Garoua Climate & Monthly Temperature Overview – Cameroon


Temperature and Precipitation

Garoua’s climate is tropical, with high temperatures and abundant rainfall. The average temperature ranges from a minimum of 22 degrees Celsius in January to a maximum of 40 degrees Celsius in March and April. The rainy season extends from May to October, bringing an average of 1,000 millimeters of precipitation annually. The humidity levels are generally high, with an average of 70% throughout the year.

Seasonal Variations

The dry season, from November to April, is characterized by hot, dry conditions, with temperatures often exceeding 35 degrees Celsius. The nights can be cooler, with temperatures dropping to around 15 degrees Celsius. During this season, the Harmattan, a dry and dusty wind from the Sahara Desert, occasionally affects the city. The rainy season, from May to October, brings heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. The average temperature during this period is around 28 degrees Celsius, with high humidity levels. The amount of rainfall can vary significantly from year to year, with occasional flooding during heavy downpours.

Monthly Average Temperatures:

Garoua, located in northern Cameroon, experiences a tropical savanna climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The average monthly temperatures throughout the year vary significantly. During the hottest months from March to May, the average high temperatures range between 35°C (95°F) and 38°C (100°F), with low temperatures hovering around 25°C (77°F). In the wet season, which spans from June to October, temperatures remain high with average highs in the mid to upper 30s (°C) and average lows in the mid-20s (°C). The coldest months occur from November to February, with average highs ranging from 28°C (82°F) to 31°C (88°F) and average lows dropping to around 18°C (64°F) during the night.

Annual Temperature Patterns:

The annual temperature cycle in Garoua is characterized by a pronounced dry season and a wet season. The hottest time of the year is typically April and May, when the combination of high temperatures and low humidity can create uncomfortable conditions. The wet season brings some relief from the heat, as rainfall and increased cloud cover lower the temperatures slightly. The coolest months are December and January, when temperatures are at their lowest and nights can be chilly. Overall, Garoua has a warm and humid climate year-round, with temperatures rarely dropping below 15°C (59°F) even during the coldest months.

Cloudiness in Garoua

Garoua, located in northern Cameroon, experiences significant cloud cover throughout the year. The frequency and type of clouds vary depending on the season. During the wet season, which extends from May to October, Garoua is often covered by thick clouds that produce frequent rainfall. These clouds are primarily cumulonimbus clouds, towering clouds that produce heavy showers and thunderstorms. The cloud cover during the wet season can be oppressive, with skies remaining overcast for extended periods.

Seasonal Variation

In contrast to the wet season, the dry season in Garoua from November to April is characterized by less cloudiness. Skies are often clear or partly cloudy, with occasional high-altitude cirrus clouds visible. The presence of clouds during the dry season is generally associated with the passage of weather fronts or occasional tropical disturbances. These clouds tend to be thin and do not produce significant precipitation. Overall, cloudiness in Garoua is highly seasonal, with the wet season experiencing much more cloud cover and rainfall than the dry season.

Annual Precipitation

Garoua experiences a distinct wet and dry season, with the wet season spanning from April to October and the dry season from November to March. During the wet season, intense rainfall events are common, and precipitation can reach up to 600 mm per month. Conversely, the dry season is characterized by limited rainfall, with monthly precipitation often below 20 mm. On average, Garoua receives approximately 1,100 mm of rainfall annually, with the majority occurring during the wet months. The variability in precipitation is attributed to the interplay between the West African Monsoon and the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).

Monthly Precipitation Distribution

The monthly distribution of precipitation in Garoua varies significantly throughout the year. The wettest months are August and September, with average monthly precipitation exceeding 200 mm. During these months, intense thunderstorms and heavy downpours are common, and flooding can occur in low-lying areas. The driest months are December, January, and February, with average monthly precipitation below 10 mm. During the dry season, rainfall is often sporadic, and extended periods without rain are common. The bimodal nature of precipitation in Garoua is influenced by the seasonal movement of the ITCZ, which migrates northwards during the wet season and southwards during the dry season.

Climate and Rainfall Patterns

Garoua, Cameroon, experiences a tropical savanna climate, characterized by alternating wet and dry seasons. The wet season typically spans from March to October, while the dry season lasts from November to February. Rainfall during the wet season is abundant, with monthly averages ranging from 90 to 250 millimeters. The heaviest rainfall occurs in August, averaging over 250 millimeters. The dry season is relatively dry, with monthly rainfall averaging less than 20 millimeters.

Impact on the Environment and Agriculture

The abundant rainfall during the wet season supports a rich biodiversity in the Garoua area. The grasslands surrounding the city thrive during this period, providing grazing for livestock and sustenance for wildlife. The wetlands also expand during the wet season, creating breeding grounds for fish and other aquatic life. During the dry season, however, the grasslands become parched, and the wetlands recede, leading to a decline in biodiversity and agricultural productivity. The fluctuation in water availability also influences the timing of agricultural activities, with farmers planting crops at the onset of the wet season and harvesting before the dry season sets in.

Historical Absence of Snowfall

Historically, snowfall has been an exceedingly rare occurrence in Garoua, Cameroon. The city is situated in a tropical climate zone characterized by high temperatures and humidity throughout the year. The average temperature in Garoua hovers around 86°F (30°C), with little seasonal variation. The lack of snowfall is primarily attributed to the city’s proximity to the equator, which ensures a high concentration of solar radiation throughout the year.

Exceptional Occurrences of Snowfall

Despite the general absence of snowfall in Garoua, there have been a few exceptional cases where snow has been reported. One such instance occurred in December 1955, when a brief period of snowfall was observed in the city. This event was attributed to an unusual cold front that swept through the region, bringing with it abnormally low temperatures. However, such occurrences are extremely uncommon and have not been recorded since the mid-20th century.

Daily Sunrise and Sunset Times

The precise time of sunrise and sunset in Garoua, Cameroon, varies throughout the year due to the Earth’s axial tilt and its orbit around the sun. However, on average, sunrise occurs between 6:15 AM and 6:30 AM, while sunset takes place between 6:00 PM and 6:15 PM during the summer months. During the winter months, sunrise occurs slightly later, around 6:45 AM, and sunset is earlier, around 5:45 PM. It’s important to note that these times can vary by a few minutes depending on the specific day of the year.

Seasonal Variations in Sunlight Duration

The duration of daylight in Garoua, Cameroon, also displays seasonal variations. During the summer months (March-September), the day length is longer, with approximately 12-13 hours of daylight. Conversely, during the winter months (October-February), the day length is shorter, with only about 11-12 hours of daylight. The longest day of the year in Garoua is around June 21st, when there are approximately 13 hours and 8 minutes of daylight. The shortest day of the year occurs around December 21st, with only about 11 hours and 9 minutes of daylight.

Phases of the Moon in Garoua

The full moon in Garoua, Cameroon, offers a captivating sight that illuminates the night sky with its brilliant glow. During this phase, the moon rises in the east around 6:30 PM and sets in the west around 5:30 AM, providing ample time for stargazers to admire its ethereal beauty. The full moon is a time of spiritual and emotional intensity, and its presence is often celebrated with traditional ceremonies and rituals in Garoua.

Cultural Significance of the Moon

The moon plays a significant role in the cultural traditions of the people of Garoua. Full moon nights are often associated with celebrations and communal gatherings. Farmers rely on the moon’s cycles to determine the optimal time for planting and harvesting crops. The moon’s changing phases are also believed to influence tides, making them an important factor for fishermen and boatmen. In traditional Garoua culture, it is believed that the full moon brings good luck and abundance, while the new moon is a time of rest and reflection.

Seasonal Variations in Humidity

The humidity in Garoua, Cameroon, is influenced by the tropical climate, featuring distinct wet and dry seasons. During the wet season, from May to October, intense rainfall is common, leading to high humidity levels. The average humidity during this period typically ranges from 80% to 95%, creating a sultry and humid atmosphere. The humidity peaks in August, with values often exceeding 90%.

In contrast, the dry season, from November to April, brings lower humidity levels. As rainfall decreases, the air becomes less saturated with moisture. The average humidity during this period generally falls between 50% and 70%, offering a more comfortable and less oppressive environment. The driest months are January and February, when humidity levels can drop below 50%. It is important to note that while the dry season is generally less humid, sporadic rainfall can occur, causing humidity levels to fluctuate temporarily.

Wind Speed and Direction

Garoua, Cameroon, experiences strong winds throughout the year, with peak wind speeds occurring during the dry season from November to April. During this period, average wind speeds can reach up to 15 knots (28 km/h), predominantly blowing from the northeast. The harmattan, a dry desert wind, also contributes to increased wind speeds during this time. In contrast, the wet season from May to October brings calmer winds, typically averaging around 10 knots (19 km/h) and originating from the southwest.

Seasonal Variations

The seasonal wind patterns in Garoua are influenced by the movement of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), a region of low atmospheric pressure that migrates north and south of the equator. During the dry season, the ITCZ is located further south, allowing for the northeast trade winds to dominate Garoua’s weather. As the ITCZ moves northward during the wet season, the prevailing wind direction shifts to the southwest, bringing in moisture from the Atlantic Ocean. This change in wind direction coincides with increased precipitation, contributing to Garoua’s wet season from May to October.

Best Time to Visit for Wildlife:

For wildlife enthusiasts, the best time to visit Garoua is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. During this period, the water levels in rivers and lakes recede, concentrating wildlife around permanent water sources. This makes it easier to spot large mammals such as elephants, lions, rhinos, and hippos. The National Park of Bénoué, located about 50 kilometers from Garoua, offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing during this time.

Best Time to Visit for Fishing:

Garoua is renowned for its exceptional fishing opportunities, particularly in the Benue River. The best time to experience fishing in Garoua is during the rainy season, which extends from May to October. The river swells during this period, providing abundant food and breeding grounds for fish. Anglers can expect to catch various species, including catfish, Nile perch, and tigerfish. The Benue River is known for its impressive population of large fish, making it a paradise for recreational and sport fishing enthusiasts.

Potential and Challenges

Garoua, the capital of Cameroon’s North Region, boasts abundant solar resources, making it a promising location for harnessing solar energy. The city receives an average of 5.5-6 kWh/m2 of solar radiation per day, with over 300 sunny days annually. This high solar potential presents an opportunity to reduce reliance on conventional power sources and promote sustainable energy development. However, Garoua also faces challenges in developing its solar sector, such as high upfront investment costs, limited technical capacity, and a lack of regulatory frameworks.

Initiatives and Prospects

Despite the challenges, efforts are underway to promote solar energy utilization in Garoua. The government has implemented policies and incentives to encourage private sector participation in solar power generation. Several small-scale solar installations have been established, providing electricity to households and businesses. Additionally, international organizations are collaborating with local partners to support solar energy projects. The increasing availability of affordable solar panels and advancements in technology are expected to drive further growth in the solar sector in Garoua.

General Topography of Garoua, Cameroon

Garoua, the capital of the North Region of Cameroon, lies on the banks of the Benue River at the confluence with the Mayo Kébi River. The city’s topography is characterized by flat, sandy plains that gradually rise towards the south and gently slope towards the north. The Benue River, a major tributary of the Niger River, meanders through the plains, creating a floodplain that supports abundant vegetation.

Urban Topography of Garoua, Cameroon

The urban area of Garoua is situated on slightly elevated ground above the floodplain. The city center is located on the southern bank of the Benue River, where the landscape is gently rolling. Residential areas extend south and east of the city center, while industrial areas are concentrated to the north. The Mayo Kébi River cuts through the eastern part of the city, creating a deep gorge that separates the residential neighborhoods from the industrial area.

Garoua International Airport

Garoua International Airport (IATA: GOU, ICAO: FKKR) is the primary airport serving the city of Garoua, Cameroon. Located approximately 5 kilometers (3 miles) from the city center, it is the fourth largest airport in Cameroon in terms of passenger traffic. The airport has a single runway, which handles both domestic and international flights. It serves as a hub for Camair-Co, the national airline of Cameroon.

The airport has undergone significant upgrades in recent years, including the expansion of its terminal building and the installation of new equipment. It now offers a range of amenities to passengers, including duty-free shops, restaurants, and currency exchange services. Additionally, the airport features a dedicated VIP lounge for premium passengers. Garoua International Airport is well-connected to other cities in Cameroon, as well as to regional destinations in Africa and Europe. It plays a vital role in supporting the economic development of the region and facilitating international trade and tourism.

Garoua: The Capital of the Northern Region

Garoua is the capital of Cameroon’s Northern Region, located on the banks of the Benue River. As the political and economic hub of the region, Garoua is known for its vibrant markets, bustling streets, and rich cultural heritage. The city is home to various landmarks, including the Grand Mosque, the Lamido Palace, and the Garoua Museum, which showcase the region’s history and traditions. Garoua is also a transportation hub, with an international airport connecting it to other regions of Cameroon and beyond.

Cultural Significance and Attractions

Garoua is a melting pot of cultures, with a significant population of Muslim Fulani people. The city is renowned for its vibrant festivals and traditional dances, such as the Boukarou dance and the Makay dance. Garoua also boasts numerous cultural attractions, including the Ecotourism Center, where visitors can experience the natural beauty of the Benue River and its surrounding wetlands. The city’s markets are a shopper’s paradise, offering a wide range of local handicrafts, textiles, and spices. Garoua is an ideal destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of Cameroon’s Northern Region.