Equatorial Guinea is located just below the equator and is characterized by a hot, humid climate with high levels of rainfall throughout the year. Rainfall is concentrated mainly during two rainy seasons, from March to May and from September to November, while December to February is the dry season. Below is a summary of the climatic characteristics and major events and culture for each season.
Spring (March to May)
Climate Characteristics
- Temperature: Average around 25-28°C
- Rainfall: The rainy season starts in March, with increasing precipitation until May
- Characteristics: Humidity rises, and sudden downpours frequently occur
Major Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Description and Relation to Climate |
| March |
International Women's Day (3/8) |
Celebrates the elevation of women's social status. Gatherings and events are held across the country taking advantage of the relatively stable weather before the rainy season. |
| April |
Holy Week (Semana Santa) |
Christian event. Although it falls during the mid-rainy season, masses and parades are held in churches and streets across the country. |
| May |
Labor Day (5/1) |
A holiday to honor workers. Despite the increase in rainfall, parades and gatherings take place in urban areas. |
Summer (June to August)
Climate Characteristics
- Temperature: Stays around 26-29°C
- Rainfall: The rainy season continues until the end of June, while July and August mark the start of the dry season with reduced precipitation
- Characteristics: Intense thunderstorms are typical towards the end of the rainy season in late June, followed by relatively sunny weather in July and August
Major Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Description and Relation to Climate |
| June |
Corpus Christi (Movable Holiday) |
Catholic feast. There may be processions from churches amid the heavy rains toward the end of the rainy season. |
| June |
Constitution Day (6/30) |
A day to commemorate the constitution established in 1973. Ceremonies and parades occur under unstable weather conditions at the end of the rainy season. |
| July |
Vigil of the Assumption |
A vigil held on the eve of 8/15. Events take place in churches and squares during the cool nights after the onset of the dry season. |
| August |
Feast of the Assumption (8/15) |
One of the largest Catholic celebrations. The stable and favorable weather of the dry season draws many pilgrims. |
Autumn (September to November)
Climate Characteristics
- Temperature: Pleasant around 25-28°C
- Rainfall: The rainy season begins again in September and continues with high levels of rainfall until November
- Characteristics: Frequent downpours and evening showers occur amidst high humidity
Major Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Description and Relation to Climate |
| October |
Independence Day (10/12) |
Celebrates independence from Spain in 1968. Large military parades and fireworks occur despite the rainy season. |
| November |
All Saints’ Day (11/1) |
A day to commemorate ancestors. Visits to graves and services at churches are held during the relatively calm weather between rainy spells. |
Winter (December to February)
Climate Characteristics
- Temperature: Average around 24-27°C, the most comfortable time of the year
- Rainfall: Minimal precipitation during the dry season with continued sunny weather
- Characteristics: Humidity decreases slightly, and sunshine is strong
Major Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Description and Relation to Climate |
| December |
Christmas (12/25) |
A Catholic celebration. Many sunny days during the dry season allows for church services and family feasts. |
| January |
New Year's Day (1/1) |
Celebration of the New Year. Gatherings are held along the streets in the cool mornings of the dry season. |
| February |
Feast of Saint Thomas (Annobón, 2/11) |
A festival celebrating the patron saint of Annobón Island. Traditional dances and music are showcased across the island as the dry season comes to an end. |
Summary of Seasonal Events and Climate Relations
| Season |
Climate Characteristics |
Major Event Examples |
| Spring |
Increased rainfall, rising humidity |
International Women’s Day, Holy Week, Labor Day |
| Summer |
Thunderstorms at the end of the rainy season to sunny weather at the beginning of the dry season |
Corpus Christi, Constitution Day, Feast of the Assumption |
| Autumn |
Rainy season resumes, frequent downpours |
Independence Day, All Saints’ Day |
| Winter |
Dry season, continued sunny weather, slight decrease in humidity |
Christmas, New Year’s Day, Feast of Saint Thomas |
Supplement
- Equatorial Guinea has a tropical rainforest climate characterized by an annual average rainfall of 2,000 to 3,000 mm.
- There is a clear distinction between the rainy and dry seasons, with agricultural and fishing activities heavily dependent on precipitation patterns.
- Catholicism is the predominant religion, and religious events are deeply rooted in cultural activities.
- Political events such as independence celebrations and Constitution Day are also held on a large scale in accordance with the climate.
The seasonal events of Equatorial Guinea are closely linked to the climatic changes of rainy and dry seasons, nurturing distinctive cultural events in agriculture, religion, and politics.
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