Cameroon in January: Weather, Crowds & What to Expect
Climate Map for January
Average temperature across Cameroon in January.
City Weather in January
| City | High | Low | Rain | UV | Feels |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Douala | 31° | 23° | 33 mm | very high | Hot |
| Yaoundé | 30° | 20° | 23 mm | very high | Warm |
| Bamenda | 30° | 17° | 11 mm | very high | Mild |
| Bafoussam | 30° | 18° | 12 mm | very high | Mild |
| Maroua | 32° | 17° | 0 mm | very high | Warm |
| Ngaoundéré | 30° | 12° | 1 mm | extreme | Mild |
| Kumba, Cameroon | 30° | 22° | 28 mm | very high | Warm |
High / low are average daily temperatures (°C). “Feels” reflects how hot or cold it feels, allowing for humidity.
Coastal Littoral & Southwest Lowlands (Douala, Kribi, Limbe)
Humidity hangs heavy over Douala in January, with mornings sticky and temperatures commonly in the high 20s-low 30s°C; sea breezes can ease the air but low-lying streets still puddle from nightly showers. Beaches at Kribi are quiet but often cloudy; ferry and river crossings are reliable, and travellers should pack light rain gear and mosquito repellent for warm evenings. Crowds are low and road surfaces dry enough for easy drives to nearby beaches and the Lobé Falls.
Mount Cameroon Massif & Southwest Highlands (Buea, Mount Cameroon)
January brings cool mornings and bright days on the slopes of Mount Cameroon, especially around Buea where elevation trims the heat; summit attempts are chilly and often windy. Trails are drier, making this the most popular window for hikers aiming for overnight climbs-pack warm layers for night and early-morning summit exposure. Clear skies improve views of the Gulf of Guinea, but mountain fog still forms in gullies, so expect varied conditions on a single climb.
Western Highlands (Bamenda, Bafoussam)
January in the highlands brings crisp, fresh mornings and daytime temperatures typically in the mid-teens to low 20s°C; it’s pleasantly cool for walking market streets in Bamenda. Harmattan dust occasionally drifts in from the north, giving hazy mornings but cooler nights; pack a light jacket for early starts. These months are popular with domestic travelers seeking cooler air, so expect busier guesthouses on weekends.
Central Plateau & Capital Region (Yaoundé, Centre)
January often brings warm, dry days and cooler nights in Yaoundé; humidity is lower than on the coast but still present. City parks and museums are comfortable to explore and road travel is reliable, making this one of the easiest months for business and urban tourism. Pack light layers for evenings and expect pleasant conditions for drives to nearby Mefou Park and nearby waterfalls.
Southern & Eastern Rainforest (Dja, Boumba Bek, Campo)
January often feels close to perfect in the south: warm, humid days with relatively few heavy storms make trips into Dja Reserve and Boumba Bek more straightforward. Rivers run at moderate levels and forest trails are generally passable, offering good wildlife-viewing chances by day. Pack lightweight, breathable clothing plus insect protection-mornings can be misty but activity is high.
Adamawa Plateau & Northern Cameroon (Ngaoundéré, Garoua, Maroua)
January is cool and dry across the Adamawa and far north, with crisp mornings and warm afternoons; Harmattan haze from the Sahara often reduces visibility and dries the air. Garoua and Maroua are pleasant for daytime sightseeing but nights can be chilly-pack a warm layer for early-morning market visits. River levels are low and dusty tracks are common, making overland travel straightforward.