| The
climate of The Gambia is probably one of the best in Africa, especially
if you are visiting the country between November and May. There is a
rainy and humid season from June to October, but quite a few people
find this time of the year to be the best because of the fresh air and
scenic vegetation. Below I have presented some climatic figures from
the coastal areas, Bakau and Fajara, and a typical upriver town, Basse.
Temperatures are mean monthly minimun and maximum.
Temperatures are
fairly constant. This means, measured at the same spot. Big differences
can occur between the coast and the inland area. Even the difference
between temperatures on the north - and south bank can be considerable.
Besides, the season plays its part too.If there is little wind or when
the wind comes from the east, the warmth often feels oppressive. After
a few days you get used to it. If the wind comes from the ocean there
is an ideal climate on the coast. Particularly during the dry season
the wind comes from the north-east. It brings in warm air from the
Sahara, which, thanks to the cooler ocean water, falls to more pleasant
temperatures. In the inland temperatures are very high during the dry
season. The relative air humidity isn't so bad, with exception of the
rain season. Getting used to it isn't so difficult, it's just a matter
of another pace of living.
The Gambia has a subtropical climate with clear differences between the
dry and the wet season. During the rainy season (sometimes heavy)
showers fall, mainly in the afternoon and evening. The sun practically
shines continuously from December till May. In May and November some
light cloud with the sun shining through and then a drop of rain could
fall. For a stay on the coast you don't have to consider the rain
season very much. During the rainy season a visit to the inland remains
possible, with some reservation. The rainfall makes the climate feel
refreshing.
Required clothing: Lightweight or tropical
for most of the year with rainwear for the rainy season.
CLIMATE
TABLE OF BAKAU/ FAJARA
| |
JAN |
FEB |
MAR |
APR |
MAY |
JUN |
JUL |
AUG |
SEP |
OCT |
NOV |
DEC |
| TEMP
MAX(C) |
28 |
28 |
28 |
27 |
28 |
30 |
30 |
29 |
30 |
31 |
30 |
29 |
| TEMP
MIN(C) |
18 |
18 |
19 |
20 |
21 |
23 |
24 |
23 |
23 |
23 |
22 |
19 |
| RAINFALL(mm) |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
90 |
300 |
520 |
300 |
80 |
20 |
- |
| SUNSHINE
HOURS |
9 |
9 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
8 |
7 |
5 |
6 |
8 |
9 |
9 |
CLIMATE
TABLE OF BASSE Santa Su
| |
JAN |
FEB |
MAR |
APR |
MAY |
JUN |
JUL |
AUG |
SEP |
OCT |
NOV |
DEC |
| TEMP
MAX(C) |
35 |
38 |
40 |
41 |
41 |
36 |
33 |
32 |
32 |
34 |
35 |
34 |
| TEMP
MIN(C) |
15 |
17 |
19 |
22 |
24 |
23 |
23 |
22 |
22 |
23 |
20 |
16 |
| RAINFALL(mm) |
- |
- |
- |
- |
20 |
130 |
210 |
320 |
260 |
100 |
10 |
- |
|
