The climate of Bijilo National Park
Bijilo National Park, located in the heartland of
The Gambia, notably aligns with the Aw - Tropical wet and dry or savanna climate per the Köppen climate classification. A year-round view of the region's weather reveals high temperatures ranging from 30°C (86°F) to 34°C (93.2°F) and lows hovering between 16°C (60.8°F) and 23°C (73.4°F). Rainfall shows a distinct pattern, a relative absence from
January to
May and escalating quantities from
June peaking in
August with 375mm (14.76").
Daylight hours in the park area fluctuate insignificantly between 11.3 hours to 12.9 hours throughout the year. Sunlight hours range from a high of 10 hours in
April to a low of six hours in August, while UV index follows a direct pattern, peaking at 12 from
March to
September, reducing to nine by
December. Sea temperature, relevant for coastal sightseeing, roots around 21°C (69.8°F) to 22°C (71.6°F) early in the year, peaking at 28°C (82.4°F) from June to
November and relaxing to 25°C (77°F) in December.
The period from June to August is extraordinary, receiving substantial rainfall ranging from 69mm (2.72") to 375mm (14.76") with an average of 12 to 17 rainfall days, contrasting the months of
February to May and September to December which receive minimal to no rainfall.
The best time to visit Bijilo National Park
Factoring in weather parameters, the prime time to visit
Bijilo National Park is from
November to
May. These months exhibit a pleasant blend of reduced rainfall, comfortable temperatures, and a higher influx of sunshine, attributing to improved visibility and navigability around the park. Moreover, sea temperatures rise enticingly, ranging from 24°C (75.2°F) in
April to 28°C (82.4°F) in May, promoting a conducive climate for engaging in coastal activities such as swimming and sightseeing around the coastal region of the park.
The worst time to visit Bijilo National Park
Adversely, from the standpoint of weather patterns, the less favorable period to visit
Bijilo National Park extends from
June to
August. This duration is notorious for its high levels of rainfall reaching an elevated point of 375mm (14.76") in August, attributed to 17 rainfall days. This soggy state of affairs coupled with compromised sunshine hours - a minimum of six hours in August, pose interruptions to outdoor activities and exploration trails around the park.
Spring weather in Bijilo National Park
The spring season, characterized by
March,
April and
May, encapsulates an ascending trend in day temperatures from 31°C (87.8°F) to 34°C (93.2°F) and night temperatures from 18°C (64.4°F) to 22°C (71.6°F). Rainfall is notably sparse, initially non-existent in March and April, then a slight emergence of 5mm (0.2") in May. The period includes strong sunshine hours with a maximum of 10 hours in April and a corresponding optimum sea temperature rising from 21°C (69.8°F) in March to 24°C (75.2°F) in May.
Summer weather in Bijilo National Park
Summers in the park, spanning
June,
July, and
August, witness soaring humidity levels hinged on increased rainfall. Rainfall begins at 69mm (2.72") in June, escalating to a remarkable 375mm (14.76") in August, over 12 to 17 rainfall days. Concurrently, peak sea temperatures of 28°C (82.4°F) ensue, offering a warm ocean experience. Amid these monsoon conditions, temperatures hover at a comfortable 31°C (87.8°F) to 33°C (91.4°F) during the day and 22°C (71.6°F) to 23°C (73.4°F) at night.
Autumn weather in Bijilo National Park
The autumn season, encompassing
September,
October, and
November, sees a gradual downtrend in rainfall from 273mm (10.75") in September to a mere 4mm (0.16") in November. The temperature remains congenial ranging between 31°C (87.8°F) and 32°C (89.6°F) during the day and a cosy 19°C (66.2°F) to 23°C (73.4°F) at night. Sea temperature holds firmly at 28°C (82.4°F) in September and October, dropping slightly to 25°C (77°F) in November.
Winter weather in Bijilo National Park
The winters in the park -
December,
January, and
February, experience a stark decrease in rainfall, effectively coming to a halt in February. The temperature changes minimally with highs from 31°C (87.8°F) to 33°C (91.4°F) and lows ranging from 16°C (60.8°F) to 17°C (62.6°F). Sea temperatures, although at a yearly low, stay relatively warm at 22°C (71.6°F) in December and 21°C (69.8°F) in February. Unhindered by rainfall, these months support optimal exploration of the park's diverse ecosystems.
Weather in January
First month of the new year kicks off with relatively calm weather conditions in
Bijilo National Park,
The Gambia. Mild, consistent temperatures persist, forming a comfortable framework for weather patterns this month. The
January days prove to be abundant in sunlight with unassuming UV indices poised to offer plentiful opportunities for exploration.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Advancing to
February, an observable shift in weather variables doesn't occur. Close likeness is maintained with preceding month -
January in terms of sunshine hours and temperature parameters. Basking in the glow of the sun becomes a delightful possibility, with UV indices at their peak.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Moving to
March,
Bijilo National Park starts to heat up a bit in comparison to
February as it continues its march towards the peak season. The trend of brightly lit, rain-scarce days remains an enduring characteristic of the park's weather.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April brings continuity of the dry season, retaining a flavor of the preceding months. Warmer temperatures under the withering West African sun begin to define the climate of
Bijilo National Park. The weather conditions remain conducive for those who revel in warmth, uncovering outdoors delights in their full splendor.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May marks the initiation of a change in course with respect to weather patterns in comparison to
April. The sunshine hours undergo a slight modulation, yet they continue to be generous, illuminating the park effectively. Signs of impending rains make a timid appearance against the backdrop of the still prevailing sunny days.
Weather in May » Weather in June
Transitioning into
June, the weather exhibits an impactful turn of events from
May. An escalated downpour in the offing introduces itself, turning the tables on the preceding dry spell. The terrain responds viably to this influx, transforming into a verdant landscape.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July unfolds itself as the wettest month in the
Bijilo National Park's calendar, following the rain-laden trend set by
June. A palpable monsoon presence begins to dictate the characteristic weather for this period. A deviation from the searing heat of the previous months becomes dominant, while the ocean maintains a warm embrace.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August persists emphatically with the monsoon demeanor paved by
July. The weather is attuned to repetitions of downpours interspersed with intermittent sunshine. A visible downtrend in daytime high temperatures signifies a slight relief despite the prevailing sultry weather.
Weather in August » Weather in September
Moving on to
September, the heavy rains of
August begin to subside, leaving behind a lush green palette in the park. The otherwise consistent pattern laid out by the monsoon starts to show signs of relenting. Daylight hours and sea temperatures witness marginal adjustments, syncing with the onset of the leaving monsoons.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Bijilo National Park is distinguished by a pronounced reprieve from the monsoon feels of
September. An ambient dryness begins to reclaim the terrain gradually, echoed by a reduced rainfall profile. The sea temperature, consistent with the past months, starts to edge towards a cooler climate.
Weather in October » Weather in November
Coming onto
November, a marked retreat to drier conditions similar to
May becomes evident. Brightly lit days with substantial sunshine hours, soar the mercury to a comfortable warm range. A flicker of the dry season emerges prominently, coinciding aptly with the decreasing trend in total rainfall.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December brings in the closure of the year, shifting back to resemble the initial months of
January and
February. The semi-arid climates return in full swing, offering familiar weather conditions. The park is generously bathed in sunlight, beckoning the explorers once more.
Weather in December »