The climate of Barra
The prevalent climate situation in
Barra,
The Gambia is classified under the Aw code of the Köppen climate classification, indicating a tropical wet and dry climate or savanna. Geographically, Barra's position in the North Bank Division of The Gambia contributes to its weather conditions.
Monthly averages reveal distinct patterns across several weather parameters. Temperature highs range from 28.1°C (82.6°F) in
May to 31.8°C (89.2°F) in
November while temperature lows vary from 21.6°C (70.9°F) to 26.9°C (80.4°F) in
February and
October respectively. Relative humidity punctuates the air with a varying rate from 39% to 80% throughout the year. Precipitation is notably sporadic, with rainfall in millimeters ranging dramatically from 0mm (0") to about 177mm (6.97") between February and
August.
Visibility in Barra remains at a steady 10km (6.2mi) all year, while the percentage of cloudy skies varies from a mere 6% in
April to a significant 50% during August. A closer look at the barometric pressure reveals minimal fluctuation, hovering around the 1010-1012mb mark throughout the year. Wind speeds also exhibit a similar consistency, generally ranging from 12.8km/h (8mph) to 18.6km/h (11.6mph) in
September and February respectively.
The best time to visit Barra
Given the variance in weather conditions, the ideal time to visit
Barra would be from
November to
March. During this period, the weather is at its most pleasant with temperature highs fluctuating around 29.5°C (85.1°F) to 31.2°C (88.2°F), and lows maintaining a comfortable range from 23.8°C (74.8°F) to 26.1°C (79°F). Moreover, rainfall is virtually nonexistent, and the relative humidity hovers at a manageable 42% to 55%.
The worst time to visit Barra
In contrast to the peak travel times, the least appealing period to visit
Barra would be during the months of
July to
September when the wet season is at its peak. The temperature highs during these months sit comfortably between 29.2°C (84.6°F) to 29.5°C (85.1°F). However, the relative humidity shoots up to 77% - 80%, and a substantial increase in rainfall is observed. Over these three months, the average monthly rainfall surges from 74mm (2.91") in July to a striking 177mm (6.97") in
August.
Spring weather in Barra
Spring in
Barra, encompassing
March to
May, is characterized by moderately high temperatures. Temperature highs shift from 29.4°C (84.9°F) in March to 28.1°C (82.6°F) by May, with lows reflecting a minimal increase from 22°C (71.6°F) to 22.8°C (73°F). This period also experiences an uptick in rainfall, progressively increasing from 2mm (0.08") in March to 5mm (0.2") in May.
Summer weather in Barra
The summer months from
June to
August in
Barra experience a significant rise in rainfall, going from a scant 14mm (0.55") in June to a whopping 177mm (6.97") in August. The temperature highs range between 28.8°C (83.8°F) and 29.2°C (84.6°F). The level of humidity encounters an upward trend, reaching up to 80%, and the complexity of the weather is further amplified by the rise in cloud coverage and the reduction in average daily sunshine hours from 12.9 hours to 12.6 hours.
Autumn weather in Barra
Autumn, marked by
September to
November, brings a gradual decrease in temperature in
Barra, with highs swinging from 29.5°C (85.1°F) in September down to 30.5°C (86.9°F) in November. However, the relative humidity drops distinctively from 80% in September to a drier 55% by November.
Winter weather in Barra
Winter in
Barra features minimal rainfall and lowers relative humidity. With a low of 22.3°C (72.1°F) in
December, rising to 26.9°C (80.4°F) in
February, it also clocks the coldest months of the year. Rainfall is virtually absent during this time, and the humidity levels settle between 39% and 42%, promising pleasant conditions for exploring the region.
Weather in January
The year in
Barra starts with a rise in temperature, the lowest of which is 22.3°C (72.1°F), thus setting the tone for mild winters. Though the temperature difference from
February is not much, there is a considerable decrease in relative humidity (from 44% to 39%).
Weather in January »Weather in February
Weather in
February in
Barra has some minor yet noticeable changes from the preceding month. Temperature in Barra slightly declines, with the highest temperature recorded at 29.2°C (84.6°F). The overall humidity also has an upward trend, although no significant precipitation occurs.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Unlike the first two months,
March in
Barra witnesses a significant shift in its weather conditions. The relative humidity increases further to 51%, culminating in the onset of rainfall, though only trace amounts are observed. Comparatively, temperature and sunshine hours follow a similar trend as experienced in
February.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
As
April approaches, the weather in
Barra continues on its progressive course towards escalating humidity and rainfall. In comparison to
March, April experiences a distinct increase in rainfall from 2mm (0.08") to 5mm (0.2"). In terms of temperature, this month leans towards cooler tendencies with a high of 28.8°C (83.8°F).
Weather in April »Weather in May
May sees a significant shift in weather conditions in
Barra. This month observes a dramatic surge in rainfall, escalating to 14mm (0.55") from a mere 5mm (0.2") in
April. Despite the rise, temperatures remain relatively stable, maintaining a subtly cooler climate.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June weather in
Barra boasts a high of 28.8°C (83.8°F), hence maintaining the temperature trend seen in
May. However, the rainfall amplifies exponentially in this month, from 14mm (0.55") to a whopping 74mm (2.91"), reflecting the full swing of the rainy season.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Barra is the climax of the monsoon season, with the precipitation peaking at its highest for the year at 177mm (6.97"). This significantly higher rainfall from the 74mm (2.91") observed in
June influences an increase in relative humidity, which reaches 77%.
Weather in July » Weather in August
As
August takes its place in
Barra, there is a noticeable reduction in rainfall from 177mm (6.97") in
July to 121mm (4.76"). The drop slightly eases off the peak monsoon conditions experienced in the previous month. Cloud coverage also reaches a maximum with 50% cloudiness for the year, hindering the amount of sunshine received.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September in
Barra marks the subsiding of the heavy monsoon and the onset of the post-monsoon period. Rainfall decreases further to 31mm (1.22") from 121mm (4.76"), indicating a shift towards the dry period. Furthermore, while the temperature shoots up to a maximum of 29.5°C (85.1°F), the wind speed lessens to 12.8km/h (8mph).
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October further eases down on the rain with a decrease from 31mm (1.22") to 2mm (0.08"), a drastic transformation from the preceding month. Temperatures elevate to a high of 31.2°C (88.2°F), being the highest for the year, and considerably higher than
September.
Weather in October » Weather in November
Returning to the aridity that was experienced at the beginning of the year,
November in
Barra marks a slight dip in temperature, although it still hovers at a high of 31.8°C (89.2°F). Rainfall is minimal, and the climate remains mostly dry, similar to
October.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December in
Barra displays further cooling in the weather with a high temperature of 30.5°C (86.9°F) and no traces of rainfall. This indicates a stark variance from the heated and dry conditions seen in
November. Wind speed, once again, hikes up to 17.1km/h (10.6mph), the third-highest for the year.
Weather in December »