Foumban sits on the Bamoun plateau at around 1,200 metres, so the climate is mild year-round — daytime highs around 25°C and cool nights. The dry season, from November to February, is the most comfortable time to visit: clear skies, dusty harmattan winds in January, and good visibility on the road from Bafoussam.
The rains run from March to October, with the heaviest downpours in August and September. The rains rarely make the town impassable, but red mud can make the walk between the palace and the artisans' quarter slippery. The biennial Nguon festival in December — a Bamoun cultural celebration with royal processions, masked dancing and craft displays — is the single best reason to time a visit.