The Gambia, the smallest country on mainland Africa, is a narrow strip of land in West Africa that follows the course of the Gambia River, which flows from east to west before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean. Bordered on three sides by Senegal, The Gambia stretches only about 48 kilometers at its widest point, yet the river runs through nearly the entire length of the country. The Gambia has a total area of approximately 11,300 square kilometers and a coastline along the Atlantic to the west.

The country’s geography consists mainly of the river valley and low, flat terrain. The Gambia’s tropical climate features two distinct seasons: a dry season from November to May and a rainy season from June to October. The weather is strongly influenced by the West African monsoon, which brings heavy rains in the wet season and hot, dry Harmattan winds during the dry season. Understanding the weather patterns month by month is important for travelers, agricultural planning, and day-to-day life in this small yet vibrant country.

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Gambia’s Weather by Month

January: Dry and Pleasant

Coastal Regions (Banjul, Bakau)

• Average Temperature: 28°C (82°F) during the day, 18°C (64°F) at night
• Rainfall: None
• Humidity: Low, around 40-50%
• Winds: Light, with cool breezes from the Atlantic Ocean

Inland Regions (Farafenni, Basse Santa Su)

• Average Temperature: 31°C (88°F) during the day, 16°C (61°F) at night
• Rainfall: None
• Humidity: Low, around 30-40%
• Winds: Moderate breezes, with dry Harmattan winds from the north

Summary: January is part of The Gambia’s dry season, making it one of the most pleasant months to visit. Coastal areas like Banjul enjoy cooler temperatures with refreshing Atlantic breezes, while inland regions are slightly warmer but still comfortable. With no rain and low humidity, outdoor activities and sightseeing are ideal in January.

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February: Warm and Dry

Coastal Regions

• Average Temperature: 29°C (84°F) during the day, 19°C (66°F) at night
• Rainfall: None
• Humidity: Low, around 45-50%
• Winds: Light, with cooling ocean breezes

Inland Regions

• Average Temperature: 33°C (91°F) during the day, 18°C (64°F) at night
• Rainfall: None
• Humidity: Low, around 35%
• Winds: Moderate, with Harmattan winds continuing

Summary: February remains warm and dry, with slightly higher temperatures than January. Coastal regions experience mild conditions with comfortable night temperatures, while the interior sees a rise in daytime heat. Humidity remains low, making it a great month for exploring both the coast and inland areas.

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March: Increasing Temperatures

Coastal Regions

• Average Temperature: 31°C (88°F) during the day, 21°C (70°F) at night
• Rainfall: None
• Humidity: Low, around 50%
• Winds: Light breezes from the sea

Inland Regions

• Average Temperature: 36°C (97°F) during the day, 21°C (70°F) at night
• Rainfall: None
• Humidity: Low, around 35-40%
• Winds: Light to moderate Harmattan winds

Summary: March sees an increase in temperatures across The Gambia, particularly in the inland regions, where daytime highs can approach 36°C (97°F). Coastal areas remain more temperate due to the cooling influence of the Atlantic. The continued absence of rain and low humidity levels make this a comfortable month for outdoor activities, although inland areas may feel quite warm during the day.

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April: Hot and Dry

Coastal Regions

• Average Temperature: 33°C (91°F) during the day, 22°C (72°F) at night
• Rainfall: None
• Humidity: Moderate, around 55%
• Winds: Light ocean breezes, with occasional stronger gusts

Inland Regions

• Average Temperature: 38°C (100°F) during the day, 23°C (73°F) at night
• Rainfall: None
• Humidity: Low, around 40%
• Winds: Moderate, with dry winds from the interior

Summary: April is one of the hottest months in The Gambia, especially in the inland areas where temperatures can soar to 38°C (100°F). Coastal areas remain relatively cooler due to the proximity of the ocean, but temperatures still rise. The weather remains dry with no rainfall, and outdoor activities should be scheduled for early morning or late afternoon to avoid the peak heat.

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May: Approaching the Wet Season

Coastal Regions

• Average Temperature: 34°C (93°F) during the day, 24°C (75°F) at night
• Rainfall: Minimal, around 10 mm
• Humidity: Moderate to high, around 60%
• Winds: Light, with warm breezes from the ocean

Inland Regions

• Average Temperature: 39°C (102°F) during the day, 24°C (75°F) at night
• Rainfall: Minimal, around 5 mm
• Humidity: Moderate, around 45%
• Winds: Moderate, with hot winds from the interior

Summary: May signals the transition toward the rainy season in The Gambia. While temperatures remain hot, particularly inland, there is a slight increase in humidity. Coastal areas may see a few brief showers, though rainfall remains minimal. The heat is more intense inland, but cooler evenings provide some relief. The dry conditions persist, though the air feels more humid.

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June: Start of the Wet Season

Coastal Regions

• Average Temperature: 32°C (90°F) during the day, 24°C (75°F) at night
• Rainfall: Moderate, around 60-80 mm
• Humidity: High, around 70%
• Winds: Light to moderate, with ocean breezes and occasional rainstorms

Inland Regions

• Average Temperature: 36°C (97°F) during the day, 25°C (77°F) at night
• Rainfall: Moderate, around 40-60 mm
• Humidity: High, around 60%
• Winds: Moderate, with warm breezes and sporadic thunderstorms

Summary: June marks the onset of the rainy season in The Gambia. Rainfall increases, particularly along the coast, where frequent showers and occasional thunderstorms are common. Inland areas experience less rain but higher humidity, making the heat feel more intense. While daytime temperatures remain high, the increased cloud cover and rain bring some relief.

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July: Heavy Rains and High Humidity

Coastal Regions

• Average Temperature: 30°C (86°F) during the day, 23°C (73°F) at night
• Rainfall: Heavy, around 150-200 mm
• Humidity: Very high, around 80%
• Winds: Moderate, with strong gusts during thunderstorms

Inland Regions

• Average Temperature: 33°C (91°F) during the day, 24°C (75°F) at night
• Rainfall: Heavy, around 120-160 mm
• Humidity: High, around 70%
• Winds: Moderate, with strong gusts and frequent thunderstorms

Summary: July is one of the wettest months in The Gambia, with heavy rainfall and high humidity levels across the country. Coastal areas experience frequent downpours and thunderstorms, while inland regions also see significant rain. The high humidity can make the temperatures feel warmer than they are, and the wet conditions may cause occasional disruptions in travel or outdoor activities.

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August: Peak of the Rainy Season

Coastal Regions

• Average Temperature: 29°C (84°F) during the day, 23°C (73°F) at night
• Rainfall: Very heavy, around 250-300 mm
• Humidity: Extremely high, around 85%
• Winds: Strong winds during rainstorms, with frequent thunderstorms

Inland Regions

• Average Temperature: 31°C (88°F) during the day, 24°C (75°F) at night
• Rainfall: Very heavy, around 180-240 mm
• Humidity: Very high, around 75%
• Winds: Moderate to strong, with thunderstorms and gusty winds

Summary: August is the peak of the rainy season in The Gambia, with very heavy rainfall and high humidity. Both coastal and inland regions experience frequent thunderstorms and downpours. While temperatures remain moderate, the humidity makes conditions feel warmer and more uncomfortable. Flooding can occur in low-lying areas, particularly along the coast and river valleys, and travel may be affected by the wet weather.

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September: End of the Rainy Season

Coastal Regions

• Average Temperature: 30°C (86°F) during the day, 23°C (73°F) at night
• Rainfall: Heavy, around 200-250 mm
• Humidity: Very high, around 80%
• Winds: Moderate, with occasional strong gusts during storms

Inland Regions

• Average Temperature: 32°C (90°F) during the day, 24°C (75°F) at night
• Rainfall: Moderate to heavy, around 150-200 mm
• Humidity: High, around 70%
• Winds: Moderate, with thunderstorms and gusty winds

Summary: September marks the gradual end of the rainy season in The Gambia, though heavy rains and thunderstorms still occur, particularly in coastal areas. Inland regions also receive substantial rainfall, but the frequency of downpours begins to decrease. Temperatures remain warm, and humidity levels are still high, but the weather becomes more stable toward the end of the month.

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October: Transition to the Dry Season

Coastal Regions

• Average Temperature: 31°C (88°F) during the day, 24°C (75°F) at night
• Rainfall: Moderate, around 100-150 mm
• Humidity: High, around 75%
• Winds: Light to moderate, with occasional rainstorms

Inland Regions

• Average Temperature: 33°C (91°F) during the day, 24°C (75°F) at night
• Rainfall: Light to moderate, around 80-120 mm
• Humidity: Moderate, around 65%
• Winds: Light to moderate, with decreasing storms

Summary: October sees the transition from the rainy season to the dry season. Rainfall decreases significantly, though occasional showers and thunderstorms still occur, particularly in the first half of the month. Inland regions begin to dry out, while coastal areas experience fewer storms as the month progresses. Temperatures remain warm, and humidity levels start to drop, making outdoor activities more enjoyable.

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November: Dry Season Begins

Coastal Regions

• Average Temperature: 30°C (86°F) during the day, 23°C (73°F) at night
• Rainfall: Minimal, around 20-40 mm
• Humidity: Moderate, around 60%
• Winds: Light breezes from the ocean

Inland Regions

• Average Temperature: 32°C (90°F) during the day, 22°C (72°F) at night
• Rainfall: Minimal, around 10-20 mm
• Humidity: Low, around 45-50%
• Winds: Light, with occasional moderate breezes

Summary: November marks the start of the dry season in The Gambia. Rainfall is minimal, and humidity levels drop, making it one of the most comfortable months for travel. Coastal regions enjoy cooling ocean breezes, while inland areas remain warm but dry. The weather is ideal for outdoor activities, sightseeing, and exploring the country’s natural beauty.

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December: Cool and Dry

Coastal Regions

• Average Temperature: 28°C (82°F) during the day, 20°C (68°F) at night
• Rainfall: None
• Humidity: Low, around 50-55%
• Winds: Light, with cool ocean breezes

Inland Regions

• Average Temperature: 30°C (86°F) during the day, 18°C (64°F) at night
• Rainfall: None
• Humidity: Low, around 40-45%
• Winds: Light, with occasional moderate breezes

Summary: December is a cool and dry month in The Gambia, with no rainfall and comfortable temperatures. Coastal regions experience mild conditions, with cool breezes from the Atlantic, while inland areas are warm but dry. Humidity levels remain low, making December one of the best months to visit. Outdoor activities, beach trips, and cultural excursions are highly enjoyable in this month’s ideal weather conditions.