When it comes to a pleasant climate all year round, beautiful beach resorts, and diverse wildlife, there is hardly any destination in Africa that compares to Gambia. The extraordinary nature and colorful villages here attract many tourists worldwide every year. It is a more popular choice among tourists because of its warm weather all year round as it is located at the equator. This West African country might be small, but if you choose the best time to visit Gambia, you will have the most unforgettable experience here.
Considering its tropical climate, the Gambia has mainly two seasons: wet and dry. The activities that you can explore in the country vary from season to season, making it vital to choose a time that aligns with the experiences you seek at the destination.
If you are a UK citizen who wants to book flights to Gambia but is still confused about the best time to visit the country, we have you covered. Let’s go through experiences in Gambia through the seasons to help you choose the time that suits you the best.
A Comprehensive Overview of Gambia through the Seasons
Winter and Early Spring in the Gambia: The Peak Season
Do you want to escape the chilling winter of the UK and relieve yourself from the weight of heavy clothes? Plan a trip to Gambia during the winter season to enjoy warm and pleasant weather, which is ideal for many tourist activities in the country. Who won’t want to visit a destination that receives nine to ten hours of sunshine and a warm climate during the winter days? This is the perfect time for all sun lovers to visit Gambia.
After soaking up the sun all day, you can relax in the evenings while the cool breeze flows. Also, if you want a magical Christmas and New Year away from home this year, you will love the extravagant dinner galas hosted by countless hotels in the country.
Winter is also the time when the region experiences its dry season. So, if you don’t want rain to hinder your time in this stunning destination, you will surely love this time. The temperatures don’t go higher than 35 degrees Celsius. Therefore, you will not have to face the extensive African heat.
If you had the chance to learn about the experiences Gambia offers, this country is known for its beaches. Travelling to the Gambia during winter is perfect for exploring its heavenly beaches. All these experiences make it the best time to visit Gambia.
Late Spring in Gambia: The Shoulder Season
Are you one of the budget travellers who looks for the cheapest time to visit a destination? You might be aware of the shoulder season. This is the time between the peak season and the off-season when the crowds at the destination get thinner and the prices drop. It is the perfect time to have that affordable trip to Gambia you have always dreamed of. Shoulder season in Gamba is in its late spring, which falls in May and early June.
The temperatures are pleasant during this time, but it is getting a little humid even though the rains don’t start yet. Rains usually begin towards the end of June, while the rest of the month is quite warm and dry with enough sun hours. You will love this time in the country if you look for peaceful tourist attractions and cheaper flights and deals on accommodations.
Summers in the Gambia: The Wet Season
Summer officially marks the start of the wet season in the Gambia. This means that the country lightens up with lush greenery everywhere. You will surely feel refreshed after seeing so much greenery, but the continuous rains might hinder some activities you planned for your Gambia holidays. During the rain, showers can be abrupt and short. However, night showers are more frequent and last longer.
There are still six hours of sunshine during the wet season, which might intrigue some travellers who want to avoid the peak season. It is also two degrees cooler than in Gambia in July and August. It starts getting a lot warmer in September. You will love exploring the country’s wildlife during this time and will become a fan of the region’s natural beauty.
Autumn in the Gambia: Another Shoulder Season
When the autumn season starts in Gambia, it is pretty humid, but the humidity decreases with the passing days. You will still get to see lush green sites in the countryside. October is much more humid, and there is no rain in November.
There are enough glorious sunshine hours in both months to make exploring the country’s beaches and other tourist attractions perfect.
Summing Up
Many people prefer traveling to Gambia in the winter season because it is warm and dry during this time. However, other seasons, like summer and autumn, are great times for those who want to experience the natural beauty and wildlife in the region without spending too much money. If you have finally decided on the best time to visit Gambia, you might want to book a flight. You can look for flights through TAP Air Portugal, Turkish Airlines, Air Senegal, Royal Air Maroc, and numerous others.