Climate and monthly weather forecast
The Gambia

The Gambia, the smallest country in mainland Africa, is a narrow strip of land that follows the Gambia River and is enveloped by Senegal. Its unique geography ensures that it has an unvarying climate, predominantly tropical savanna. The Gambia experiences two distinct seasons annually. The rainy season, from June to October, is characterized by high humidity and temperatures averaging from 27°C (80.6°F) to 30°C (86°F). The dry season, from November to May, sees lower humidity and cooler temperatures ranging from 24°C (75.2°F) to 27°C (80.6°F). Heat is most intense inland during the dry season, with daytime temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F). Coastal areas benefit from cooling sea breezes, maintaining more moderate temperatures throughout the year.

The most pleasant period to visit The Gambia is during the dry season, specifically between November and February. During this time, the weather is warm and inviting, with lower humidity and average temperatures ranging from 24°C (75.2°F) to 27°C (80.6°F). The milder weather allows for more comfortable exploration of wildlife reserves and cultural heritage sites. Also, the Gambian River and the Atlantic Ocean remain warm enough for water activities. Birdwatchers particularly enjoy this period due to the influx of migratory birds escaping the harsh winters of the Northern Hemisphere.

The least advisable time to visit The Gambia is during the peak rainy season, specifically from August to September. During these months, the country experiences high humidity and heavy rainfall, with precipitation reaching up to 500mm (19.69") in August. The roads, especially in rural areas, can become difficult to navigate due to flooding and muddy conditions. Furthermore, the increased mosquito population during this time can increase the risk of malaria. It is also worth noting that some tourist facilities may close during the peak rainy season.

Given its tropical savanna climate, The Gambia does not experience the traditional spring season as in temperate regions. However, during the transition from dry to rainy season (April to June), the temperatures rise steadily. April and May are characterized by a steady increase in temperature, reaching up to 34°C (93.2°F), and humidity begins to build up. By the end of June, the first rains appear, marking the start of the rainy season.

The summer months (July, August, and September) in The Gambia coincide with the peak of the rainy season. This period experiences the highest levels of precipitation, with August typically witnessing rainfall up to 500mm (19.69"). The humidity is very high, and temperatures average between 27°C (80.6°F) to 30°C (86°F). Frequent and heavy rainfall during these months often leads to localized flooding, especially in low-lying areas.

Again, due to its tropical savanna climate, The Gambia does not have a distinct autumn season. The rainy season begins to taper off around October, with declining precipitation levels. The humidity decreases and temperatures begin to drop, making the climate more comfortable. By the end of October, the rains typically cease and the dry season begins, initiating a period of milder, drier weather.

The Gambia's winter season, from November to February, coincides with the dry season. The weather is significantly cooler than the rest of the year, with average temperatures ranging from 24°C (75.2°F) to 27°C (80.6°F). This season experiences little to no rainfall, lower humidity, and cooler nights. The Harmattan, a dry, dusty wind from the Sahara, often affects The Gambia during this season, sometimes reducing visibility. However, the climate during this time is generally sunny and dry, making it the most comfortable season for visitors.

January in The Gambia marks the middle of the dry season, with the country experiencing one of its coolest months. Average temperatures typically range from 15°C (59°F) during the night to 24°C (75.2°F) during the day. January, compared to the heat and humidity experienced in the later months of the year, is comfortably warm. The city of Banjul, the capital and one of the most populous cities in The Gambia, experiences similar weather conditions to the rest of the country, though its coastal location makes it slightly cooler due to the influence of the Atlantic Ocean. Weather in January »

In February, The Gambia continues to experience the dry season, with little to no rainfall across the country. The average precipitation in February is virtually negligible, often measuring less than 1mm (0.04"). The Harmattan wind, a significant feature of the dry season, begins to lessen in intensity compared to January, leading to improved visibility and less dusty conditions. Temperatures start to rise gradually in February, marking the transition towards the end of the dry season and the onset of the warmer months. Weather in February »

March in The Gambia marks the closing phase of the dry season, with the onset of the rainy season just a few months away. During March, the country experiences warmer conditions, with average daytime temperatures ranging between 29°C (84.2°F) and 32°C (89.6°F), a noticeable rise from the cooler months of January and February. Weather in March »

In April, The Gambia experiences the transition from the dry to the rainy season. The weather becomes noticeably hotter, with average daytime temperatures ranging from 31°C (87.8°F) to 34°C (93.2°F). During the night, temperatures hover around 20°C (68°F), providing some respite from the heat of the day. While April remains within the dry season, the country is on the cusp of the rainy season. Weather in April »

May marks the end of the dry season in The Gambia, with the first signs of the rainy season beginning to show towards the end of the month. The climate becomes increasingly humid and temperatures continue to rise. Average daytime temperatures are high, usually hovering between 33°C (91.4°F) and 35°C (95°F), while nighttime temperatures can drop to 22°C (71.6°F). May is usually the last month of the year without significant rainfall in The Gambia, although the first rains often appear towards the end of the month. Weather in May »

June in The Gambia signals the onset of the rainy season. The rains typically begin in the first half of the month and become more frequent as June progresses. The average rainfall in June is about 60mm (2.36"), which may seem insignificant when compared to the peak of the rainy season, but marks a significant increase from the negligible rainfall of the preceding dry months. During June, average daytime temperatures range from 32°C (89.6°F) to 34°C (93.2°F), making it one of the warmer months of the year. Weather in June »

July in The Gambia is characterized by the continuation of the rainy season, with the country receiving significant amounts of rainfall. July is typically one of the wettest months of the year in The Gambia, with average precipitation increasing dramatically to 160mm (6.3"). Weather in July »

August is within the peak of the rainy season in The Gambia, characterized by substantial rainfall and relatively high temperatures. This month typically records some of the highest rainfall levels of the year, with an average precipitation of approximately 200mm (7.87"). Weather in August »

In September, The Gambia continues to experience the rainy season, although rainfall begins to lessen compared to the peak rainy months of July and August. September sees a decrease in average precipitation, with around 150mm (5.91") of rainfall expected. Weather in September »

October in The Gambia sees the gradual retreat of the rainy season. The country experiences a significant reduction in rainfall during this month, with average precipitation dropping to about 70mm (2.76"). Despite this decrease, occasional rains continue to occur, contributing to the sustained high levels of humidity. The average daytime temperatures in October range from 30°C (86°F) to 32°C (89.6°F), a slight increase compared to the cooler, rainy months. Weather in October »

November marks the onset of the dry season in The Gambia, with a dramatic drop in rainfall. The average precipitation decreases to about 10mm (0.39"), with rain becoming a rare occurrence. This month is characterized by much drier conditions, and with the reduction in rain, humidity levels also start to fall. Average daytime temperatures in November remain relatively high, ranging from 31°C (87.8°F) to 33°C (91.4°F). Weather in November »

December in The Gambia is characterized by the dry season, with virtually no rainfall. Average precipitation is less than 1mm (0.04"), marking the driest month of the year. With the absence of rain, the humidity levels drop significantly, creating comfortable conditions despite the high temperatures. Average daytime temperatures in December range from 32°C (89.6°F) to 34°C (93.2°F), making it one of the hotter months of the year. Weather in December »