The climate of Serrekunda
Serrekunda, a vibrant city in
The Gambia, exhibits a tropical wet and dry climate, otherwise known as savanna climate by the Köppen climate classification. This is characterized by high temperatures throughout the year and markedly distinct wet and dry seasons.
Examining the monthly climatological data, it is evident that the city experiences a consistent temperature range. Peak temperatures oscillate from 30°C (86°F) to 34°C (93.2°F), with the warmest months being
March and
April. Meanwhile, the low-temperature spectrum reveals figures ranging from 16°C (60.8°F) to 23°C (73.4°F). The coldest month with respect to minimum temperatures turns out to be
January, with a night-time temperature of 16°C (60.8°F).
August and
September tally as the warmest months with the highest minimum temperature holding at 23°C (73.4°F).
Rainfall patterns demonstrate a sharp contrast between the wet and dry seasons. Precipitation is virtually absent from
November to April, with rainfall values at 1mm (0.04") to a low of 0mm (0") during March and April. The wet season runs from
June to
October, with the heaviest rainfall observed in August with a drenching 375mm (14.76"), spread over an estimated 17 days. In terms of total rainfall days, August again tops the chart, followed by September with 14 days.
Daylight hours in Serrekunda remain fairly consistent year-round, fluctuating from 11.3 hours in
December to 12.9 hours in June. The most sunshine hours are experienced in April with an average of 10 hours per day. The ultraviolet (UV) index typically hovers between 10 and 12, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure.
The best time to visit Serrekunda
The ideal time to relish
Serrekunda's sun-soaked attractions would be from
November to
April. These months epitomize the city's dry season, with minimal precipitation, a high UV index and ample sunshine, making them ideal for outdoor pursuits. During this period, the largest volume of sunshine figures at 10 hours per day in April. Pleasant temperatures ranging between 16°C (60.8°F) and 34°C (93.2°F), coupled with extended daylight hours, further bolster the allure of these months for prospective visitors.
The worst time to visit Serrekunda
Planning a visit during the months of
July,
August, and
September might prove less appealing to visitors, owing to extensive rainfall. August sees a whopping average rainfall total of 375mm (14.76"), spread over 17 days. Moreover, despite maintaining warm temperatures ranging between 23°C (73.4°F) and 31°C (87.8°F), depressingly lower sunshine hours ranging from 6 to 7 hours and high humidity make outdoor activities rather uncomfortable and restrictive during these months.
Spring weather in Serrekunda
Given its tropical classification,
Serrekunda does not experience a traditional spring season. However, for ease of comparison, the months of
March to
May can be represented as a spring analogue. During this time, the city starts transitioning from the dry to the wet season. Temperatures reach their peak averaging between 33°C (91.4°F) and 34°C (93.2°F), while night-time temperatures rise as high as 19°C (66.2°F). Rainfall in these transitional months is minimal, with 0mm (0") in March and
April, followed by a slight increase to 5mm (0.2") in May.
Summer weather in Serrekunda
Summer, represented by the months of
June to
August, marks the start of the wet season in
Serrekunda. Rainfall amounts start increasing, reaching its peak at 375mm (14.76") in August. Despite the mounting rainfall, temperatures remain consistently high, ranging from 22°C (71.6°F) to 33°C (91.4°F). The sea temperature also begins its ascend reaching 28°C (82.4°F) by August.
Autumn weather in Serrekunda
Autumn, from
September to
November, showcases a gradual slowdown in rainfall with 273mm (10.75") in September reducing to a mere 1mm (0.04") by November. Temperatures maintain a warm trend, fluctuating between 19°C (66.2°F) and 32°C (89.6°F) throughout these months. A consistent sea temperature of 28°C (82.4°F) is maintained, making it satisfactory for water-based activities.
Winter weather in Serrekunda
With winter corresponding to the period of
December to
February,
Serrekunda experiences consistent sunny days with minimal rainfall. Temperatures range from 16°C (60.8°F) to 31°C (87.8°F) offering visitors a pleasant and dry sojourn. The sea temperature drops to a cool 21°C (69.8°F) to 22°C (71.6°F), a significantly lower figure compared to other months, yet some may still find it tolerable for swimming.
Weather in January
Serrekunda,
The Gambia starts the year with sublime weather behavior. With temperatures hovering around pleasant extremes, the atmospheric existence is dustless and very serene. In a striking contrast to most locales,
January in Serrekunda is esteemed for having only about a single rainfall day with just 1mm (0.04") of precipitation.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Weather conditions in
February are more or less similar to those in
January. While the upper edge of the temperature notches up a notch, the lower limit only sees a marginal increase. There is practically no rainfall in February, with not even a single rainy day recorded in
Serrekunda.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Serrekunda's weather cycle journeys through
March, showcasing an increase in temperature, yet maintaining the streak of dry months. It exhibits higher UV index value of 12, indicating intensified sunlight exposure. Held captive by its charm, this city manages to bring out an unusual air of calm without a sign of any rainfall.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April experiences similar climatic behavior as
March with no rainfall yet a further escalation in girth of temperature range. Heralding in the beginning of warmer days, it ushers an influx of tourists, setting the city abuzz. The sea joins the overall heat, gaining momentum in temperature as it steers away from winter.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May brings in a notable change as it welcomes the Rainy Season in
Serrekunda. A slight increase in temperature, coupled with 5mm (0.2") of rainfall establishes the transition. The daylight is amply generous, adding a characteristic glow to the atmosphere.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June provides the true taste of a rainy season with a nine-fold increase in rainfall from
May to 69mm (2.72"). Despite being one of the peak months for rainfall,
Serrekunda manages to maintain a comforting warm temperature with significant daylight.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the month where
Serrekunda records its highest rainy days accounting for 12 in total. The rainfall continues to increase exponentially from
June to a high of 229mm (9.02") in July. Making its way through the month, the temperature endures minor fluctuations.
Weather in July » Weather in August
With
August,
Serrekunda witnesses the pinnacle of the rainy season. The city receives its maximum rainfall amounting to 375mm (14.76") spread across 17 days. While the showers dominate the cityscape, consistent daylight still prevails.
Weather in August »Weather in September
The trend of heavy rainfall continues into the month of
September, though the city's rainfall prospect recedes to 273mm (10.75"). The temperature stays on its course, reverberating with the warmth of the past months. Drenched in rainfall, the city's charm encapsulates every corner, turning them into scenic visions.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October signals a significant decrease in rainfall, as the city prepares to bid farewell to the wet season. With the rain dialing back to just 87mm (3.43"), the weather attributes are much more aligned with the dry season. The temperatures continue in their trend, presenting warm days and slightly cooler nights.
Weather in October » Weather in November
A calmness descends on the city as
November ushers in the fully-fledged dry season with only 1 day of rainfall resulting in 4mm (0.16") precipitation. While the sea maintains its warm temperature, the overall temperature breathes a sigh of relief from the rains.
Weather in November »Weather in December
With the arrival of
December,
Serrekunda crowns the year with a delightful dry season weather. The city witnesses virtually no rainfall, thereby extending the stretch of clear, dry days. Cool evenings balance out the harsh daytime sun, bringing with them a refreshing contrast.
Weather in December »