Last updated: January 18, 2025
Banjul, Gambia, experiences a tropical savanna climate classified as Aw under the Köppen-Geiger system. Characterized by distinct temperature variations throughout the year, the city sees a minimum temperature of 16°C (61°F) in January, rising to an average of 26°C (79°F). The peak temperatures are notably high in April, reaching a maximum of 39°C (103°F), showcasing the region's warm climate. The interplay of these temperatures contributes to the unique environmental dynamics of Banjul, making it a fascinating subject for climate study.
Banjul, Gambia, showcases distinct seasonal temperature patterns that reflect its tropical savanna climate. The year begins with cooler months from January to March, where minimum temperatures gradually rise from 16°C (61°F) to 18°C (65°F), while daytime highs peak at 39°C (102°F) in March and April. As the hot season progresses into April, temperatures reach their zenith, with a maximum of 39°C (103°F), before a slight decline in May, bringing more moderate highs around 35°C (95°F). From June to August, Banjul experiences a more stable temperature profile, with average temperatures hovering around 26-27°C (79-81°F) and maximums peaking at 33°C (91°F), indicative of a transitional wet season. The onset of September marks a gradual cool down, leading into October and November, where average temperatures rise again, settling in the 28°C (82°F) range, before the year concludes with a drop to more comfortable temperatures in December. This cycle illustrates the interplay between the hot season and the cooler wet months, characteristic of Banjul's climate.
Bakau and Serekunda experience similar temperature ranges, with minimums of 17°C (63°F) in January and maximums of 33°C (91°F) in November, as detailed in their respective climate links: monthly temperatures in Bakau and monthly temperatures in Serekunda. In contrast, Banjul shows a slightly lower minimum temperature of 16°C (61°F) in January, but it can reach a scorching maximum of 39°C (103°F) in April, as indicated in the link: monthly temperatures in Banjul.
Banjul, Gambia, experiences a pronounced dry season from January to May, during which no significant precipitation is recorded, maintaining a stark aridity with zero millimeters throughout these months. This prolonged dry spell creates ideal conditions for outdoor activities but can challenge agricultural practices reliant on rainfall. As the region transitions into the wet season, a dramatic shift occurs, marked by the onset of rainfall in June with 9 mm (0.3 in), signaling the beginning of a wetter climate pattern.
The climatic conditions peak during the heart of the wet season from July to September, when Banjul receives the majority of its annual rainfall. July boasts an impressive 128 mm (5.0 in), while August hits its highest mark with 289 mm (11.4 in), indicating a period of significant precipitation. September follows closely, contributing 219 mm (8.6 in) before the rain subsides in October to 43 mm (1.7 in). Notably, the rainy season is characterized by frequent rainfall over numerous days, with August experiencing up to 21 days of rain, thus shaping the region's landscape and water resources.
In Banjul, Gambia, the sunshine duration exhibits a clear seasonal trend, with remarkable increases from the winter months into the summer. Starting from 250 hours of sunshine in January, there is a steady ascent throughout February and March, peaking at an impressive 336 hours. This pattern continues into April and May, where sunshine hours reach 334 hours and an all-time high of 348 hours, respectively. These peak months herald the region's warmest and sunniest period, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities and tourism, capitalizing on the abundant sunshine.
As the wet season approaches, sunshine duration begins to wane slightly but remains substantial, with June recording 326 hours. In the subsequent summer months of July and August, sunlight absorbs around 313 hours and 286 hours, respectively, reflecting a minor decrease due to increased cloud cover and rain. Nonetheless, sunshine levels remain favorable, outpacing lower months such as September, which sees 287 hours. The year rounds out in the cooler months of October to December, showcasing a resurgence in sunshine hours, peaking again at 318 hours in October and settling at 308 hours in December. Overall, Banjul basks in plentiful sunshine throughout the year, but the late spring and early summer months truly stand out as exceptional for sun enthusiasts.
Banjul, Gambia, experiences a significant range of UV Index levels throughout the year, highlighting potential risks for sun exposure. From January to February, the UV Index begins at 9, classified as very high, indicating the need for protective measures such as sunscreen and clothing within a burn time of 15 minutes. As the year progresses into March, the intensity escalates to 12, falling into the extreme category, which raises awareness of the increased danger of sunburns and long-term skin damage. This extreme UV exposure continues into the late spring months, with April, May, and June all maintaining a UV Index of 13, resulting in a critical burn time of just 10 minutes.
The summer months further intensify UV radiation, with August and September reaching a peak UV Index of 14, underscoring the importance of vigilance against sunburn. Despite a slight reduction to 12 in October, the UV Index remains high due to the lingering intensity of the sun. The year concludes with November and December reverting to 9, transitioning back to a very high exposure category. Overall, Banjul's UV Index patterns emphasize the critical need for sun protection, especially during the extreme UV months from March through September, ensuring the safety and well-being of residents and visitors alike.
UV Risk Categories
Banjul, Gambia, enjoys a relatively consistent pattern of daylight duration throughout the year, with minor fluctuations. During the winter months of January and February, the city experiences approximately 11 hours of daylight, providing a stable yet limited amount of sunlight for daily activities. As March approaches, daylight hours begin to increase, reaching 12 hours from March through June. This period marks the transition into a sun-rich season, perfect for outdoor endeavors and exploration, as the longer days allow for extended enjoyment of Banjul's scenic beauty.
As summer unfolds, daylight duration remains steady at 12 hours from July to September, providing ample sunlight for various activities. However, as the day length starts to decrease gradually in October, the hours fall back to 11 hours of daylight, continuing through November and December. This consistency in daylight duration, particularly the sustained 12-hour stretch during the summer months, underscores Banjul's favorable climate and makes it an attractive destination year-round for visitors and locals alike.
Bakau, Gambia experiences a tropical climate with distinct dry and wet seasons. Temperatures range from a minimum of 17°C (63°F) in January to a maximum of 33°C (91°F) in April and November, with average monthly temperatures hovering around 24°C (75°F) to 29°C (84°F). The region sees little to no rainfall from January to May, followed by significant precipitation from June to September, peaking in August with 294 mm (11.6 in). Despite the rain, sunshine is abundant, with hours ranging from 250 in January to 348 in May. For more details, visit Bakau climate.
Banjul, Gambia experiences a tropical climate characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. Temperatures range from a mild 16°C (61°F) in January to a high of 39°C (102°F) in March and April, with average monthly temperatures hovering around 25-29°C (77-84°F). Rainfall is minimal from January to May, while the rainy season peaks in July and August, with August receiving up to 278 mm (10.9 in) of precipitation. Despite the rainfall, Banjul enjoys ample sunshine, with March witnessing the highest at 336 hours. For more information, visit Banjul climate.
Serekunda, Gambia experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures and a distinct wet season. January to May sees mild temperatures, averaging around 23°C (74°F), while June to October brings higher humidity and significant rainfall, peaking in August with 294 mm (11.6 in). The average high temperature ranges from 29°C (84°F) in May to 33°C (91°F) in April and November. Despite the rainy season, sunny days prevail throughout the year, with monthly sunshine hours averaging around 250 to 348 hours. For more details, visit Serekunda climate.
In conclusion, Banjul, Gambia, is characterized by a distinct tropical savanna climate that influences its temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours. The city experiences a warm climate with minimal rainfall from January to May, followed by a pronounced wet season that peaks between July and September. Sunshine hours are abundant, particularly during the late spring and summer months, while high UV Index levels mandate protective measures for sun exposure. Overall, Banjul’s climate offers a unique blend of sunny days and vibrant seasons, making it an appealing locale for both residents and visitors seeking a warm, engaging environment throughout the year.