Spending Christmas in Banjul means warm weather, loads of sunshine, and a chill coastal vibe. Daytime temperatures usually hover around 86–91°F (30–33°C), while nights cool down to about 64–67°F (18–20°C). That’s honestly one of the nicest times of year to get outside and enjoy the city or the beach.
Skies stay mostly clear or just a bit cloudy, and December rain is almost unheard of.
The climate feels totally different from the rainy months earlier in the year. Humidity drops, the Atlantic breeze picks up, and the sea stays warm enough for a swim.
You get this great mix of heat and comfort, so planning outdoor activities feels easy. No need to stress about sudden storms messing up your plans.
If you’re after a holiday spot with sunshine, dry air, and mild evenings, Banjul at Christmas is perfect. Stable weather makes it easy to plan excursions, check out local culture, or just hang out at the beach.
Overview of December Weather in Banjul
December in Banjul brings warm days, cooler nights, and almost no rain. Humidity drops compared to the wet season, and the long sunshine hours make it really comfortable for being outside.
Typical Temperature Range
In December, you’ll notice warm daytime highs and mild nighttime lows. Most days, the temperature hits around 28–30°C (82–86°F), but sometimes it gets up to 34°C (93°F).
At night, it usually falls to 18–23°C (64–73°F), so there’s a pleasant contrast.
That range works well for sightseeing during the day and heading out in the evenings. Heavy clothes aren’t necessary, though a light layer at night can help.
The sea sits at about 25°C (77°F), so swimming feels great. These steady temps make beach plans pretty foolproof.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
December falls in the dry season in The Gambia. Rain is almost a non-issue, with most years seeing close to zero measurable rain in Banjul.
By October, the wet season wraps up, so December skies are typically clear.
You’ll find dry ground, almost no mud, and barely any interruptions to outdoor plans.
Unlike June through September, you don’t have to plan around surprise storms. Umbrellas and rain gear? Leave them at home.
Humidity Levels in December
After the wet season, Banjul’s humidity drops fast. December averages about 45–55% relative humidity, which is way drier than the sticky summer months.
Lower humidity makes the heat more manageable, especially in the afternoons. Direct sun still feels warm, but the dryness helps.
Evenings are especially comfortable, with cooler air and less moisture. Walking, eating outside, or browsing local markets feels so much nicer than earlier in the year.
Daylight Hours and Sunshine Duration
December days in Banjul are bright, with 8–9 hours of sunshine on average. Most days, you’ll see clear skies.
Daylight sticks around for about 11–12 hours, so there’s plenty of time for sightseeing or hitting the beach. The sun rises early and sets in the evening, giving you a steady daylight rhythm.
The sun’s strong, so you’ll want to think about UV protection. Sunscreen, hats, and light clothing are a must, especially around midday when the sun gets intense.
Christmas Climate Conditions: What to Expect
December in Banjul means warm days, cooler nights, and barely any rain. The air stays dry, and the sea feels just right for swimming.
Sunshine is a given, but you’ll still notice steady breezes and moderate UV exposure.
Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures
During Christmas, expect daytime highs around 31–34 °C (88–93 °F). Afternoons feel hot, but nothing like the extremes of peak summer.
Humidity is lower now, making the heat much easier to handle.
At night, temps usually drop to 18–20 °C (64–68 °F). These cooler nights are a nice break after the daytime warmth.
You might want light clothing for the day and a thin layer for evenings.
The swing between day and night is noticeable, but honestly, it’s pretty comfortable. December almost never gets sticky or oppressive like the wet months.
Wind and Breezes
Banjul sits right on the Atlantic coast, so breezes shape the December weather. Winds come from the northeast, thanks to the dry Harmattan influence, but they’re lighter than what you’d feel inland.
Average wind speeds usually hit 12–15 kph (7–9 mph). These breezes take the edge off the heat and keep evenings pleasant.
Strong gusts aren’t typical, though the coast can feel a bit windier than neighborhoods farther in.
Steady airflow cuts down on humidity compared to the rainy season. That means a drier, more comfortable vibe for outdoor activities, beach days, and city walks.
UV Index and Sun Exposure
Even in December, Banjul’s sun packs a punch. The UV index often hits moderate to high levels, especially at midday.
Clear days mean you’ll get 7–8 hours of sunshine.
Direct sun can still burn you if you’re out for long stretches. Use sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses, especially between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Lower humidity might make the sun feel less harsh, but UV rays are still strong this close to the equator. If you’re at the beach or on the water, the reflection bumps up your exposure, so go heavy on the protection.
Comparing December to Other Months in Banjul
December in Banjul kicks off the dry season with warm days, cooler nights, and almost no rain. The weather feels steady and predictable, a big change from the muggy, rainy summer months.
How December Differs from Rainy Season
From June to October, Banjul faces its rainy season. Rainfall can top 170 mm in August, and humidity jumps to nearly 80%.
Showers are frequent, skies get cloudy, and sunshine hours drop.
In December, you’ll see almost no rain—averaging 0 mm—and skies are usually clear. Winds pick up, so the air feels fresh even when it’s warm.
Humidity drops to about 40–55%, creating a much more comfortable atmosphere.
Long sunny days with 11–12 hours of daylight are the norm. Outdoor activities, sightseeing, and beach time are way easier compared to the rainy season, when downpours and muddy roads can slow you down.
This isn’t just about rain. December’s air feels lighter and drier, nothing like the sticky, damp conditions of July and August. For visitors, it’s a much more pleasant time.
Temperature and Humidity Trends Throughout the Year
Banjul keeps a tropical climate, so it’s warm all year. Highs usually run from 28°C (82°F) in May to about 32°C (89°F) in November.
Lows range between 19°C (66°F) and 26°C (79°F).
In December, daytime highs stick around 29–31°C (84–88°F), while nights cool off to about 16–20°C (61–68°F). That cooler nighttime air makes December stand out from the hotter, stickier months.
Humidity changes the most. Wet months push levels up to 70–80%, which can feel stifling. In the dry season, especially December through February, humidity drops to 40–55%, giving the air a lighter touch.
Sea temperatures stay fairly steady, usually between 21°C (70°F) and 28°C (82°F). Swimming in December feels just as good as in July, but the air around you is far less muggy.
December really nails it with warm but not overwhelming heat, low humidity, and dry skies. That’s why it stands out from the rest of the year.
Geographical Influences on Banjul’s Weather
Banjul’s climate gets shaped by its spot on the coast and its location at the mouth of the Gambia River. Ocean breezes, river effects, and its place in West Africa combine to create hot, humid conditions with clear shifts between dry and wet seasons.
Impact of the Gambia River and Atlantic Ocean
Banjul sits on an island where the Gambia River flows right into the Atlantic. This mix affects temperature, humidity, and rainfall.
The river adds moisture, while the ocean keeps extreme heat in check.
During the dry season, sea breezes stop daytime highs from shooting much above the low 90s °F. At night, the river and ocean keep things warmer than you’d get inland.
Humidity rises when moist air moves in from the Atlantic. The river’s wide estuary can bump up cloud cover and rainfall during the wet season.
In December, though, winds shift and bring in drier air from the northeast, so things feel less humid.
The river and ocean balance things out. You avoid the harsh dryness of inland Africa, but you also get more humidity and rain than places farther from the coast.
Role of Banjul’s Location in West Africa
Banjul sits on Africa’s west coast, just above the equator. That puts it in the tropical wet-and-dry climate zone, also called a savanna climate.
You’ll go through two main seasons—a long dry season from November to May, and a shorter wet season from June to October.
Around Christmas, the dry season rules, bringing clear skies, warm days, and almost no rain.
The city also feels the Harmattan winds from the Sahara during the dry months. These winds bring drier air, lower humidity, and sometimes a bit of dust haze.
That’s why December days can feel hot but not overwhelming, especially compared to the thick humidity of the rainy season.
Thanks to its coastal spot, Banjul skips the wild temperature swings you’d find inland. Instead, you get steady warmth and reliable sunshine for the holidays, which is a big plus for visitors.
Travel Tips for Visiting Banjul at Christmas
Expect warm, dry weather and lots of sunshine if you visit Banjul at Christmas. It’s great for sightseeing, hitting the beach, or just relaxing outside without worrying about rain.
Recommended Clothing and Packing Advice
Daytime highs often reach 28–30°C (82–86°F), and evenings stay mild at 22–23°C (72–73°F). Go for light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
Pack short-sleeve shirts, shorts, or skirts for the day. For evenings, a thin long-sleeve shirt or light sweater can be handy if you want a bit more coverage.
You won’t need umbrellas or rain jackets in December. Instead, focus on sun protection—bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a wide-brimmed hat.
If you plan to walk around Banjul’s markets or along the coast, comfortable sandals or walking shoes will make life easier than heavy shoes.
If you’re heading to local cultural sites, people appreciate modest clothing. It’s smart to pack at least one outfit with longer sleeves or trousers for those occasions.
Outdoor Activities and Beach Conditions
The dry season usually brings clear skies and steady sunshine. Honestly, it’s one of the best times to enjoy Banjul’s beaches.
You’ll find the Atlantic waters warm, hanging around 24–26°C (75–79°F). That’s pretty ideal for swimming if you ask me.
Banjul’s beaches don’t get as crowded as the big European hotspots. There’s almost always space to just relax.
You can swim, sunbathe, or try water sports like kayaking. If you’re into a bit more activity, those options are right there.
Humidity sits at about 55%, so it feels warm, but not uncomfortably sticky. The sea breezes along the coast help a lot.
If you want to get away from the sand, check out Abuko Nature Reserve. River cruises on the Gambia River or guided city tours are also worth considering.
The weather usually stays stable, so you don’t have to worry about rain messing up your plans.
Don’t forget to bring a reusable water bottle. It really helps to stay hydrated if you’re out in the sun all day.
Summary of Key Weather Insights for Christmas in Banjul
Around Christmas, you’ll find warm daytime conditions in Banjul. Average highs hit about 33°C (91°F).
At night, it cools off to around 18–20°C (64–68°F), which feels pretty comfortable. The temperature doesn’t really swing much from day to day.
Rain almost never shows up during this time. December sits right in the dry season, so precipitation is basically a no-show.
You’ll usually see partly cloudy skies, and cloud cover sticks around just over half the time.
Humidity drops as December moves along. The air feels lighter than it does during the rainy months.
By late December, muggy weather rarely bothers anyone, so outdoor plans are much easier.
Winds come mostly from the north, and average speeds land between 11–13 km/h. Those breezes really help take the edge off the heat and make evenings feel fresh.
You’ll get around 11 hours and 20 minutes of daylight close to Christmas. Sunrises show up at about 7:20 am, and sunsets happen near 6:45 pm.
That’s a solid stretch of daylight for sightseeing or maybe just hanging out at the beach.
The Atlantic Ocean near Banjul cools a bit in December, with water temperatures between 23–26°C. Swimming still feels nice, though the water’s a little cooler than it is during the rainy season.
| Weather Factor | Typical Conditions in December |
|---|---|
| High Temperature | ~33°C (91°F) |
| Low Temperature | ~18–20°C (64–68°F) |
| Rainfall | Very low |
| Humidity | Low to moderate |
| Wind | 11–13 km/h, mainly north |
| Daylight | ~11 hrs 20 mins |
| Sea Temperature | 23–26°C |