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It’s fitting that mainland Africa’s smallest nation is named after its river. Because the River Gambia plays a central role in the life of the country. It occupies much of the country as well. Its borders with Senegal wobble to and fro echoing the river’s passage towards the sea. But when is the best time to visit Gambia?
Climate in The Gambia
Snuggly situated on west Africa’s Atlantic coast just below the Tropic of Cancer, Gambia’s climate is undoubtedly tropical.
This means you should expect high humidity levels, and seasons not divided into four neat blocks of three months like in Europe or North America. Instead, the country’s climate is split into dry and rainy seasons.
Unlike other countries in Africa there is just one long dry season, and one long wet or rainy season. For visitors, this means an easy decision on when is the best time to visit Gambia.
The long dry season
The most obvious time to visit Gambia is during the long dry season. This extends from October to May each year, although exact dates shift on an annual basis as a result of local conditions.
Even on the Atlantic coast you’ll experience average daytime temperatures of 24°C (75 F), and long hours of sunlight. March and April are the hottest months within the dry season.
There’s almost no rain March and April, so you can explore as much or as little as you want without having to worry about being rained on.
Needless to say, the long dry season is chosen by most holidaymakers as the best time to visit Gambia. High season prices kick in, and the best hotels and resorts can fill up, particularly around the Christmas holiday period.
If you’re dead set on visiting the country during the long dry season, try and avoid the British school holidays. The majority of visitors to the country hail from the former colonial ruler.
The long wet season
Gambia’s long rainy season fills the months between the end of one dry season and the beginning of another.
It therefore generally lasts between June and the end of September each year. While they may start as occasional showers, the rains soon build into heavy downpours that stop all but the most ardent adventurers.
The hottest months of the year fall during this period too. These are July and September, when temperatures regularly hit 30°C (86 F).
When is the best time to visit Gambia?
The majority of Gambia’s major festivals take place during the long dry season between October and May. This is also the time when bird watchers flood the country, seeking out species migrating between Africa and Europe. It’s the best time for safari-style holidays too, as animals are easier to spot in the undergrowth.
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