The climate of Cape Point
Cape Point, a significant geographical landmark of
The Gambia, has a tropical wet and dry or savanna climate, as defined by the Köppen climate classification system. The Aw climate type signifies a predominant weather pattern consisting predominantly of high temperatures throughout the year and significantly varying rainfall.
Variations in temperature remain relatively small throughout the year with highs ranging from 30°C to 34°C and lows fluctuating from 16°C to 23°C. On the other hand, rainfall levels show notable variation with peaks in the rainy season and near absence of precipitation during the dry months.
UV levels peak at 12 in most parts of the year, except in the colder months, indicating potential harsh conditions for the skin if not protected adequately. The daylight hours remain fairly constant throughout the year, with slight variations from 11.3h to 12.9h. Similarly, sunshine hours remain between 6h to 10h over different months of the year.
The highest recorded rainfall occurs in
August, reaching up to 375mm, and it is the month with the highest number of rainy days - 17 in total. On the contrary,
March and
April witness no rainfall.
The best time to visit Cape Point
The ideal time to experience the beauty of
Cape Point entirely depends on the visitor's preferences. Still, for those seeking a comfortable climate with relatively cooler temperatures,
November to
February would be ideal. During these months, the high temperatures hover around 31°C to 32°C, while the lows vary from 17°C to 19°C. Rainfall is virtually non-existent, with only 1 rainy day in the entire period.
The worst time to visit Cape Point
The months of
July,
August, and
September may be challenging for visitors due to extreme weather conditions. Rainfall is at its peak during these months, particularly in August with 375mm recorded. Similarly, the number of rainy days has marked an increase, with July having 12 and September having 14.
Spring weather in Cape Point
Spring in
Cape Point can be characterized as warm and dry. The high temperatures range from 31°C to 34°C and the lowest between 16°C and 18°C. Rainfall is mostly non-existent in
March and
April with no rainfall recorded, increasing slightly in
May to 5mm. Additionally, UV levels are at their maximum, and the number of daylight hours extends up to 12.8h in May.
Summer weather in Cape Point
Summer in
Cape Point witnesses a significant increase in rainfall, with an astounding 229mm in
June and peaking at 375mm in
August before falling to 273mm in
September. Concurrently, sea temperatures rise, culminating in a comfortable 28°C. Despite the increase in rainfall, the daily temperatures are consistently high, with the highest varying from 33°C to 34°C and the lowest between 18°C and 23°C.
Autumn weather in Cape Point
The autumn season sees a drastic reduction in rainfall, from 273mm in
September to a mere 87mm in
October. The reduced precipitation continues into
November with only 4mm recorded. Temperatures during these months remain high, with highs between 31°C to 32°C and lows ranging from 19°C to 23°C.
Winter weather in Cape Point
The winter months of
December,
January, and
February experience comfortably cool temperatures in
Cape Point, with highs ranging from 30°C to 31°C and lows from 16°C to 17°C. These months remain almost completely dry with just 1mm of rainfall in December and January, respectively. Sea temperatures are relatively cooler at 22°C in January and 21°C in February.
Weather in January
January in
Cape Point,
The Gambia, introduces the New Year with warm temperatures and minimal rainfall. Expect a substantial difference in daily temperatures, ranging from 16°C at night to daytime peaks of 31°C. The sea temperature is pleasant at 22°C, encouraging water-related activities.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February, while sharing the same dry conditions of
January, sees a marginal increase both in temperature and daylight. Temperatures transition from 17°C to 33°C over the day. Sunshine hours increase, allowing for longer days under the clear African sky.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March in
Cape Point witnesses steadily increasing temperatures, yet still devoid of substantial precipitation. Transferring from
February, a slight rise in nighttime temperatures announces the impending summer. Sea temperatures remain steady at 21°C, while UV indexes peak, alerting vacationers to remain mindful of sun safety.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Cape Point signals the final stretch of the dry season. While the rainfall remains absent, the temperature starts to climb, showing clear signs of the approaching wet season. The range shifts to 18°C at night, progressing to a peak of 34°C during daytime.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May, unlike preceding months, introduces the first substantive displays of rainfall in
Cape Point. The change in weather is accompanied by a further increase in temperatures, ranging up to 33°C. An impressive 5mm of rain falls in May, a significant change from the preceding dry spell.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June usher in the official rainy season, with unparalleled precipitation observed in
Cape Point. An exceptional increase in rainfall sees Cape Point soaked with 69mm of rain over five days. On the flip side, the warm weather persists, with a significant rise in nighttime temperatures to 22°C.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Cape Point is synonymous with abundant rainfall, with the city receiving a peak of 229mm spread over 12 days. Despite the rain, temperatures maintain their summer warmth, ranging from 23°C at night to highs of 31°C. A soaring UV index underscores the need for efficient sun protection measures.
Weather in July » Weather in August
The heaviest downpours in
Cape Point are reserved for
August, with an outstanding 375mm of rain falling in the course of the month. The temperature continues to hover between 23°C during nights and 30°C on the warmest days. Whilst the weather might limit outdoor exploration, witnessing the sheer volume of rainfall is an experience in itself.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September in
Cape Point, whilst still raining, experiences a notable reduction in the intensity of precipitation. The city records a drop in rainfall to 273mm spread over 14 days. Despite the reduced rainfall, the temperature stays consistent, replicating
August's range of 23°C to 31°C.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October signals a welcome decrease in rainfall in
Cape Point, paving the way for a return to drier conditions. The decrease is remarkable - from 273mm in
September to a mere 87mm in October. This transition also heralds a slight drop in temperatures, particularly notable during the nighttime stretch.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Cape Point is characterised by a sound reprieve from the rains. With a considerable reduction in precipitation to a meagre 4mm, the city essentially reverts to its dry status. Notably, temperatures start to decrease, commencing the transition to a cooler period.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December marks the start of a completely dry period in
Cape Point, receiving a minimal 1mm of rain. Comfortable temperatures ranging from 17°C at night to highs of 31°C are observed. Holidaymakers can expect generous sunshine hours and ample daylight for exploring the area.
Weather in December » [Resources]