Climate and monthly weather forecastBrikama, The Gambia

Climate and monthly weather forecast

The climate of Brikama

Perched on the western flank of The Gambia, Brikama enjoys an Aw - Tropical wet and dry or Savannah climate, according to the Köppen climate classification. Predominantly, the climate blends the warm dryness of the savannah with bursts of tropical rainfall, displaying a dynamic weather pattern throughout the year.

Sky-high temperatures rule the year's climate, varying minimally month-to-month. Brikama sees its highest average temperatures in November, reaching 31.2°C (88.2°F) while cooler temperatures are marked in May with an average low of 26.5°C (79.7°F). Even in its colder months, the least temperature stays in the twenties, revealing a perennially warm climate.

Another characteristic of note in Brikama's climate landscape is the variance in rainfall levels. The town experiences peak rainfall between July and September, with falls escalating from 73mm (2.87") in July to a voluminous 183mm (7.2") in August then decreasing to a sizable 122mm (4.8") in September. Conversely, from December to March, Brikama encounters barely any rainfall, with the index oscillating from zero to 2mm (0.08"). This stark shift implies a well-defined dry season in these months.

The pressure and visibility parameters remain mostly constant throughout the year. Pressure levels hover around 1011.4mb, providing a stable and predictable atmosphere. Similarly, the visibility stays at a maximum of 10km (6.2mi) across all months, allowing excellent viewing conditions for the town's natural beauty.

The best time to visit Brikama

Visitors seeking to experience the best of Brikama's climate would do well to plan their trip from November to February. These are the months when the weather is most pleasantly warm, with average high temperatures settling between 29.8°C (85.6°F) to 30.3°C (86.5°F) and rainfall amounts lessening to zero to 3mm (0.12"). It is also during this period that sunshine duration is near its peak, averaging around 9.6 to 9.8 hours daily, providing generous daylight for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

The worst time to visit Brikama

From a meteorological standpoint, August merits consideration as the least enticing time to visit Brikama. This month faces the brunt of the rainy season, with rainfall levels skyrocketing to a soaking 183mm (7.2") and the number of rainfall days escalating to a hefty 22.8 days; more than two-thirds of the month. Destinations could become harder to reach, and outdoor activities would likely be rained out.

Spring weather in Brikama

The spring period in Brikama, encapsulating March, April, and May, offers an intriguing blend of weather conditions. Although the temperatures remain consistently high - average highs ranging from 27.6°C (81.7°F) in March to 26.5°C (79.7°F) in May - these months see the inception of the rainy season. Observably, rainfall increases from a negligible 2mm (0.08") in March to a noticeable 5mm (0.2") in May.

Summer weather in Brikama

Summer marks the beginning of Brikama's wet season. Stretching from June through August, this season is characterized by a steady increase in humidity levels, escalating from 77% in June to 80% in August, and a spike in rainfall from 15mm (0.59") in June to an intense 183mm (7.2") in August. Average temperatures, however, fluctuate marginally, oscillating between 27.7°C (81.9°F) to 28.5°C (83.3°F).

Autumn weather in Brikama

As Brikama transitions into Autumn, spanning September, October, and November, the weather begins to shift from wet to dry. Though there is a substantial 122mm (4.8") of rainfall in September, it tapers significantly to 32mm (1.26") and 3mm (0.12") in October and November respectively. Temperatures remain warm, gradually rising from 26.5°C (79.7°F) in September to 30.3°C (86.5°F) in November.

Winter weather in Brikama

The winter season in Brikama - December, January, and February - is characterized by dry conditions. Rainfall is almost non-existent during these months, measuring from zero in December and February to a slight 2mm (0.08") in January. Temperatures are tolerably warm, averaging from 29.8°C (85.6°F) to 28.5°C (83.3°F). Relatively low humidity levels (ranging from 44% to 48%) make these months comfortable for tourists.

Weather in January

January in Brikama, The Gambia is characterized by relatively cooler temperatures, with highs reaching up to 28.5°C (83.3°F) and lows averaging 22.5°C (72.5°F). The humidity levels start to elevate, preparing the city for the approaching rain season. Weather in January »

Weather in February

February's weather conditions see a slight decrease in temperature compared to January but remain largely stable in Brikama. The city enjoys a relatively dry and slightly cooler month compared to what lies ahead in the wet season. Weather in February »

Weather in March

In March, Brikama begins to brace for the transition towards a wetter climate as the first signs of rainfall appear. Despite the increase in rain, the daytime temperatures remain steady, providing perfect conditions for outdoor activities before the impending wet season. Weather in March »

Weather in April

As Brikama moves into April, there is a marked shift in almost all weather aspects. As the amount of rainfall recorded increases, temperatures tend to rise, hinting at the onset of the wet season. The humidity also follows a similar upward trend leading to muggy conditions. Weather in April »

Weather in May

With May's arrival in Brikama, The Gambia, the weather undergoes significant transformations. The first abundant showers of the year occur, increasing the rainfall recorded from 1mm (0.04") in April to 5mm (0.2") in May. The escalating temperatures and heightened moisture levels contribute to a rise in humidity, reaching its annual zenith. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June signifies the full embrace of the wet season in Brikama, with a significant uptick in the amount of rainfall received. Simultaneously, the temperatures and relative humidity reach some of their highest levels for the year, combining to create a humid, rainy environment. Weather in June »

Weather in July

Brikama's weather in July is dominated by heavy rainfall; with an astounding increase from 15mm (0.59") in June to 73mm (2.87"). Whilst the temperatures remain relatively stable, the high humidity levels combine with the heavy rainfall to create fairly muggy conditions. Weather in July »

Weather in August

In August, Brikama, The Gambia, experiences its peak wet season, marked by the heaviest rainfall of the year at 183mm (7.2"). The city experiences a decrease in overall sunshine hours due to the persistent cloud cover and rainfall. Weather in August »

Weather in September

The weather in September signals the start of Brikama's transition out of the wet season. Rainfall decreases significantly from 183mm (7.2") in August to 122mm (4.8"), offering a much-needed respite. The temperatures, which have been consistent over the preceding months, start to rise ever so slightly. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October ushers in the final phase of the wet season in Brikama, with all parameters indicating a definitive shift towards drier conditions. Rainfall amounts taper off rapidly, making way for increased sunshine hours as the cloud cover begins to thin. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November in Brikama marks the advent of the dry season, demonstrated by a sharp drop in rainfall from 32mm (1.26") in October to a meager 3mm (0.12"). The city enjoys an increase in sunshine hours as the cloud cover continues to dwindle and wind speeds pick up slightly. Weather in November »

Weather in December

Decembers in Brikama, The Gambia means the full swing of the dry season with virtually no rainfall. The city basks in the return of sunny days, and longer hours of sunshine. Although temperatures drop slightly from November, December remains comfortably warm. Weather in December »

Frequently asked questions

The least humid month is January, with an average relative humidity of 44%.

January, February and December are months without rainfall.

Throughout the year, there are 80.9 rainfall days, and 436mm (17.17") of precipitation is accumulated.

January through April, with an average maximum UV index of 6, are months with the lowest UV index.

March through November are months with rainfall.

March through May, with an average of 9.9h of sunshine, are months with the most sunshine.

May is the coldest month of the year, registering average temperatures as high as 26.5°C (79.7°F) and as low as 22.9°C (73.2°F).

The months with the highest UV index are May through December, with an average maximum UV index of 7.

With an average of 12h and 54min of daylight, June has the longest days of the year.

The months with the highest humidity are August and September, with an average relative humidity of 80%.

The month with the most rainfall is August, when the rain falls for 22.8 days and typically aggregates up to 183mm (7.2") of precipitation.

August has the least sunshine of the year, with an average of 7.4h of sunshine.

November, with average temperatures reaching a high of 31.2°C (88.2°F) and a low of 26.6°C (79.9°F), is the warmest month.

With an average of 11h and 24min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year.

Brikama does not observe Daylight Saving Time (DST). GMT timezone is used throughout the entire year.

Average temperature
Brikama, The Gambia

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is November (31.2°C).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is May (26.5°C).

The month with the highest average low temperature is October (27.5°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is February (21.7°C).

Average pressure
Brikama, The Gambia

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is July (1012.7mbar).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is April (1010.4mbar).

Average wind speed
Brikama, The Gambia

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is February (20.2km/h).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is September (13.6km/h).

Average humidity
Brikama, The Gambia

The months with the highest relative humidity are August and September (80%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is January (44%).

Average rainfall
Brikama, The Gambia

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is August (183mm).
The driest months (with the least rainfall) are January, February and December (0mm).

Average rainfall days
Brikama, The Gambia

The month with the highest number of rainy days is August (22.8 days).
The months with the least rainy days are January and February (0.3 days).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Brikama, The Gambia

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 12h and 54min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 11h and 24min).

The months with the most sunshine are March, April and May (Average sunshine: 9h and 54min).
The month with the least sunshine is August (Average sunshine: 7h and 24min).

Average sunshine days
Brikama, The Gambia

The month with the most sunshine days is January (30.7 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is August (5.7 days).

Average UV index
Brikama, The Gambia

The months with the highest UV index are May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (UV index 7).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, March and April (UV index 6).

Average cloud cover
Brikama, The Gambia

The month with the most cloud cover is August (Cloud cover 49).
The month with the least cloud cover is April (Cloud cover 6).

Average visibility
Brikama, The Gambia

The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (10km).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (10km).