The dry season, from October to June, causes the plants and vegetation to dry up and bush fires are common. The Gambia is close to the Sahara desert, and during the dry season there is a hot, dry wind blowing southwards from the desert. For people, this can feel like a hot hairdryer. The winds can bring sandstorms as they whip up the dry earth and sand. These can last for many days.
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© Simon Scoones/Worldaware |
Gambia has a tropical climate - with two seasons a) rainy, and b) dry, with hot temperatures all the year round. The rainy season is from July to September when most of the rain falls at night, and indicating the start of the planting season. This is the busiest time for the women, as they must plant the rice so that it can grow and be harvested in the next four months. The hot and humid weather is an ideal growing time for crops.
Which months would be the best to visit The Gambia for a holiday?
What are the biggest differences between the rainfall and temperatures of the Gambia and our own?
In recent years, the rainfall has been less reliable. Sometimes the rainy season arrives late which makes it difficult for people to water their crops. They also have to dig deeper wells to reach the water underground.
