Winter in Banjul feels nothing like the cold season you might expect in other places. Daytime temperatures usually stick around the low 80s °F (27–28°C), and evenings stay comfortable.
Unlike the heavy rains of summer, winter brings dry skies, steady sunshine, and light breezes. These conditions make outdoor activities genuinely enjoyable.
The Atlantic coast shapes Banjul’s climate. Humidity stays present, but it doesn’t get overwhelming.
The sea remains warm enough for swimming. Clear skies give you plenty of daylight to explore the city and beaches.
Rainfall barely shows up during these months. You can plan with confidence, knowing storms almost never interrupt your time outside.
This season strikes a nice balance between warmth and comfort, which appeals to locals and visitors alike.
If you want reliable weather for markets, coastal walks, or relaxing by the water, winter in Banjul delivers some of the best conditions you’ll find all year.
Overview of Banjul’s Winter Climate
Banjul’s winter months bring steady warmth, low rainfall, and clearer skies. You get dry conditions, mild evenings, and consistent daylight, making outdoor plans easy.
Savanna Climate Characteristics
Banjul has a tropical savanna climate (Aw), which alternates between a long dry season and a shorter rainy one. Winter lands during the dry period, so rain is almost nonexistent.
Average temperatures stay warm. Daytime highs sit around 89–93°F (32–34°C), and nighttime lows fall near 64–70°F (18–21°C).
Cooler evenings make a nice contrast to the hot, sunny days. Humidity drops in winter compared to the summer months.
With fewer muggy days, the air feels more comfortable. Clearer skies let in more sunshine, so sightseeing, beach trips, or city walks become a real treat.
You can count on this climate pattern each year. Winter weather in Banjul rarely throws any surprises.
Winter Weather Patterns
Rainfall is almost a non-issue during winter. For example, January through March averages 0.0 inches of rain, so wet conditions just don’t happen.
Daytime temperatures stay hot but don’t usually go over 95°F (35°C). Evenings cool down enough that you probably won’t need heavy air conditioning at night.
Winds come through at a moderate pace, usually 6–8 mph. That breeze really helps take the edge off the heat.
Lower humidity and steady breezes mean the outdoor air feels lighter than in the wet months. Sunlight sticks around for about 11 to 12 hours per day, giving you plenty of time for activities.
Skies are often clear or partly cloudy. Travel conditions stay reliable and visibility is great.
Comparison With Other Seasons
Winter stands out from Banjul’s wet season. From July to September, rainfall can top 9 inches per month, and most days turn cloudy and humid.
In winter, you get near-zero rainfall and much clearer skies. Humidity also drops off.
August is muggy nearly every day, but January feels almost dry by comparison. Winter is simply more comfortable for being outside.
The year doesn’t bring huge temperature swings, but the heat feels different. High humidity in summer makes everything feel warmer, while winter’s dry air makes the same temperatures easier to handle.
Travelers find winter the most stable and predictable season. Summer, on the other hand, means planning around heavy rain and clouds.
Typical Winter Temperatures in Banjul
Winter in Banjul means warm days and mild nights. Cold weather isn’t really a thing here.
Daytime highs hang in the upper 80s to low 90s °F. Nights drop into the 60s °F, making it one of the most comfortable times for being outdoors.
Average Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures
During winter, daytime highs reach around 90–92°F (32–33°C). Temperatures rarely fall below 84°F (29°C) or rise above 101°F (38°C).
The sun keeps things warm, but the heat doesn’t feel as intense as it does in the wet season.
At night, the air cools off. Lows average 64–66°F (18–19°C), and the coldest nights dip just under 60°F (15–16°C).
These cooler nights make walking or dining outside in the evening a real pleasure. The contrast between warm days and cooler nights gives Banjul’s weather a steady rhythm.
You can dress lightly during the day. At night, a light sweater might come in handy, especially in December and January.
Monthly Temperature Breakdown
Temperatures don’t shift much between December, January, and February.
- December: Highs average about 91°F (33°C), lows near 66°F (19°C).
- January: The coolest month, with highs around 90°F (32°C) and lows near 64°F (18°C).
- February: Highs rise again to 92°F (33°C), lows average 66°F (19°C).
Here’s a quick look at the monthly averages:
| Month | Avg High °F (°C) | Avg Low °F (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| December | 91°F (33°C) | 66°F (19°C) |
| January | 90°F (32°C) | 64°F (18°C) |
| February | 92°F (33°C) | 66°F (19°C) |
This consistency makes planning simple—temperatures stay reliably warm but not extreme.
Temperature Extremes and Variability
Winter in Banjul doesn’t deliver dramatic temperature swings. The coldest day usually happens in early January, with highs about 90°F (32°C) and lows near 64°F (18°C).
Even then, it never really gets cold. The hottest part of the dry season comes in early March, when highs can reach 95°F (35°C).
Winter stays slightly cooler and less humid, which makes travel more pleasant. Extreme highs above 100°F (38°C) don’t happen often, but they’re not impossible.
Temperatures almost never fall below 60°F (16°C). This narrow range keeps the climate steady and predictable, which is probably why so many people pick winter for a visit.
Rainfall and Precipitation During Winter
Winter in Banjul lines up with the dry season, so rainfall is very low compared to summer.
You’ll see clear skies most days, and only a tiny chance of brief showers.
Average Rainfall Amounts
From December through February, rainfall in Banjul is almost zero. Most years, these months record less than 1 mm of precipitation in total.
January often passes without any measurable rain. This sharp drop happens because the region’s tropical wet and dry climate bunches all the rain into June to October.
By winter, the West African monsoon has pulled back, leaving dry northeasterly winds.
Just for comparison:
- August (wettest month): ~276 mm
- January (driest month): ~0 mm
You really won’t need rain gear for a winter visit. The focus stays on comfortable days, mild evenings, and low humidity.
Rainy Days and Dry Spells
Rainy days are extremely rare in Banjul during winter. December, January, and February usually bring 0 rainy days.
If a shower does pop up, it’s brief and won’t mess up your plans. This long dry spell creates a predictable climate.
Farmers and residents rely on stored water from the rainy season. Travelers get to enjoy reliable sunshine.
No rain means clear visibility and steady outdoor conditions. Roads, beaches, and markets stay dry, making it a breeze to get around.
If you’re planning a trip, expect uninterrupted dry weather all winter.
Humidity, Sunshine, and Cloud Cover
During winter, Banjul shifts to drier air, more sunshine, and clearer skies. Outdoor activities get easier, with fewer interruptions from rain or heavy clouds.
Average Humidity Levels
Humidity in Banjul drops sharply in winter. In January, relative humidity averages about 47%, the lowest point of the year.
The air feels much lighter than in the summer, when humidity can climb over 80%. Mornings come cooler and less sticky.
Evenings offer comfortable air for walking or dining outside. Lower humidity also means better visibility, so coastal views and excursions become more enjoyable.
If you’re sensitive to muggy climates, this is definitely the best time to visit Banjul.
Sunshine Hours and Day Length
Winter brings some of the highest sunshine hours of the year. In January, you can expect up to 9.3 hours of sunshine per day.
There’s plenty of daylight for exploring the city and beaches. December and February also stay bright.
Day length ranges between 11 to 12 hours, so you won’t feel rushed for sightseeing. The sun rises early and sets in the early evening, which lines up well with most outdoor plans.
All this sunshine makes winter a great time for the beach, river tours, or checking out the local culture. The strong sunlight also takes the edge off cooler mornings.
Cloudiness Trends
Cloud cover drops to its lowest in winter. Skies are often clear to partly cloudy, and overcast days are rare.
December through February delivers some of the clearest skies of the year. It’s perfect for photography, stargazing, or outdoor dining.
Unlike summer, when heavy clouds dominate, the winter sky feels wide open and bright. With less cloudiness, clear skies and steady sunshine define Banjul’s winter.
This period is one of the most reliable for outdoor travel.
Sea Temperatures and Coastal Conditions
The waters along Banjul’s coast stay pretty mild in winter, though they’re cooler than the rest of the year. This affects both swimming comfort and the kinds of activities you might want to try along the shore.
Average Sea Water Temperatures
During the winter months, sea temperatures off Banjul’s coast range between 21 °C and 22 °C.
February and March are the coolest, with water holding steady at about 21 °C. In December and January, the sea is a little warmer, averaging 22 °C.
That’s noticeably cooler than in summer and autumn, when the water often climbs above 27 °C. For a lot of swimmers, the winter sea feels refreshing—maybe even a bit too brisk for long swims unless you’re used to it.
The gap between air and sea temperatures matters, too. Daytime air in Banjul often reaches the high 20s °C in winter, but the cooler water creates a sharper contrast, especially in the morning or evening.
| Month | Avg Sea Temp (°C) |
|---|---|
| December | 25.5 |
| January | 22 |
| February | 21 |
| March | 21 |
Beach and Water Activities in Winter
You can still enjoy Banjul’s beaches in winter. The vibe just shifts a bit, depending on how you feel about cooler water.
Swimming’s possible, sure, but most visitors don’t linger as long in the sea as they would during the hotter months.
If you’re into kayaking, sailing, or fishing, you’ll find the cooler temperatures don’t really get in the way. The winds stick around, so conditions work out well for small boats and coastal trips.
People still love beach walks and sunbathing. Daytime air stays warm, and the skies usually look pretty clear.
If you’re someone who wants that bathwater-warm sea, winter might feel a little less perfect. Still, the coast gives you plenty of ways to relax or have fun.
Travel Tips for Visiting Banjul in Winter
You’ll get warm days, cooler nights, and barely any rain if you visit Banjul in winter. It’s a good season for outdoor stuff, sightseeing, and hanging out by the coast.
Just remember to prepare for strong sun and those temperature swings from day to night.
Best Activities for Winter Visitors
Winter in Banjul stays dry. Daytime highs usually hit about 32–34 °C (90–93 °F), and nights drop to 17–19 °C (63–66 °F).
Low humidity and clear skies make it much easier to be outside.
You can wander through the lively Albert Market or check out the National Museum of Gambia. A boat trip along the Gambia River is also a solid choice.
With the heat and humidity down, these activities feel a lot more comfortable.
Beaches like Cape Point and Kololi Beach stay busy in winter. The sea sits at 21–22 °C (70–72 °F), which is cool but manageable for a quick swim.
Birdwatching stands out this time of year. Migratory birds flock to wetlands like Abuko Nature Reserve, and the dry season makes it way easier to spot all sorts of wildlife.
Packing and Preparation Advice
Pack light clothing for those hot daytime hours. Still, toss in a light jacket or sweater because evenings can get surprisingly cool. Cotton and linen? They really do the trick in the dry heat.
Since you’ll get 7–9 hours of sunshine every day, don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brim hat. The UV index stays high, even in winter, so you really need to protect your skin.
Grab a pair of comfortable walking shoes for wandering through markets or nature reserves. Planning a river trip? Bring insect repellent, especially if you’re heading near mangroves.
Carry a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated. The heat sneaks up on you and can dehydrate you fast, even if the air doesn’t feel humid.
Keep some local currency (dalasi) handy for little market purchases. Cards are fine, but cash definitely comes in handy.