Best Time to Visit Gambia
Gambia is at its sunniest and driest in January–December.
The best time to visit Gambia for sunny, dry weather is November–May — 7 months of the year match our sunny profiles at a country-wide average. The drier half of the year covers November–May, while the wetter half runs through June–October. Country-wide monthly temperatures range from 24.5°C / 76.1°F in January to 28.5°C / 83.3°F in April, and monthly rainfall from 0 mm / 0 in (January) to 350 mm / 13.8 in (August). Gambia's climate is broadly consistently warm. These are national area-weighted averages from long-term climate normals — regional variation within Gambia can be substantial, especially for large or geographically diverse countries. Below, every month is classified against our five weather profiles so you can match your travel window to your preferred weather.
Recommended months
| Month | Temp | Rain | Feels like |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 24.5°C76.1°F | 0 mm0″ | Sunny & Warm |
| February | 26°C78.8°F | 0 mm0″ | Sunny & Hot, Sunny & Warm |
| March | 28°C82.4°F | 0 mm0″ | Sunny & Hot |
| April | 28.5°C83.3°F | 0 mm0″ | Sunny & Hot |
| May | 28.5°C83.3°F | 10 mm0.4″ | Sunny & Hot |
| November | 26.5°C79.7°F | 5 mm0.2″ | Sunny & Hot |
| December | 25°C77°F | 0 mm0″ | Sunny & Hot, Sunny & Warm |
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Gambia?
The best time to visit Gambia for sunny, dry weather is January, February, March, April, May, November, December. The warmest month is April (28.5°C / 83.3°F country-wide average) and the driest is January (about 0 mm / 0 in). These months combine warmth with low rainfall based on long-term climate normals.
When is the rainy season in Gambia?
The rainy season in Gambia runs through June–October, when monthly rainfall exceeds the national annual median of about 10 mm / 0.4 in. The wettest single month is August, averaging 350 mm / 13.8 in.
What is the dry season in Gambia?
The drier half of the year in Gambia covers November–May, when monthly rainfall stays at or below the annual median of about 10 mm / 0.4 in. The driest single month is January with about 0 mm / 0 in.
What months should I avoid visiting Gambia?
The least comfortable months for travel in Gambia — based on our climate data — are January, February, July, August, September, November, December. These are Gambia's wettest or coolest months. Rainfall peaks at 350 mm / 13.8 in in August, and temperatures bottom out at 24.5°C / 76.1°F in January.
Is there a shoulder season in Gambia?
Gambia doesn't have a distinct shoulder season by our heuristics — its climate is either sunny-and-dry or clearly outside those bounds most of the year. Consider the January window (driest) or April window (warmest) as alternatives to peak season.