Weather in Bissau

About Bissau

Bissau quietly decays with Portuguese colonial ruins offset by the welcoming energy of Guinea-Bissau's capital. The Bijagos archipelago floats offshore, a pristine refuge for island-hoppers and eco-tourists seeking the path less travelled.

Country

Guinea-Bissau

Best months to visit

January, February, March, April, May, December

Currency

XOF

Language

Portuguese, Creole, Mandinka, Balanta

Things to do in Bissau

Explore Portuguese colonial ruins Visit the National Museum Island-hop the Bijagos archipelago Fish for grouper and snapper Tour fishing villages Kayak mangrove creeks

Weather by month

Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.

Recommended

January

33C

Hot and humid, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

February

34C

Hot and humid, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

March

34C

Hot and humid, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

April

33C

Hot and humid, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

May

32C

Hot and humid, and mostly sunny skies.

June

31C

Hot and humid, with some rainy days.

July

29C

Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.

August

28C

Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.

September

29C

Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.

October

30C

Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.

November

32C

Hot and humid, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

December

33C

Hot and humid, and mostly sunny skies.

Bissau, the capital of Guinea-Bissau, is a small, slow-paced Portuguese-speaking city on the Geba River estuary, with crumbling colonial architecture, a fortress overlooking the water, and a laid-back atmosphere that makes it feel more like a large town than a capital. It serves mainly as the gateway to the remarkable Bijagós Archipelago, a UNESCO biosphere reserve of nearly untouched islands a short boat or flight away.

Best areas to stay in Bissau

Praça area

The central square and surrounding streets with colonial-era buildings, cafes and government offices.

Fortaleza d'Amura

A historic fortress on the waterfront, with views over the Geba estuary.

Pidjiguiti

The harbour area, historically significant and a departure point for boats.

Bandim

A large, lively market neighbourhood reflecting everyday city life.

Getting to Bissau

✈

Flights

Osvaldo Vieira International Airport connects Bissau to Lisbon, Dakar and other regional hubs.

⏱

From London

~7-8 hours from London including a connection, often via Lisbon.

🚕

Getting around

Taxis cover the small city centre; boats and small planes connect onward to the Bijagós Islands.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Bissau?

December to May is the dry season and most comfortable; the rainy season (June-November) brings heavy downpours and high humidity.

What is the Bijagós Archipelago?

A UNESCO biosphere reserve of around 88 islands off the coast, known for pristine beaches, hippos, sea turtles and traditional communities — accessible by boat or small plane from Bissau.

Is Bissau worth spending time in, or just a stopover?

Most visitors treat it as a brief stopover en route to the Bijagós, though the old Praça/Pidjiguiti area and fortress are worth a short look.

What language is spoken?

Portuguese is the official language, with Guinea-Bissau Creole (Kriol) widely spoken; French is also understood by some given neighbouring countries.

How do you get to the Bijagós Islands?

By small chartered plane, or by boat from Bissau's port — boat journeys can take several hours depending on the island.

Traveler reviews

★★★★☆

Bissau itself is sleepy but charming in a faded colonial way — we used it as a one-night stopover before flying out to the Bijagós, which were incredible.

Carlos M. · February 2024

★★★★☆

The fortress and old Praça area made for a nice afternoon walk. Very few tourists around, which had its own appeal.

Anabela S. · January 2023

★★★★★

The boat journey out to the Bijagós from Bissau's port was long but the islands more than made up for it — untouched beaches and incredible wildlife.

Tomás R. · March 2024