If you’re planning a trip to Banjul, it helps to know when the weather’s on your side. The city stays warm all year, but rainfall and humidity definitely shift with the seasons. The best time to visit Banjul is during the dry season from November to May, when days are sunny, rainfall is low, and outdoor activities feel way more comfortable.
Temperatures usually hang between 26°C and 31°C, but the whole vibe changes depending on the month. July through September brings heavy rain and sticky humidity, while the dry months offer clear skies and long, sunny days.
Love the beach? Want to wander markets or take day trips without worrying about sudden storms? Aim for the dry season—it really makes a difference. Below, I’ll break down Banjul’s climate patterns, monthly weather, and how sea conditions might shape your time on the coast.
Overview of Banjul’s Climate
Banjul, the capital of The Gambia, has a tropical climate thanks to its spot by the coast. You’ll notice two main seasons here: a long dry stretch and a shorter but pretty intense rainy season. Temperatures stay warm no matter what.
Location and Climate Type
Banjul sits on St. Mary’s Island, right where the Gambia River meets the Atlantic. This spot gives it a tropical savanna climate with clear wet and dry periods.
The dry season runs from November to May. You’ll barely see any rain then. Skies are clearer, humidity drops, and it’s just more comfortable for being outside.
From June to October, the rainy season takes over. Heavy showers and storms show up often, especially in August, when rainfall can top 300 mm. Even with all that rain, it stays hot and the air feels really humid.
You’ll want to keep these seasonal contrasts in mind—they really do affect daily weather and travel plans.
Influence of the Atlantic Ocean
The Atlantic Ocean has a big say in Banjul’s weather. Thanks to the sea, Banjul’s temperatures stay steadier than what you’d find inland.
For example, towns further inland can get scorchingly hot, sometimes above 40°C. Banjul’s coastal breezes usually keep highs around 32–34°C instead. Nights feel milder too, rarely dipping below 17°C, even during the coolest months.
Winds from the ocean change with the seasons. From November to April, dry northerly winds bring clear skies. By May, winds swing westerly, dragging in more humidity and setting up the rainy season.
Even the sea’s temperature plays a part. In winter, the water cools off to about 21–22°C, but by late summer it warms up to almost 29°C—great for swimming if you ask me.
Annual Weather Patterns
Banjul’s weather follows a pretty regular yearly beat. January to April brings hot, dry days with loads of sunshine and barely a drop of rain. Humidity stays low, so the heat doesn’t feel too overwhelming.
May and June? Humidity starts climbing, even before the rains show up. It stays hot, and the air just feels heavier. July through September gets really wet, with frequent rain, cloudy skies, and humidity above 80%.
August gets the most rain—about 16 wet days and over 300 mm of precipitation. Flooded roads and disrupted outdoor plans are common then.
By October and November, rain drops off fast. Sunshine comes back, and things slowly shift to that dry, warm pattern you get through year’s end.
So, Banjul stays warm, but comfort levels swing a lot depending on when you visit.
Seasonal Breakdown: Dry and Rainy Seasons
Banjul’s weather gets shaped by two main seasons: a long dry season with almost no rain, and a shorter rainy season full of heavy showers. Each season brings its own set of perks and challenges for travelers.
Dry Season in Banjul
Banjul’s dry season lasts from November to May. You’ll barely see any rain, and the sky usually stays clear. Daytime highs land between 30–34°C (86–93°F), while nights cool off to the upper teens or low 20s °C.
Humidity is pretty low early in the season—January and February especially—so the air feels nicer. By May, humidity creeps up, even before the rains hit.
There’s plenty of sunshine, with 7–9 hours a day on average. That makes this the best time for beaches, sightseeing, and outdoor adventures.
Sea temperatures go from 21°C in February and March up to about 24°C in May. The water starts off cool but warms up as the season goes.
If you want stable weather and almost no rain, the dry season is your best bet for travel.
Rainy Season in Banjul
The rainy season runs from June to October. Showers come often, humidity jumps, and nights stay warmer. Rainfall peaks in August with over 300 mm falling, and September gets plenty too.
Daytime highs hold at 31–33°C (88–91°F), but the humidity makes it feel hotter. Nights usually stay in the low to mid-20s °C.
Rain tends to fall in quick, heavy bursts, not all day long. You’ll still find clear skies between showers, especially in the mornings.
The sea stays warm, averaging 28–29°C. Swimming is comfy, but high humidity and frequent rain can cut your outdoor fun short.
If you come during this season, expect lush green scenery and fewer tourists. Just be ready for wet weather and the occasional travel headache.
Monthly Weather Overview
Banjul’s tropical climate means warm temperatures all year, a long dry season, and a short but intense rainy season. Conditions shift month by month, changing up the best times to visit.
Temperature Ranges by Month
Hot weather sticks around year-round, but the heat level changes a bit with the seasons. Daily averages usually sit between 18–35°C (64–95°F).
- Coolest months: December to February, with mornings and evenings dipping to about 18–20°C (64–68°F).
- Hottest months: March to June, when highs often reach 34–35°C (93–95°F).
- Transitional months: October and November, still warm, with highs near 32°C (90°F).
Nights rarely go below 20°C (68°F), even in the cooler months. During the wet season, clouds keep nights warmer and afternoons a bit less scorching.
Rainfall and Humidity Trends
Rain in Banjul follows a clear pattern. The rainy season runs June to October, peaking in August and September when monthly totals can go over 300 mm (12 in).
- Dry season (November–May): Barely any rain, often less than 5 mm a month.
- Wettest stretch: July through September, when humidity climbs above 80% and heavy showers are common.
Humidity stays high most of the time, but you’ll notice it most during the wet season. From December to April, the air dries out, which makes being outside a lot more pleasant.
Sunshine Hours and Cloud Cover
Sunshine shifts a lot between the dry and wet seasons. November to May brings mostly clear skies and 8–10 hours of sun daily. It’s the brightest, most reliable time for outdoor stuff.
When the rainy season hits, clouds roll in and sunshine drops to about 4–6 hours a day. August and September get the cloudiest, with lots of overcast days.
Even in the wet months, sunny breaks still happen. Coastal breezes help take the edge off the heat, but the combo of less sunshine and more humidity can make things feel a bit sticky.
Sea Temperature and Beach Conditions
Banjul’s sea stays warm all year, so swimming’s usually fair game. Still, the seasons affect water clarity and how comfy the beaches feel.
Monthly Sea Temperature Variations
The Atlantic along Banjul’s shore keeps a steady warmth. Sea temps average about 24°C (75°F) in winter and reach 29°C (84°F) in late summer.
From January to April, the water’s a bit cooler but still good for a swim. Seas are calmer and clearer then, which a lot of travelers find ideal.
By May and June, the ocean heats up, hitting the upper 20s °C. Once the rainy season starts in July through September, the water stays warm, but rainfall and runoff can muddy things up.
In October and November, rain backs off but the sea stays warm, so you get a nice mix of good beach and water conditions.
Best Months for Swimming and Water Activities
Swimming’s possible year-round in Banjul, but some months are just better. The dry season from November to May gives you the most reliable weather for water fun. Warm seas, low rain, and sunny skies make swimming, snorkeling, and beach time more enjoyable.
February, March, and April stand out—the sea’s warm without being too hot, and beaches are dry and clean. Families and casual swimmers usually love these months.
Want fewer crowds? November and early December offer great water temps and calm seas before the holiday rush. July through September brings heavy rain, which can mess with water sports, even though the sea’s still warm.
This pattern helps you plan for both comfort in the water and solid beach days.
Ideal Times to Visit Banjul Based on Weather
Banjul’s climate is all about that long dry season and shorter rainy period. Rain and humidity can really change how much you enjoy your trip, especially if you want to get outside or explore the city.
Best Months for Outdoor Activities
The dry season from November to May brings the most reliable weather in Banjul. Expect daytime highs around 30–34°C (86–93°F) and barely any rain. Skies usually stay clear, and you typically get 8–10 hours of sunshine a day.
These months are perfect for beaches, river cruises, and city tours. The air feels less humid, and you won’t have to dodge rain showers. January through April are especially nice, with almost no rain and pleasant evening temps around 16–20°C (60–68°F).
Sea temperatures stay warm year-round, from 21–29°C (70–84°F). Water activities are possible any time, but dry months make them more enjoyable with calmer, drier conditions.
Considerations for Comfort and Sightseeing
The rainy season runs June to October, with peak rain in July, August, and September. Banjul gets frequent downpours then—sometimes over 200–300 mm of rain per month—which can really disrupt sightseeing or outdoor plans. Humidity jumps too, making the heat feel even heavier.
If you like fewer crowds and saving some cash, May and October are decent shoulder months. Rain’s lighter than in the heart of the wet season, but you’ll still get some showers.
For the easiest sightseeing, stick to the dry months. Roads stay easier to navigate, and attractions are more accessible. You’ll spend less time rearranging plans because of the weather and more time actually enjoying Banjul and the coastline.
Additional Factors Influencing Travel
When you’re planning your Banjul trip, it’s not just about rain and heat. Local events and the ebb and flow of visitors can change your experience, from prices to how crowded things feel.
Festivals and Events Timing
Banjul comes alive with a mix of cultural and religious events that can really shape your trip. The biggest celebrations are the Islamic holidays, like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. People across Gambia celebrate these with lively gatherings, traditional outfits, and bustling special markets.
Music and cultural festivals pop up in and around Banjul too. The International Roots Festival, for example, takes place every two years and draws visitors from all over. It shines a light on Gambian heritage and adds a special energy to the city.
Festivals like these can offer an amazing cultural experience, but they might also make it harder to find a hotel.
If you want a quieter trip, you might want to skip the busiest festival times. On the other hand, if you’re after more cultural immersion, these events let you dive right into Gambian traditions.
I’d suggest checking local calendars before you book, so you can line up your visit with the vibe you’re looking for.
Tourist Seasons and Crowd Levels
Tourist numbers in Banjul go up and down with the weather. The dry season from November to May brings in the most visitors, thanks to sunny skies and barely any rain.
Beaches, markets, and guided tours all get crowded during these months. You’ll probably see higher prices for flights and hotels too.
The rainy season from June to October draws fewer tourists. Heavy rain can sometimes mess with your outdoor plans, but you’ll notice attractions feel a lot quieter and prices drop.
If you like fewer crowds, the rainy season might actually work out, as long as you don’t mind dodging some showers.
So, when should you visit? If you’re after reliable weather and a lively vibe, stick with the dry months. If you care more about saving money and having more space, the rainy season could be your best bet, even with a few travel trade-offs.