Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of Western Gambia is classified as Aw according to the Köppen-Geiger system, characterized by a distinct tropical savanna climate. Temperatures exhibit considerable variation throughout the year, with minimum readings dipping to 14°C (57°F) in January. The region enjoys an average temperature of 27°C (80°F), indicative of its warm conditions. However, the peak heat occurs in April, where maximum temperatures can soar up to a scorching 44°C (112°F). This climatic framework not only influences local ecosystems but also impacts agricultural practices and the daily life of the inhabitants.
Temperature patterns in Western Gambia exhibit a clear seasonal progression, characterized by a warm tropical climate. January marks the start of the year with cooler minimum temperatures around 14°C (57°F), gradually warming to 39°C (103°F) at its peak. As the months advance, February and March experience a slight increase in both minimum and maximum temperatures, culminating in April when maximum values reach a sweltering 44°C (112°F). Following this peak, temperatures begin to moderate in May and June, with average values holding steady around 26°C to 28°C (79°F to 82°F). The rainy season from July to September sees a slight dip in maximum temperatures, while averages remain consistent. October presents another uptick before temperatures cool somewhat in November and December. Overall, the region's climate reflects a pronounced warm season, punctuated by peaks in April and gradual cooling towards the end of the year.
Brikama and Gunjur share a temperature range with a minimum of 17°C (64°F) in January and a maximum of 33°C (92°F) in November, as detailed in their respective climate profiles: monthly temperatures in Brikama and monthly temperatures in Gunjur. Similarly, Sukuta experiences slightly lower temperatures with a minimum of 17°C (63°F) in January and reaching up to 33°C (91°F) in November, as outlined in the climate data available at monthly temperatures in Sukuta.
Precipitation in Western Gambia follows a stark seasonal pattern, predominantly characterized by a distinct dry season from January to May, during which no rainfall is recorded. This period, marked by 0 mm (0.0 in) of rain across five consecutive months, presents optimal conditions for agriculture and outdoor activities. The dry spell abruptly concludes in June, when precipitation begins, albeit modestly, with 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain falling over only two days, signaling the onset of the rainy season.
The peak of the rainy season occurs in August, where rainfall dramatically increases to 321 mm (12.6 in), coupled with 23 rainy days—the highest frequency during the year. July and September also contribute significantly with 181 mm (7.1 in) and 243 mm (9.5 in), respectively, emphasizing the intensity of this wet period. By October, rainfall decreases to 58 mm (2.3 in), with a notable decline in rainy days, while November and December revert to dryness, wrapping up the annual cycle with 4 mm (0.1 in) and 0 mm (0.0 in), respectively.
In Western Gambia, sunshine duration displays a clear seasonal trend, with hours of sunlight steadily increasing from the beginning of the year into the summer months. January starts with 251 hours of sunshine, gradually rising each subsequent month, peaking in May at an impressive 347 hours. This increase illustrates the transition from the cooler months to the warmer climate of late spring, where prolonged daylight enhances opportunities for outdoor activities and agricultural productivity. The months of March and April also contribute significantly, showcasing 335 and 334 hours of sunshine, respectively, which further confirms the region's sunny disposition before the onset of the rainy season.
As the summer progresses into the rainy season, sunlight hours begin to taper off, yet remain substantial. June experiences 323 hours, followed by a drop to 303 hours in July, coinciding with the peak rainfall during this period. Even with reduced sunshine, important sunlight hours persist, fostering growth in the landscape. By August, sunshine dips to 269 hours, marking the lowest point, but a slight recovery is noted in September with 282 hours. The year wraps up with relatively stable sunshine in the fall months, as October, November, and December maintain around 304 to 312 hours. Overall, the seasonal cycle of sunlight in Western Gambia not only enhances the region's vibrant ecosystem but also delineates the rhythms of life tied to the interplay between sun and rain.
The UV Index in Western Gambia exhibits significant seasonal variation, primarily ranging from very high to extreme levels. Starting with January, the index begins at 9, marking a very high exposure category, indicating a burn time of just 15 minutes. As the months progress into February, the index rises to 10, maintaining the same burn time but emphasizing the increased solar intensity. The transition to March heralds a sharp uptick in UV intensity, reaching a substantial 13 and escalating to extreme levels, with the accompanying burn time reduced to 10 minutes. This extreme UV exposure persists through the following months of April, May, June, and July, reflecting the region's peak sun intensity coinciding with the dry season.
The culmination of UV exposure occurs in August and September, where the index peaks at 14—the highest recorded value for the year. During this period, the 10-minute burn time accentuates the risk of skin damage without protection. By October, the index diminishes slightly to 12, but remains classified as extreme. A gradual decline is noted towards the end of the year, with November and December returning to a UV Index of 9, signifying another phase of very high exposure. This seasonal UV pattern underscores the critical importance of sun safety measures throughout the year, particularly during the summer months when the potential for skin damage is at its highest.
UV Risk Categories
In Western Gambia, daylight duration exhibits a consistent pattern throughout the year, characterized by slight seasonal variations. January and February both offer 11 hours of daylight, representing the shorter days of the year. As March approaches, daylight increases to 12 hours, a trend that continues uninterrupted into the following months of April, May, and June. This steady increment in daylight not only signals the arrival of warmer weather but also supports the region's agricultural activities and local ecosystems, creating optimal conditions for growth.
Interestingly, daylight duration reaches its peak consistency from March through September, where the region enjoys a stable 12-hour day across six consecutive months, reflecting a predictable rhythm of light and dark. As October arrives, daylight begins to taper off again to 11 hours, echoing the earlier months. This reduction continues through November and December, capping off the year with the return of shorter days. Overall, the moderate fluctuations in daylight duration in Western Gambia create a stable yet dynamic environment, shaping both the natural world and the daily lives of its inhabitants.
The climate in Abuko, Gambia is characterized by a distinct dry season from January to May, featuring warm temperatures with averages around 23°C (74°F) and minimal rainfall. The wet season begins in June, peaking in August with significant precipitation, reaching up to 294 mm (11.6 in). During these months, temperatures remain moderate, oscillating between 25°C (77°F) and 30°C (86°F) while enjoying ample sunshine, particularly in April and May. Overall, Abuko experiences a tropical climate with high humidity and considerable sunshine throughout the year. For more details, visit Abuko climate.
Brikama, Gambia experiences a tropical climate characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. From January to May, temperatures range from a minimum of 17°C (64°F) to a maximum of 33°C (91°F), with little to no rainfall. The rainy season kicks in from June to October, peaking in August with 339 mm (13.4 in) of precipitation, while temperatures remain warm. Sunshine hours are abundant, particularly in the dry months, with May recording the highest at 347 hours. For more detailed information, visit Brikama climate.
Gunjur, Gambia experiences a tropical climate characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. Temperatures range from a minimum of 17°C (64°F) in January to a maximum of 33°C (91°F) in April and November, with an overall average around 24-28°C (75-82°F) throughout the year. Precipitation is virtually absent from January to May, followed by a significant increase during the rainy season from June to September, peaking in August with 339 mm (13.4 in) of rain. Sunshine is abundant, with February marking the highest at 284 hours, while the wet season still sees considerable sunlight. For more detailed information, check Gunjur climate.
Jarrol, Gambia experiences a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. From January to May, temperatures soar, peaking at 44°C (111°F) in March and April, while precipitation remains negligible. The rainy season lasts from June to September, with August receiving the highest rainfall at 327 mm (12.9 in). Despite the rain, sunshine is abundant, particularly from January to May, with over 300 hours of sunshine each month. For more detailed information, visit Jarrol climate.
Mayork, Gambia experiences a hot and dry climate in May, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 19°C (66°F) to a maximum of 42°C (108°F). The average temperature sits at 28°C (83°F), making it one of the warmer months of the year. Notably, May receives no rainfall and boasts an impressive 347 hours of sunshine, indicating plenty of clear, sunny days. The transition into the rainy season begins in June, so it's a good time to enjoy the heat before the downpours start. For more details, check the Mayork climate.
The climate in Nema Kunku, Gambia, features warm temperatures year-round, with averages ranging from 25°C (77°F) in January to 29°C (84°F) in the summer months. The hottest months are March and April, where maximum temperatures can reach up to 43°C (109°F). Rainfall is minimal until June, with the wettest months being July and August, receiving 201 mm (7.9 in) and 321 mm (12.6 in) respectively. Sunshine is plentiful, peaking in May with 347 hours, which supports the region's dry season. For more detailed information, visit Nema Kunku climate.
Sintet, Gambia enjoys a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. From January to May, temperatures rise, peaking in April and May with highs around 44°C (111°F) and minimal rainfall. The rainy season lasts from June to September, with August bringing the most precipitation at 327 mm (12.9 in) and cooler average temperatures around 27-28°C (81-83°F). The year rounds off with dry and relatively cooler months from October to December, where sunshine remains abundant. For more details, visit Sintet climate.
Somita, Gambia, experiences a tropical climate characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. Temperatures range from a cool 14°C (57°F) in January to a scorching 43°C (109°F) in April, with average monthly temperatures hovering around 25-29°C (77-84°F). The rainy season lasts from June to September, with the highest precipitation occurring in August (323 mm or 12.7 in), while the dry months see little to no rain. Sunshine is abundant, peaking in May with 347 hours, providing a bright and warm atmosphere throughout the year. For more detailed information, visit Somita climate.
The climate in Sukuta, Gambia, is characterized by a tropical pattern with dry months from January to May, where temperatures range from 17°C (63°F) to a maximum of 33°C (91°F). Precipitation is virtually absent during this period, making it ideal for outdoor activities. The rainy season begins in June and peaks in August, bringing significant rainfall of up to 294 mm (11.6 in) in August. Despite the rain, the sun shines brightly throughout the year with a maximum of 348 hours in May. For more detailed information, visit Sukuta climate.
In conclusion, the climatic and environmental characteristics of Western Gambia present a vivid tapestry of seasonal changes that significantly influence the region's ecosystems and human activities. With a tropical savanna climate marked by distinct temperature variations, substantial rainfall during the wet season, and high UV exposure, the local inhabitants must adapt their practices accordingly. The consistent daylight duration further reinforces the predictability of seasonal rhythms, facilitating agricultural endeavors and daily life. Understanding these climatic patterns equips residents and visitors alike to make informed decisions, fostering a sustainable connection to this vibrant landscape.