Bissau in April

April weather, activities, events & insider tips

April Weather in Bissau

35°C (95°F) High Temp

21°C (69°F) Low Temp

0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Dry season peak - minimal rainfall makes Bijagós Islands accessible by traditional canoe transport, with calm waters perfect for inter-island travel
Cashew harvest festival season brings authentic cultural celebrations in villages like Guineabissau and Mansoa, with fresh cashew fruit (caju) available everywhere for 200-300 CFA per cup
Optimal wildlife viewing - migrating birds concentrate around remaining water sources at Lagoa Cufada and Guineabissau, making spotting easier with 6am-9am temperatures comfortable at 24-27°C (75-81°F)
Cool Atlantic breezes moderate the heat along Bissau's waterfront areas, with afternoon sea breezes starting around 2pm making outdoor exploration bearable until evening

Considerations

Intense midday heat reaches 38-40°C (100-104°F) in urban areas, forcing indoor retreats between 11am-4pm when even locals avoid outdoor activities
Occasional late-season thunderstorms hit without warning in late afternoon, lasting 45-90 minutes with heavy downpours that flood low-lying neighborhoods like Antula and Mindara
High season pricing for accommodations peaks in April, with guesthouses charging 15,000-25,000 CFA per night compared to 8,000-12,000 CFA in rainy season

Best Activities in April

Bijagós Archipelago Island Hopping

April's calm seas and dry weather make this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve perfectly accessible. Traditional pirogues operate reliably between islands like Guineabissau, Formosa, and Guineabissau. Water visibility reaches 8-12 m (26-39 ft) for snorkeling, and sacred forests are dry enough for comfortable hiking. Spot saltwater hippos at Guineabissau National Park during their active evening hours 5-7pm.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through Bissau port operators. Expect to pay 25,000-40,000 CFA for full-day island tours including lunch and guide. Look for operators with life jackets and radio communication. Multi-day trips cost 60,000-90,000 CFA per person.

Cantanhez Forest Chimpanzee Tracking

Dry season concentrates chimpanzees near permanent water sources, improving sighting chances to 70-80%. Early morning temperatures of 21-24°C (70-75°F) make forest trekking comfortable before 9am. April brings fruiting trees that attract chimps to lower elevations, reducing hiking difficulty.

Booking Tip: Reserve with Cantanhez National Park office in Bissau 5-7 days prior. Permits cost 15,000 CFA plus guide fees of 8,000-12,000 CFA daily. Transportation from Bissau runs 20,000-30,000 CFA roundtrip in shared taxi or private hire.

Traditional Fishing Village Experiences

April's calm coastal conditions perfect traditional fishing methods. Join dawn fishing expeditions departing 5:30am from villages like Varela or Caio, returning by 10am before peak heat. Experience authentic fish smoking techniques and palm wine tapping during comfortable evening temperatures 26-28°C (79-82°F).

Booking Tip: Arrange through village chiefs or local contacts 2-3 days ahead. Fishing trips cost 5,000-8,000 CFA per person including breakfast. Village homestays available for 8,000-15,000 CFA including meals. Bring gifts like batteries, soap, or school supplies.

Bissau Cultural Walking Tours

April's morning hours 7-10am offer perfect conditions for exploring Velho Bissau colonial architecture and Bandim Market's busy atmosphere. Afternoon heat drives everyone to shaded areas, creating authentic social scenes at local tavernas and under ancient kapok trees where elders gather.

Booking Tip: Self-guided works well, or hire local students for 3,000-5,000 CFA as informal guides. Start by 7am to cover 3-5 km (1.9-3.1 miles) before heat peaks. Bring 10,000-15,000 CFA for market purchases and refreshments.

Cashew Processing Farm Visits

Peak cashew season in April allows visitors to witness entire processing cycle from tree to export. Family operations in Bissorã and Farim welcome visitors to see traditional roasting methods and taste fresh cashew apples. Cool morning temperatures make farm walks comfortable.

Booking Tip: Contact local agricultural cooperatives through hotels or guides. Visits typically cost 2,000-5,000 CFA donation to family plus transport. Best accessed via shared bush taxi for 1,500-2,500 CFA each way from Bissau central station.

Mangrove Creek Navigation

April's low rainfall leaves mangrove channels at optimal levels for traditional canoe exploration around Guineabissau River and Rio Geba. Bird concentrations peak as waterbirds prepare for migration. Cool dawn departures at 6am offer glass-calm water and active wildlife until 9am.

Booking Tip: Book pirogue guides at fishing villages like Guineabissau or through Bissau waterfront. Expect 10,000-18,000 CFA for 3-4 hour excursions including guide and traditional canoe. Bring sun protection and water - no shade once on open water.

April Events & Festivals

Throughout April

Cashew Harvest Celebrations

Village festivals celebrating the cashew harvest with traditional music, dance, and communal feasting on cashew-based dishes. Each village celebrates when their groves peak, creating authentic cultural immersion opportunities with Manjaco, Papel, and Balanta communities.

Early April 2025

Easter Celebrations

Significant Catholic celebrations blend with traditional customs, particularly in colonial-era churches like Bissau Cathedral and rural missions. Processions combine Portuguese religious traditions with local music and dance, followed by community feasts featuring grilled fish and palm wine.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

High SPF sunscreen (50+) and wide-brimmed hat - UV index hits 8-9 with minimal cloud cover during midday hours

Lightweight cotton or linen clothing in light colors - avoid synthetic fabrics in 70% humidity as they trap heat and moisture

Waterproof day pack and quick-dry clothes for sudden afternoon thunderstorms that dump 25-40mm (1-1.6 inches) in 30 minutes

Insect repellent with DEET - standing water after brief rains creates mosquito breeding grounds, especially active 5-7pm

Comfortable walking sandals that dry quickly for village visits and waterproof hiking boots for forest excursions

Water purification tablets or portable filter - rural areas lack reliable bottled water, and April heat requires 3-4 liters daily intake

Portable fan or battery-powered personal cooling device for accommodations without reliable electricity during peak afternoon heat

Cash in small CFA denominations (500-1000 notes) - rural areas operate entirely on cash and struggle with change for large bills

Flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries for power outages common during afternoon storms and evening village activities

Basic first aid kit including oral rehydration salts for heat exhaustion prevention in temperatures exceeding 38°C (100°F)

Insider Knowledge

Schedule outdoor activities 6-10am and 5-7pm when temperatures drop to comfortable 24-28°C (75-82°F) - even locals retreat indoors during midday heat

Carry 500 CFA coins for public transport and market purchases - vendors often lack change and small denominations show cultural awareness

Learn basic Kriol greetings like 'Kuma ku sta?' (How are you?) - Portuguese gets you tourist prices while Kriol gets you local treatment and better access

Stay hydrated with local bissap (hibiscus juice) and coconut water available fresh for 200-300 CFA - safer than tap water and more effective than imported drinks in heat

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking island trips without checking tide schedules - low tides can strand boats for 4-6 hours, particularly problematic in April's intense afternoon heat

Attempting midday sightseeing 11am-3pm when temperatures exceed 35°C (95°F) - even locals avoid outdoor activities during these hours

Relying solely on Portuguese language in rural areas where Kriol dominates - knowing basic greetings improves prices and access significantly