Climate and monthly weather forecastFarafenni, The Gambia

Climate and monthly weather forecast

The climate of Farafenni

Farafenni, a city in The Gambia, falls under the BSh Köppen climate classification, also known as a subtropical steppe. This suggests a marked seasonality in rainfall, extreme temperatures, and modest levels of humidity. The geographical position of the city, in the western part of Africa, greatly influences these climatic conditions.

Throughout the year, temperatures in Farafenni oscillate from a low of 20.3°C (68.5°F) to a peak as high as 41.6°C (106.9°F). A gradual increase is observed in both the maximum and minimum temperatures, with the hottest periods occurring between March and May when temperatures rise above 40°C (104°F). Contrarily, months from November to January present cooler conditions, with the temperature dropping to the low 20s.

The annual rainfall pattern in Farafenni is characterized by a distinct wet and dry season. The months of June to September receive the highest amounts of rainfall, with August being the wettest month with 146mm (5.75"). It is imperative to note that rainfall remains virtually absent from November to April, contributing to a drier landscape during this phase.

Another crucial climatic parameter is the amount of sunlight received. The city of Farafenni gets an average of 12 hours of daylight across the year. However, there is a slight fluctuation in the amount of sunlight, with shorter days of around 11.3 hours during winter and longer ones up to 12.9 hours in the summer.

The best time to visit Farafenni

The favorable time to visit Farafenni would be during the months of November to February. During this period, the city experiences moderate temperatures that range between 20.3°C (68.5°F) and 35.9°C (96.6°F). The minimal amount of rainfall and a relatively reduced humidity level contribute to more pleasant weather conditions. More sunshine hours are also experienced during these months compared to the rest of the year, creating ideal conditions for outdoor activities.

The worst time to visit Farafenni

If high temperatures and precipitation are considered undesirable, then the period from June to September might be less favorable for a visit to Farafenni. During this time, the town experiences its highest rainfall that ranges from 18mm (0.71") to 146mm (5.75"). The temperatures also hover around the high 30s and exceed 40°C (104°F) on particularly hot days. Friable road conditions due to rainfall and the rise in humidity levels might pose discomfort to visitors.

Spring weather in Farafenni

Spring in Farafenni, which corresponds to the months of March, April, and May, experiences rising temperatures. The maximum temperature reaches a high of up to 41.6°C (106.9°F) while the minimum temperature does not go below 22.4°C (72.3°F). The city gets ample sunlight during this period, up to 12.4 hours per day, with negligible rainfall.

Summer weather in Farafenni

Summer in Farafenni, from June to August, is characterized by a blend of high temperatures and significant rainfall. The maximum temperature ranges from 39.8°C (103.6°F) to 35.6°C (96.1°F) and the amount of rainfall witnesses a steep increase, with the maximum rainfall reaching 146mm (5.75") in August. This season also sees a decrease in the hours of sunlight and an increase in the humidity levels.

Autumn weather in Farafenni

During the autumn months of September, October, and November in Farafenni, there is still a considerable amount of rainfall, averaging from 94mm (3.7") to 3mm (0.12"). Temperatures during these months range from a high of 37.6°C (99.7°F) to a low of 22.8°C (73°F). As autumn progresses, humidity levels begin to decrease.

Winter weather in Farafenni

Winter, from December to February in Farafenni, sees dry, warm conditions. Temperatures range from a low of 20.3°C (68.5°F) to a high of 35.7°C (96.3°F). The rainfall is virtually non-existent during this season. In addition, it is also the time when winter days, having an average daylight of 11.4 hours in December, are shorter than during the other seasons. The weather during this season is relatively comfortable due to the reduction in humidity levels.

Weather in January

The year in Farafenni starts with pleasantly warm weather as January ushers in. While the days are not as long as they would be later in the year, the abundant sunshine of 9.6 hours per day most days of the month fills the city with a warm and inviting ambience. Weather in January »

Weather in February

Transitioning into February, Farafenni experiences a slight increase in both temperature and relative humidity. Despite these changes, the weather remains bearable and outdoor activities can still be enjoyed. This is a clear contrast to what is observed in the latter half of the year when rain and humidity dominate the scene. Weather in February »

Weather in March

The arrival of March in Farafenni welcomes slightly hotter days compared to the first two months of the year. However, these changes do not greatly disrupt outdoor activities due to the steady wind speed. The city continues to enjoy clear, blue skies with the cloud cover remaining minimal and the bright sunshine abundant. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April signifies moderate climatic changes in Farafenni as the cold season begins to wane. The temperature climbs higher while a slight increase in humidity and cloud cover can also be observed. Despite these changes, the city continues to enjoy long, sunny days as the impending wet season has not yet commenced. Weather in April »

Weather in May

Entering into May, Farafenni experiences considerable changes in its weather dynamics. Sunny days begin to give way to overcast skies as the city prepares to welcome the rainy season. The streets and vegetation are gradually revitalized by the increasing rain showers. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June marks the onset of the rainy season in Farafenni. Along with the increased rain, the city experiences dramatic changes in its weather dynamics. The once clear skies are now dominated by clouds, and the hours of sunshine are noticeably reduced. Weather in June »

Weather in July

The city of Farafenni stays cloud-heavy in July due to the ongoing rainy season. The hint of green brought about by June's rainfall starts to intensify in July, painting a vibrant picture for both residents and tourists. The month also experiences the most number of rainy days, further intensifying the lush green scenery. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August continues to stay under the influence of the rainy season in Farafenni. The city's temperature drops slightly as compared to July, offering respite from the heat. However, the humidity climbs higher, creating a much heavier atmosphere. Weather in August »

Weather in September

As September rolls in, Farafenni witnesses a decline in rainfall and a rise in temperature. Despite the noticeable changes, the city holds on to the cool atmosphere thanks to the preceding heavy rainfall. The sight of the overcast skies and the feel of cool wind serve as gentle reminders of the departing rainy season. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October in Farafenni signifies the end of the rainy season. The intensity of the rain drops significantly as the city transitions from a rain-drenched landscape to clear, sunny days. Rainfall continues to recede and the city begins to dry up whilst retaining its lush greenery from the heavy rains of the past few months. Weather in October »

Weather in November

The transformation in Farafenni’s weather is quite significant in November. The sky reverts to its usual clear state and the days become sunnier as the winter season takes hold. The temperature and humidity begin to decline,returning the weather to a more comfortable state. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December wraps up the year in Farafenni with clear skies, plenty of sunshine and a notable drop in temperature. The city is pleasantly cool and the weather remains stable, making it a great month for sightseeing and other outdoor activities. Weather in December »

Frequently asked questions

The least humid month is January, with an average relative humidity of 15%.

In Farafenni, rain does not fall in January through April and December.

In Farafenni, The Gambia, during the entire year, the rain falls for 87.6 days and collects up to 397mm (15.63") of precipitation.

The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, July through September, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 7.

March through June and October, with an average maximum UV index of 8, are months with the highest UV index.

Farafenni's warmest month, April, registers temperatures that range from a high of 41.6°C (106.9°F) to a low of 23.8°C (74.8°F).

April has the most sunshine of the year in Farafenni, The Gambia, with an average of 10h of sunshine.

Months with rainfall in Farafenni, The Gambia, are May through November.

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

August is the coldest month, with the temperature often reaching an average high of 33°C (91.4°F) and an average low of 24.1°C (75.4°F).

August is the month with the most rainfall in Farafenni. Rain falls for 22.9 days and accumulates 146mm (5.75") of precipitation.

The month with the least sunshine in Farafenni is August, with an average of 6.8h of sunshine.

September is the most humid month, with an average relative humidity of 80%.

The month with the shortest days is December, with an average of 11h and 18min of daylight.

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

Average temperature
Farafenni, The Gambia

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is April (41.6°C).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is August (33°C).

The month with the highest average low temperature is June (25.7°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (20.3°C).

Average pressure
Farafenni, The Gambia

The months with the highest atmospheric pressure are January and July (1012.1mbar).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is April (1009.4mbar).

Average wind speed
Farafenni, The Gambia

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is February (11.7km/h).
The calmest months (with the lowest average wind speed) are September and October (7.5km/h).

Average humidity
Farafenni, The Gambia

The month with the highest relative humidity is September (80%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is January (15%).

Average rainfall
Farafenni, The Gambia

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is August (146mm).
The driest months (with the least rainfall) are January, February, March, April and December (0mm).

Average rainfall days
Farafenni, The Gambia

The month with the highest number of rainy days is August (22.9 days).
The months with the least rainy days are January and February (0.1 days).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Farafenni, 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 18min).

The month with the most sunshine is April (Average sunshine: 10h and 0min).
The month with the least sunshine is August (Average sunshine: 6h and 48min).

Average sunshine days
Farafenni, The Gambia

The month with the most sunshine days is December (30.9 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is August (5.8 days).

Average UV index
Farafenni, The Gambia

The months with the highest UV index are March, April, May, June and October (UV index 8).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, July, August, September, November and December (UV index 7).

Average cloud cover
Farafenni, The Gambia

The month with the most cloud cover is August (Cloud cover 52).
The month with the least cloud cover is April (Cloud cover 6).

Average visibility
Farafenni, The Gambia

The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, November and December (10km).
The months with the lowest visibility are August and September (8km).