Climate and monthly weather forecastKanifing, The Gambia
Climate and monthly weather forecast
The climate of Kanifing
Kanifing, based in The Gambia, is characterized by a tropical wet and dry climate, also known as the savanna climate according to the Köppen climate classification. Positioned near the equator, this locality experiences relatively constant temperatures throughout the year coupled with a marked rainy season.Analyzing the climatological data, the area experiences a mild range of temperatures from 21.6°C (70.9°F) to 31.8°C (89.2°F). The warmest months observed are from September to November, with temperatures frequently surpassing 30°C (86°F). The coldest period lies from January to May, with the lowest temperature recorded being 21.6°C (70.9°F) in February.
Rainfall in Kanifing varies dramatically throughout the year, ranging from hardly any precipitation between December and April to a heavy downpour during the monsoon season that starts from July and ends in September. The highest rainfall is recorded in August with 177mm (6.97"), making it the wettest month in the whole year.
As regards the relative humidity, it escalates from 39% in January to the peak of 80% during the rainy season from July to September. Monitoring the daylight hours indicates a subtle increase from 11.3 hours in December to 12.9 hours in June, reflecting the proximity of Kanifing to the equator.
Interestingly, despite the rainfall in the monsoon season, the cloud coverage remains relatively low, escalating from 6% in April to 50% in August. This infers clear skies for a significant portion of the year, ideal for sunbathers and light-seekers.
The best time to visit Kanifing
Given the climatological parameters, the favourable time to visit Kanifing would be from November to April. During these months, temperatures are relatively lower, fluctuating from 22°C (71.6°F) to 29°C (84.2°F), with a decreased likelihood of rain, reducing the humidity to a comfortable level. The month of November stands out for its optimal conditions with an average high of 31.2°C (88.2°F), humidity around 55%, and a mere 2mm (0.08") of rainfall. The weather, during this period, is perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing.The worst time to visit Kanifing
The period from July to September is considered the least favourable for tourists. Beyond the high temperatures that rise up to 29.5°C (85.1°F), these months witness the highest amounts of rainfall, specifically 177mm (6.97") in August. This heavy downpour increases humidity levels to a whopping 80%, creating a damp and muggy atmosphere. Strong winds accompany the intense rains, contributing to the overall inclement weather conditions.Spring weather in Kanifing
Spring, encompassing March to May, sees rising temperatures from 28.8°C (83.8°F) to 28.1°C (82.6°F) in Kanifing. Rainfall data signals the start of the wet season with an increase in precipitation from 2mm (0.08") in March to 5mm (0.2") in May. Despite this, humidity remains moderate, fluctuating between 51% and 68%.Summer weather in Kanifing
Summer in Kanifing, from June to August, grandly welcomes the rainy season. Temperature averages remain high, oscillating between 28.8°C (83.8°F) and 29.5°C (85.1°F), but the real shift is in rainfall, with an increase from 14mm (0.55") in June to a hefty 177mm (6.97") in August. An accompanying rise in humidity from 75% to 80% results in a rather sticky environment.Autumn weather in Kanifing
Autumn, encompassing September to November, witnesses a gradual decrease in rainfall with 121mm (4.76") in September, dropping sharply to 2mm (0.08") by November. As the rain recedes, so does the humidity, dropping to a more comfortable 55% in November. Meanwhile, the temperatures remain consistent, only mildly dipping from 29.5°C (85.1°F) in September to 31.2°C (88.2°F) in November.Winter weather in Kanifing
In contrast to the expected cold associated with winter, December to February in Kanifing offers pleasant weather, with average temperatures ranging from 29.5°C (85.1°F) to 29.2°C (84.6°F). These months are the driest, with no recorded rainfall in December and February, and only 2mm (0.08") in January. The humidity levels during this season drop to a minimum of 39%, ideal for outdoor activities.Weather in January
Mild breezes herald the weather of January in Kanifing, with prospect for clear skies to prevail throughout the month. Tourists can expect gentle winds reaching at most speeds of 19.1km/h (11.9mph). Despite cooler days, humidity stays at lower levels, creating a pleasant atmosphere. Weather in January »Weather in February
February exhibits a slightly windier weather pattern compared to January, intensifying to 18.6km/h (11.6mph) on average. A hint of freshness remains in the air primarily due to the average humidity slightly increasing. Yet, the vistas remain uninterrupted by cloud cover, promising sun-filled days. Weather in February »Weather in March
In Kanifing, March witnesses a noticeable change in the climate as the weather transitions from dry winter to a more thundery atmosphere. Characterized by a few rainy days, the total rainfall accumulation becomes 2mm (0.08"). The daylight hours increase even further, making it perfect for tourist activities that require longer hours. Weather in March »Weather in April
The weather in April is foreseen to be relatively warmer with the humidity index going up. With the warmer temperatures, there is an increase in rainfall which, combined, can result in a more humid day. Wind speeds remain largely steady, offering a gentle breeze throughout the day. Weather in April »Weather in May
May symbolizes the prelude to the rainy season in Kanifing with the total rainfall reaching 5mm (0.2") over the course of the month. It’s noteworthy that May shows a progressive rise in the humidity index. Additionally, temperatures continue to climb steadily. Weather in May »Weather in June
June heralds the onset of monsoon season in Kanifing, with a drastic spike in rainfall that elevates to 14mm (0.55"). The wind speed drops slightly, with the strongest gusts tapering off subsequently. Longer daylight hours are seen as the cloud cover thickens, hence, limiting sunshine duration in comparison to previous months. Weather in June »Weather in July
July represents the peak of the monsoon period, markedly by a meteoric rise in rainfall that catapults to 74mm (2.91"). Sunshine is considerably less with overcast skies and high humidity levels prevailing throughout the month. With the decrease in sunshine hours, daylight decreases insignificantly, offering an enchanting play of light and shade. Weather in July »Weather in August
In Kanifing, the month of August is characterized by a peak in monsoon activity, where there is a whopping 177mm (6.97") of rainfall recorded. On the bright side, despite the significant rain, the temperatures remain higher with the gusts of wind marginally decreasing. Weather in August »Weather in September
September begins to see a decline in the fringes of the monsoon season, with a rain total of 121mm (4.76"). Still, being the last of the monsoon months, an increase in the cloud cover is still observed, dictating the overall weather. Weather in September »Weather in October
October signals the end of the monsoon season with a drastic reduction in rainfall which caps at 31mm (1.22"). A rapid decline in humidity levels is seen making the days and nights pleasant. Despite the significant decrease in the rain, the cloud cover decreases only marginally, still accounting for some overcast days. Weather in October »Weather in November
November ushers in rain-less days of Kanifing, showing drastic reduction in rainfall to a mere 2mm (0.08"). With decreasing humidity levels, the weather turns inherently dryer with lower wind speed seen. A higher length of sunshine hours is observed despite a slight increase in the cloud cover percentage. Weather in November »Weather in December
In Kanifing, December defines the essence of dry season with the weather remaining devoid of rainfall. The declining trend of temperature and humidity from previous months persist. However, the daylight hours start to decrease while the sunshine duration remains considerably high. 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
January is the least humid month, with an average relative humidity of 39%.
In Kanifing, The Gambia, rain does not fall in January, February and December.
Throughout the year, there are 77 rainfall days, and 427mm (16.81") of precipitation is accumulated.
January, April through December, with an average maximum UV index of 7, are months with the highest UV index in Kanifing.
The months with the lowest UV index in Kanifing, The Gambia, are February and March, with an average maximum UV index of 6.
Months with rainfall are March through November.
March through May, with an average of 9.9h of sunshine, are months with the most sunshine.
The coldest month is May, with an average high-temperature of 28.1°C (82.6°F) and an average low-temperature of 22.8°C (73°F).
June has the longest days of the year, with an average of 12h and 54min of daylight.
August and September, with an average relative humidity of 80%, are most humid months.
August is the month with the most rainfall. Rain falls for 21.6 days and accumulates 177mm (6.97") of precipitation.
With an average of 7.3h of sunshine, August has the least sunshine of the year in Kanifing, The Gambia.
The warmest period in Kanifing is November, when temperatures fluctuate between an average high of 31.8°C (89.2°F) and a low of 26.2°C (79.2°F).
The month with the shortest days in Kanifing is December, with an average of 11h and 24min of daylight.
Kanifing, The Gambia, does not utilize Daylight Saving Time (DST). GMT timezone is used over the entire year.
Average temperature
Kanifing, 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
Kanifing, 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
Kanifing, 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
Kanifing, 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
Kanifing, 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
Kanifing, 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
Kanifing, 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 24min
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).
- 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
Kanifing, 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
Kanifing, 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
Kanifing, 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
Kanifing, 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).
