Climate and monthly weather forecastEssau, The Gambia
Climate and monthly weather forecast
The climate of Essau
Essau is subjected to Aw, the Köppen climate classification, synonymous to a Tropical savanna climate. Tropical savannas are found mainly in the lower latitudes. Tropical savannas have warm temperature throughout the year with a pronounced dry season. Geographically, Essau is located within The Gambia, positioned in the continent of Africa.Every facet of Essau's climate presents itself in unique ways throughout the year. Let's take a closer look. The highest average temperature reaches up to 31.8°C (89.2°F) in November, with the mercury dipping as low as 21.6°C (70.9°F) in February. It is relevant to note that the town's humidity levels peak in August at an extremely high 80%, mitigating to a lower level of 39% in January and March. From being completely dry in January and December with no rainfall, Essau's climate morphs into its most humid stage in August with the highest rainfall of 177mm (6.97") in a month, spanning across 21.6 days on average.
Identifying unique weather patterns enhances the understanding of Essau's climate nuances. Removing the variables of months with no rainfall or significant rainfall, it's significant to note April, May and, June that only encounter a light drizzle to moderate precipitation, growing incrementally from 1mm (0.04") to 14mm (0.55"). The months following June, particularly July to September, encounter heavy rainfall juxtaposed with a clear amplifying curve in humidity levels that lends to the volume of precipitation experienced.
The best time to visit Essau
Based on the climate parameters, it is recommended to visit Essau during the months of March and April. These months offer relatively lower humidity levels—51% to 59%—than the rest of the year. The high average temperature hovers comfortably from 29.4°C (84.9°F) to 28.8°C (83.8°F). Furthermore, rainfall is minimal during these months, lying at a mere 1 to 2mm (0.08") over few days. Visitors can expect a good duration of daylight, about 12.1 to 12.4 hours daily, accompanied by a healthy span of sunshine that clocks in at around 9.9 hours per day.The worst time to visit Essau
It would be advisable to avoid planning a trip to Essau during the period from July to September. These months see the highest rainfall trends of the year, skyrocketing to up to 177mm (6.97") in August. Alongside this, they also have the most number of rainy days in a month, peaking at more than three weeks in August. Humidity is also at its highest through this period, with an average relative humidity of 80% in August and September.Spring weather in Essau
Spring, extending from March to May, in Essau is marked by rising humidity and a slight increase in rainfall. The temperatures remain relatively stable, ranging from 29.4°C (84.9°F) to 28.1°C (82.6°F) during the day and fluctuating between 22°C (71.6°F) and 22.8°C (73°F) during the night. The rainfall during these months sees a steady rise from 2mm (0.08") in March to 14mm (0.55") in June.Summer weather in Essau
The summer months, June to August, in Essau are characterized by high humidity, significant rainfall, and warm temperatures. The highest temperature recorded is 29.2°C (84.6°F) in June, while the lowest is recorded as 26.1°C (79°F) in August. The period sees a drastic rise in precipitation from 14mm (0.55") in June to a whopping 177mm (6.97") in August.Autumn weather in Essau
Essau's autumn, encompassing September to November, is a transitional period marked by a decrease in both temperature and rainfall. Average daytime temperatures range from a high of 31.2°C (88.2°F) in October to a low of 28.8°C (83.8°F) in September. The rainfall drops from 121mm (4.76") in September to just 2mm (0.08") in November.Winter weather in Essau
In winter, spanning December to February, Essau experiences a return to a dry climate, with no precipitation recorded in December and February. The average temperature lies between a high of 30.5°C (86.9°F) in December and a low of 29.2°C (84.6°F) in February. Daylight hours are slightly shorter in these months, averaging between 11.3 hours and 11.7 hours. Despite the dryness, Essau sees slightly higher humidity levels compared to the start of the year.Weather in January
The climate of Essau takes on its mildest form at the onset of the new year, becoming significantly less dry. January is graced with more sunlight equating to approximately 11.4h, making it a brilliant time for outdoor activities in Essau, The Gambia. Weather in January »Weather in February
As the year progresses into February, Essau experiences some distinctive climatic dynamics. This month presents a slight drop in daylight hours to 11.7h, yet retains an ample amount of sunlight throughout the day. Consequentially, UV index remains steady at 6 amidst the climatic transitions. Weather in February »Weather in March
March presents certain atmospheric conditions unique to itself. It signals the return of rainfall, albeit minimal, to the city of Essau, recording an average rainfall of 2mm (0.08") over 0.5 days. Although this month retains a significant amount of sunlight with longer daylight hours, the first hints of elevated humidity levels begin to surface, setting the stage for the rainier months ahead. Weather in March »Weather in April
Changing seasons bring a most notable shift in April's atmospheric conditions. April ushers in a slight increase in rainfall, recording an average of 1mm (0.04"), which is meager compared to what is observed in subsequent months. Weather in April »Weather in May
May is synonymous with the onset of more damp conditions in Essau. Dramatically rising from the previous month, May receives an average rainfall of 5mm (0.2") within 2.7 days, a clear indication of the wet season's approach. As daylight hours extend, cloud cover also increases, promising a humid but balanced weather situation. Weather in May »Weather in June
June marks a significant turning point in Essau's climate scenario. An absolute highlight of this month is the highest recorded relative humidity of 75%, indicating a profound rise in moisture content in the atmosphere. This month also sees daylight at its peak, thus marking the height of the year's brightness. Weather in June »Weather in July
July comes rushing in, bringing the most extreme weather deviations to Essau. In a stark contrast to the previous month, rainfall increases exponentially to 74mm (2.91"), dispersed over approximately 15 days, setting a record for the year. Weather in July »Weather in August
August checks in, and with it, the wettest period in Essau prevails. A staggering 177mm (6.97") of rainfall is recorded this month, the maximum in the year, falling over 22 days. Such volume of rain transforms the region, escalating the relative humidity to an annual high of 80%. Weather in August »Weather in September
September signals the decline of the monsoon period in Essau. A significant break in the rainfall pattern takes place as the city records a decrease to an average of 121mm (4.76") spread over approximately 18 days. This period sees a drop in overall cloud cover, which in turn leads to the re-emergence of the sun. Weather in September »Weather in October
October heralds a significant reduction in monsoonal characteristics, paving the way for a sunny spell. Notably, the rainfall drops to 31mm (1.22") over 8.5 days, giving residents and visitors a much-needed respite. Sunny days dominate, characterised by warm, pleasant temperatures inconspicuously escalating towards the highs registered at year-end. Weather in October »Weather in November
The sunny pattern strengthens further into November, setting the tone for comfortable weather conditions in Essau. Rainfall reduces remarkably to 2mm (0.08"), causing a notable dip in humidity levels. Despite the drop in precipitation, the city remains warm, bathed in sunshine. Weather in November »Weather in December
December rounds off the year with its own unique climatic peculiarities. Essau becomes the driest in December, with absolutely no rainfall recorded. This absence of rainfall comes hand in hand with dropping temperature, depicting the coolest month of the year, delivering refreshing comfort. Weather in December »Updated: Feb 9, 2024
Published by: Weather Atlas | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Published by: Weather Atlas | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Frequently asked questions
The least humid month in Essau is January, with an average relative humidity of 39%.
In Essau, rain does not fall in January, February and December.
Throughout the year, in Essau, there are 77 rainfall days, and 427mm (16.81") of precipitation is accumulated.
The months with the highest UV index in Essau are January, April through December, with an average maximum UV index of 7.
February and March, with an average maximum UV index of 6, are months with the lowest UV index.
Months with rainfall in Essau, The Gambia, are March through November.
The months with the most sunshine in Essau are March through May, with an average of 9.9h of sunshine.
May, recording an average high temperature of 28.1°C (82.6°F) and a low temperature of 22.8°C (73°F), is Essau's coldest month.
The month with the longest days in Essau, The Gambia, is June, with an average of 12h and 54min of daylight.
August and September, with an average relative humidity of 80%, are most humid months in Essau, The Gambia.
The month with the most rainfall is August, when the rain falls for 21.6 days and typically aggregates up to 177mm (6.97") of precipitation.
With an average of 7.3h of sunshine, August has the least sunshine of the year.
Essau's temperatures peak on average in November, reaching 31.8°C (89.2°F) at their highest and 26.2°C (79.2°F) at their lowest.
The month with the shortest days in Essau, The Gambia, is December, with an average of 11h and 18min of daylight.
Essau, The Gambia, does not observe Daylight Saving Time (DST). GMT timezone is used over the entire year.
Average temperature
Essau, The Gambia
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is November (31.8°C).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is May (28.1°C).
The month with the highest average low temperature is October (26.9°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is February (21.6°C).
Average pressure
Essau, The Gambia
- Average pressure in January:
1012.4mbar - Average pressure in February:
1011.3mbar - Average pressure in March:
1010.7mbar - Average pressure in April:
1010.3mbar - Average pressure in May:
1011.1mbar - Average pressure in June:
1012.5mbar
- Average pressure in July:
1012.6mbar - Average pressure in August:
1012.1mbar - Average pressure in September:
1012mbar - Average pressure in October:
1011.1mbar - Average pressure in November:
1010.8mbar - Average pressure in December:
1012mbar
The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is July (1012.6mbar).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is April (1010.3mbar).
Average wind speed
Essau, The Gambia
- Average wind speed in January:
17.9km/h - Average wind speed in February:
18.6km/h - Average wind speed in March:
18.3km/h - Average wind speed in April:
18.4km/h - Average wind speed in May:
17.2km/h - Average wind speed in June:
16.6km/h
- Average wind speed in July:
15.8km/h - Average wind speed in August:
15.3km/h - Average wind speed in September:
12.8km/h - Average wind speed in October:
13.3km/h - Average wind speed in November:
14.7km/h - Average wind speed in December:
17.1km/h
The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is February (18.6km/h).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is September (12.8km/h).
Average humidity
Essau, The Gambia
The months with the highest relative humidity are August and September (80%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is January (39%).
Average rainfall
Essau, The Gambia
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is August (177mm).
The driest months (with the least rainfall) are January, February and December (0mm).
Average rainfall days
Essau, The Gambia
- Average rainfall days in January:
0.3 days - Average rainfall days in February:
0.2 days - Average rainfall days in March:
0.5 days - Average rainfall days in April:
1.8 days - Average rainfall days in May:
2.7 days - Average rainfall days in June:
7 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
14.9 days - Average rainfall days in August:
21.6 days - Average rainfall days in September:
17.6 days - Average rainfall days in October:
8.5 days - Average rainfall days in November:
1.6 days - Average rainfall days in December:
0.3 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is August (21.6 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (0.2 days).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Essau, The Gambia
- Average daylight in January:
11h and 24min - Average daylight in February:
11h and 42min - Average daylight in March:
12h and 6min - Average daylight in April:
12h and 24min - Average daylight in May:
12h and 48min - Average daylight in June:
12h and 54min
- Average daylight in July:
12h and 48min - Average daylight in August:
12h and 36min - Average daylight in September:
12h and 12min - Average daylight in October:
11h and 48min - Average daylight in November:
11h and 30min - Average daylight in December:
11h and 18min
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 18min).
- Average sunshine in January:
9h and 42min - Average sunshine in February:
9h and 48min - Average sunshine in March:
9h and 54min - Average sunshine in April:
9h and 54min - Average sunshine in May:
9h and 54min - Average sunshine in June:
9h and 36min
- Average sunshine in July:
8h and 6min - Average sunshine in August:
7h and 18min - Average sunshine in September:
8h and 12min - Average sunshine in October:
9h and 36min - Average sunshine in November:
9h and 48min - Average sunshine in December:
9h and 30min
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 18min).
Average sunshine days
Essau, The Gambia
- Average sunshine days in January:
30.7 days - Average sunshine days in February:
28.1 days - Average sunshine days in March:
30.3 days - Average sunshine days in April:
28.4 days - Average sunshine days in May:
27.7 days - Average sunshine days in June:
22.1 days
- Average sunshine days in July:
13.8 days - Average sunshine days in August:
7.3 days - Average sunshine days in September:
10.4 days - Average sunshine days in October:
21.1 days - Average sunshine days in November:
28.1 days - Average sunshine days in December:
30.7 days
The months with the most sunshine days are January and December (30.7 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is August (7.3 days).
Average UV index
Essau, The Gambia
The months with the highest UV index are January, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (UV index 7).
The months with the lowest UV index are February and March (UV index 6).
Average cloud cover
Essau, The Gambia
The month with the most cloud cover is August (Cloud cover 50).
The month with the least cloud cover is April (Cloud cover 6).
Average visibility
Essau, 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).
