The climate of Bakau
Appearing in the tropical savanna climate zone,
Bakau in
The Gambia is characterized by the Aw classification per Köppen climate rules. On the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, Bakau monthly average values show a modest difference in temperature parameters from a high of 31.8°C (89.2°F) in
November to a low of 21.6°C (70.9°F) in
February, portraying its warm and stable yearly atmospheric conditions.
Relative humidity swings are more palpable, fluctuating from 39% in
January to a soaring 80% in
August and
September, reflective of a transition from dry to humid conditions midway through the year. Intense rainfall in
July, August, and September, reaching 74mm (2.91"), 177mm (6.97"), and 121mm (4.76") respectively seems to follow this trend. These three months also bear witness to the highest amount of rainy days ranging from 14.9 to 21.6 days.
Days with sunshine decrease from a zenith of 30.7 days in January gradually to a nadir of 7.3 days in August showcasing a clear pattern of escalating cloud cover which at its peak in August, makes up 50% of the sky. This change is concurrent with the rainy season and likely results from it, offering an intriguing interplay of sunlight and rain in Bakau.
The best time to visit Bakau
Calm, favorable conditions mark
January, with its 9.7 hours of sunlight, a moderate relative humidity of 39%, and visibly clear skies, only 13% covered by clouds. The UV index is 7, which implies a need for sunscreen, but the average high temperature of 29.5°C (85.1°F) and a comfortable low of 22.3°C (72.1°F) ensure enjoyable outdoor activities. The wind speed is a moderate 17.9km/h (11.1mph), adding further serenity to the atmospheric conditions.
February and
March continue to offer inviting weather, slightly hotter temperatures, and extended daylight. Acceptance of these months for a visit should account for a slight increase in humidity and a barely noticeable increase in average rainfall from 0mm (0") to 2mm (0.08") in March.
The worst time to visit Bakau
Bakau's climate becomes challenging during its pronounced rainy season, particularly in
August. This month is marked by a high relative humidity of 80%, coupled with significant recorded rainfall of 177mm (6.97") spread over 21.6 days. Additionally, the quantity of sunshine wanes to 7.3 hours a day, and sunshine days drop dramatically to a seven-day minimum. These conditions could disrupt vacation plans and limit outdoor activities.
The challenging weather conditions persist in
September with a similar relative humidity picturing a saturated environment. Rainfall, although decreased to 121mm (4.76") scattered over 17.6 days, can interrupt planned outdoor excursions.
Spring weather in Bakau
From
March through
May,
Bakau experiences an interesting transition from a drier state to a more humid one. Average high temperatures fluctuate between 29.4°C (84.9°F) and 28.1°C (82.6°F), while lows hover between 22°C (71.6°F) to 22.8°C (73°F). Average rainfall increases dramatically from 2mm (0.08") in March to 5mm (0.2") in May.
Despite this hike in rainfall, the spring months in Bakau present a good balance of climate conditions with temperatures conducive for exploration and humidity ranging from 51% to 68%. The spring season provides reasonable visibility of 10km (6.2mi), enabling clear views of the local surroundings.
Summer weather in Bakau
The period from
June to
August, marks the summer season and the advent of the rainy period in
Bakau. With temperatures ranging from 28.8°C (83.8°F) to 29.2°C (84.6°F), the weather reaches its highest humidity, reaching up to 80% in August.
The rainfall reaches its peak at 177mm (6.97") in August, shared over 21.6 days, indicating a persistent rainy climate. These months register decreased daylight hours, cut down to approximately 12.9 hours in June to 12.6 hours in August, potentially hampering outdoor activities.
Autumn weather in Bakau
Autumn in
Bakau witnesses a departure from the preceding monsoonal period into a more tranquil climatic phase. From
September to
November, high temperatures abate slightly to 31.2°C (88.2°F) in
October and come down to an average low of 26.2°C (79.2°F) by November.
Rainfall dips considerably from 121mm (4.76") in September to 2mm (0.08") in November, with similar downtrends seen in the number of rainy days. An increase in hours of sunshine and a gradual decrease in humidity, from 80% in September to 55% in November, further contributes to the enjoyable autumn climate.
Winter weather in Bakau
Winter season in
Bakau is defined by a conducive climate for visitors, as it experiences comfortable ambient conditions.
December and
January see less volatile patterns with barely any rainfall, lower relative humidity values around 42% and temperature lows of 23.8°C (74.8°F) in December, warming to 22.3°C (72.1°F) in January.
Daylight hours range from 11.3 hours to 11.4 hours, offering ample time to explore. Meanwhile, wind speeds of 17.1km/h (10.6mph) in December and 17.9km/h (11.1mph) in January nicely complement the existing delightful conditions, making winter the prime time to visit Bakau.
Weather in January
January weather in
Bakau experiences mild conditions. There is a noticeable shift in the weather from
December, with temperatures slightly increasing and touching a high of 29.5°C (85.1°F). The weather remains largely dry with minimal rainfall.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February in
Bakau carries the mild conditions from
January. Despite the slight decrease in average temperatures, it remains warm. The humidity also sees a small rise, a trend that carries over into
March. Largely dry, February sees little to no rainfall, making it perfect for outdoor activities.
Weather in February » Weather in March
As
Bakau transitions into
March, the weather becomes increasingly humid with the relative humidity touching 51%. This month experiences a slight uptick in rainfall along with a marginal rise in average temperature. Despite the changes, sunshine remains abundant maintaining the warm days.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Bakau experiences a significant change in weather during
April. The climb in relative humidity from the previous month confirms the imminent arrival of the rainy season. April sees marginally more rain, however, it does not affect the general dryness.
Weather in April » Weather in May
In
May,
Bakau starts showing signs of transitioning from the dry season to the wet season. A substantial increase in relative humidity to 68% signifies higher moisture levels in the air. The temperature dips slightly but remains quite warm.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June marks the beginning of the rainy season in
Bakau. The most significant change is the sharp increase in rainfall from 5mm (0.2") in
May to 74mm (2.91"). Average temperature increases slightly and it becomes more humid. The amount of sunshine decreases due to the increased cloudiness.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the peak of the rainy season in
Bakau. With a considerable leap in rainfall to 177mm (6.97"), it is the wettest month of the year. The weather remains warm with slight variances in temperature. Limited sunshine hours and high levels of cloud cover add to the intensity of the monsoons.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August weather in
Bakau is characterized by high rainfall and high humidity. Following
July, it continues to bear the brunt of the wet season with rainfall marginally lesser at 121mm (4.76"). The days are slightly shorter with reduced sunshine hours.
Weather in August » Weather in September
In
September,
Bakau sees a decline in rainfall marking the end of the rainy season. However, conditions remain wet and humid, similar to the previous month. The sunshine hours and average temperatures see a slight rise, making the days warmer.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings significant weather changes in
Bakau. The drop in rainfall brings about the transition from the rainy to the dry season. Humidity also decreases considerably, leading to more comfortable conditions. The increased sunshine hours contribute to the pleasant weather, but the UV index remains high.
Weather in October » Weather in November
Bakau in
November is characterized by low rainfall and declining humidity. Following the trend of
October, the weather continues to transition into the dry season. Temperatures also see a slight increase, leading to consistently dry and warm days.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December wraps up the year with warm and dry conditions in
Bakau. The city experiences no rainfall, thus marking the onset of the dry season. High pressure of 1012mb ensures clear skies and an abundance of sunlight. Relative humidity falls further, resulting in a lower chance of precipitation.
Weather in December »