When you arrive in Malabo during summer, you’ll step right into a tropical climate that’s warm and sticky. Average summer temperatures hover between 25 °C and 28 °C, barely budging from day to night.
This steady warmth rarely gets extreme, but the constant moisture in the air can feel a bit much sometimes.
You’ll quickly notice summer in Malabo falls right in the long rainy season, which lasts from March through November. Rain really picks up between May and October, so get ready for frequent showers and plenty of cloudy days.
Sunshine gets limited, sometimes just a couple of hours, and thunderstorms often drift in from Pico Basilé nearby.
Even with all the rain, the sea stays warm and pretty inviting, with surface temps around 26–28 °C. Steady winds and high humidity shape daily life, mixing comfort with a bit of unpredictability.
If you’re planning to spend time outdoors or by the water, it helps to know what you’re in for.
Overview of Malabo’s Summer Climate
Malabo’s summer brings steady heat, high humidity, and frequent rainfall. The season is known for cloudy skies, less sunshine, and a slight dip in daily highs compared to the dry months.
Geographic and Climatic Context
Malabo sits on the north coast of Bioko Island in Equatorial Guinea, just off Central Africa. Its spot in the Gulf of Guinea means it gets lots of moist ocean air and steady southwesterly winds.
The tropical monsoon climate here means rain rules most of the year. Pico Basilé, which towers over 3,000 meters, triggers thunderstorms pretty often.
This mountain effect helps explain all the heavy summer rains and why the sky always seems cloudy.
Unlike places farther inland in West Africa, Malabo doesn’t get wild swings in temperature. Ocean currents keep things steady, so you get a humid but stable climate, with not much relief from the dampness.
Typical Weather Patterns in Summer
From June to September, Malabo gets its rainiest months. Highs usually fall between 27–29 °C (81–84 °F), and lows stick close to 23 °C (73 °F).
Summer here is actually a bit cooler than the dry winter months.
Rain pours down, often above 200–260 mm per month, and storms can hit on 15–21 days each month. Sunshine is rare, just 1.5–2 hours per day, so the sky stays gray most of the time.
Humidity stays high, usually above 85–90%. Winds are steady but gentle, rarely more than 11 kph.
The sea doesn’t cool off, with surface temps near 26–27 °C, so swimming is always an option—even if it’s raining.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Summer stands out from Malabo’s short dry season, which runs from December to February. Rainfall drops way down to 30–70 mm, the sky clears up, and you get almost twice as much sunshine compared to summer.
Temperatures in the dry season tick up a bit, with February being the warmest at about 28 °C. Humidity sticks around all year, but it doesn’t feel as stifling when the rain lets up.
Spring and autumn are more like transition periods, with rain either ramping up or slowing down. The biggest difference is really between the wet, cloudy summer and the drier, sunnier winter.
Average Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures
Summer temperatures in Malabo stay warm and steady, with barely any changes from month to month.
You’ll notice only mild differences between daytime highs and nighttime lows, making the weather pretty easy to plan around.
Monthly Daytime Temperature Ranges
Daytime temps in Malabo during summer usually stick between 26°C and 29°C (79°F to 84°F). June, July, and August are the cooler stretch, with highs closer to 26°C.
March and May get a bit warmer, reaching up near 29°C.
Unlike a lot of tropical cities, Malabo doesn’t get those brutal heat spikes. The ocean helps keep the sun’s bite in check.
Even in the hottest months, highs rarely get past 30°C (86°F).
This consistency makes planning outdoor stuff a breeze. You’ll get similar weather whether you visit early or late in the summer.
Rain might mess with comfort or visibility, but the air temperature stays steady.
| Month | Average High (°C) | Average High (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| June | 26 | 79 |
| July | 26 | 79 |
| August | 26 | 79 |
Nighttime Temperature Trends
At night, summer temps hover between 24°C and 26°C (75°F to 79°F). The gap between day and night is small, so evenings feel just as warm and humid.
The warmest nights show up in May and June, with lows close to 26°C.
By August, nights cool off a bit to around 24°C, which is a small relief.
Humidity really impacts how these temps feel. Even if it’s only 24°C, the moisture in the air can make it seem warmer.
You probably won’t need extra layers at night, but a fan or AC goes a long way for comfort.
Temperature Fluctuations and Extremes
Malabo doesn’t get big swings in temperature. Daytime highs and nighttime lows are usually just 2°C to 4°C (3°F to 7°F) apart.
That’s thanks to the tropical setting and being right on the Atlantic.
Extreme heat is rare. Temps almost never go above 30°C (86°F) or drop below 23°C (73°F).
This stability means you won’t have to worry about sudden changes. A light, breathable wardrobe is all you need, day or night.
Precipitation and Rainfall Patterns
Malabo gets a ton of rain most of the year, ranking among West Africa’s wettest cities.
You’ll spot big differences between the wetter and drier months, and this really affects how you plan your days and travel.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
Rain doesn’t fall evenly through the year. Malabo averages about 3,000 mm of rain annually, but the monthly totals swing a lot.
The wettest stretch is July, with around 450–460 mm of rain. January is the driest, with just about 60 mm.
| Month | Average Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| January | ~61 mm |
| July | ~456 mm |
| Annual | ~3,000 mm |
These numbers make it clear—picking your travel window really depends on how much rain you’re willing to put up with.
Frequency of Rainy Days
It’s not just about how much rain falls, but how often. Malabo gets rain on about 170–180 days a year—so nearly half the days are wet.
In July, you’ll probably see rain on 20–22 days, often in heavy bursts. January usually has just 5–7 rainy days, giving you more dry spells for outdoor plans.
Because showers can pop up suddenly, carrying light rain gear is always a smart move. Short, intense downpours can interrupt your day, so planning around them helps you make the most of your visit.
Seasonal Variation in Precipitation
Malabo’s rain comes in two main seasons: a wet season from March to November and a shorter dry season from December to February.
Unlike places that swing hot and cold, Malabo’s seasons are all about rain.
During the wet months, you’ll get steady cloud cover, higher humidity, and lots of storms. The dry season isn’t totally rain-free, but showers are lighter and less frequent, so the sky clears up and you get more sun.
This rhythm shapes everything from farming to travel, and it’s probably the most important thing to know about Malabo’s weather.
Humidity Levels During Summer
Malabo’s summer is seriously humid—levels rarely drop below the mid-80s. The air feels heavy, and the moisture makes warm temps feel even hotter.
Average Relative Humidity by Month
From June to September, relative humidity stays high and steady. June averages about 87–88%, July nudges up to 89%, and August peaks at around 90%—the muggiest time of year.
September hovers near 88–89%, so it never really lets up.
So, humidity barely gives you a break in summer. Even when temps are moderate, the air feels warmer and heavier.
Mornings, afternoons, and nights all feel sticky because there’s little variation.
Humidity Fluctuations and Comfort Levels
Even though humidity is always high, some days feel worse than others, depending on the clouds, rain, and wind.
Rainy days make the air feel even heavier, but a little breeze or a break in the clouds can help.
With 26–28°C (79–82°F) temps and humidity near 90%, it often feels hotter than the numbers say.
Outdoor activities get tiring fast, so shade and hydration are key.
If you’re visiting now, plan slow-paced outings and try to get outside early. Indoor spots with fans or AC make a big difference.
Even though the weather stays steady, the humidity is what really shapes your comfort in Malabo’s summer.
Wind Speed and Weather Conditions
Summer in Malabo brings steady winds and thick humidity, both of which play a big role in how the city feels.
You’ll get moderate breezes that shape comfort, cloud cover, and how often it rains.
Average Wind Speed in Summer
From June to September, winds in Malabo usually run between 6 to 12 miles per hour (10–19 km/h). They’re not wild, but you’ll notice a breeze along the coast and in open spaces.
July and August bring the most consistent winds, right when the wet season is peaking.
This steady airflow helps a bit with the heavy humidity, though it’s still pretty damp.
Compared to the dry season, summer winds are a little stronger. That’s because of shifts in weather patterns over the Gulf of Guinea.
The extra airflow helps form clouds and brings more rain.
If you’re traveling, the wind won’t really get in your way. Walking, sightseeing, or even light water sports are all doable.
Wind Direction and Effects on Weather
During summer, winds mostly come from the southwest, blowing in moist air from the Atlantic.
This direction matters—it’s what brings the heavy rains that define the wet season.
The southwest breeze pushes humid ocean air inland, which means more clouds and a higher chance of daily showers.
That’s why you often get short, intense rainstorms in the afternoons or evenings.
Wind direction also changes how the city feels. When the breeze comes right off the ocean, it can make things feel a bit cooler, even with high humidity.
On still days, the air feels stickier and heavier.
So, if you’re visiting, expect regular rain and clouds, but also the occasional cool-off when the ocean breeze picks up.
The wind patterns are predictable enough that you can usually plan outdoor stuff in the morning before the heavier rains roll in later.
Dry Season Versus Wet Season in Malabo
Malabo’s climate really comes down to two periods: a short dry season and a much longer wet season.
Each brings its own temperature patterns, rain levels, and travel quirks that shape your day-to-day comfort.
Timing and Characteristics of the Dry Season
Malabo’s dry season usually runs from December to February. Rainfall drops off sharply, and February tends to see the least rain, with less than 50 mm on average.
You might still get a few showers, but the weather feels much drier than the rest of the year.
Temperatures don’t really budge much, usually sitting between 25°C and 30°C (77°F–86°F). Nights stay pretty mild too, rarely dipping below 22°C (72°F).
Humidity drops compared to the wet season, often hovering between 65% and 85%. This makes the air feel lighter and honestly, a lot more comfortable.
You’ll probably notice the Harmattan winds blowing in from the northeast. These winds carry drier air and sometimes a bit of dust, which can mess with visibility.
Even so, the skies clear up, and sunshine sticks around more often. It’s honestly the best time for exploring outside, hitting the beach, or checking out cultural events.
Impact of the Wet Season on Summer Weather
The wet season takes over most of the year, stretching from March to November. Rain falls often and in heavy bursts, especially in July and August when totals can top 200 mm a month.
Thunderstorms pop up a lot, and clouds roll in during the afternoon and evening.
Humidity soars during this stretch, often reaching 90–95%. When you pair that with temperatures around 25°C to 29°C (77°F–84°F), it can feel pretty stifling.
Even though the heat isn’t extreme, all that moisture in the air doesn’t make things any easier.
Flooding can hit low-lying areas during the rainiest months, and sudden downpours might ruin your outdoor plans.
On the bright side, the storms leave behind lush green scenery and cooler afternoons, which really show how much the rain shapes daily life in Malabo.
Best Time to Visit Malabo for Favorable Summer Weather
Malabo’s tropical climate keeps things warm all year, but summer brings heavy rain and sticky humidity.
If you’re hoping for better weather, you’ll want to avoid the wettest stretches so you can actually enjoy being outside.
Recommended Months for Travel
In Malabo, summer covers June, July, August, and September. These months are some of the rainiest, with average rainfall often exceeding 10 inches per month.
Rain comes down often, and skies stay pretty overcast, especially in August and September.
If you’re looking for a break from the rain, June and early July are your best bets. Showers still happen, but they’re usually shorter, and you might catch some longer sunny spells.
By late July and August, the rain really ramps up, and daily downpours become a lot more common.
Temperatures during summer don’t change much, usually between 76°F and 83°F (24°C–28°C). Nights get a bit cooler, though humidity sticks around.
You won’t see big temperature swings, but the constant dampness can make it feel warmer than it really is.
If you’re thinking about swimming or hitting the beach, the water stays warm all year at around 82°F (28°C).
Still, rougher seas and cloudy skies during the heaviest rains might cut your beach time short.
Tips for Enjoying Malabo’s Climate
Pack light, breathable clothing so you’ll stay comfortable in the sticky humidity. Quick-dry fabrics and sandals really come in handy, since those rain showers seem to pop up all the time.
Don’t forget a small umbrella or a lightweight rain jacket, because storms can roll in out of nowhere.
Try to plan outdoor activities, like checking out Bioko Island’s beaches or wandering the local markets, in the morning if you can. It tends to rain more in the afternoon, so you might want to save indoor options—like museums or cultural centers—for later in the day.
Drink plenty of water, because the humidity just zaps your energy, especially if you’re moving around a lot. You’ll find bottled water everywhere, so that’s a relief.
If you’re sensitive to heat, it’s honestly worth booking a place with solid air conditioning.
When the rainy season hits, mosquitoes get a lot more active. Pack some repellent and wear protective clothing to avoid bites, especially after sunset.
If you stay flexible and prep for the rain and humidity, you’ll still soak up Malabo’s lively vibe—even in the summer.