The Gambia is one of Africa’s smallest nations and at 11000 square kilometres is just over half the size of Wales. The shape of the country is long and thin, pointing like a finger into the continent and following the course of the River Gambia from which the country took its name.
Unlike many African countries it is quite safe to go out alone and explore all this wonderful country has to offer. Nothing is rushed here – life moves at a slower pace and The Gambia has its own GMT – Gambia Maybe Time! You are guaranteed to meet some of the friendliest people found anywhere on the African continent. That’s why The Gambia is known as The Smiling Coast.
The Gambia is generally recognised as having one of the most agreeable climates in Africa – subtropical, with dry and rainy seasons. Expect hours of glorious, uninterrupted sunshine between the months of October and June when the daytime temperatures can climb over 40 degrees Celsius inland, with the coastal area slightly cooler as the Atlantic breeze gently lowers the temperature.
The rainy season lasts from July to September although most days will have sunny spells. The temperature is very slightly warmer than during the dry season.
CLIMATE COMPARISON |
|||||||||||||
NOV |
DEC |
JAN |
FEB |
MAR |
APR |
MAY |
JUN |
JUL |
AUG |
SEP |
OCT |
||
| Sunshine Hours |
8 |
9 |
9 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
9 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
8 |
The Gambia |
2 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
6 |
6 |
5 |
3 |
London |
|
 |
|||||||||||||
TEMP (at max) |
32 |
31 |
31 |
32 |
34 |
33 |
32 |
32 |
30 |
29 |
31 |
32 |
The Gambia |
°C |
10 |
7 |
6 |
7 |
10 |
13 |
17 |
20 |
22 |
21 |
19 |
14 |
London |
