October weather forecast
Bwiam, The Gambia

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. The daytime sunlight starts increasing to brighten the city. While temperatures start lowering, the city still maintains its warmth. The tapering off of the monsoon season makes October an ideal time to visit the city's national parks.

Temperature

With the onset of October in Bwiam, the average high-temperature subtly transitions from a hot 32°C (89.6°F) in September to a very hot 35.4°C (95.7°F). During the month of October, an average low-temperature of 24.8°C (76.6°F) is recorded in Bwiam.

Heat index

The average heat index in October is evaluated at a life-threatening hot 51°C (123.8°F). Be on the lookout: Heat cramps and heat exhaustion are anticipated. Continued exertion can result in heatstroke.
In terms of the heat index, values are set with light wind and shade conditions in mind. Direct sunshine exposure could raise heat index values by as much as 15 Fahrenheit (8 Celsius) degrees.
Note: The heat index, also known as 'felt air temperature' or 'feels like', is a measure that combines air temperature and relative humidity into a single value that indicates how hot the weather feels. Factors such as metabolic variation, pregnancy, and physical activity play a role in one's impression of weather. Under direct sun rays, the felt temperature might be heightened, with the heat index increasing by 15 Fahrenheit (8 Celsius) degrees. Heat index values are highly important for children. Young children typically face greater hazards than adults because they do not sweat as much. Their larger skin surface in comparison to their little bodies and the high heat production from their active nature compounds their vulnerability.
For the human body, perspiration is the go-to method to regulate temperature, using sweat's evaporation to dissipate warmth. Under conditions of high relative humidity, the rate of evaporation decreases. This results in the body retaining more heat than under conditions of dry air. As the body gains more heat than it can dissipate, there's a risk of increasing temperatures and resultant overheating.

Humidity

The average relative humidity in October in Bwiam is 68%.

Rainfall

In October, in Bwiam, the rain falls for 9.3 days. Throughout October, 35mm (1.38") of precipitation is accumulated. In Bwiam, during the entire year, the rain falls for 84.2 days and collects up to 453mm (17.83") of precipitation.

Daylight

In Bwiam, the average length of the day in October is 11h and 50min.
On the first day of October in Bwiam, sunrise is at 06:53 and sunset at 18:53. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 06:58 and sunset at 18:37 GMT.

Sunshine

In Bwiam, the average sunshine in October is 9.6h.

UV index

The months with the lowest UV index in Bwiam, The Gambia, are January through March, June through December, with an average maximum UV index of 7. A UV Index value of 6 to 7 symbolizes a high health risk from exposure to the Sun's UV rays for the average person.
Note: The UV index of 7 in October translates into these instructions:
Continue precautions and advocate sun safety advice. Deterrence of sunburn is indispensable. The Sun's UV radiation is most potent between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Try to avoid direct sunlight during this time. A wide-brimmed hat is a shield, deflecting up to 50% of harmful UV radiation from eyes.