Cape Palmas

Cape Headland and coastal town in southeastern Liberia

At Liberia’s southeastern tip near Harper, Cape Palmas is a low headland with a lighthouse and coastal communities; tourists seek beaches, local fishing culture and colonial-era architecture.

Main image
Cape Palmas mission.jpg
FOX(1868) 06 The Orphan Asylum at Cape Palmas (by Thomas Picken).jpg
FOX(1868) 05 Hoffman Station, West Africa (by Thomas Picken).jpg
ROSSER(1869) p0636 LIBERIA, CAPE PALMAS.jpg
(1876) St. Mark's Church, Cape Palmas.jpg
BÜTTIKOFER(1890) 1.54 Cape Palmas - Map.jpg
BÜTTIKOFER(1890) 1.55 Cape Palmas.jpg
BÜTTIKOFER(1890) 1.56 Dr. Nachtigals Grab.jpg
SMITH(1893) 22 Cape Palmas.jpg
HEARD(1898) 50 Church of Harper, Cape Palmas.jpg

Cape Palmas is a prominent headland on the southeastern coast of Liberia in Maryland County. It functions as a notable coastal landmark on Liberia’s Atlantic shoreline.

The cape presents coastal scenery including sandy shorelines and mangrove-fringed bays rather than formal tourist facilities. It is visited primarily for coastal views and local fishing communities.

The point has long served as a navigational landmark along Liberia’s coast and as a focal point for nearby settlements over successive periods of coastal trade and local development.

Positioned on Liberia’s southeast coast, Cape Palmas lies near the town of Harper on the Atlantic seaboard of Maryland County.

  • Headland: sits on the southeastern coast of Liberia and is a prominent coastal headland in Maryland County
  • Nearest town: lies adjacent to the town of Harper, which is the nearest urban centre
Cape Palmas
4.3689, -7.7289
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How to Get to Cape Palmas #

Cape Palmas is reached via road from Harper (Maryland County) or by regional flights to nearby airstrips, followed by local transport. Road conditions vary seasonally and a 4x4 may be necessary in rainy months.

Tips for Visiting Cape Palmas #

  • Visit the lighthouse for classic Cape Palmas views and to understand its role in coastal navigation.
  • Bring insect repellent and sun protection; the tropical coast can be heat-dense and buggy.
  • If crossing by road, carry local currency and expect variable road conditions outside the main towns.

Best Time to Visit Cape Palmas #

Best during the dry season for travel and coastal exploration; avoid heavy rains that can wash out rural roads.

Dry season
November-April · 24-30°C
Lower rainfall and easier road travel along the coast.
Wet season
May-October · 22-28°C
Heavier rains can make roads difficult but the landscape looks greener.

Weather & Climate near Cape Palmas #

Climate
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
34°
Warmest Month
19°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

Weather

1.6
UV Index
Very High
11.8h daylight

February

Weather

1.6
UV Index
Very High
11.9h daylight

March

Weather

1.9
UV Index
Very High
12.0h daylight

April

Weather

2.0
UV Index
Very High
12.1h daylight

May

Weather

1.8
UV Index
Very High
12.2h daylight

June

Weather

1.5
UV Index
Very High
12.3h daylight

July

Weather

1.6
UV Index
Very High
12.2h daylight

August

Weather

1.7
UV Index
Very High
12.2h daylight

September

Weather

1.8
UV Index
Very High
12.0h daylight

October

Weather

1.9
UV Index
Very High
11.9h daylight

November

Weather

1.8
UV Index
Very High
11.8h daylight

December

Weather

1.5
UV Index
Very High
11.7h daylight

Nearby Attractions to Cape Palmas

Grebo-Krahn National Park
Tropical rainforest national park protecting biodiversity in Liberia
National Park 126 km
Sapo National Park
Sapo National Park
Largest Liberian rainforest reserve protecting biodiversity
Park 140 km
Taï National Park
Taï National Park
Primary rainforest park protecting endangered species in Ivory Coast
Park 172 km
N'zo Partial Faunal Reserve
Ivory Coast reserve protecting chimpanzees and biodiversity
Wildlife Reserve 213 km
Lake Buyo
Artificial reservoir in western Ivory Coast, supports fisheries
Lake 227 km
Mont Péko National Park
Ivorian national park protecting rainforest and wildlife
National Park 300 km
Assagny National Park
Mangrove and rainforest park on Côte d'Ivoire coast
National Park 328 km
Marahoué National Park
Tropical national park protecting forest and wildlife
National Park 357 km