Yaounde in August

August weather, activities, events & insider tips

August Weather in Yaounde

26°C (79°F) High Temp

19°C (66°F) Low Temp

114 mm (4.5 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is August Right for You?

Advantages

August marks the transition to dry season - rainfall decreases significantly from July's 173mm (6.8 inches), making outdoor exploration more predictable with shorter afternoon showers
Tourist crowds remain minimal compared to December-February peak season, meaning easier access to attractions like Mont Fébé viewpoint and shorter queues at Cotonou cultural events
Fresh produce season peaks in August - local markets overflow with ripe mangoes, papayas, and plantains at lowest prices, while restaurants feature seasonal specialties like ndolé with fresh groundnuts
Cool evenings averaging 19°C (66°F) create perfect conditions for exploring Bastos neighborhood's nightlife and outdoor dining at local maquis restaurants without oppressive heat

Considerations

Morning fog and cloud cover can obscure mountain views until 10-11am, limiting early photography opportunities at scenic spots like Ebolowa Falls viewpoint
Roads in outlying areas like Mbalmayo become muddy and challenging after rainfall, requiring 4WD vehicles and adding 30-45 minutes to journey times
High humidity at 70% makes indoor activities feel stuffy without air conditioning, and laundry takes 24-36 hours to dry completely

Best Activities in August

Central Yaounde Walking Tours

August's cooler mornings (19°C/66°F) and reduced rainfall make it ideal for exploring downtown on foot. Visit between 8am-11am before humidity peaks. The presidential palace area, Place Ahmadou Ahidjo, and local markets are less crowded than dry season months, allowing genuine interactions with vendors and artisans.

Booking Tip: Book guided cultural walks through licensed local operators 5-7 days ahead. Expect to pay 15,000-25,000 CFA per person for half-day tours. Look for guides certified by Cameroon Ministry of Tourism. Check current tour availability in booking section below.

Mefou National Park Wildlife Excursions

August's drier conditions make the 45km (28-mile) journey from Yaounde more accessible, and cooler temperatures mean primates are more active throughout the day. Sanctuary paths are less muddy, improving wildlife viewing opportunities for rescued chimpanzees and gorillas.

Booking Tip: Reserve full-day trips 10-14 days ahead through certified eco-tourism operators. Tours typically cost 35,000-50,000 CFA including transport and guide. Ensure operator has proper permits for sanctuary access. See current options in booking section.

Traditional Market Food Experiences

August brings peak harvest season - Marché Central and Mokolo Market overflow with fresh produce at lowest annual prices. Morning visits (7am-9am) avoid afternoon heat and offer best selection. Local specialties like bâton de manioc and fresh palm wine are most abundant.

Booking Tip: Join guided food tours through reputable cultural organizations, typically 12,000-20,000 CFA for 3-4 hour experiences. Book 3-5 days ahead during August harvest season. Look for tours that include cooking demonstrations.

Mont Fébé Hiking and Cultural Sites

August's reduced rainfall makes the 1,002m (3,287ft) ascent safer with better trail conditions. Clear afternoons after 2pm offer spectacular views across Yaounde's seven hills. The Benedictine monastery and artisan workshops are easily accessible without mud concerns.

Booking Tip: Half-day hiking tours cost 18,000-30,000 CFA through registered mountain guides. Book 1 week ahead as August attracts local hikers too. Ensure guides carry emergency communication devices. Check current guided options below.

Saa Traditional Village Excursions

The 45km (28-mile) journey to Saa becomes much more manageable in August's drier conditions. Village artisans are preparing for September celebrations, making it prime time to witness traditional mask carving, basket weaving, and pottery creation in active workshops.

Booking Tip: Full-day cultural immersion trips typically cost 40,000-60,000 CFA including transport, guide, and village entry fees. Book 2 weeks ahead through community tourism cooperatives. Verify transport vehicle condition for rural roads.

August Events & Festivals

Throughout August

Harvest Festival Season Preparations

Local communities throughout Yaounde's surrounding villages begin preparing for September harvest celebrations in August. Witness traditional mask making, dance rehearsals, and food preservation techniques. Markets feature ceremonial items and traditional crafts at preparation discounts.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight waterproof jacket - August showers last 15-30 minutes but can be intense, and humidity makes non-breathable materials uncomfortable

Breathable cotton or linen clothing - synthetic materials become clammy in 70% humidity and don't dry overnight

Sturdy waterproof hiking boots - even main paths can be muddy 2-3 hours after rainfall, especially around markets and Mont Fébé trails

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 even on cloudy days, and mountain reflection intensifies exposure

Quick-dry towels - standard towels take 36+ hours to dry in August humidity levels

Insect repellent with 30%+ DEET - post-rain conditions increase mosquito activity, especially near Mfoundi River areas

Portable umbrella - more practical than rain jacket for sudden downpours while market shopping or street walking

Cash in small CFA denominations - rural excursions and market vendors cannot break large 10,000 CFA notes

Plastic bags for electronics - protect phones and cameras during unexpected showers and high humidity periods

Comfortable walking sandals - essential for indoor mosque and cultural site visits, plus quick drying after rain

Insider Knowledge

Visit markets between 7am-9am when vendors offer best prices and selection, before 10am heat makes produce shopping uncomfortable for both buyers and sellers

Book accommodations with backup power - August storms cause periodic outages lasting 2-6 hours, and hotels with generators fill up quickly

Negotiate transport prices before 2pm - afternoon rain makes taxi and moto drivers charge premium rates for difficult conditions

Eat at maquis restaurants rather than hotel dining - local outdoor eateries serve fresher seasonal ingredients at 60% less cost, and August weather makes outdoor dining pleasant in evenings

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities after 1pm when afternoon showers are most likely - morning activities from 8am-12pm have only 20% rain probability versus 60% in afternoons

Bringing only lightweight shoes - even paved areas become slippery after rain, and unpaved paths around attractions require ankle support and grip

Exchanging money at airports or hotels - local forex bureaus offer 8-12% better rates, but carry exact change as they rarely have small denominations in August