☀️ Year-Round Warmth
The Gambia enjoys a tropical climate with temperatures between 24-34°C (75-93°F) all year. The “Smiling Coast”
lives up to its name with plenty of sunshine!
📅 Seasons at a Glance
☀️ Dry Season
November – May
Peak tourist season with virtually no rain, lower humidity, and comfortable temperatures.
- Temperature: 24-32°C
- Humidity: Lower
- Rain: Virtually none
- Sun: 8-10 hours/day
Best for Beaches
🌧️ Rainy Season
June – October
Wet season with afternoon/evening showers. Hot and humid, but the landscape is lush green.
- Temperature: 26-34°C
- Humidity: High (80%+)
- Rain: Daily showers
- Sun: Still some!
Best for Green Scenery
📊 Monthly Breakdown
The best time to visit!
- Dry, sunny, and comfortable
- Temperatures: 24-32°C
- Perfect beach weather
- Busiest tourist period
- Higher prices/book ahead
Hottest months of the year
- Temperatures: 28-40°C
- Very dry and dusty
- Harmattan winds (dust)
- Fewer tourists = better deals
- Stay hydrated!
Wet but still warm
- Temperatures: 26-32°C
- Daily afternoon/evening rain
- High humidity (80-95%)
- Lush green landscape
- Lowest prices, fewest tourists
- Some hotels close
Rain tapering off
- Temperatures: 26-32°C
- Rain becomes less frequent
- Still quite humid
- Countryside very green
- Good value season
🕐 Best Time to Visit
✅ Recommended: November – April
- Dry, comfortable weather
- Lower humidity
- Best beach conditions
- All attractions open
- Peak bird watching season
💡 Consider: May or October
Shoulder seasons offer lower prices, fewer crowds, and mostly decent weather. Some rain is possible, but not constant.
🧳 What to Pack by Season
Dry Season (Nov-May)
- Light cotton clothing
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
- Sunglasses and a hat
- Light evening layer
- Swimwear
Rainy Season (Jun-Oct)
- Light, quick-dry clothing
- Waterproof jacket or umbrella
- Sandals that can get wet
- Insect repellent (more mosquitoes)
- Patience for occasional delays!
🦜 Bird Watching Season
The Gambia is a world-class bird-watching destination with more than 500 bird species!
- Best time: November – February
- Reason: European migrants join resident birds
- Peak months: December – January
❓ Rainy Season – Should I Visit?
Pros:
- ✅ Lowest prices of the year
- ✅ Fewer tourists
- ✅ Beautiful green landscape
- ✅ Dramatic cloud formations
- ✅ Mangoes and fruits in season
Cons:
- ❌ Daily rain (usually 1-3 hours)
- ❌ High humidity
- ❌ Some hotels/restaurants close
- ❌ Rougher roads up-country
- ❌ Higher malaria risk
💡 Rainy Season Tip
Rain usually falls in late afternoon/evening. Mornings are often sunny, so plan activities for the first half of
the day.
🌡️ Temperature Summary
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 31°C | 18°C | 0mm |
| February | 33°C | 19°C | 0mm |
| March | 35°C | 21°C | 0mm |
| April | 36°C | 22°C | 0mm |
| May | 35°C | 24°C | 10mm |
| June | 33°C | 25°C | 80mm |
| July | 31°C | 25°C | 180mm |
| August | 30°C | 24°C | 300mm |
| September | 31°C | 24°C | 200mm |
| October | 32°C | 24°C | 60mm |
| November | 33°C | 21°C | 5mm |
| December | 31°C | 18°C | 0mm |