Fall in Banjul, Gambia really marks a clear shift from those heavy summer rains to much drier, sunnier days. You’ll get warm temperatures, less humidity, and a steady drop in rainfall as you move from September into November. This change makes the city’s climate more comfortable, especially if you’re not a fan of constant downpours and want clearer skies.
As the wet season fades, the skies open up and the air feels lighter. You get more sunshine hours, evenings start cooling off, and the ocean water stays warm enough for swimming. These conditions create a nice balance between the tropical heat and the calmer vibe that comes with the end of the rainy months.
If you’re planning to be outside, you’ll notice the weather shifting in stages. September still brings some rain, October feels more moderate, and November gets much drier. This rhythm shapes daily life in Banjul and really affects when travel feels best.
Overview of Fall Weather in Banjul
Fall in Banjul shifts from the wettest part of the year toward a drier, clearer season. You’ll see changes in temperature, rainfall, and humidity that affect how comfortable you’ll feel and what you can do outside.
What Defines Fall in Banjul
Fall in The Gambia runs from September through November. During this stretch, daily high temperatures in Banjul go up a bit, from about 88°F (31°C) in early September to around 92°F (33°C) by late November. Nighttime lows drop from roughly 75°F (24°C) to 68°F (20°C).
Rainfall drops off sharply after the heavy summer rains. At the start of September, you might still get frequent wet days, but by November, rain becomes rare. Average monthly rainfall falls from about 8–9 inches in September to almost zero by late November.
Cloud cover shifts too. Early in the season, skies stay overcast, but by late fall, you’ll see more clear or partly cloudy days. November usually offers some of the best weather for outdoor travel in Banjul.
Humidity follows the same pattern. In September, the air feels muggy almost every day, but by November, muggy conditions only happen less than half the time.
Tropical Savanna Climate Characteristics
Banjul has a tropical savanna climate (Aw classification), so you get distinct wet and dry seasons instead of the four traditional seasons. Fall is the transition between the rainy summer and the dry winter.
The climate stays warm all year, so you never really deal with cold weather. The big differences come from rainfall and humidity. In fall, you move from humid and rainy to drier and sunnier.
Winds change direction too. In September and early October, breezes mostly blow in from the west, bringing moisture from the Atlantic. By late October and November, winds shift north, which signals the dry season is on the way.
Sea surface temperatures stay warm, ranging from 83°F (28°C) in early fall to about 79°F (26°C) by late November. This keeps the coastal air mild and makes the beach nice even as rainfall drops.
If you’re planning a trip, expect warm days, cooler nights, and a steady drop in rainfall and humidity as fall moves along.
Monthly Weather Breakdown: September to November
During fall in Banjul, rainfall drops steadily as the wet season fades. Temperatures stay warm. Humidity levels go down, and outdoor conditions feel a lot more comfortable compared to the sweaty peak of summer.
September Weather Patterns
September still holds onto some of the wet season’s influence in Banjul. Rainfall averages around 121 mm (4.7 in), definitely less than August but still noticeable. You’ll get several wet days, though you’ll notice more sunshine compared to the rainiest months.
Daytime highs usually hover near 29–30°C (84–86°F), and nights cool to about 23–24°C (73–75°F). Humidity stays high, often above 70%, so afternoons can feel warmer than what the thermometer says.
Sea temperatures sit near 27°C (80°F), making swimming and beach time pleasant even if it rains occasionally. Winds usually stay light, so the coast feels calm. If you want the driest and most comfortable hours, aim for early mornings.
October Weather Patterns
By October, rainfall in Banjul drops off, averaging about 41 mm (1.6 in). Showers get shorter and less frequent, and you’ll see more dry days. Sunshine becomes more consistent, so you get brighter skies and longer stretches of clear weather.
Temperatures rise a bit, with highs around 30–31°C (86–88°F) and lows near 24°C (75°F). Humidity drops compared to September, usually landing closer to 60–65%, which makes the air feel less heavy.
Sea conditions stay steady at about 27°C (80°F). October is a great month for being outdoors, since you get a nice mix of warmth, lower rainfall, and manageable humidity. Evening breezes along the coast add comfort, especially if you’re eating or walking outside.
November Weather Patterns
November brings the full arrival of the dry season in Banjul. Rainfall drops to just 2 mm (0.08 in) on average, so most days are dry. Sunshine really takes over, and skies are clear with almost no cloud cover.
Temperatures hit their seasonal peak, with highs around 31–32°C (88–90°F). Nighttime lows stay near 25°C (77°F), so evenings stay warm. Humidity falls further to about 55%, making the heat easier to handle.
The ocean stays warm at about 27–28°C (81–82°F), perfect for swimming or water sports. Winds pick up a bit, bringing fresher conditions along the coast. This blend of dry air, steady sunshine, and warm seas makes November one of the most comfortable months in Banjul, Gambia.
Temperature Trends and Averages
During fall in Banjul, you’ll notice steady changes in both daytime and nighttime conditions. Highs climb a little as the season goes on, while lows drop, so you get a bigger gap between afternoon warmth and cooler nights.
Average Highs and Lows
In Banjul, average daily high temperatures go from about 88°F (31°C) in early September to around 92°F (33°C) by late November. The warmest days usually show up in mid to late November, when highs can hit 93°F (34°C).
At the same time, low temperatures fall from about 75°F (24°C) in September to around 68°F (20°C) by the end of November. Nights rarely dip below 63°F (17°C), so you won’t get cold even during the coolest parts of fall.
So, the season starts off humid and warm, then shifts to drier heat with cooler mornings. The drop in lows gives you some relief from the afternoon heat, especially later in the season.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low |
|---|---|---|
| September | 88°F / 31°C | 75°F / 24°C |
| October | 90°F / 32°C | 72°F / 22°C |
| November | 92°F / 33°C | 68°F / 20°C |
Daytime vs Nighttime Temperatures
Daytime in Banjul during fall feels hot and dry, especially as the rain disappears. Afternoon highs usually land in the upper 80s to low 90s °F, which can feel pretty intense under the sun. Evenings and nights cool off enough to be comfortable.
The difference between day and night gets bigger as the season goes on. In September, the gap between highs and lows sits around 13°F (7°C), but by November, it’s almost 24°F (13°C). This happens because clearer skies and less humidity let more heat escape after sunset.
With this daily swing, you’ll probably want light clothes for the day and maybe something a bit warmer for nighttime, especially if you’re hanging out near the coast where breezes can make evenings feel cooler.
Rainfall and Humidity During Fall
In Banjul, fall weather moves from the heavy summer rains to much drier days. At the same time, the air gets less muggy, so the climate feels better as you head deeper into the season.
Rainfall Amounts and Distribution
Rainfall in Banjul drops fast from September through November. Early on, you’ll get frequent showers, with average totals near 8–9 inches in September. By October, rainfall drops a lot, and by November, measurable rain is basically gone.
The chance of a wet day falls from about three out of four days in early September to almost zero by late November. If you visit during this time, September still feels like the rainy season, but by November, it’s dry.
September storms might cause short-term flooding in low-lying areas, but these problems fade as the rains leave. By November, planning outdoor activities gets easier, since weather disruptions are rare.
Humidity Levels and Seasonal Changes
Humidity in Banjul changes a lot during fall. At the start of September, the air is still super humid, with muggy conditions almost 100% of the time. As fall goes on, humidity drops, reaching closer to 30% of days by late November.
This shift really changes how comfortable you’ll feel. September feels sticky both day and night, but October brings relief, and November is much drier. Cooler nights show up too, since lower humidity lets temperatures drop more after sunset.
If you’re traveling, expect a humid environment in September, but by November, you’ll need lighter clothing and less cooling. The drop in humidity is one of the clearest signs that the wet season is ending in Gambia.
Sunshine, Wind, and Other Weather Factors
During autumn in Banjul, you’ll see a steady move from the rainy season toward drier days. Sunshine gets more reliable, and winds slowly pick up as the region heads into the dry season.
Sunshine Hours and Daylight
From September to November, daylight in Banjul ranges between 11.7 and 12 hours per day. You’ll get long days with good visibility, especially as cloud cover drops after August.
In September, skies stay partly cloudy, but by October and November, clear conditions take over. Rainfall drops off, so you get more sunshine. Late autumn turns into one of the brightest times of the year for outdoor plans.
Sunshine hours go up as humidity falls. For example:
| Month | Avg. Daylight (hrs) | Cloudiness | Rainfall Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| September | ~12.2 | Higher | Decreasing |
| October | ~11.9 | Moderate | Low |
| November | ~11.5 | Lower | Very Low |
By November, you’ll enjoy some of the sunniest days all year, with barely any rain and fewer overcast hours. This makes for comfortable conditions if you’re sightseeing, walking, or spending time near the coast.
Wind Patterns in Autumn
Wind speeds in Banjul pick up gradually during autumn. In September, breezes stay light, but by November, average speeds reach 17–18 km/h (10–11 mph). These winds mostly come from the northeast, which means the dry season is here.
October feels more comfortable because lower humidity and stronger breezes cut down on the sticky feeling from the wet months. The airflow also helps clear out lingering moisture.
By late autumn, winds become steady and reliable. This is great if you’re planning boat trips on the Gambia River or coastal excursions, since conditions are calmer and visibility is better than during the stormy summer.
Travel Considerations for Visiting Banjul in Fall
Traveling to Banjul in the fall means you’ll need to adapt to changing weather. Rainfall drops fast from September to November, while temperatures stay warm and humidity gradually falls, making outdoor plans easier as the season goes on.
Best Activities and Events
Early fall in Banjul usually brings heavy rain, especially in September. You probably won’t find many outdoor events then.
As October and November roll in, the skies finally clear up. That’s when sightseeing, hitting the beaches, and taking boat trips along the River Gambia start to sound like good ideas again.
The city’s beaches—Cape Point and Kololi are favorites—feel a lot more inviting once the rain lets up. You might want to wander through Albert Market too, where locals sell fresh produce, crafts, and colorful fabrics.
Birdwatching gets really interesting in the fall. The Gambia’s wetlands stay full from all that rain, so birds are everywhere and easy to spot. Local guides often lead tours through mangroves or rice fields, and you’ll probably see more species than you expected.
Cultural festivals don’t happen as often in fall as they do in the dry season. Still, you might stumble upon a small community event or a performance here and there. These moments offer a real peek into Gambian music, dance, and traditions, minus the big tourist crowds.
Packing and Preparation Tips
When you visit Banjul in the fall, get ready for both rain and heat. I’d go with lightweight, breathable clothes, but I always throw in a light rain jacket or an umbrella for September and early October, since showers still pop up.
If you plan to wander around markets or walk on unpaved roads after the rain, grab some good walking sandals or shoes that dry fast. By November, it’s usually drier, so you can switch to lighter footwear.
Don’t forget sun protection—I mean sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat. Even if it looks cloudy, the UV can still be pretty intense. Bring a refillable water bottle, because the humidity really sneaks up on you and dehydration is no joke.
Toss some insect repellent in your bag for health and comfort. Mosquitoes get pretty active during and after the rainy season. If you’re thinking about heading upriver or out to rural spots for a while, you might want to talk to your doctor about vaccinations or malaria prevention.
Banjul is a small city, but people love taking day trips to nearby towns or nature reserves. I always find a small backpack handy for carrying essentials on those outings.