When you picture summer in Douala, you can count on warmth, heavy humidity, and plenty of rain. Daytime highs usually hover around 81–83°F (27–28°C), and nights rarely dip below 74°F (23°C).
Douala’s tropical climate keeps temperatures steady. The summer months, though, bring some of the year’s heaviest rains.
July through September often feels cooler compared to earlier, hotter parts of the year, but the air stays thick with moisture. Rain falls almost every day, and the sky stays mostly cloudy, which really shapes daily routines.
Sunshine hours drop, but daylight still lasts close to 12 hours. You get a balance between bright mornings and those early sunsets.
If you’re planning to be outdoors or want to explore the coast, you’ll need to be ready for both refreshing breezes off the Gulf of Guinea and those sudden downpours. The steady warmth, high humidity, and frequent rain make Douala’s summer a bit different from what you might find in other tropical cities.
Overview of Douala’s Summer Climate
Douala’s summer weather reflects its spot along the Gulf of Guinea and its low elevation. Warm temperatures stick around all season, mixed with high humidity and frequent rain that really shapes how people live and travel here.
Geographic Location and Elevation
Douala sits right on Cameroon’s Atlantic coast, along the Bight of Bonny. Its location near the equator means sunlight stays strong and consistent, pretty much all year.
Daylight hours barely change compared to more temperate places. You’ll notice that right away if you’re visiting from farther north or south.
The city sits low—about 9–41 meters (30–135 feet) above sea level. This low elevation, plus the coastal influence, keeps the air moist and brings plenty of rain showers.
The ocean’s close by, so sea breezes help keep temperatures from getting too hot, but they don’t do much to cut the humidity. Most of the time, you’ll feel that sticky air, especially when the rainy season is at its peak.
The flat coastal plain around Douala makes it easy for moist Atlantic air to move inland. That’s a big reason why summer rains here are so heavy.
Climate Classification
Douala falls into the tropical monsoon climate (Am) under the Köppen system. Some sources see hints of a tropical wet and dry climate (Aw), depending on how the rain patterns shake out. Either way, you get long wet seasons and only short breaks of drier weather.
Average yearly temperatures stick close to 26–29°C (79–85°F), so there’s not much seasonal swing. You won’t see sharp differences between summer and winter here—rainfall is what really changes.
Rainfall totals are some of the highest in Cameroon. Each year, precipitation often goes over 3,800 mm (150 inches), with most of that coming right in the middle of the year.
Humidity stays high, usually above 80%, which really adds to the heat. That mix of warmth and moisture gives Douala its distinct climate.
Seasonal Weather Patterns
In summer, you get a mix of heavy rain, lots of clouds, and warm—but not scorching—temperatures. Average daytime highs run from 28–31°C (82–88°F). Nights cool off a bit but still feel humid.
July usually brings the most rain, with wet days almost nonstop. Monthly totals can hit 250 mm (10 inches). The rain tends to fall in long, steady showers, not just quick bursts.
Clouds rule the sky for most of the summer. Studies show overcast or mostly cloudy skies on more than 75–80% of days. That keeps sunshine hours low but also stops temperatures from climbing much higher.
Sea surface temperatures near Douala average about 28°C (82°F), so the air stays warm and moist. Even when it’s pouring, it rarely feels cool.
If you’re traveling, be ready for frequent downpours and not a lot of clear skies. Roads can flood fast, and you might have to adjust outdoor plans around the rain. Still, temps stay steady, so you can get out and about year-round if you don’t mind getting wet.
Typical Summer Temperatures in Douala
Summer temperatures in Douala stay warm and don’t change much from day to night. The city’s spot on the coast keeps things from getting too extreme, but humidity and rain make the heat feel a lot stronger than the numbers suggest.
Average Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures
During summer, daytime highs usually sit between 82°F and 87°F (28°C to 31°C). They rarely fall below 78°F (25°C) or climb above 90°F (32°C).
Even at the hottest point in summer, the difference is just a few degrees.
At night, it’s still humid and warm. Typical lows are around 74°F to 76°F (23°C to 24°C). There’s not much relief after sunset, so evenings feel almost as muggy as the afternoons.
Because the daily range is narrow, you can expect consistent warmth whether you head out in the morning or late at night. Travelers should pack lightweight clothes and make sure there’s a way to cool off indoors.
Temperature Variations by Month
Summer runs from June through August, and the numbers shift just a bit as the months go by. Early June highs are close to 87°F (31°C), but by late August, they drop to about 82°F (28°C). That’s the cooler end of the season.
Nighttime lows follow the same trend. Early summer nights average 76°F (24°C), while early August brings the coolest nights, closer to 74°F (23°C).
The coldest day of the year usually lands near the end of July, with highs around 81°F (27°C) and lows near 74°F (23°C). Late July and early August feel a little less hot than the start of summer, even though the humidity and rain don’t let up.
Record Highs and Lows
While averages don’t budge much, Douala’s record temperatures show the city’s limits. The record high is about 91°F (33°C), only a few degrees above the usual summer max.
On the other end, the record low for summer sits near 73°F (23°C), just a smidge below the typical nighttime range.
The Atlantic Ocean helps keep temperatures from spiking or dropping, so records stay pretty close to what you’ll feel most days.
Rainfall and Precipitation Trends
Douala’s summer brings steady rain, lots of wet days, and high humidity. You’ll get heavy precipitation during this stretch, with July and August topping the charts for both total rain and rainy days.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
Rainfall in Douala during summer is high, even compared to other tropical places. July usually takes the crown, averaging around 390–400 mm of rain. August is almost as wet.
June and September still bring heavy rain but not quite as much as the peak. June averages about 300–350 mm, and September gets 250–300 mm.
Here’s a quick look:
| Month | Avg. Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| June | 300–350 |
| July | 390–400 |
| August | 380–390 |
| September | 250–300 |
July and August are definitely the wettest months, right at the heart of the rainy season.
Frequency of Rainy Days
Rain in Douala doesn’t just come in big amounts—it falls often. July averages about 25–26 rainy days, and August is right behind. You’ll probably see rain nearly every day in these months.
June and September are a bit drier but still bring 20–23 rainy days each. Even in the “lighter” summer months, most days have some rain.
Showers usually hit in the afternoon or evening, so mornings might still be dry. If you want to dodge the heaviest rain, plan outdoor stuff early in the day.
Intensity of Precipitation
Rainfall in Douala isn’t just frequent—it’s intense. Showers can be short but hit hard, dropping a lot of water fast. That’s the tropical monsoon climate at work, with strong convective storms.
In July and August, daily rainfall can top 30–40 mm on the heaviest days. Streets flood quickly, and visibility drops during intense downpours.
You won’t get much drizzle here. Rain usually arrives in bursts. Be ready for sudden heavy showers, especially late in the day, when convection really kicks in.
Humidity and Dew Point During Summer
In the summer months in Douala, humidity levels hit some of their highest points all year. With high dew points, the air feels heavy and damp, which can make both comfort and outdoor plans a challenge.
Average Humidity Levels
Humidity in Douala spikes from June to August. Expect relative humidity between 83% and 88%, with July and August being the stickiest.
These levels are high, creating a constantly moist environment.
Unlike drier places, humidity here barely drops at night. Even in the coolest hours, the air stays saturated, so sweating doesn’t help much.
Just to give you an idea:
| Month | Avg. Humidity (%) | Comfort Level |
|---|---|---|
| June | ~83% | Very Humid |
| July | ~86% | Oppressive |
| August | ~88% | Oppressive |
This steady humidity makes summer feel hotter than the thermometer says. If you’re spending time outside, plan for sticky conditions and little relief from shade or wind.
Dew Point Fluctuations
The dew point in Douala during summer usually stays well above 23°C (73°F), often reaching 24–25°C (75–77°F). That means the air holds a ton of moisture, which explains why it feels so muggy.
When the dew point’s this high, sweat evaporates slowly, so cooling off is tough. Even light activity can feel exhausting.
Dew point shifts here are small. Day and night don’t feel much different, so there’s rarely a break from the dampness. The high dew point also brings frequent cloud cover and daily rain, adding to the overall humid vibe.
Cloud Cover and Sunshine Hours
Summer in Douala means lots of cloud cover with just a few breaks of clear sky. Sunshine is limited, so expect long stretches of gray, humid days.
Partly Cloudy and Overcast Days
During summer, clouds dominate the sky. At the start of the season, about 82% of the time is overcast or mostly cloudy. By the end, it drops just a bit to around 77%.
The clearest day usually shows up in mid-July, when you might get 27% of the day with clear or partly cloudy skies. That’s probably your best shot at seeing blue sky.
For comparison, late April is the cloudiest time of year, with nearly 90% overcast. So, summer is only a little less cloudy, but still far from clear.
If you’re planning outdoor activities, expect most days to be gray and humid. Short breaks in the clouds happen, but they don’t last long.
Average Daily Sunshine
Sunshine hours in Douala really drop off during summer. In July and August, you’ll probably see just 1.5 to 2 hours of direct sunlight per day on average. That’s actually the lowest sunshine all year.
December, on the other hand, gives you up to 6–7 hours of daily sunshine. The difference between summer and the drier months is pretty striking.
Persistent cloud cover and frequent rainfall block a lot of sunlight from reaching the ground. Even when the sun does show up, it usually pops out in quick bursts between showers.
If you’re visiting during this season, expect dim lighting and muted daylight. It just won’t feel as bright as other times of the year.
Wind Speed and Weather Conditions
In the summer months, you’ll notice steady but moderate winds in Douala, along with frequent rain and high humidity. Warm temperatures, moist air, and seasonal monsoon patterns shape the daily weather.
Prevailing Winds in Summer
From June through September, winds in Douala usually blow at 10 to 15 km/h (6–9 mph). They’re not strong, but they stick around enough to affect how the air feels on humid days.
The windiest part of the year lands in this summer window. Average speeds often go above 3.9 mph (about 6 km/h). Winds mostly come from the southwest, thanks to the Atlantic Ocean, and they bring in moist air that fuels all that rain.
You’ll probably notice the breeze doesn’t provide much relief from the heat, since humidity often stays above 80%. Instead of cooling things off, the winds just carry in more moisture, making the wet season even wetter. This steady flow from the ocean really drives the heavy rainfall that marks Douala’s summer.
Typical Weather Phenomena
Summer weather in Douala often means frequent showers, thunderstorms, and overcast skies. It rains most days, and July is the wettest, with close to 249 mm of rainfall and up to 28 rainy days.
Cloud cover jumps up, often hitting 60–65%, which cuts down on sunshine and keeps everything damp. Thunderstorms tend to roll in during the afternoons and evenings. They’re usually short but pretty intense, with heavy downpours and the occasional flash of lightning.
Humidity stays high all day, making the air feel warmer than the actual temperature, which averages between 28°C and 30°C (82–86°F). High humidity, frequent rain, and moderate winds combine for a pattern of sticky, wet days throughout the summer.
Sunrise, Sunset, and Daylight Duration
In Douala, sunrise and sunset times barely change during summer. You’ll only see small shifts in daylight length, so planning outdoor activities is pretty straightforward.
Daily Sunrise and Sunset Times
During summer, sunrise usually happens a little after 06:10 a.m., and sunset is close to 06:25 p.m. These times barely budge from June through August. By August, sunrise is around 06:15 a.m. and sunset near 06:26 p.m.
Douala’s spot near the equator keeps things consistent. Unlike places farther north or south, you won’t notice big seasonal daylight swings. Sunrise and sunset only shift by a few minutes across the summer.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Month | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|
| June | ~06:10 | ~06:25 |
| July | ~06:12 | ~06:25 |
| August | ~06:15 | ~06:26 |
You can plan your mornings and evenings easily since daylight doesn’t change much.
Length of Daylight Hours
You get about 12 hours and 10 minutes of daylight each day in Douala during summer. The length only changes by a few minutes from one day to the next.
At the start of August, daylight lasts about 12 hours 18 minutes. By the end, it drops just a bit to 12 hours 11 minutes—not really something you’ll notice.
This steady daylight period means you can count on consistent conditions for sightseeing, outdoor markets, or evening walks. It also makes planning travel simpler, since you won’t deal with super long evenings or late sunsets like you would farther from the equator.
This balance of sunrise, sunset, and daylight hours really defines Douala’s equatorial climate.
Water Temperature and Coastal Influence
Douala sits right on the Gulf of Guinea, so its climate gets shaped by warm sea waters and humid air. These factors affect how hot it feels and how much rain and cloud cover you’ll get in summer.
Average Water Temperature
The coastal waters near Douala stay warm all year, with only tiny changes between seasons. In summer, the average water temperature is about 28°C (82°F), and sometimes it even climbs to 29–30°C (84–86°F). Even in the wettest months, the sea rarely dips below 27°C (81°F).
This means you’ll almost always find comfortable swimming conditions. Unlike places with big seasonal changes, the ocean here feels warm year-round.
Since the water doesn’t cool off much, the coast keeps up those high humidity levels. Warm sea surfaces cause lots of evaporation, which pumps moisture into the air. That’s a big part of why Douala gets so much rain mid-year.
| Month | Avg. Water Temp (°C) | Avg. Water Temp (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| June | 28.0 | 82.4 |
| July | 27.9 | 82.2 |
| August | 28.0 | 82.4 |
Impact of Water Temperature on Weather
Warm sea surfaces directly shape Douala’s summer weather. High water temperature keeps evaporation going, which leads to more clouds and frequent rainfall. That’s why July usually sees the most rain, with nearly daily showers.
You’ll notice the air feels heavy and humid. The ocean keeps releasing moisture, pushing relative humidity above 80% during the rainiest months. That makes it feel hotter outside than the thermometer says.
Another thing: there’s less sunshine. Evaporation and cloud cover limit sunlight hours in summer compared to the dry season. This coastal effect explains why Douala’s summers are wet and not very bright, even though temperatures stay high.
If you’re visiting, get ready for warm seas, frequent rain, and humid air when planning anything near the coast in summer.
Travel Considerations for Summer in Douala
Summer in Douala brings steady heat, really high humidity, and frequent rain. If you’re planning a trip, expect heavy showers, limited sunshine, and conditions that could affect outdoor activities or transportation.
Best Times to Visit
Rainfall peaks between July and September, with some months getting over 600 mm of rain. You’ll probably deal with daily showers and long stretches of cloud cover. Sunshine averages just 1.5–3 hours per day, so it’s not the best time for sightseeing.
If you want drier weather, aim for the months just before or after the peak rains. June and October still see a lot of rain, but you’ll get a bit more sunshine and fewer wet days. Temperatures stay warm, averaging 26–27 °C. The weather feels a little less heavy than right in the middle of rainy season.
Travelers who want to avoid flight delays, muddy roads, or disrupted outdoor plans should try to steer clear of the rainiest months. You can visit in July and August, but expect limited visibility, muddy spots, and slower travel.
Weather Tips for Travelers
Pack light, breathable clothing that helps you handle the heat and humidity. Moisture-wicking fabrics keep you comfortable, especially when temperatures hover around 25–28 °C with humidity above 85–90%.
Don’t forget a light rain jacket, umbrella, and some waterproof shoes—those downpours can hit out of nowhere.
Since sunshine can be pretty rare, try planning indoor activities like museums or markets. Cultural centers are a good bet too.
Flooded roads happen fast, so give yourself extra time if you’re using local transport. If you’re heading to the coast, the sea stays warm at 26–28 °C, but just know the water can get rough when it rains hard.
Bring insect repellent, because all that standing water means more mosquitoes. Staying hydrated matters too—the humid air really makes the heat feel heavier.
If you keep these things in mind, you’ll probably find Douala’s summer climate a lot easier to handle, and you’ll enjoy your trip more.