Weather & Climate
Two seasons, one simple rule: the dry season is the reason most people come.
The Gambia and Senegal share a Sahelian and tropical climate shaped by two seasons: the dry season (November–May) and the wet season (June–October). The dry season is when the vast majority of international tourists visit. The wet season has its own appeal — dramatic landscapes, extraordinary birdwatching, empty beaches — but it is not for everyone.
The Dry Season (November–May)
The dry season is defined by the northeast Harmattan trade wind, which blows off the Sahara and keeps rainfall near zero. Days are bright and hot; nights are cool enough to need a light layer in January and February.
November–February: The best months. Temperatures on the Gambian coast average 25–30°C during the day, 18–22°C at night. Virtually no rain. The Harmattan can bring a dusty haze in January–February, reducing visibility and leaving a fine layer of red dust on everything — but skies are generally bright. This is peak tourist season: prices are highest and accommodation should be booked well in advance for December and January.
March–April: Temperatures rise noticeably — coastal areas reach 30–35°C, inland Gambia and eastern Senegal can hit 38–42°C in April. Still dry and very sunny. Tourist numbers drop after the school holidays, giving good value on accommodation without sacrificing weather.
May: The tail of the dry season. Very hot, particularly inland. Saharan dust often heavy. The first rains can arrive in late May in the far south (Casamance). A good month for budget travel on the coast.
The Wet Season (June–October)
The wet season begins when the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) moves northward, bringing moisture from the Atlantic. Rainfall is not all-day drizzle — it comes in heavy afternoon and evening storms, often spectacular, which clear quickly. Mornings are frequently dry and bright.
June: The first rains arrive, usually brief and localised. Temperatures sit around 30–34°C. Humidity starts climbing. Tourist numbers drop sharply and prices fall by 30–60%.
July–August: The peak of the wet season. The most rainfall (Banjul averages 250–350mm in August). Humidity above 80%. Roads upcountry in The Gambia can flood or become impassable. Most UK charter flights stop, and some smaller hotels and guesthouses close for maintenance. The landscape turns intensely green and the bush blooms.
September–October: The rains taper. September remains humid but the storms become less frequent. October is an exceptional month for birdwatching — Palearctic migrant birds (European warblers, flycatchers, raptors) pour south through the Senegambia corridor in huge numbers, and the resident species are still in breeding plumage. October is also very good value.
Regional Differences
Gambian coast and Dakar: Moderated by the Atlantic. Rarely exceeds 34°C even in summer. Coastal fog and mist possible in December–January.
Inland Gambia (Janjanbureh, Basse Santa Su): Significantly hotter and drier than the coast. Temperatures in April–May can exceed 42°C. More dramatic wet season storms.
Casamance and southern Senegal: Wetter and greener year-round. The wet season arrives earlier and lasts longer. The forest is at its most spectacular August–September.
Saint-Louis and northern Senegal: Sahel and semi-arid climate. Very hot April–June (up to 44°C inland). Less rainfall than the south even in the wet season.
Month-by-Month at a Glance
| Month | Temp (coast) | Rain | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| November | 27–30°C | Trace | Season opens. Good value before Christmas rush. |
| December | 25–28°C | None | Peak. Book early. Christmas holidays busy. |
| January | 24–27°C | None | Peak. Harmattan dust possible. Best birdwatching season. |
| February | 26–29°C | None | Peak tailing off. Excellent value for late bookings. |
| March | 29–33°C | None | Quiet, warm. Good deals. |
| April | 31–35°C | Trace | Very hot inland. Quiet. Budget travel season. |
| May | 31–34°C | Trace–5mm | First rains possible south. Very quiet. |
| June | 30–33°C | 15–60mm | Wet season begins. Prices drop. |
| July | 28–32°C | 150–200mm | Heavy rains. Lush green. Charter season ends. |
| August | 27–31°C | 250–350mm | Wettest month. Some closures. |
| September | 28–32°C | 150–200mm | Rains tapering. Excellent birding. |
| October | 29–33°C | 20–80mm | Dry returning. Best month for birding. Great value. |
What to Pack for Each Season
Dry season (Nov–Apr): Light clothing, high-SPF sunscreen, hat, sunglasses. A light fleece or long-sleeve layer for cool January nights. Everything you need is covered in the Packing List.
Wet season (Jun–Oct): Add a lightweight waterproof jacket (or a sturdy umbrella). Quick-dry fabrics become more useful. Insect activity peaks — bring plenty of repellent.