The climate of Marakissa
Marakissa, situated in
The Gambia, enjoys a Köppen climate classification of Aw. This classification indicates a tropical wet and dry or savanna climate, characterized by distinct, alternating wet and dry seasons. Throughout the year, the area experiences a temperature range from 22.5°C (72.5°F) to 31.2°C (88.2°F), peaking around
November with a high of 31.2°C (88.2°F). Average humidity levels fluctuate between 44% and 80%, showing that Marakissa has periods of significant humidity, particularly during the summer months.
Rainfall in Marakissa takes on an interesting pattern. From
January to
May, rainfall is sparse with a monthly average ranging from 0mm (0") to 5mm (0.2"). The rainy season dominates from
June to
September, during which rainfall can reach a high of 183mm (7.2") in the month of
August. On average, the number of rainy days per month increase from 0.3 days in
February to a high of 22.8 days in August.
During this period, there is less sunshine with average sunlight hours per day dropping from 9.9 hours in May to 7.4 hours in August. Daylight hours remain relatively constant throughout the year, fluctuating between 11.4 hours in
December and 12.9 hours in June. Taking these variables into account, Marakissa sees cloud cover increase from 9% in May to 49% in August, coinciding with the town's rainy season.
The best time to visit Marakissa
With its tropical savanna climate,
Marakissa is best visited during the dry season, specifically between
November and
April. During this period, rainfall is nearly absent and temperatures are manageable, averaging from 27.7°C (81.9°F) to 30.3°C (86.5°F). Sunshine is also in abundant supply, with around 9.6 to 9.8 hours of sunlight per day, making these months perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Wind speeds also tend to be moderate during this time, averaging between 13.6km/h (8.5mph) to 19.4km/h (12.1mph), which may provide a refreshing breeze under the tropical sun.
The worst time to visit Marakissa
Visitors might wish to avoid travelling to
Marakissa between
June and
September. These months mark the peak of the rainy season, with rainfall reaching up to 183mm (7.2") in
August. The frequency of rainy days also peaks in these months, limiting opportunities for outdoor exploration. Moreover, the temperature continues to climb up to the high 20s°C. Humidity levels are also at their highest during this period, ranging from 79% to 80%, potentially creating a highly uncomfortable and sticky climate.
Spring weather in Marakissa
Spring, from
March to
May in
Marakissa, is marked by increasing temperatures and rainfall. The temperature oscillates from 26.9°C (80.4°F) to 27.7°C (81.9°F) during this period. With the onset of the rainy season in May, rainfall levels fluctuate from 2mm (0.08") in March and
April to 5mm (0.2") in May. Wind speeds also slightly decrease from 19.9km/h (12.4mph) in March and April to 18.1km/h (11.2mph) in May. Days are typically sunlit during this season, with average daylight hours from 12.1 to 12.7 hours.
Summer weather in Marakissa
The summer season which runs from
June to
August presents the most challenging weather conditions in
Marakissa. The month of June already marks the onset of the rainy season, reaching peak rainfall of 183mm (7.2") in August. Despite the rain, temperatures continue to rise, reaching a mean high of 28.4°C (83.1°F) in June, and 28.5°C (83.3°F) by August. Humidity levels are also at their peak during this period, reaching up to 80%.
Autumn weather in Marakissa
In autumn, from
September to
November, the weather begins to improve. By November, rainfall levels drop significantly to 3mm (0.12") and temperatures range from 29°C (84.2°F) to 31.2°C (88.2°F). Humidity levels also fall during these months, averaging at 59% in November. The sun also shines for longer periods, with daylight hours ranging from 12.2 to 11.5 and the number of sunny days per month steadily increasing from 18 to 30.
Winter weather in Marakissa
Winter in
Marakissa, from
December to
February, presents the most agreeable climate conditions with minimal rainfall and comfortable temperatures. During these months, rainfall is virtually nonexistent, demonstrating a dry winter. Temperature highs remain steady at 28.5°C (83.3°F) to 29.8°C (85.6°F). The weather retains its dry nature with humidity at 45% by
January. Moreover, the town gets about 11.5 to 11.7 hours of daylight, providing ample time to experience the unique blend of cultural and natural beauty that Marakissa offers.
Weather in January
January in
Marakissa,
The Gambia, is typically characterized by warm temperatures and low rainfall. Shifting from
December, January records an increase in temperature, from highs of 29.8°C (85.6°F) to 28.5°C (83.3°F) and from lows of 24.2°C (75.6°F) to 22.5°C (72.5°F), making it slightly warmer.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Weather in March
In
March, a noticeable shift in the
Marakissa weather pattern begins to emerge. The previous low rainfall conditions of
February transition to a slightly high record of 2mm (0.08"), averaged over 0.7 days. Though not bearing considerable precipitation, this subtle increment indicates the onset of the rainy season in the coming months.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April's appearance promises continued warmth in
Marakissa, accented further compared to
March, with a small increment in the lowest temperature. Rainfall is still relatively low, albeit showing a mild increase compared to the previous months, indicating the building momentum towards the rainy season.
Weather in April » Weather in May
Entering
May, some increments in rainfall become apparent in
Marakissa, as this month records an average of 5mm (0.2") precipitation. This increase in rainfall is indicative of the approaching wet season, a contrast from
April's weather pattern.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June signals a significant deviation from the preceding months as
Marakissa steps into the rainy season. An impressive surge in rainfall is observed with 15mm (0.59") averages, up from
May's 5mm (0.2"), spread over 7.1 days in the month.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July bears the full brunt of the rainy season in
Marakissa,
The Gambia, with a significant increase in rainfall, peaking at 73mm (2.87") on average, centrally positioned between
June's 15mm (0.59") and
August's 183mm (7.2"). It is in this transition from June that the city experiences its wettest conditions.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August is typically the wettest month in
Marakissa, reaching an overwhelming rainfall average of 183mm (7.2") over 22.8 days. This hefty rainfall, a significant leap from 73mm (2.87") in
July, dominates the weather behavior, making it distinctive from all other months.
Weather in August » Weather in September
Gradually exiting the height of the rainy season,
September in
Marakissa notes a significant reduction in rainfall, from
August's 183mm (7.2") to 122mm (4.8"). The declining rainfall trend, compared to August, indicates a gradual retreat from the wet season.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Marakissa presents a stark decrease in rainfall, a drop from
September's 122mm (4.8") to 32mm (1.26"). This plunge sets apart October, marking an evident retreat from the rainy season and transition into the drier months.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Marakissa is a mirror of the cool dry season, with rainfall falling dramatically from
October's 32mm (1.26") to Just 3mm (0.12"). The link between November and the previous month is marked by the subsiding rainfall averages, signaling the full onset of the dry period.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December continues the dry season trend initiated in
November, with almost negligible rainfall recorded at 0mm (0") for the month. This lack of rainfall, consistent with November's 3mm (0.12"), characterizes December as a dry month, providing an alternative weather experience in the city.
Weather in December »