Conakry
Conakry is Guinea's Atlantic port capital, with short boat trips to the Los Islands and a base for travel around the country.
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Conakry is the capital of Guinea and its largest city, on the Atlantic coast of West Africa. It sits on the Kaloum peninsula, which juts into the sea, and spreads across the mainland to the north and east. The city's main seaport and international airport, Gbessia, make it the usual entry point, so many travelers pass through on the way to the rest of the country.
The Los Islands lie a short boat ride offshore and offer beaches and a slower pace than the city. On the peninsula, government offices and business districts sit close to markets and the waterfront. Conakry suits travelers who want to see a working West African capital, who have a stop between flights, or who plan to base themselves here for trips around Guinea. The dry season, roughly November to April, has less rain than the wet months. Traffic is slow, so group your sights on one side of the city. Two to three days is enough before you move on.
Conakry in five
- Get a visa before you book flightsMost visitors need a visa for Guinea, so apply before you buy tickets. Check the entry rules on the visas page and confirm the requirements with the Guinean embassy or consulate that covers your country.Visas and entry
- Carry enough cash in Guinean francsCard payments are limited outside large hotels, so most purchases in Conakry are made in cash. Bring GNF, and count it out before you leave the airport.Money and costs
- Set up mobile data before you landMobile data helps with the airport transfer, maps and calling your driver when traffic stops the car. Compare plans and download offline maps before the flight.Phones and eSIM
- Arrange the transfer from Gbessia airportGbessia is the international airport for Conakry and is a long drive from the Kaloum peninsula, so book a driver or taxi in advance. Agree the fare before you get in the car.Getting around
- Carry insurance that covers evacuationMedical care in Conakry is limited, so cover for emergency evacuation matters more than routine treatment. Keep your insurer's emergency number and policy details on your phone.Travel insurance
Things to do in Conakry
See all attractions in Conakry
Need to know
- Currency
- Guinean franc (GNF)
- Entry
- Visa needed for most nationalities; check with the Guinean embassy before booking
- Emergency
- Check local numbers with your embassy and insurer before you travel
- Tipping
- Not expected; small tips are appreciated
- Time
- UTC+0, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryDry season
- FebruaryDry, hot
- MarchDry, hot
- AprilHot, rains soon
- MayRains start
- JuneRainy season
- JulyHeaviest rain
- AugustHeaviest rain
- SeptemberRainy, humid
- OctoberRains easing
- NovemberDry returns
- DecemberDry season
Right now in Conakry
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
28
- Feels like
- 30°
- Humidity
- 75%
- Wind
- 16 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 90%
Conakry
08:36 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today29°25°90%Monday: Thunderstorms. High 29°, Low 25°. Chance of rain 90%.
- Tue29°25°72%Tuesday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 25°. Chance of rain 72%.
- Wed29°23°82%Wednesday: Thunderstorms. High 29°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 82%.
- Thu30°24°44%Thursday: Thunderstorms. High 30°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 44%.
- Fri30°25°65%Friday: Thunderstorms. High 30°, Low 25°. Chance of rain 65%.
- Sat30°26°88%Saturday: Drizzle. High 30°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 88%.
- Sun30°27°92%Sunday: Thunderstorms. High 30°, Low 27°. Chance of rain 92%.
Updated 05:55 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 8,813 GNF
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Îles de LosHalf a day by boatIslands off the coast with beaches and boat trips, a break from the city.
- KindiaAbout 2 to 3 hours by roadAn inland town with cooler air and hills, a clear change from the coast.
- DubrékaAbout 1 hour by roadA coastal town near the city, a quieter stop than the centre of Conakry.
Before you go to Conakry
Rules for Conakry, checked
- Most nationalities need a visa for Guinea. Apply before travel and carry the approval with your passport.
- Carry a copy of your passport and visa, since police may ask for identification on the road or in town.
- Show a yellow fever vaccination certificate if asked, and check the requirement with a travel clinic before you go.
- Remove your shoes before entering a mosque and dress modestly, especially during prayer times.
- Ask before photographing police, soldiers or port installations.
Plan around Conakry
Regions, entry rules and transport for a longer trip
Read the guideVisas and entryEntry rules for most visitors and how to apply
Read the guideMoney and costsCash, prices and what to carry in GNF
Read the guideGetting aroundAirport transfers, drivers and taxis in the city
Read the guideWhere to stayHotels and guesthouses by area
Read the guideConakry FAQ
Is Conakry worth visiting?
Yes if you want a working West African port city with a coast, markets and everyday street life. Traffic is slow, so plan short trips and group your sights on the same side of the city.
Is Conakry safe for tourists?
Take normal city precautions: use a driver you trust, avoid walking alone after dark and keep your phone out of sight. Check your embassy's current advice before you go.
Do I need a visa for Guinea?
Most nationalities do, so apply before you travel. Check the requirements with the Guinean embassy or consulate for your country.
When is the best time to visit Conakry?
The dry season, roughly November to April, has less rain. The rainy season runs roughly June to October and brings heavy downpours that slow traffic.
How do you get from the airport to Conakry?
Take a driver or taxi arranged before you land from Gbessia airport. Agree the fare before you leave the terminal.