Spring in Banjul means warm days, mild nights, and lots of sunshine. Honestly, it’s one of the most comfortable times to enjoy the city and its coastline.
Daytime temperatures usually stick around 29–30°C. You’ll hardly see any rainfall, and the skies stay mostly clear.
This season gives you a steady, predictable climate. It’s easy to plan around, and you don’t have to stress about sudden weather changes.
From March through May, daylight hours get longer, and the sea warms up. Rain? Not much of it. Humidity stays reasonable, and the Atlantic breeze keeps things from feeling too hot.
These patterns make it a great time for outdoor activities or just relaxing by the beach. You get the best of both worlds—plenty of sun, but not too much heat.
Spring really stands out because you can explore Banjul without dealing with the heavy summer rains or the drier, harsher winter. The balance of warmth, light, and calm weather makes it a tempting window for travel.
Overview of Spring Weather in Banjul
When spring rolls in, Banjul heats up, humidity starts to rise, and you notice the first hints of the wet season. Days and nights stay hot, daylight stretches longer, and the sea gets warmer.
Spring Months and Their Characteristics
Spring in Banjul covers March, April, and May. During these months, daily highs average around 93°F (34°C).
Lows climb from the upper 60s°F (about 20°C) in March to the mid-70s°F (about 24°C) by May.
March and April barely see any rain. By late May, you might run into a few short showers, but nothing major.
Humidity picks up fast. Early March feels pretty dry, but by late May, muggy evenings become the norm.
Winds stay moderate—around 8–9 mph. They start from the north, then shift westward as May goes on.
The Atlantic Ocean warms up too, with water temps rising from 69°F (20°C) in early March to 77°F (25°C) by late May.
Comparison With Other Seasons
Compared to summer, spring in Banjul is much drier and less humid. Summer brings heavy rains and sticky air, but spring is more stable, with just a few light showers late in the season.
Winter is a little cooler and drier. Nights in winter can drop into the mid-60s°F (18–19°C), while spring nights feel warmer and more humid.
Autumn comes right after the heavy rains. Rainfall drops in autumn, but the air stays humid. Spring, on the other hand, starts out clearer and drier, making it a true transition between the dry and wet halves of the year.
Köppen Climate Classification
Banjul sits in the tropical savanna climate (Aw) according to the Köppen system. That means there’s a clear split between dry and wet seasons.
Spring lands squarely in the late dry season, with rain only starting to show up in May. Highs rarely drop below 86°F (30°C) during the day, which is pretty typical for the tropics.
The Atlantic helps moderate the temperatures, but humidity climbs quickly as the wet season gets closer. This is just the usual rhythm for West African coastal cities in the savanna zone.
In Banjul, you’ll notice that spring starts off hot and dry, then slowly shifts into a more humid and slightly wetter vibe by late May.
Temperature Trends During Spring
Spring in Banjul brings hot days, and the temps don’t swing much from day to day. Warmth stays steady, and both highs and lows tick up as spring moves along.
Average High and Low Temperatures
During spring, daily high temperatures in Banjul hover around 93°F (34°C). It’s rare for them to dip below 86°F (30°C) or jump above 102°F (39°C).
The hottest part comes in early March, with highs peaking near 95°F (35°C).
Low temperatures start near 67°F (19°C) in early spring and reach about 74°F (23°C) by late May. Lows hardly ever fall under 63°F (17°C) or go above 77°F (25°C).
So, you get hot days and mild to warm nights. Extreme cold just isn’t a thing here. Light clothing is usually all you need.
| Temperature Type | Early Spring | Late Spring | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highs | 93–95°F | 92–94°F | 86–102°F |
| Lows | 67–69°F | 73–74°F | 63–77°F |
Temperature Changes From March to May
From March to May, temperatures in Banjul creep up gradually. Early March tends to be the hottest, with highs near 95°F (35°C).
By April, highs settle around 93°F (34°C), and lows inch closer to 70°F (21°C). As May arrives, nights warm up into the mid-70s, but daytime highs don’t really budge.
As nights get warmer, late spring feels more humid and less refreshing after sunset. If you’re out in the evenings, you’ll definitely notice the air holding more heat and moisture compared to March.
Daytime Versus Nighttime Temperatures
Afternoons in Banjul during spring are reliably hot, usually in the low to mid-90s °F. The sun can be intense, so shade and water are a must if you’re out for long.
Nights are milder, starting in the upper 60s °F in March and climbing to the mid-70s °F by late May. You won’t need heavy layers, even after dark.
The gap between day and night temps gets smaller as spring moves on. March brings a more noticeable drop after sunset, but by May, nights feel almost as warm as the afternoons. It gives the city a real humid, tropical feel.
Rainfall Patterns and Precipitation
During spring, Banjul stays mostly dry compared to the summer’s heavy rains. Early spring feels almost bone-dry, but by late May, you’ll catch the first hints of the wet season.
Monthly Rainfall Amounts
Spring is one of the driest stretches in Banjul. March and April barely get any rain—averaging close to 0 mm. You’ll see clear skies and almost no measurable rain.
By May, rainfall edges up a bit. Totals reach around 10–20 mm, which is still nothing compared to the buckets that fall in summer. This uptick signals the wet season’s slow approach.
Here’s a quick look at the monthly averages:
| Month | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| March | 0–1 mm |
| April | 0 mm |
| May | 10–20 mm |
Spring is dry—especially when you stack it up against August, which can get over 250 mm of rain.
Frequency of Rainy Days
Rainy days are rare in spring. In March and April, you probably won’t see a single one. The weather stays dry, so you can plan outdoor stuff without worrying.
In May, you might get the odd shower. On average, there are 1–2 rainy days. These are quick and scattered, so they don’t really mess with your plans.
The low number of rainy days makes spring great for travel. You get lots of sunshine and hardly any interruptions.
Transition to Wet Season
By late May, Banjul slowly shifts toward the wet season. Humidity rises, and the air feels heavier, setting the stage for the first real showers.
This change happens gradually. You won’t get slammed by big storms right away. Instead, expect more clouds and the occasional isolated rain.
As June gets closer, rain becomes more common and heavier. That’s when the main rainy season really kicks in.
Humidity and Wind Conditions
Spring in Banjul means humidity creeps up and winds start to change as the rainy season nears. You’ll feel the difference, especially in late spring when the air thickens and the breeze shifts direction.
Average Humidity Levels
Humidity starts out moderate in March—around 60–65%—and climbs through May. By April, it’s closer to 65–70%, and in May, it often hits 70–75%.
Mornings usually feel stickier, while afternoons dry out a bit in the sun. Nights hold onto the humidity, making evenings feel warmer than the actual temperature.
If you’re sensitive to humidity, you’ll definitely notice the jump from early to late spring. Hotels and guesthouses usually have fans or AC to help you out. Outside, light, breathable clothes are your friend.
Wind Speed and Direction
Winds in Banjul during spring shift as the season goes on. In March and April, the northeast trade winds blow in dry air from inland, averaging 10–15 km/h. These breezes cool the coast and keep things pleasant.
By May, southwest monsoon winds start to show up, bringing in moist air from the Atlantic. Wind speeds stay moderate, around 12–18 km/h, but sometimes gusts pick up before storms.
Travelers will notice these changing winds. Coastal spots feel cooler, while inland areas get warmer and more humid as the winds shift.
Sunshine, Daylight, and Sea Temperatures
Spring in Banjul brings long stretches of bright skies, plenty of daylight, and warm sea conditions. It’s a great setup for outdoor fun and lazy days by the water.
Average Daily Sunshine Hours
March and April are almost all sunshine. You get 30 sunny days each month, and May only drops to 29 sunny days.
Clouds and rain are rare, so you’ll want to pack sunscreen, a hat, and some light clothes if you’re out a lot.
This stretch is perfect for sightseeing. The weather lets you spend full days outdoors, unlike the unpredictable rainy season.
Length of Daylight
Daylight in Banjul grows longer through spring. In March, the day length runs from 11.9 to 12.3 hours.
By April, you get 12.3–12.6 hours, and in May, it stretches to about 12.6–12.9 hours.
Longer days mean more time for outdoor activities. Whether you’re sightseeing or hitting the beach, you won’t feel rushed.
The change is gradual, so you won’t notice any sudden jumps. Evenings stay light, making it safer and more pleasant to walk around the city or along the coast.
Sea Surface Temperatures
The Atlantic waters near Banjul stay warm all through spring. In March, the sea averages 23.3°C. By April, it’s up to 24.2°C, and then you’ll see 25.4°C in May.
You can swim comfortably at these temperatures. Sure, the water feels cooler at the start of spring, but honestly, it’s still nicer than what you’d find in a lot of places.
By May, the sea gets noticeably warmer. That’s when swimming and water sports really pick up around here.
Calm seas and warm air make boat trips and fishing even more appealing. If you love getting in the water, spring’s probably your best bet before the rainy months show up.
Spring Weather Forecasting and Travel Tips
Spring in Banjul brings hot days and mild nights. You’ll get a mix of sun and clouds, but the warmth stays pretty steady.
You can expect little rain, so outdoor plans usually go smoothly if you think ahead. The climate just works well for outdoor activities.
Typical Weather Forecasts for Spring
Most days in spring, Banjul’s highs hit 91–93°F (33–34°C). Nights cool off a bit, with lows around 70–73°F (21–23°C).
The air stays dry, but you’ll notice humidity creeping up as spring ends. Rain’s hardly an issue in March and April, though it does start to show up a bit in May.
Skies usually look clear or just partly cloudy. You’ll see 30–40% cloud cover on a lot of days, but it rarely feels gloomy.
Winds from the Atlantic bring some relief, so the heat doesn’t get too overwhelming.
Sea temperatures go from 21°C (69°F) in early spring to about 23–24°C (73–75°F) by May. The water starts out cooler but gets comfier as the season rolls on.
Forecasts tend to show calm seas, with only the odd rough day here and there.
| Month | Avg High Temp | Avg Low Temp | Rainfall | Sea Temp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| March | 32–33°C (90°F) | 21°C (70°F) | Very low | 21°C (69°F) |
| April | 33–34°C (92°F) | 22°C (72°F) | Low | 22°C (72°F) |
| May | 33–34°C (93°F) | 23°C (73°F) | Moderate | 23–24°C (74°F) |
Best Outdoor Activities in Spring
Dry, warm weather makes spring a great time to get outside. You can check out the beaches near Banjul, where the sea feels brisk in March but turns inviting by May.
Swimming, sunbathing, and boat trips really shine during this time.
Birdwatchers flock to the area in spring. The River Gambia wetlands fill up with birds, and the weather’s just right for early or late outings.
You can wander through local markets, try walking tours, or visit cultural sites without worrying about rain messing things up. Early mornings and evenings are best for exploring, since midday heat can be a bit much.
Don’t forget to bring water and wear light clothing to keep cool.
Travel Advice for Visiting Banjul in Spring
Pack lightweight, breathable clothes for those hot days, but toss in a light jacket for the evenings since it can get a bit chilly. You’ll definitely want sunscreen, a hat, and some sunglasses, since the UV levels get pretty intense.
Humidity slowly creeps up as May approaches, so keep that in mind. If you’re heading to Banjul later in spring, you might catch some rain showers and notice the nights feel a little warmer.
Getting around the city’s usually straightforward, but if you’re venturing out to rural spots, give yourself extra time. The roads can get dusty during the dry months, which might slow you down.
Most travelers prefer places with air conditioning or at least a ceiling fan for comfort. If swimming’s on your list, just know the water stays cooler early in spring—by May, it’s honestly the best.