Cameroon is often referred to as “Africa in miniature” due to the remarkable geographical and biological diversity compressed within its borders. This nickname reflects the nation’s varied climate, which is far from uniform across its territory. The weather shifts dramatically from the humid coastal plains to the arid northern lowlands, creating a complex climatic profile. Average temperatures and precipitation totals vary significantly depending on proximity to the Atlantic Ocean or the deep interior.
Geographic Influences on Climate
The primary determinants of Cameroon’s diverse climate are its latitudinal span, proximity to the ocean, and complex topography. The country stretches approximately eleven degrees of latitude, from about 2°N near the equator to 13°N in the north, establishing a steep climatic gradient from equatorial to semi-arid conditions. This north-south expanse determines the duration and intensity of the maritime influence. The Atlantic Ocean coastline provides a massive source of moisture, carried inland by the prevailing southwesterly winds of the West African Monsoon. Mount Cameroon and the western highlands act as barriers, forcing the moisture-laden air to rise and condense. This phenomenon results in some of the highest precipitation levels recorded anywhere in the world.
Defining Cameroon’s Climate Zones
Equatorial (Coastal South)
The coastal south, including major cities like Douala and Kribi, is characterized by a hot, hyper-humid equatorial climate. This zone experiences consistently high temperatures, typically ranging between 20°C and 25°C throughout the year, with very little seasonal variation. Annual rainfall totals are exceptionally high, often exceeding 3,000 millimeters in places like Douala. This equatorial region is defined by a bimodal rainfall pattern: two distinct wet seasons and two shorter, less-wet periods. The consistently high humidity and rainfall support dense tropical rainforests, making the atmospheric conditions feel perpetually moist. The absence of a truly dry period distinguishes this area from the other climatic zones further north.
Tropical Monsoon/Altitude (Western Highlands)
The western highlands, encompassing the slopes of Mount Cameroon, represent a unique climate zone heavily influenced by altitude and orographic lift. Although located near the coast, the elevation causes temperatures to be significantly cooler than the low-lying equatorial plains. The average temperature in this mountainous region is moderated. Precipitation in this area is extreme, classifying it as a tropical monsoon climate with an intense rainfall pattern. The town of Debundscha, situated near the base of Mount Cameroon, is renowned for receiving some of the highest annual rainfall on Earth, often exceeding 10,000 millimeters. This extreme precipitation is a direct result of ocean-borne air masses dumping their moisture as they rise over the steep mountain slopes.
Tropical Savanna (Central/Adamawa Plateau)
Moving inland and ascending to the central high plateau, the climate transitions to a tropical savanna type. This zone, which includes the capital Yaoundé and the Adamawa region, sits at an elevation that tempers the equatorial heat. Average annual temperatures around the Adamawa plateau are around 20°C, a noticeable reduction compared to the coast. The rainfall here is still substantial, often reaching around 1,500 millimeters annually, but it is distinctly seasonal rather than year-round. This region also exhibits a bimodal rainfall pattern, similar to the coast, but with a more pronounced short dry season in the middle of the year. The vegetation shifts from dense forest to semi-deciduous forest and wooded savanna, reflecting the increasing seasonality of the moisture supply.
Semi-Arid/Sahel (Far North)
The climate becomes semi-arid and Sudano-Sahelian in the far northern region of Cameroon, bordering Lake Chad. This area is the hottest and driest part of the country, with average temperatures in the warmer seasons rising to 27°C to 30°C. Maximum temperatures can occasionally soar as high as 40°C during the hottest months before the rains arrive. Annual precipitation drops significantly, with the region receiving between 500 millimeters and 760 millimeters of rain, concentrated in a short period. The climate here is dominated by a single, long dry season that can last up to eight months. The vegetation is sparse, consisting mainly of scrub and grassland, reflecting the low moisture availability and high rates of evaporation.
Seasonal Variations and Cycles
The manifestation of wet and dry periods across Cameroon follows a clear geographical gradient from south to north. In the deep south, the equatorial climate is dominated by continuous moisture, cycling through two rainy seasons and two shorter, less intense dry seasons. The southern plateau often sees peak rainfall periods occurring around May and October. The transitional central regions experience a clearer separation between their wet and dry seasons, though the rainy period remains long. Moving past the Adamawa Plateau into the northern tropical savanna, the wet season shortens to approximately four to six months.
This shift signals the growing influence of continental air masses over maritime ones. The northernmost region is defined by a severe, single dry season that can extend from October to May. During this time, the climate is heavily influenced by the Harmattan, a dry and dusty northeasterly trade wind that originates over the Sahara Desert. This wind reduces humidity, creates hazy conditions, and causes significant diurnal temperature variations, with hot days giving way to cooler nights.