The climate of Bansang
Bansang is characterised by a tropical wet and dry climate, known as the savanna climate within the Köppen climate classification. Its geographical location within
The Gambia necessitates this classification. This style of climate introduces elements of both wet and dry seasons, leading to a diversified weather portfolio throughout the year.
Across the twelve months of the year, the climate in Bansang oscillates significantly. The temperature range, from a low of 19.3°C (66.7°F) to a high of 42.2°C (108°F), showcases the climate's broad spectrum. The humidity rates also vary dramatically, from the lowest point of 17% to a peak of 84% during the year.
In terms of rainfall, Bansang experiences a yearly range between no rain and a substantial 188mm (7.4"). The number of days with rainfall also fluctuates, ranging from less than one day to nearly 27 days in a month. The most distinct weather occurrence in Bansang is the shift from a relatively dry climate to a notably wet one. For instance, the period between
December and
April is characterised by recorded rainfall of 1mm (0.04") or less, while the period from
June to
September witnesses significant rainfall, peaking at 188mm (7.4") in
August.
The best time to visit Bansang
The period between
November and
February provides the most favourable weather conditions for visitors to
Bansang. During these months, the temperatures fall within a relatively comfortable range between 19.3°C (66.7°F) and 36.4°C (97.5°F). Moreover, the humidity, ranging from 17% to 42%, remains generally low making the days pleasant and nights cooler. The amount of rainfall during these months is minimal or absent, ensuring clear days perfect for touristic activities.
The worst time to visit Bansang
Travellers to
Bansang should avoid the window from
June to
September, due to increased rainfall and high humidity levels. Rainfall in Bansang during this period reaches as high as 188mm (7.4") and the number of days with rain per month ranges from 24.8 to 26.7. The humidity level during this season peaks at 84%, which can lead to uncomfortable and muggy conditions, especially given that the temperatures can still reach as high as 41.8°C (107.2°F).
Spring weather in Bansang
Spring in
Bansang is marked by a steady climb in temperatures, creating a warm and sunny atmosphere.
March witnesses a temperature regime of between 20.2°C (68.4°F) and 41.1°C (106°F), while in
May the temperature varies from 24.4°C (75.9°F) to 41.8°C (107.2°F). Rainfall remains dissimilar between the spring months, with March receiving negligible rainfall and May getting 7mm (0.28").
Summer weather in Bansang
Weather conditions during the summer months in
Bansang are quite challenging. High temperatures of up to 39.6°C (103.3°F) in
June decrease to 34.4°C (93.9°F) in
August. Accompanying the high temperatures are consistently high humidity rates, from 51% in June to a peak of 84% in August. Moreover, rainfall is at its maximum during these months, reaching 125mm (4.92") in
July and peaking at 188mm (7.4") in August.
Autumn weather in Bansang
In autumn,
Bansang experiences a slight cooling, with temperatures oscillating between 23.2°C (73.8°F) and 35.8°C (96.4°F). The drop in temperature accompanies a decline in rainfall from a high 142mm (5.59") in
September to a minor 2mm (0.08") in
November. Humidity decreases as well, from a high 84% in September down to a more moderate 42% in November.
Winter weather in Bansang
Winter in
Bansang is moderate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 19.3°C (66.7°F) to a maximum of 35.9°C (96.6°F) in
December. The period sees a consistent low humidity value of 21%, and there is effectively no rainfall during the entirety of winter. The pleasant conditions make it an ideal season to visit Bansang.
Weather in January
Weather conditions in
Bansang,
The Gambia, start the year with warm temperatures and sunny skies, setting a comforting tone for the weather experienced in the subsequent months.
January offers clear views with the average visibility reaching up to 10km (6.2mi).
Weather in January »Weather in February
By
February, there is a slight rise in the average temperature, hinting at the warmer days ahead. Clear skies dominate, decorated by clouds just about 10% of the time. A steady decline in atmospheric pressure continues from the previous month, with the average reaching up to 1010.4mb.
Weather in February »Weather in March
The weather in
March in
Bansang showcases a bit more intensity in terms of warmth, sneaking more towards hot than a comfortable warmth. Compared to
February, the overall climatic conditions stay relatively stable, with slight changes here and there.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
In
April, the inhabitants of
Bansang experience the initial hints of the wet season approaching. Following the initial touch of rainfall in
March, the trend persists but with an increase from 1mm (0.04") to 7mm (0.28"). The average temperatures continue to rise, signaling that the heat of summer is indeed knocking at the door.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May arrives with a surge of wetness in
Bansang, marking the beginning of what is to be a heavy rainy season. With this shift in weather pattern, the month of May witnesses the steepest increase in rainfall from 7mm (0.28") to 38mm (1.5").
Weather in May » Weather in June
When it comes to
June, the people of
Bansang,
The Gambia, can expect a significant rise in humidity levels. Compared to the previous month, humidity shoots from 37% to 51% due to the continued occurrence of rainfall. The increasing stages of rainfall make their presence felt, hitting 38mm (1.5") on average.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
By
July, the heart of the rainy season is in full swing in
Bansang, with quantities of rainfall reaching the highest annual level -- an impressive 125mm (4.92"). With the rapid increase in rainfall, the number of cloudy days also shoots up and dominates the Bansang weather during July.
Weather in July »Weather in August
The
Bansang weather in
August is dominated by maximum humidity levels of 84%, largely due to the high amounts of rainfall that it receives, going up to 188mm (7.4"). This is indeed the high point of the Gambian rainy season. However, the sunlight duration reduces slightly to 12.6 hours a day, almost in sync with the rainfall timing.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September sees a reprieve from the excess of rainfall and humidity experienced in
August. Though the average rainfall is still at a substantial 142mm (5.59"), it marks the initiation of a decline in precipitation levels seen in
Bansang.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October marks the beginning of the much-awaited dryer days, as the effects of the rainy season start to recede in
Bansang. A significant drop in rainfall levels from 142mm (5.59") to 37mm (1.46") in just one month signals the exit of the monsoon.
Weather in October » Weather in November
Carrying forward the trend of the previous month,
November in
Bansang witnesses further decline in rainfall, hitting 2mm (0.08") on average, hence extending the dry run of weather. The relative humidity also falls below 50%, marking a sharp departure compared to the rainy season.
Weather in November »Weather in December
Wrapping up the year,
December in
Bansang invites the purely dry season of the weather cycle. This month has humidity dropping down to as low as 21%, making for the driest period of the year. With zero rainfall throughout December, this phase can be termed as the driest part of the year in this part of the Gambia.
Weather in December » [Resources]