Equatorial Guinea
Equatorial Guinea is Africa's only Spanish-speaking country, a small state with the volcanic island of Bioko, a colonial quarter in Malabo and lowland forest on the mainland.
Equatorial Guinea is a small country on the west coast of Central Africa, bordered by Cameroon and Gabon. It is the only Spanish-speaking country in Africa, a legacy of its time as Spanish Guinea. Most people live on the mainland, Río Muni, while Bioko and Annobón are islands offshore. Bioko is volcanic, and its highest peak, Pico Basilé, rises to about 3,008 m.
Go for the mix of forest, islands and cities. Malabo, the former capital on Bioko, has a colonial quarter worth walking, and it still hosts many government and business activities. The capital moved in January 2026 to Ciudad de la Paz on the mainland. Bata, the largest mainland city, has a seafront promenade and the Tower of Liberty. In southern Bioko, hikers can reach the Iladyi cascades. The mainland is dry from June to August, while Bioko is dry from December to February, so the best time depends on which part of the country you visit.
Five things to know before Equatorial Guinea
- Apply for a visa before you travel
UK passport holders need a visa, arranged online (the UK page cites 72 hours to process and a printed e-visa letter) or at an embassy. Canada's advice also requires one. Check other passports with an embassy. Visas and entry
- Carry your yellow fever certificate
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter Equatorial Guinea.
- Make sure your passport is stamped
Travelers who missed an entry stamp have reported delays and threats of detention. Check the stamp before you leave the airport.
- Never photograph officials or buildings
Photographing police, soldiers, the presidential palace or government buildings can get you detained. Ask before photographing anyone.
- Plan for high costs and few hotels
Malabo hotels are expensive and tourist services are limited. Arrange transport and guides in advance, especially for Bioko's south and Monte Alén.
Equatorial Guinea travel guides
Practical guides from writers who live there.
Destinations in Equatorial Guinea
When to go
- Rainy days
- Best
- JanuaryCloudy9 rainy daysHigh28°Low26°DryJanuaryCloudy
Best
- High
- 28°
- Low
- 26°
- Precipitation
- 34 mm
- Rainy days
- 9
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Dry
- FebruaryCloudy10 rainy daysHigh29°Low26°DryFebruaryCloudy
Best
- High
- 29°
- Low
- 26°
- Precipitation
- 54 mm
- Rainy days
- 10
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Dry
- MarchRain19 rainy daysHigh29°Low26°Rains startMarchRain
- High
- 29°
- Low
- 26°
- Precipitation
- 179 mm
- Rainy days
- 19
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Rains start
- AprilRain22 rainy daysHigh29°Low26°RainyAprilRain
- High
- 29°
- Low
- 26°
- Precipitation
- 202 mm
- Rainy days
- 22
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Rainy
- MayRain25 rainy daysHigh28°Low26°RainyMayRain
- High
- 28°
- Low
- 26°
- Precipitation
- 297 mm
- Rainy days
- 25
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Rainy
- JuneRain28 rainy daysHigh27°Low25°WetJuneRain
- High
- 27°
- Low
- 25°
- Precipitation
- 558 mm
- Rainy days
- 28
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Wet
- JulyRain28 rainy daysHigh26°Low24°Wet, cloudyJulyRain
- High
- 26°
- Low
- 24°
- Precipitation
- 580 mm
- Rainy days
- 28
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Wet, cloudy
- AugustRain26 rainy daysHigh26°Low24°Wet, cloudyAugustRain
- High
- 26°
- Low
- 24°
- Precipitation
- 570 mm
- Rainy days
- 26
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Wet, cloudy
- SeptemberRain28 rainy daysHigh26°Low24°WettestSeptemberRain
- High
- 26°
- Low
- 24°
- Precipitation
- 520 mm
- Rainy days
- 28
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Wettest
- OctoberRain28 rainy daysHigh27°Low25°RainyOctoberRain
- High
- 27°
- Low
- 25°
- Precipitation
- 402 mm
- Rainy days
- 28
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Rainy
- NovemberRain21 rainy daysHigh27°Low25°Rains easeNovemberRain
- High
- 27°
- Low
- 25°
- Precipitation
- 153 mm
- Rainy days
- 21
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Rains ease
- DecemberCloudy12 rainy daysHigh28°Low26°DryDecemberCloudy
Best
- High
- 28°
- Low
- 26°
- Precipitation
- 52 mm
- Rainy days
- 12
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Dry
Average daily high and low in Malabo, 2016–2025. Rainy day: 1 mm of rain or more.
Right now in Equatorial Guinea
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
26
- Feels like
- 28°
- Humidity
- 84%
- Wind
- 14 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 81%
Malabo
12:22 AM
Tuesday, November 3
- Today29°26°81%Tuesday: Rain. High 29°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 81%.
- Wed29°26°82%Wednesday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 82%.
- Thu28°26°76%Thursday: Drizzle. High 28°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 76%.
- Fri28°27°65%Friday: Drizzle. High 28°, Low 27°. Chance of rain 65%.
- Sat29°27°73%Saturday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 27°. Chance of rain 73%.
- Sun28°27°85%Sunday: Drizzle. High 28°, Low 27°. Chance of rain 85%.
Updated 11:10 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 587.8 XAF
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Before you go to Equatorial Guinea
Equatorial Guinea FAQ
Do I need a visa for Equatorial Guinea?
UK and Canadian passport holders do, and should apply before travel, online or at an embassy. For a US or any other passport, confirm the rule with an Equatorial Guinea embassy before you book.
What is there to see in Equatorial Guinea?
Malabo's colonial center, the highland village of Moka and crater lakes on Bioko, nesting turtles on Bioko's south coast and rainforest at Monte Alén on the mainland.
When is the best time to visit Equatorial Guinea?
December to February, the driest months on Bioko. The rest of the year is humid with frequent rain.
Is Equatorial Guinea expensive?
Yes. Hotels and services in Malabo cost far more than elsewhere in the region, and there are few budget options.
What languages are spoken in Equatorial Guinea?
Spanish is the main official language, with French and Portuguese also official. Little English is spoken.