When to go to The Gambia?

We are often asked when the best time of year is to go The Gambia? With temperatures around 30°C year-round, the short, simple answer would be anytime!

 

The Gambia in the winter and early spring

Imagine soaking up the African sunshine in the middle of winter, sipping a cool Julbrew with your feet in the sand, before cooling off in the pool. While Europe is in the grips of winter, this is a wonderful time to visit West Africa. 

Why not escape to the sun during December for Christmas and New Year? Many hotels host extravagant gala dinners (included in your holiday package price). The weather in Gambia in December is perfect, with high daytime temperatures, cool evening breezes and on average, 9 hours of sunshine.

From December, right through to April, there is an average of nine to 10 hours of sunshine, with average temperature highs between 31°C and 34°C. March is the hottest month of the year – it’s simply sizzling!

Keep in mind though that the evenings can sometimes be a little chilly, especially during December and January. Dining outside, beneath the stars is generally still very pleasant, but do bring a light jacket with you just in case.

This is the main tourist season in The Gambia, but even at its height, the sandy beaches are never crowded.

Find out more about holidays in The Gambia for Christmas and the New Year.

 

The Gambia in late spring

This is the perfect time to visit The Gambia if you prefer things a little quieter. In May, average temperatures reach a high of around 32°C. Humidity slowly starts to rise but there is still no rain. There are fewer flights and fewer tourists. Some hotels and restaurants close but many remain open and the beaches are wonderfully quiet.

Most of June remains dry, with long hours of sunshine, but by the end of the month there is usually some rain in the form of the occasional shower, and humidity is higher.

 

The Gambia in the summer

It’s a degree or two cooler in July and August, with six hours of sunshine on average each day. This is the start of the green season, with rain most frequent at night. Showers during the day are usually of short duration with the sun soon coming out again.

We find that the rain has little impact on most people’s holidays – many love the quieter atmosphere and seeing The Gambia burst into colour, becoming lush and green and teeming with wildlife.

July also sees the July 22nd anniversary celebrations, with official parades and cultural performances.

The temperature starts to rise a little in September with an average high of 31 °C and you’ll find the sea, and indeed the pool water, wonderfully warm.

Check out which hotels are ideal for summer holidays in The Gambia.

 

The Gambia in autumn

Humidity is still high in October, with very warm evenings – a real contrast to the decreasing temperatures back in the UK. The countryside is still lush and green, but as autumn unfolds, both rain and humidity levels start to decrease – rain is almost unheard of in November.

Throughout October and November there are long hours of glorious sunshine.

While most prefer to holiday in The Gambia during winter, the summer offers a great alternative to the crowded resorts of the Mediterranean, and there is something really quite spectacular about the green season with its brief, tropical storms, lush plant life and an astounding number of colourful birds in their breeding plumage.

Visit our website today to see our full range of holidays to The Gambia throughout the year.