Yaounde in April

April weather, activities, events & insider tips

April Weather in Yaounde

29°C (85°F) High Temp

20°C (68°F) Low Temp

170 mm (6.7 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect shoulder season with manageable crowds - hotel rates 25-30% lower than December peak while major attractions remain accessible
Ideal temperature range for walking tours - morning temps of 20°C (68°F) perfect for exploring Quartier du Lac and Centre Ville before afternoon heat
Mango season reaches peak in April - street vendors sell perfectly ripe mangoes for 200-500 CFA, plus seasonal dishes like salade de mangue appear on restaurant menus
Dry mornings with predictable afternoon rain pattern - perfect for planning outdoor activities 9am-2pm, indoor cultural visits 3pm-6pm

Considerations

Afternoon thunderstorms hit 60% of days between 2-5pm - can disrupt outdoor market visits and hiking plans at Mont Fébé
High humidity makes midday walking uncomfortable - feels like 32°C (90°F) even when temperature shows 29°C (85°F)
Rainy season runoff makes some unpaved roads in Nlongkak and Essos neighborhoods difficult to navigate without 4WD vehicle

Best Activities in April

Centre Ville Cultural Walking Tours

April's morning coolness makes this perfect for exploring Yaoundé's colonial architecture and bustling markets. Start at 8am when temperatures are 20°C (68°F) and finish by 1pm before afternoon rains. The humidity hasn't peaked yet, and morning light is excellent for photography at Cathédrale Notre-Dame and Cotonou.

Booking Tip: Book with certified local guides 5-7 days ahead. Tours typically cost 8,000-15,000 CFA for 3-4 hours. Look for guides registered with Cameroon Tourism Board. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Mefou National Park Day Trips

April is prime time for wildlife viewing before heavy rains begin in May. Primates are most active in morning hours when temperatures are comfortable. The 1-hour drive (30 km/18.6 miles) from city center is manageable on dry roads. Park opens 7am - perfect for beating both heat and crowds.

Booking Tip: Reserve 10-14 days ahead through licensed eco-tourism operators. Full-day trips typically cost 25,000-40,000 CFA including transport and guide. Ensure operator has proper park permits. Check current availability in booking widget below.

Mont Fébé Sunrise Hikes

April mornings offer crystal-clear views across Yaoundé before afternoon haze sets in. The 2.5 km (1.6 mile) trail to 1,221 m (4,006 ft) summit is manageable in cool morning temperatures. Start at 5:30am to reach summit for 6:15am sunrise - temperatures are pleasant 18°C (64°F) and humidity low.

Booking Tip: Book guided hikes 3-5 days ahead for safety and local knowledge. Cost typically 5,000-10,000 CFA per person. Look for guides familiar with slippery conditions after rain. Current guided hike options available in booking section.

Traditional Market Food Tours

April brings seasonal fruits and vegetables to Marché Central and Marché de Mokolo. Morning market visits (7am-11am) avoid both afternoon rain and peak heat. This is mango season - perfect time to taste 8+ local varieties. Market activity peaks before noon when temperatures hit 25°C (77°F).

Booking Tip: Book morning food tours 3-7 days ahead. Tours typically cost 12,000-20,000 CFA including tastings. Choose operators who provide English/French translation and know vendor relationships. See current food tour options below.

Benedictine Museum and Monastery Visits

Perfect April afternoon activity when rains make outdoor sightseeing difficult. The museum at Mont Fébé monastery showcases Cameroon's religious art and colonial history. Cool stone buildings provide natural air conditioning during humid afternoons. Open 2pm-6pm - ideal timing when outdoor activities become uncomfortable.

Booking Tip: No advance booking required for individual visits. Entry typically 2,000-3,000 CFA. Group tours available with 2-3 days notice for 8,000-12,000 CFA per person including guide. Check current monastery tour options in booking section.

April Events & Festivals

Mid to Late April

Festival International du Film de Yaoundé

Annual film festival showcasing Cameroonian and African cinema. Screenings held at various venues including Goethe Institut and Institut Français. Features both French and English language films with subtitles. Great way to experience local culture during rainy afternoons.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket with hood - afternoon storms last 45-90 minutes with heavy downpours

Quick-dry hiking pants - essential for morning nature walks and market visits on potentially muddy streets

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 even on cloudy days, reapply every 2 hours

Breathable cotton or linen shirts - avoid polyester which becomes unbearable in 70% humidity

Waterproof day bag - protect electronics and documents during unexpected downpours

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - cobblestone streets in Centre Ville become slippery when wet

Light merino wool sweater - early mornings can be cool at 20°C (68°F), especially at higher elevations

Insect repellent with DEET - standing water after rains increases mosquito activity in evenings

Compact umbrella - more practical than rain jacket for market visits and short walks

Electrolyte packets - high humidity and heat require extra hydration, especially during morning walks

Insider Knowledge

Local 'bend-skin' motorcycle taxis refuse rides during heavy afternoon rains (2-5pm) - plan alternative transport or indoor activities during this window

Mangoes from street vendors near University of Yaoundé I campus are 30-40% cheaper than tourist areas and equally fresh - look for vendors with small scales, not pre-bagged fruit

Many restaurants close kitchen service 2-4pm during rain season for staff rest - eat lunch before 1:30pm or wait until 4:30pm for dinner service to resume

Hotel WiFi becomes unreliable during thunderstorms - download offline maps and travel information during clear morning hours before heading out

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities after 2pm without rain backup plans - 60% of April days have afternoon storms that last 1-2 hours

Wearing white or light-colored shoes - red clay soil stains permanently after rain, choose dark colors or waterproof materials

Underestimating how humidity affects perceived temperature - 29°C (85°F) feels like 32°C (90°F) with 70% humidity, pace activities accordingly