The climate of Kanifing
Kanifing, based in
The Gambia, is characterized by a tropical wet and dry climate, also known as the savanna climate according to the Köppen climate classification. Positioned near the equator, this locality experiences relatively constant temperatures throughout the year coupled with a marked rainy season.
Analyzing the climatological data, the area experiences a mild range of temperatures from 21.6°C (70.9°F) to 31.8°C (89.2°F). The warmest months observed are from
September to
November, with temperatures frequently surpassing 30°C (86°F). The coldest period lies from
January to
May, with the lowest temperature recorded being 21.6°C (70.9°F) in
February.
Rainfall in Kanifing varies dramatically throughout the year, ranging from hardly any precipitation between
December and
April to a heavy downpour during the monsoon season that starts from
July and ends in September. The highest rainfall is recorded in
August with 177mm (6.97"), making it the wettest month in the whole year.
As regards the relative humidity, it escalates from 39% in January to the peak of 80% during the rainy season from July to September. Monitoring the daylight hours indicates a subtle increase from 11.3 hours in December to 12.9 hours in
June, reflecting the proximity of Kanifing to the equator.
Interestingly, despite the rainfall in the monsoon season, the cloud coverage remains relatively low, escalating from 6% in April to 50% in August. This infers clear skies for a significant portion of the year, ideal for sunbathers and light-seekers.
The best time to visit Kanifing
Given the climatological parameters, the favourable time to visit
Kanifing would be from
November to
April. During these months, temperatures are relatively lower, fluctuating from 22°C (71.6°F) to 29°C (84.2°F), with a decreased likelihood of rain, reducing the humidity to a comfortable level. The month of November stands out for its optimal conditions with an average high of 31.2°C (88.2°F), humidity around 55%, and a mere 2mm (0.08") of rainfall. The weather, during this period, is perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
The worst time to visit Kanifing
The period from
July to
September is considered the least favourable for tourists. Beyond the high temperatures that rise up to 29.5°C (85.1°F), these months witness the highest amounts of rainfall, specifically 177mm (6.97") in
August. This heavy downpour increases humidity levels to a whopping 80%, creating a damp and muggy atmosphere. Strong winds accompany the intense rains, contributing to the overall inclement weather conditions.
Spring weather in Kanifing
Spring, encompassing
March to
May, sees rising temperatures from 28.8°C (83.8°F) to 28.1°C (82.6°F) in
Kanifing. Rainfall data signals the start of the wet season with an increase in precipitation from 2mm (0.08") in March to 5mm (0.2") in May. Despite this, humidity remains moderate, fluctuating between 51% and 68%.
Summer weather in Kanifing
Summer in
Kanifing, from
June to
August, grandly welcomes the rainy season. Temperature averages remain high, oscillating between 28.8°C (83.8°F) and 29.5°C (85.1°F), but the real shift is in rainfall, with an increase from 14mm (0.55") in June to a hefty 177mm (6.97") in August. An accompanying rise in humidity from 75% to 80% results in a rather sticky environment.
Autumn weather in Kanifing
Autumn, encompassing
September to
November, witnesses a gradual decrease in rainfall with 121mm (4.76") in September, dropping sharply to 2mm (0.08") by November. As the rain recedes, so does the humidity, dropping to a more comfortable 55% in November. Meanwhile, the temperatures remain consistent, only mildly dipping from 29.5°C (85.1°F) in September to 31.2°C (88.2°F) in November.
Winter weather in Kanifing
In contrast to the expected cold associated with winter,
December to
February in
Kanifing offers pleasant weather, with average temperatures ranging from 29.5°C (85.1°F) to 29.2°C (84.6°F). These months are the driest, with no recorded rainfall in December and February, and only 2mm (0.08") in
January. The humidity levels during this season drop to a minimum of 39%, ideal for outdoor activities.
Weather in January
Mild breezes herald the weather of
January in
Kanifing, with prospect for clear skies to prevail throughout the month. Tourists can expect gentle winds reaching at most speeds of 19.1km/h (11.9mph). Despite cooler days, humidity stays at lower levels, creating a pleasant atmosphere.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February exhibits a slightly windier weather pattern compared to
January, intensifying to 18.6km/h (11.6mph) on average. A hint of freshness remains in the air primarily due to the average humidity slightly increasing. Yet, the vistas remain uninterrupted by cloud cover, promising sun-filled days.
Weather in February » Weather in March
In
Kanifing,
March witnesses a noticeable change in the climate as the weather transitions from dry winter to a more thundery atmosphere. Characterized by a few rainy days, the total rainfall accumulation becomes 2mm (0.08"). The daylight hours increase even further, making it perfect for tourist activities that require longer hours.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
The weather in
April is foreseen to be relatively warmer with the humidity index going up. With the warmer temperatures, there is an increase in rainfall which, combined, can result in a more humid day. Wind speeds remain largely steady, offering a gentle breeze throughout the day.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May symbolizes the prelude to the rainy season in
Kanifing with the total rainfall reaching 5mm (0.2") over the course of the month. It’s noteworthy that May shows a progressive rise in the humidity index. Additionally, temperatures continue to climb steadily.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June heralds the onset of monsoon season in
Kanifing, with a drastic spike in rainfall that elevates to 14mm (0.55"). The wind speed drops slightly, with the strongest gusts tapering off subsequently. Longer daylight hours are seen as the cloud cover thickens, hence, limiting sunshine duration in comparison to previous months.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July represents the peak of the monsoon period, markedly by a meteoric rise in rainfall that catapults to 74mm (2.91"). Sunshine is considerably less with overcast skies and high humidity levels prevailing throughout the month. With the decrease in sunshine hours, daylight decreases insignificantly, offering an enchanting play of light and shade.
Weather in July » Weather in August
In
Kanifing, the month of
August is characterized by a peak in monsoon activity, where there is a whopping 177mm (6.97") of rainfall recorded. On the bright side, despite the significant rain, the temperatures remain higher with the gusts of wind marginally decreasing.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September begins to see a decline in the fringes of the monsoon season, with a rain total of 121mm (4.76"). Still, being the last of the monsoon months, an increase in the cloud cover is still observed, dictating the overall weather.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October signals the end of the monsoon season with a drastic reduction in rainfall which caps at 31mm (1.22"). A rapid decline in humidity levels is seen making the days and nights pleasant. Despite the significant decrease in the rain, the cloud cover decreases only marginally, still accounting for some overcast days.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November ushers in rain-less days of
Kanifing, showing drastic reduction in rainfall to a mere 2mm (0.08"). With decreasing humidity levels, the weather turns inherently dryer with lower wind speed seen. A higher length of sunshine hours is observed despite a slight increase in the cloud cover percentage.
Weather in November » Weather in December
In
Kanifing,
December defines the essence of dry season with the weather remaining devoid of rainfall. The declining trend of temperature and humidity from previous months persist. However, the daylight hours start to decrease while the sunshine duration remains considerably high.
Weather in December »