The climate of Busumbala
Positioned in
The Gambia,
Busumbala boasts a prevailing "Aw" Köppen climate categorization, indicating Tropical wet and dry or savanna climate. This designates that Busumbala is a fertile terrain, rich in biotic biodiversity owing to its distinct wet and dry seasons.
A comprehensive perusal of climate data reveals that year-round temperatures broadly fluctuate within mid to high 20°C (68°F)s.
January's lower temperature sits at 21.6°C (70.9°F), ramping up to 26.9°C (80.4°F) by
October. In contrast, the high temperature peaks at a moderately uniform level, mellowing from 29.5°C (85.1°F) in
March to 28.1°C (82.6°F) in
May with a yearly high of 31.8°C (89.2°F) in
November.
Relative humidity scales show a noticeable arc, with the minimum level of 39% reached in January progressing to 80% by
August before descending back to 42% in
December. Months with maximum rainfall concur with high humidity, with rains escalating from a mere sprinkle in
April to a pouring 177mm (6.97") by August. The number of rainy days correspondingly escalates from 0.5 days on average in March to 21.6 days in August. Unambiguously unique weather pattern discernible in Busumbala is high sunshine duration and UV index throughout the year, maintaining consistent spans of 9.6 to 9.9 hours and a uniform level of 7 in UV index.
The best time to visit Busumbala
Judging by climatological data for
Busumbala, the most agreeable time for visitation, particularly for outdoor activities, is during the dry months from
November to
March. During these months, the area experiences minimum rainfall with an average range between 0mm (0") in November and
December and 2mm (0.08") in March. The relative humidity also rests at the lower end of the yearly scale, from 42% in December to 51% in March. Furthermore, the temperature remains temperate throughout these months, fluctuating between 21.6°C (70.9°F) to 22.3°C (72.1°F) and 29.2°C (84.6°F) to 31.8°C (89.2°F).
The worst time to visit Busumbala
The most challenging time to visit
Busumbala, primarily due to likely weather constraints, is the monsoon period - peaking between
July and
September. During this interval, the region grapples with substantial rainfall from 74mm (2.91") to 177mm (6.97"), alongside a sharp increase in the number of rainy days escalating from 14.9 to 21.6. Compounded with high humidity levels peaking at 80% in
August, this period is expected to present some issues in outdoor mobility and activities.
Spring weather in Busumbala
Spring in
Busumbala, extending from
March to
May, reveals a gradual shift in weather conditions. The temperature remains generally high, with lows ranging between 22°C (71.6°F) to 22.8°C (73°F) and highs from 29.4°C (84.9°F) to 28.1°C (82.6°F). Rainfall is minimal at the start but gradually amplifies from 2mm (0.08") in March to 5mm (0.2") in May. Correspondingly, the number of monthly rainy days escalates from 0.5 to 2.7. Increasing daylight hours from 12.1 to 12.7 hours further defines this period.
Summer weather in Busumbala
Summer months from
June to
August in
Busumbala coincide with the peak monsoon season. The temperature remains uniformly high, with the lows ranging from 25°C (77°F) to 26.1°C (79°F) and the highs vary from 28.1°C (82.6°F) to 29.1°C (84.4°F). Humidity swells in contention with the escalating rainfall that surges from 14mm (0.55") in June to a substantial 177mm (6.97") in August bringing in a substantial jump in the number of rainy days from 7 to 21.6. Amid these conditions, sunshine hours decline from 12.9 to 12.6 hours.
Autumn weather in Busumbala
Autumn, from
September to
November, signals a decrease in monsoon activity and a return to more agreeable conditions. The temperatures remain relatively stable with lows ranging from 26.1°C (79°F) to 26.2°C (79.2°F) and highs from 29.5°C (85.1°F) to 31.8°C (89.2°F). Rainfall registers a significant fall from 121mm (4.76") in September to 2mm (0.08") in November and with it, the number of rainy days reduced from 17.6 to 1.6. Simultaneously, daylight hours gradually wane from 12.2 to 11.5 hours.
Winter weather in Busumbala
Winter months,
December to
February, in
Busumbala are characterized by a complete respite from the monsoon. The temperature range narrows down from lows between 21.6°C (70.9°F) to 22.3°C (72.1°F) and highs from 29.5°C (85.1°F) to 29.2°C (84.6°F). Rainfall is essentially absent during this period, adding to the charm of comfortable weather conditions with relative humidity ranging from 39% to 44%. Sunshine hours remain consistent from 11.4 to 11.7 hours, contributing to overall agreeable conditions of the winter period.
Weather in January
The year in
Busumbala,
The Gambia starts with warm temperatures. Compared to the following month,
January experiences a slightly higher amount of sunshine with 9.7 hours and a UV index at seven. Basking under a sparse 13% cloud coverage, the residents enjoy pleasant weather with relatively low humidity of 39%.
Weather in January »Weather in February
In
February,
Busumbala's weather conditions remain largely unchanged from
January. However, residents might note a slight decrease in sunshine hours and a slight increase in cloud percentage. The climatic parameters denote a steady transition to the wetter months.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March brings in subtle changes in
Busumbala's weather pattern. As the area moves towards
April, the air becomes slightly more humid with relative humidity at 51%, the residents can feel an increment in moisture content. Sunshine hours remain consistent, promising a fair share of luminous days despite the increasing humidity.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
As
Busumbala welcomes
April, an increase is noted in both rainfall and relative humidity. The weather takes a turn towards being warmer and wetter indicating the start of the pre-monsoon season. Still, the region enjoys a healthy amount of sunlit hours infused with a rising heat quotient.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May is characterized by a significant hike in rain, up to 5mm (0.2") from 1mm (0.04") in
April, setting the stage for the arrival of monsoon in
Busumbala. An accompanying rise in relative humidity and temperature is observed, heralding the full bloom of the wet season soon.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June witnesses the transition from pre-monsoon to the monsoon phase in
Busumbala. An increase in rainfall, peaking at 14mm (0.55"), confirms this transition. Cloud cover escalates while the UV index remains consistently high, reflecting the unique balance of sun and rain during this period.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Weather in
July is typically marked by heavy rainfall, reaching the highest value of 74mm (2.91"). With humidity peaking at 77%,
Busumbala faces the zenith of the wet season. The sky remains significantly covered in clouds, dropping the sunshine hours to its lowest annual levels of 8.1 hours.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August continues with high rainfall volumes, recording the year's maximum amount of 177mm (6.97"). This is coupled with the highest percentage of cloud cover and relative humidity, reflecting the intensity of the monsoon in
Busumbala.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September indicates the retreat of monsoon with a significant decrease in rainfall to 121mm (4.76"). However, it still remains as one of the wetter months in the year in
Busumbala. The cloud cover starts to thin allowing more sunshine.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
As
Busumbala steps into
October, further retreat of rain is marked with a substantial drop in precipitation to 31mm (1.22"). Visibility improves with less cloud cover and increased sunshine hours. October is a transition period between the monsoon and dry seasons.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November ushers in the dry season in
Busumbala. A significant drop in rainfall to just 2mm (0.08") and reduced cloud cover is indicative of this transition. The weather becomes much drier and windier, making November a comfortable month for outdoor activities.
Weather in November » Weather in December
The last month of the year in
Busumbala has the least rainfall, registering almost no precipitation. The weather turns distinctly dry with relative humidity dropping to 42%. With minimal cloud coverage, the city basks in generous sunshine hours.
Weather in December »