The climate of Essau
Essau is subjected to Aw, the Köppen climate classification, synonymous to a Tropical savanna climate. Tropical savannas are found mainly in the lower latitudes. Tropical savannas have warm temperature throughout the year with a pronounced dry season. Geographically, Essau is located within
The Gambia, positioned in the continent of Africa.
Every facet of Essau's climate presents itself in unique ways throughout the year. Let's take a closer look. The highest average temperature reaches up to 31.8°C (89.2°F) in
November, with the mercury dipping as low as 21.6°C (70.9°F) in
February. It is relevant to note that the town's humidity levels peak in
August at an extremely high 80%, mitigating to a lower level of 39% in
January and
March. From being completely dry in January and
December with no rainfall, Essau's climate morphs into its most humid stage in August with the highest rainfall of 177mm (6.97") in a month, spanning across 21.6 days on average.
Identifying unique weather patterns enhances the understanding of Essau's climate nuances. Removing the variables of months with no rainfall or significant rainfall, it's significant to note
April,
May and,
June that only encounter a light drizzle to moderate precipitation, growing incrementally from 1mm (0.04") to 14mm (0.55"). The months following June, particularly
July to
September, encounter heavy rainfall juxtaposed with a clear amplifying curve in humidity levels that lends to the volume of precipitation experienced.
The best time to visit Essau
Based on the climate parameters, it is recommended to visit
Essau during the months of
March and
April. These months offer relatively lower humidity levels—51% to 59%—than the rest of the year. The high average temperature hovers comfortably from 29.4°C (84.9°F) to 28.8°C (83.8°F). Furthermore, rainfall is minimal during these months, lying at a mere 1 to 2mm (0.08") over few days. Visitors can expect a good duration of daylight, about 12.1 to 12.4 hours daily, accompanied by a healthy span of sunshine that clocks in at around 9.9 hours per day.
The worst time to visit Essau
It would be advisable to avoid planning a trip to
Essau during the period from
July to
September. These months see the highest rainfall trends of the year, skyrocketing to up to 177mm (6.97") in
August. Alongside this, they also have the most number of rainy days in a month, peaking at more than three weeks in August. Humidity is also at its highest through this period, with an average relative humidity of 80% in August and September.
Spring weather in Essau
Spring, extending from
March to
May, in
Essau is marked by rising humidity and a slight increase in rainfall. The temperatures remain relatively stable, ranging from 29.4°C (84.9°F) to 28.1°C (82.6°F) during the day and fluctuating between 22°C (71.6°F) and 22.8°C (73°F) during the night. The rainfall during these months sees a steady rise from 2mm (0.08") in March to 14mm (0.55") in
June.
Summer weather in Essau
The summer months,
June to
August, in
Essau are characterized by high humidity, significant rainfall, and warm temperatures. The highest temperature recorded is 29.2°C (84.6°F) in June, while the lowest is recorded as 26.1°C (79°F) in August. The period sees a drastic rise in precipitation from 14mm (0.55") in June to a whopping 177mm (6.97") in August.
Autumn weather in Essau
Essau's autumn, encompassing
September to
November, is a transitional period marked by a decrease in both temperature and rainfall. Average daytime temperatures range from a high of 31.2°C (88.2°F) in
October to a low of 28.8°C (83.8°F) in September. The rainfall drops from 121mm (4.76") in September to just 2mm (0.08") in November.
Winter weather in Essau
In winter, spanning
December to
February,
Essau experiences a return to a dry climate, with no precipitation recorded in December and February. The average temperature lies between a high of 30.5°C (86.9°F) in December and a low of 29.2°C (84.6°F) in February. Daylight hours are slightly shorter in these months, averaging between 11.3 hours and 11.7 hours. Despite the dryness, Essau sees slightly higher humidity levels compared to the start of the year.
Weather in January
The climate of
Essau takes on its mildest form at the onset of the new year, becoming significantly less dry.
January is graced with more sunlight equating to approximately 11.4h, making it a brilliant time for outdoor activities in Essau,
The Gambia.
Weather in January »Weather in February
As the year progresses into
February,
Essau experiences some distinctive climatic dynamics. This month presents a slight drop in daylight hours to 11.7h, yet retains an ample amount of sunlight throughout the day. Consequentially, UV index remains steady at 6 amidst the climatic transitions.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March presents certain atmospheric conditions unique to itself. It signals the return of rainfall, albeit minimal, to the city of
Essau, recording an average rainfall of 2mm (0.08") over 0.5 days. Although this month retains a significant amount of sunlight with longer daylight hours, the first hints of elevated humidity levels begin to surface, setting the stage for the rainier months ahead.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Changing seasons bring a most notable shift in
April's atmospheric conditions. April ushers in a slight increase in rainfall, recording an average of 1mm (0.04"), which is meager compared to what is observed in subsequent months.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May is synonymous with the onset of more damp conditions in
Essau. Dramatically rising from the previous month, May receives an average rainfall of 5mm (0.2") within 2.7 days, a clear indication of the wet season's approach. As daylight hours extend, cloud cover also increases, promising a humid but balanced weather situation.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June marks a significant turning point in
Essau's climate scenario. An absolute highlight of this month is the highest recorded relative humidity of 75%, indicating a profound rise in moisture content in the atmosphere. This month also sees daylight at its peak, thus marking the height of the year's brightness.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July comes rushing in, bringing the most extreme weather deviations to
Essau. In a stark contrast to the previous month, rainfall increases exponentially to 74mm (2.91"), dispersed over approximately 15 days, setting a record for the year.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August checks in, and with it, the wettest period in
Essau prevails. A staggering 177mm (6.97") of rainfall is recorded this month, the maximum in the year, falling over 22 days. Such volume of rain transforms the region, escalating the relative humidity to an annual high of 80%.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September signals the decline of the monsoon period in
Essau. A significant break in the rainfall pattern takes place as the city records a decrease to an average of 121mm (4.76") spread over approximately 18 days. This period sees a drop in overall cloud cover, which in turn leads to the re-emergence of the sun.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October heralds a significant reduction in monsoonal characteristics, paving the way for a sunny spell. Notably, the rainfall drops to 31mm (1.22") over 8.5 days, giving residents and visitors a much-needed respite. Sunny days dominate, characterised by warm, pleasant temperatures inconspicuously escalating towards the highs registered at year-end.
Weather in October » Weather in November
The sunny pattern strengthens further into
November, setting the tone for comfortable weather conditions in
Essau. Rainfall reduces remarkably to 2mm (0.08"), causing a notable dip in humidity levels. Despite the drop in precipitation, the city remains warm, bathed in sunshine.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December rounds off the year with its own unique climatic peculiarities.
Essau becomes the driest in December, with absolutely no rainfall recorded. This absence of rainfall comes hand in hand with dropping temperature, depicting the coolest month of the year, delivering refreshing comfort.
Weather in December »