Understanding tidal dynamics in shallow estuaries is of paramount importance to assess the influence of the parameters control them. In the present study, a comprehensive analysis of the tides in the Wouri estuary (Cameroon) was carried out with a high resolution two-dimensional numerical model. Non-stationary harmonic analysis (S_TIDE) and spatio-temporal variation of tidal asymmetry allowed us to quantify changes and tidal asymmetry metrics in the Wouri estuary. A relative sensitivity coefficient (RSC) was introduced to decompose the contribution of tidal amplitude variations to multiple tidal asymmetries. The result reveal an attenuation of the tidal wave as it propagates inland, with a notable reduction in tidal range. This phenomenon is also amplified by the increase in river flow. The positive values of the asymmetry factor confirm a flood dominance in the upper part of the estuary with a pronounced increase upstream. Conversely, ebb dominance with negative values in the lower part of the estuary. The two tidal combinations M2/M4 and M2/S2/MS4 are identified as the main contributors to the tidal asymmetry in the Wouri estuary. These results allowed the Wouri estuary to be qualified as tidal in its lower part and fluvial in its upper part. The evolution of the tidal amplitude and asymmetry may depend significantly on the variations of the river flow and the morphology of the estuary.