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When to go · Gabon

Gabon in January

Good month. Short dry spell; leatherback turtles nesting at Pongara and Mayumba.

Key facts

Verdict
Good
Crowds
Low
Gabon
Prices
Medium
Gabon

Verdict

GoodVoykit month rating for Gabon

Short dry spell; leatherback turtles nesting at Pongara and Mayumba.

Is another month better than January?

January is rated good. These months rate higher:

Weather in January

  • Coast · Libreville, Port-Gentil, Loango, Mayumbafine

    Main dry season June–August (cloudy, cooler, whales offshore); heaviest rain October–November and March–May; a short drier spell December–January.

  • Central forest and savanna · Lopé, Ivindo, Makokoufine

    Rain in every month; trails and bais easiest in June–August.

  • South-east plateaux · Franceville, Batéké Plateau, Léconirainy

    Grass plateau with cooler dry-season nights; south of the equator, so a clearer dry season.

  • Libreville31 °C (88 °F) / 23 °C (73 °F), 12 rain days
  • Franceville30 °C (86 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 12 rain days
  • Gamba30 °C (86 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 14 rain days
  • Mayumba30 °C (86 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 12 rain days
  • Port-Gentil31 °C (88 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 12 rain days
  • Tchibanga28 °C (82 °F) / 20 °C (68 °F), 12 rain days

Festivals and holidays

Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.

  • New Year's Day

    1 Jan

    Public holiday.

  • New Year

    1 January · Libreville

    Family gatherings; restaurants close early and prices rise.

  • Leatherback turtle nesting at Pongara

    November–February · Libreville

    Turtles nest on the beaches across the estuary; best from the Pointe-Denis side.

Crowds and prices

Crowds · Gabon
Low
Prices · Gabon
Medium

Compare two months

Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Gabon, side by side.

  • Verdict

    Jan: Good

    Jun: Great (better)

  • Crowds

    Jan: Low

    Jun: Medium

  • Prices

    Jan: Medium

    Jun: High

  • Festivals listed

    Jan: 3

    Jun: 1

January: Short dry spell; leatherback turtles nesting at Pongara and Mayumba.

June: Dry season starts: grey skies, cooler air, easier trails.

Gabon: figures are long-term averages from this guide, not a forecast.

What to pack

  • A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast

Build the full packing list for your trip →

Where to go in January

Rated best or good this month

  • Libreville

    Short dry spell; hot, some showers.

  • Mayumba

    Best months: Nov–Feb (turtle season) and Jun–Sep (dry weather)