roads dry out, and storms don’t disrupt outdoor plans as often.
Still, the humidity doesn’t go anywhere, so you might feel sticky even on “dry” days.
Winter, especially December through February, brings the driest stretch of the year. Rain almost disappears, and skies clear up more than they do in fall.
So late fall is really a bridge into the dry season, not the dry season itself.
Spring in Yaoundé brings the rains back. By March and April, showers show up often and humidity cranks up again.
Summer is the wettest, with heavy rain shaping daily life.
Fall sits in the middle. You still get that tropical warmth and humidity, but the lighter rains and a bit more sun make it easier to plan outings around the city or beyond.
Temperature Trends in Fall
Temperatures in Yaoundé during fall stay warm and steady. You’ll notice only small changes from September to November.
Daytime highs rise a bit, and nights remain mild and pretty consistent.
Average Daily Highs and Lows
Daily high temperatures in fall usually land between 79°F and 83°F (26°C to 28°C). Highs rarely dip below 75°F or go above 86°F, so there aren’t any wild swings.
Nighttime lows stay close to 67°F (19°C), barely changing through the season. The warmest average low is about 68°F in late November.
Evenings feel comfortable, though the humidity can make nights seem warmer.
Because both highs and lows stay so steady, you can pack light clothing for day and maybe a thin layer at night. You won’t need cold-weather gear.
Monthly Temperature Variations
September starts with highs around 79°F and lows near 67°F. By November, highs reach about 83°F, while lows stick at 67–68°F.
The gradual warming in the afternoons is subtle, but you’ll notice it if you stay a few weeks.
Unlike places with sharp seasonal cooling, Yaoundé’s tropical climate keeps temps pretty even. The real difference is the drop in rain, not in temperature.
To break it down:
- September: ~79°F high / 67°F low
- October: ~81°F high / 67°F low
- November: ~83°F high / 68°F low
Packing is easy—your clothing needs barely shift from month to month.
Record Low Temperatures
Yaoundé doesn’t get extreme cold. Record lows are mild compared to most other places.
January is the coldest, with lows down to about 66°F (19°C). During fall, temps rarely dip below 65°F (18°C).
The city sits at about 2,382 feet (726 meters) above sea level, which keeps things cooler than the coast, but you’ll never see freezing weather.
If you’re sensitive to cool nights, the lowest fall temps might feel refreshing.
For most people, record lows here don’t mess with daily routines or outdoor plans.
Rainfall and Humidity Patterns
Yaoundé’s fall climate is all about rain slowly letting up as the wet season winds down. Humidity stays high the whole time.
You’ll get plenty of showers early in the season, but things dry out as November rolls in.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
Rainfall in Yaoundé during fall drops in a clear pattern. September gets around 219 mm of rain, and October peaks at about 243 mm—the wettest month of the year.
By November, rain falls to near 100 mm, marking the shift toward the dry season.
This fits with the city’s equatorial climate, where rain piles up in certain months. The drop after October makes late fall a more comfortable time for outdoor plans, with fewer heavy downpours.
| Month | Avg. Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| September | ~219 |
| October | ~243 |
| November | ~100 |
You can see how quickly things change in just a few weeks.
Number of Rainy Days
Rainy days follow the same trend as total rainfall. September brings about 23 wet days, and October averages 24 days, so it’s consistently rainy.
By November, you’re down to around 10–12 days with rain.
You’ll probably get rain almost every day in September and October, though showers are often short. In November, dry spells stretch out, and rain becomes less of a daily worry.
For planning, expect frequent but usually brief bursts of rain, not all-day storms.
Light rain gear makes sense in early fall, but by late fall, you can count on more reliable outdoor plans.
Humidity Levels Through Fall
Humidity in Yaoundé stays high all fall, often reaching 85–90% in September and October. Even as rain drops in November, humidity hangs on, usually above 80%, thanks to lingering moisture and warm temps.
The mix of high humidity and daytime temperatures around 26–28°C makes the air feel heavy, especially early in the season.
Nights cool off a bit, averaging near 20°C, but the dampness sticks around.
By November, less rain gives you a little relief, but the air is still moist compared to most places.
If you’re not used to the tropics, be ready for sticky conditions.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours
In Yaoundé, fall brings some changes in sunshine and daylight. You’ll notice shorter, cloudier days than in the dry season, and cloud cover really affects how much sun you get.
Average Daily Sunshine
During fall, Yaoundé averages 3 to 5 hours of sunshine per day. September and October are the cloudiest, with heavy rainfall cutting down on direct sun.
By November, skies clear up a bit and sunshine hours go up.
Here’s the breakdown:
- September: about 3–4 hours of sun daily
- October: often closer to 3 hours
- November: 4–5 hours on average
It’s not unusual for equatorial cities with long rainy seasons to have limited sun. Expect lots of overcast mornings and afternoons, especially in September and October.
If you like brighter days, November’s a better bet.
Length of Daylight Periods
Daylight in Yaoundé barely changes year-round, since the city sits near the equator. In fall, days last about 11 hours 50 minutes to 12 hours 10 minutes.
So, you don’t get dramatic swings like in the far north or south.
To put it simply:
- September: around 12 hours of daylight
- October: about 11 hours 55 minutes
- November: close to 11 hours 50 minutes
Even though daylight is steady, thick clouds can make days feel shorter. Heavy rains can dim the light, so outdoor plans might be limited even with 12 hours of “day.”
Early evenings can feel darker than you’d expect, especially in October when rain is at its peak.
Wind and Atmospheric Conditions
During the fall months in Yaoundé, wind speeds stay light and steady. Changes in atmospheric pressure and visibility reflect the seasonal rains winding down.
These factors shape how comfortable it feels outside and how easy it is to plan your day.
Typical Wind Speeds in Fall
Winds in Yaoundé during fall are usually calm. Average speeds are around 2 miles per hour (mph)—that’s barely a breeze.
You won’t feel strong winds, so outdoor activities like walking or biking go on undisturbed.
Yaoundé’s inland spot and surrounding hills keep gusts in check. Wind direction and speed don’t change much from September to November.
Compared to the wetter summer, fall winds are a tad steadier but still weak.
Even in September, when rain is heavier, wind rarely tops 6–7 mph.
Fall ends up being one of the least windy times of the year.
So, you can plan outdoor events with little worry about wind. Light breezes might help with the humidity, but they won’t cool things down much.
Atmospheric Pressure and Visibility
Atmospheric pressure in Yaoundé during fall averages about 703 inHg. That’s typical for the city’s elevation of roughly 750 meters above sea level.
Pressure changes happen slowly, so you probably won’t notice any sudden shifts.
Visibility gets better as you move from September into November. Early in the fall, heavy rains and clouds can make things murky, especially in the mornings.
By late November, skies clear up more often and haze becomes less common.
Humidity stays high, but with less rain, you’ll see fewer days with mist or fog.
This makes travel and sightseeing easier as the season goes on.
If you’re sensitive to weather changes, you’ll likely find fall in Yaoundé stable and predictable in terms of pressure and visibility.
The gradual improvement in clarity is a plus for both daily routines and longer trips outside the city.
Travel Tips for Visiting Yaoundé in Fall
Fall in Yaoundé usually means warm temperatures and high humidity. From September through November, the rain starts to ease up, though muggy days still stick around.
You’ll notice clearer skies and drier weather as fall moves along. By November, it feels a bit more comfortable outside.
Best Activities for the Season
Early fall tends to bring heavy rain, so I’d suggest indoor activities like museums, art galleries, or browsing local markets. The National Museum of Cameroon or the craft markets in the city center let you dive into local culture without worrying about those downpours.
When you get to late October and November, the rain lets up, and you can get outside more. Try exploring Mefou National Park to spot primates or wander through the Botanical Garden. Short hikes in the hills around the city can be really refreshing.
Outdoor dining gets a lot nicer as the skies open up. You might stumble on festivals or cultural events during this stretch, and they’re a great way to experience Cameroonian music, food, and traditions. If you’re into photography, you’ll find the combination of lush greenery and bright skies pretty irresistible.
Packing Recommendations
Pack for both the humidity and the rain. Lightweight, breathable clothes—cotton or linen—will keep you cooler in the heat. Long sleeves and pants come in handy for mosquito protection, especially once the sun goes down.
Don’t forget a compact umbrella or a light rain jacket, especially in September and October when showers can hit suddenly. Waterproof shoes or sturdy sandals with good grip help a lot on those slick streets.
If you’re heading outdoors, toss in some insect repellent, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle. A small daypack makes it easier to carry your essentials as you move between indoor and outdoor spots.
Thinking about venturing into rural areas near Yaoundé? Bring a basic first aid kit and a flashlight, since lighting can be pretty limited after dark.
Travel Considerations for Rainy Periods
September and early October bring the heaviest rainfall, with daily chances of rain often topping 60%. When you leave the city center, roads might get muddy or slippery, so you’ll want to give yourself extra time if you’re heading to nearby towns or parks.
Heavy showers tend to make traffic a mess, so try to keep your transportation plans flexible. I’d suggest hiring a local driver or using trusted taxi services, since that can take a lot of stress off your plate if the weather changes out of nowhere.
Storms sometimes knock out electricity or internet for a bit. It’s smart to keep your devices charged and toss a portable power bank in your bag, just in case.
If you visit during the wetter part of fall, mornings usually see fewer showers, so that’s the best window for outdoor stuff. Always keep some indoor activities in your back pocket, just to be safe.