The climate of Bwiam
In the small, bustling town of
Bwiam, located in
The Gambia, a predominantly Aw climate classification is observed annually according to the Köppen climate system. This type of climate, often known as Tropical Savanna or Wet and Dry, thoroughly drenches the landscape with rain during peak months and drying it considerably during other parts.
Throughout the year, this part of The Gambia witnesses an interesting teasing dance between high temperatures, humidity, and rainfall. On average, temperatures peak from
March to
May at levels around 38.4°C (101.1°F) while the cooler period sees temperatures plunge to 20.6°C (69.1°F), primarily from
December to
February. The humidity follows an opposite pattern, starting low at 20% in
January before climbing steadily upwards to reach 80% in
September before descending again.
Rainfall readings differ substantially throughout the year, providing clear delineation of the wet and dry seasons in Bwiam. A long dry spell apparent from December to
April contributes almost negligible rainfall. By contrast,
July and
August record the highest rainfall, with pan-bursting quantities of 94mm (3.7") and 188mm (7.4") respectively. Alongside this, the number of rainfall days also skyrockets during these months, going as high as 22.4 days in August.
Sunshine duration and solar radiation are fairly consistent throughout the year, although minimal drops are seen during the wet season. A maximum daylight duration is observed from
June to July at 12.9 hours whereas slight shortening is noted in December, with only 11.4 hours of daylight.
The best time to visit Bwiam
From a meteorological perspective, the most favorable times to visit
Bwiam would be during the dry season, which spans from
December to
April. During this time, temperatures are significantly cooler, averaging between 20.6°C (69.1°F) to 34.7°C (94.5°F) along with diminished rainfall, and reduced humidity. This period is also marked by clear skies and an impressive visibility of 10 kms, allowing tourists to absorb the beauty of Bwiam without obstacle. Furthermore, the wind during this time is notably calm, adding a tranquil touch to the surrounding environment.
The worst time to visit Bwiam
Contrary to the inviting dry season, the wet season poses less-than-ideal weather conditions in
Bwiam. From
May to
November, the town's weather tends to be less predictable, punctuated by substantial hikes in rainfall and humidity levels.
July and
August emerge to be the least favorable months, with torrential rainfalls of 94mm (3.7") and 188mm (7.4") and oppressive humidity, maxing out at 78%.
Spring weather in Bwiam
Astoundingly, the notion of spring in
Bwiam is characterized less by blooming flowers and more by rising temperatures and humidity.
March to
May sees the mercury climb swiftly, with the highest average temperature of 38.4°C (101.1°F) in
April. Rainfall remains sparse during this time; however, humidity levels show a consistent upward trend, paving way for the imminent onset of the wet season.
Summer weather in Bwiam
The concept of summer in
Bwiam is redefined by the overpowering presence of rainfall and high humidity levels. A clear shift is observed from
June to
August as the average rainfall leaps to 94mm (3.7") in
July followed by a significantly higher average of 188mm (7.4") in August. Alongside this, July to August are the peak months for humidity, crossing 70%.
Autumn weather in Bwiam
Autumn, spanning from
September to
November, showcases an intriguing contrast. While rainfall recedes from its previous peak, the humidity remains high, at 80%, in September. The temperature also begins to gradually cool down, falling from 35.4°C (95.7°F) in September to a mellow 34.7°C (94.5°F) in November.
Winter weather in Bwiam
The town of
Bwiam, in the throes of winter from
December to
February, offers a much-needed respite from the preceding wet, humid months. With an impressive fall in average temperature readings to around 20.6°C (69.1°F), and similarly in humidity levels to 20%, the weather seems blissfully calm and dry. The amount of rainfall also hits a low point during this season, making these winter months ideal for both local residents and tourists alike.
Weather in January
The month commences the year with a generally dry and warm climate in
Bwiam,
The Gambia. Temperatures flit between a substantial 20.6°C (69.1°F) and 34.5°C (94.1°F) while the city experiences 11.5 hours of daylight every day.
Weather in January »Weather in February
As
February steps in,
Bwiam,
The Gambia, gains a slight uptick in warmth but maintains the dry weather pattern of
January. The visible increase in temperatures sees a shift from 20.6°C (69.1°F) in January to 21.1°C (70°F) at the low end.
Weather in February »Weather in March
In
March, weather patterns start deviating slightly from the consistent dryness observed in the initial months. Predominantly, temperatures follow an upward trajectory to hit a high of 37.8°C (100°F) from 35.8°C (96.4°F) in
February.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April's weather in
Bwiam,
The Gambia, continues to warm up, reaching a lofty height of 38.4°C (101.1°F) during the day. This month marks the onset of summer. The humidity begins to rise, giving the air a slightly sticky feel without being overwhelming.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May experiences a paradigm shift in
Bwiam,
The Gambia's weather, as the dry months give way to a more tropical climate. This transition sees a surge in rain, with the city facing rainfall levels of 3mm (0.12"), a noticeable rise from no rainfall in
April.
Weather in May » Weather in June
With the advent of
June,
Bwiam,
The Gambia, officially steps into a more tropical, wetter climate period. The major climatic change sees rainfall skyrocketing to a whopping 15mm (0.59") from mere 3mm (0.12") in
May. The cloud cover thickens, decreasing the amount of direct sun available.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
In
July,
Bwiam,
The Gambia experiences its wettest month of the year, reaching 94mm (3.7") in rainfall. This almost monsoon-like weather marks a distinct difference from the relatively drier climate of previous months. The winds slow down to a gentle speed of 12km/h (7.5mph) as the heavens open frequently and unpredictably.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August continues the rainy season, shrouding
Bwiam,
The Gambia, in a dense cloud cover as heavy rains continue to pour. The heavy rainfall of 188mm (7.4"), the highest recorded in the year, shapes the month's events as locals and tourists adapt to the wetter conditions.
Weather in August » Weather in September
Weather in October
October brings a significant change in the weather, as
Bwiam,
The Gambia starts transitioning back towards a drier climate. The sheer contrast in rainfall, decreasing rapidly to 35mm (1.38") from 115mm (4.53") in
September, sets the pace for drier months ahead.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November marks the definite conclusion of the rainy season in
Bwiam,
The Gambia, as nature dials down the amount of rain to a scanty 2mm (0.08"). The city enjoys clearer skies, and the days become brighter. Temperatures, however, continue to decline, shifting the overall weather tendency towards cooler climes.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Wrapping up the year is
December, offering pleasant weather in
Bwiam,
The Gambia. The city remains rain-free throughout the month. The daylight hours decrease to 11.4 hours, signalling shorter days and longer nights. Temperatures drop to the cooler end of the scale but still remain relatively high.
Weather in December »