Conakry in August

August weather, activities, events & insider tips

August Weather in Conakry

28°C (83°F) High Temp

23°C (73°F) Low Temp

1,020 mm (40.2 inches) Rainfall

85% Humidity

Is August Right for You?

Advantages

Lush landscapes at peak beauty - waterfalls like Chutes de Guinea flow at maximum volume during rainy season
Cooler temperatures than dry season months (5°C/9°F lower than March-April peaks)
Mango season overlap - August marks the tail end of Guinea's incredible mango harvest with street vendors selling 12+ varieties
Fewer international tourists mean better prices at guesthouses and more authentic local interactions

Considerations

Daily torrential downpours lasting 2-4 hours, typically between 2pm-6pm, flooding many streets in Kaloum and Matam districts
Dirt roads become nearly impassable - travel to Fouta Djallon highlands requires 4WD and adds 2-3 hours to journey times
High malaria risk peaks during rainy season with increased mosquito breeding in standing water

Best Activities in August

Îles de Los Island Hopping

August's calmer Atlantic waters make the 30-minute boat ride to Île de Room and Île Fotoba more comfortable than dry season's rough seas. Rain typically stops by evening, perfect for sunset views. Islands stay green and lush during rainy season.

Booking Tip: Local fishermen offer island trips for 200,000-350,000 GNF per person from Port de Boulbinet. Book Easttimor-day in morning (8am-10am) when seas are calmest. Look for boats with life jackets and two-way radios. See current organized tours in booking section below.

Indoor Cultural Experiences

August's afternoon rains make covered markets and museums ideal. Marché Niger and Marché Madina showcase rainy season produce - fresh okra, cassava leaves, and late-season mangoes. Banjul stays cool and dry during downpours.

Booking Tip: Markets busiest 7am-11am before rains start. Museum entry 25,000 GNF, open Tuesday-Sunday 9am-5pm. Bring small bills for market purchases. Cultural center performances typically 50,000-100,000 GNF entry.

Waterfall Photography Tours

Rainy season transforms Guinea's waterfalls into spectacular cascades. Chutes de la Soumba (90 km/56 miles from Conakry) and Chutes de Guinea flow at 3x dry season volume. Early morning departures avoid afternoon storms.

Booking Tip: 4WD vehicle essential - daily rates 800,000-1,200,000 GNF including driver. Start 6am to return before 2pm rains. Book 3-4 days ahead through hotel concierge or established tour operators. Verify vehicle has spare tire and emergency kit.

Traditional Cooking Classes

August brings peak variety of local ingredients - fresh fish, rainy season vegetables, and seasonal spices. Indoor cooking experiences perfect for rainy afternoons. Learn to prepare poulet yassa, riz gras, and plantain dishes using authentic techniques.

Booking Tip: Home-based cooking classes typically 150,000-250,000 GNF per person including meal. Book through cultural centers or ask hotel staff for family connections. 3-4 hour sessions usually 10am-2pm avoiding heavy rain periods.

Music and Dance Workshops

August festival season preparation time - local drumming groups intensify practice for September independence celebrations. Djembe and traditional dance workshops move indoors during rains, creating intimate learning environments with master musicians.

Booking Tip: Group workshops 75,000-150,000 GNF per 2-hour session. Private lessons 200,000-400,000 GNF. Contact Centre Culturel Franco-Guinéen or local cultural associations. Evening sessions (6pm-8pm) avoid rain and offer cooler temperatures.

Conakry Port and Fishing Village Visits

August fishing brings unique deep-sea species closer to shore due to ocean temperature changes. Early morning fish market visits (5am-7am) showcase incredible variety before rains start. Traditional fishing villages like Boulbinet most active during rainy season.

Booking Tip: Fish market visits free but bring 20,000-50,000 GNF for purchases. Fishing village guides typically 100,000-200,000 GNF for 2-3 hour tours. Go early morning (5am-9am) for best activity and cooler temperatures. Waterproof shoes essential.

August Events & Festivals

All of August

Pre-Independence Festival Preparations

Throughout August, local communities prepare for October 2nd Independence Day celebrations. Witness traditional costume making, drum group practices, and dance rehearsals in neighborhoods like Hamdallaye and Ratoma

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof rain jacket with hood - afternoon storms dump 50-100mm (2-4 inches) in 2 hours with little warning

Quick-dry pants and shirts - 85% humidity means cotton stays damp for hours after rain exposure

Waterproof phone case and ziplock bags - protect electronics from sudden downpours and high humidity

Sturdy waterproof hiking boots - streets flood regularly and you'll walk through 10-20cm (4-8 inch) puddles

High-SPF sunscreen despite clouds - UV index still reaches 6-7 even on overcast days

Insect repellent with 30%+ DEET - mosquito activity peaks during rainy season, apply every 4-6 hours

Antifungal powder for feet - constant moisture creates ideal conditions for fungal infections

Umbrella that fits in daypack - sudden storms start with no warning throughout the day

Extra socks and underwear - pack 2x normal amount as items won't dry overnight in high humidity

Antimalarial medication - consult doctor 4-6 weeks before travel, risk significantly higher during rains

Insider Knowledge

Most locals plan indoor activities 2pm-6pm daily during August rains - markets, offices, and restaurants get busiest during these hours as people wait out storms

Street food vendors often close during heavy rains but reopen immediately after - some of the freshest grilled fish and plantains available right after afternoon downpours

Taxi prices increase 50-100% during rain hours due to flooding - negotiate fixed rates for full-day hire (typically 400,000-600,000 GNF) to avoid surge pricing

Hotel rates drop 30-40% in August compared to dry season - book accommodations with generators as power outages common during heavy storms

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities after 1pm - August rains typically start 2-3pm and last until 5-6pm daily, disrupting any outdoor plans

Wearing leather shoes or sandals - streets flood quickly and proper waterproof footwear essential for navigating Conakry's drainage-challenged roads

Not carrying small denomination bills - during rains, many vendors can't make change as banks and money changers close during storms