Conakry in April

April weather, activities, events & insider tips

April Weather in Conakry

32°C (90°F) High Temp

24°C (76°F) Low Temp

18 mm (0.7 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season means crystal-clear Atlantic views from Guinea - water visibility reaches 15 m (49 ft) for boat trips and swimming
Harmattan winds from the Sahara keep evenings pleasantly cool (20-22°C/68-72°F) making outdoor dining at Brazzaville restaurants comfortable after 6pm
April marks mango season - local varieties like Kent and Amélie flood street markets at 2,000-5,000 GNF per kilo, and evening mango vendors line Route Le Prince
Pre-rainy season timing means dust levels are manageable while roads remain fully accessible - perfect for day trips to Guinea waterfalls before May rains make tracks impassable

Considerations

Afternoon temperatures regularly hit 35°C (95°F) making midday sightseeing uncomfortable - most outdoor activities must be planned before 11am or after 4pm
Brief but intense afternoon thunderstorms occur 10 days in April, typically 2-4pm, flooding streets for 30-45 minutes and disrupting transport
High season pricing peaks in April before the rainy season - accommodation rates increase 30-40% and domestic flights to Guinea cost 20% more than March

Best Activities in April

Îles de Los Island Excursions

April offers the year's best conditions for visiting these Atlantic islands 20 km (12.4 miles) offshore. Dry season swells have calmed, making the 45-minute boat ride comfortable even for those prone to seasickness. Water temperature reaches 26°C (79°F) with minimal rainfall keeping beaches pristine. Morning departures (8am) avoid afternoon heat and return by 2pm before potential thunderstorms.

Booking Tip: Book island tours 5-7 days ahead through licensed operators at Port de Pêche Artisanale. Tours typically cost 180,000-250,000 GNF including boat transfer and basic lunch. Verify operators have life jackets and VHF radios. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Grand Mosque and Sandervalia Cultural Walking Tours

April's lower humidity (70% vs 85% in rainy season) makes walking tours through Kaloum Peninsula's historic district manageable. Early morning tours (7-10am) capture golden light on colonial architecture while avoiding midday heat. The Grand Mosque allows non-Muslim visitors outside prayer times, and nearby Sandervalia market is most active 6-9am with best selection of local crafts.

Booking Tip: Cultural walking tours cost 80,000-150,000 GNF for 3-4 hours including mosque entry and market guidance. Book through hotel concierges or cultural associations like Association Guinéenne pour le Tourisme. Tours operate daily except Fridays during prayer times.

Corniche Waterfront Evening Activities

April's Harmattan winds create perfect evening conditions along the 8 km (5 miles) Brazzaville from 5pm onwards. Temperatures drop to comfortable 25°C (77°F) with ocean breezes. This is prime time for waterfront restaurants, local music venues, and watching traditional fishing boats return at sunset around 6:30pm. Street food vendors set up along Boulevard du Commerce with grilled fish and plantains.

Booking Tip: No advance booking needed for most Brazzaville activities. Evening restaurant tables at popular spots like those near Brazzaville should be reserved by 4pm. Expect dinner costs of 45,000-85,000 GNF per person. Taxi fares along Brazzaville range 8,000-15,000 GNF depending on distance.

Fouta Djallon Waterfall Day Trips

April is the final month before rains make highland roads challenging. Waterfalls like Kinkon Falls and Ditinn Falls are still flowing from residual dry season water while access roads remain in excellent condition. The 180 km (112 miles) drive to Guinea takes 4-5 hours on paved roads. Highland temperatures are 5-8°C (9-14°F) cooler than Conakry, providing welcome relief.

Booking Tip: Full-day Guinea tours cost 350,000-500,000 GNF including 4WD transport, driver, and basic meals. Book 10-14 days ahead as vehicle availability decreases before rainy season. Tours depart 6am and return by 8pm. Verify drivers carry emergency equipment for highland travel.

National Museum and Conakry Grand Marché Cultural Immersion

April's manageable weather makes indoor/outdoor cultural sites comfortable to explore. The Banjul's air conditioning provides midday relief while showcasing Guinea's cultural heritage. Adjacent Marché Madina operates most actively 7am-12pm before afternoon heat. This is when vendors display the best selection of traditional masks, textiles, and musical instruments before the rainy season affects inventory.

Booking Tip: Museum entry is 20,000 GNF for foreigners. Guided cultural tours including museum and market cost 60,000-120,000 GNF for 2-3 hours. Photography permits required for certain exhibits (additional 10,000 GNF). Book guided tours through hotels or tourism office to ensure French/English-speaking guides.

Traditional Music and Dance Performances

April coincides with the pre-agricultural season when traditional music groups are most active before farming duties begin with May rains. Evening performances at cultural centers like Centre Culturel Franco-Guinéen benefit from cooler post-6pm temperatures. Local djembe workshops and kora demonstrations are readily available as musicians prepare for wedding season.

Booking Tip: Cultural performances cost 25,000-60,000 GNF entry. Music workshops range 40,000-80,000 GNF per person for 2-hour sessions. Check weekly schedules at major hotels or cultural centers. Weekend performances (Friday-Saturday) book up fastest and should be reserved 2-3 days ahead.

April Events & Festivals

Throughout April

Mango Festival Season

While not a formal festival, April marks peak mango harvest creating spontaneous celebrations in markets and neighborhoods. Street vendors compete with elaborate displays, and local families host mango-tasting gatherings. Markets like Marché Madina host informal competitions for best varieties.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight, long-sleeved cotton shirts - protect from UV index 8 sun while allowing air circulation in 70% humidity

Quick-dry pants in light colors - darker fabrics absorb heat making 32°C (90°F) temperatures unbearable

Compact umbrella or light rain poncho - afternoon showers are brief but intense, flooding streets within minutes

Electrolyte tablets or powder - high temperatures and humidity cause rapid dehydration, especially during walking tours

SPF 50+ sunscreen - reapply every 90 minutes as Atlantic humidity reduces effectiveness

Breathable walking shoes with good grip - wet streets during afternoon showers become extremely slippery

Insect repellent with DEET - standing water from brief rains increases mosquito activity in evenings

Portable fan or cooling towel - essential for midday outdoor activities when temperatures peak at 35°C (95°F)

Waterproof phone case - protect electronics during sudden downpours and humid conditions

Light scarf or shawl - for respectful mosque visits and protection from dusty Harmattan winds

Insider Knowledge

Locals avoid outdoor activities 11am-4pm during April heat - schedule sightseeing before 10am or after 5pm when temperatures drop 5-7°C (9-13°F)

April is prime wedding season, so Friday-Sunday evening venues get booked solid - make restaurant reservations by Thursday for weekend dining

Street vendors sell fresh coconut water for 3,000-5,000 GNF - more effective than bottled water for rehydration in humid heat

Harmattan dust storms can occur with 2-hour notice - locals check morning wind patterns and postpone laundry/outdoor events accordingly

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking midday tours (11am-3pm) when temperatures hit 35°C (95°F) - most attractions offer early morning or late afternoon alternatives

Underestimating afternoon shower intensity - 18mm (0.7 inches) falls quickly, turning streets into temporary rivers for 30-45 minutes

Wearing synthetic fabrics in 70% humidity - cotton and linen are essential as polyester becomes uncomfortable within hours