Weather in Banjul

Stay informed about the most up-to-date weather in Banjul. Here you will find fresh data, detailed forecasts, and clear weather charts.

Banjul, the capital of The Gambia, features a distinct tropical savanna climate. This means it is warm year-round, and sometimes hot, with average temperatures fluctuating within a comfortable range of 25°C to 28°C. Daily temperature variations are generally small, making the weather quite predictable from day to day.

The city has two clearly defined seasons: a long dry season and a short rainy season. The dry season extends from November to May; during this time, rainfall is practically non-existent, and the number of sunny days is at its maximum. The rainy season falls during the summer months, from June to October, reaching its peak in August, which sees the highest amount of precipitation and up to 23 rainy days. However, even during this period, rains are often short-lived and are followed by sunny weather.

Overall, the weather in Banjul is characterised by highly stable temperatures throughout the year. Thanks to this, the city is attractive to visit at any time; however, if your goal is a beach holiday and maximum sunshine, the dry season, especially from November to April, would be the ideal choice.

The temperature regime in Banjul is characterised by pleasant warmth throughout the year, though there are nuances. The hottest month, based on average temperature, is October, when the thermometer hovers around 28.4°C on average, with daytime highs reaching 30.3°C. The "coolest" month is considered to be January, with an average temperature of 24.9°C and nighttime lows dropping to an average of 20.7°C. In general, annual fluctuations in average temperatures are slight, confirming the tropical nature of the climate in The Gambia.

The summer months in Banjul, coinciding with the rainy season (from June to September), are distinguished by consistently high temperatures. Average daytime values range from 27.0°C in June to 27.5°C in July and September. Nights also remain very warm, with minimum temperatures averaging between 24.7°C (June) and 25.9°C (July). During this period, the heat may feel more intense due to high humidity, and daily temperature fluctuations are minimal, amounting to only about 3-5°C, especially at the height of the rainy season in July and August (the difference between the average maximum and average minimum temperature is approximately 3.2°C and 3.1°C respectively).

The period from November to May, corresponding to the dry season, brings more varied temperature sensations. Days remain consistently warm, with November boasting the highest average maximum temperatures of the year, reaching 31.0°C. Nights during this period become noticeably fresher, especially from December to April, when minimum temperatures can drop to an average of 20.7°C - 21.7°C. This creates a more perceptible difference between day and night temperatures, which can reach 8-9°C (for example, in January and February the difference is about 8.5°C - 8.7°C), making evenings and mornings particularly comfortable for walks.

Banjul experiences distinct seasonality in precipitation, dividing the year into a prolonged dry period and a shorter rainy season. The bulk of precipitation falls during the summer and early autumn months.

The rainy season in Banjul usually lasts from June to October. The greatest amount of precipitation and rainy days occurs in August, which is the wettest month: an average of 9 mm of rainfall is recorded, and the number of rainy days reaches 23. July and September are also quite rainy: July sees about 6 mm of precipitation and 16 rainy days, while September sees 8 mm of precipitation and 21 rainy days. June (1 mm, 3 rainy days) and October (2 mm, 9 rainy days) are transitional months, marking the beginning and end of the wet season respectively.

On the other hand, the period from November to May is characterised by an almost complete absence of precipitation. In January, February, March, April, May, November, and December, the average amount of rainfall is 0 mm, and no rainy days are observed during these months. This makes these months ideal for visiting if you prefer sunny weather with no chance of rain.

When planning a trip to Banjul, it is important to consider its tropical climate with clearly defined dry and rainy seasons. In general, you will need light, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics such as cotton or linen, as it is warm year-round. Do not forget headwear, sunglasses, and high SPF cream, as the sun in The Gambia is very active. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, whether they are sandals, light trainers, or flip-flops for the beach.

If your journey falls during the dry season (November to May), focus mainly on summer clothing: shorts, t-shirts, sundresses, and swimwear. Evenings, especially from December to April, can be a little fresher (minimum temperatures around 21-22°C), so a light cardigan or shawl may come in handy. During this period, rainfall is virtually non-existent, so you will likely not need an umbrella.

During the rainy season (June to October), especially at the peak from July to September, it is worth adding a light raincoat or a compact umbrella to your wardrobe, as brief but intense downpours are possible. Although the temperature remains high, increased humidity can create a feeling of mugginess. Clothing should be quick-drying. Also, there may be more mosquitoes during this period, so insect repellent will be very useful. Regardless of the season, do not forget a power adapter if needed for your devices, and a personal first aid kit.