Varela, Guinea-Bissau: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Varela, Guinea-Bissau? If you're planning to go to Varela, this article contains some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Varela, Guinea-Bissau

Based on the climate and weather in Varela, Guinea-Bissau, the best time to go is December. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Varela, Guinea-Bissau

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Varela, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Varela, Guinea-Bissau by month

January

If you vacation in Varela during January, you may find that it is extremely hot, very hazy and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 60s F (high 10s C). Humidity is generally between 20 and 30% during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Guinea-Bissau has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Varela may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C. Take care to choose the right kind. The vast majority of adapters currently available are just plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most locations.

February

If you visit Varela during February, you are likely to find that it is a scorcher, somewhat hazy and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 60s F (high 10s C). Humidity is generally between 20 and 30% during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Guinea-Bissau has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Varela may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C. Be sure to get the correct kind. The majority of adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

March

March here is a scorcher, very hazy and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Guinea-Bissau has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Varela may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C. Ensure that you get the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are just plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most countries.

April

April for Varela can be sizzling, very hazy and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Guinea-Bissau has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Varela may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C. Ensure that you pick the right kind. Most adapters for sale now are just plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

May

May is unbearably hot, somewhat hazy and dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the low 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Guinea-Bissau has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Varela may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C. Be careful to get the correct type. Most adapters for sale now are just plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

June

June here can be very hot and somewhat stormy. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Guinea-Bissau has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Varela may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C. Be sure to get the right type. The vast majority of adapters available are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

July

If you vacation in Varela during July, you may notice that it is consistently hot, somewhat rainy and very stormy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C). Humidity is generally around 70 during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Guinea-Bissau has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Varela may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C. It's important that you find the right type. A lot of adapters available are just plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

August

In August, Varela is really hot, very rainy and very stormy. Temperatures routinely are in the 80s F (low 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 70s F (low 20s C). This is also a rainy time for Varela, with more than half of the days of the month having rain. In August, humidity reaches as high as 80%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Guinea-Bissau has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Varela may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C. Ensure that you find the necessary type. A lot of adapters available online are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

September

Traveling to Varela in September, you will notice that it can be sweltering, somewhat rainy and very stormy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Guinea-Bissau has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Varela may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C. Check that you get the correct type. A lot of adapters currently sold are just plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

October

October here can be sweltering and somewhat stormy. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Guinea-Bissau has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Varela may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C. Check that you pick the necessary type. Most adapters for sale now are simply plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most places.

November

If you are traveling to Varela in November, you will notice that it is really hot, somewhat hazy and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Guinea-Bissau has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Varela may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C. Be careful to pick the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are just plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

December

December in Varela can be sweltering, very hazy and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Guinea-Bissau has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Varela may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C. Be careful to find the right kind. The vast majority of adapters currently available are just plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

What to do in Varela, Guinea-Bissau

Varela, located in the northwestern part of Guinea-Bissau, is a hidden gem steeped in history and culture. The town offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the country's colonial past and experience its vibrant local culture. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Varela that must not be missed.

1. Fortaleza de Sao Jose da Amura

Built in the 18th century, Fortaleza de Sao Jose da Amura is a historical attraction that boasts a panoramic view of the town and the nearby Cassamance River. The Portuguese colonial fortification is situated on a hilltop, and visitors can explore the fort's ruins while enjoying the beautiful scenery around.

2. Varela Beach

Varela Beach is a beautiful and serene stretch of coastline that offers visitors miles of white sand and turquoise water. It is an ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing, and a range of water sports. Visitors can also explore the nearby mangrove forest or take a boat trip down the Cassamance River.

3. Bolama Island

Bolama Island, located about 30 kilometers from Varela, is one of the oldest colonial cities in Guinea-Bissau. The island is famous for its lush, verdant forests, historical buildings, and beautiful beaches. Visitors can take a guided tour of the island and visit the colonial buildings that date back to the 19th century.

4. Parque Nacional de Dulombi

Situated approximately 25 kilometers from Varela, Parque Nacional de Dulombi is a protected area that is home to a range of endangered species, including chimpanzees, elephants, and monkeys. Visitors can take a guided safari tour to explore the park and experience the natural beauty of the region.

5. Casa da Cultura

Casa da Cultura is a cultural institution that aims to promote and showcase the culture and traditions of Guinea-Bissau. Visitors can participate in workshops, concerts, and exhibitions that provide a glimpse into the country's cultural heritage. The building itself is an attraction, as it features colonial-era architecture.

In conclusion, Varela offers a unique and authentic travel experience for visitors who want to immerse themselves in the culture and history of Guinea-Bissau. From the colonial-era fortifications and historical buildings to the beautiful beaches and wildlife parks, Varela has something for everyone.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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