The climate of Soma
Soma, located in
The Gambia, graces with a Köppen climate classification of Aw, also known as a tropical wet and dry or savanna climate. This categorization stems from the town's location within the tropics, resorting to a dry season during winter and a monsoon-like downpour during summer contrasting dramatically during the annual cycle.
Progressing through the seasons, the temperature metrics undergo distinct alterations. With high temperatures consistently reaching above 33°C (91.4°F) and dipping no lower than 20.3°C (68.5°F), many can forecast sweltering conditions year-round. The warmest month, under average circumstances, is
May, displaying temperatures soaring to 41.6°C (106.9°F). In contrast, the lowest are seen in
January, bottoming out at 20.3°C (68.5°F). A close observation of the raw data reveals fluctuations in relative humidity between 15% to 80% by the year. The moisture peaks in
September while minimal dampness marks January and
February.
Analyzing rainfall figures, it becomes notable that Soma has a pronounced monsoon period. There is virtually no rainfall from
November to
April. Beginning in May the town experiences a gradual climb in precipitation, peaking in
August, reaching 146mm (5.75") before a sharp decline into the dry period. The inundation intertwines with increased cloud cover and decreased visibility. The sunniest and the cloud-free periods sync with the dry season when the daylight hours range from 11.3h to 12.9h across the year with plentifully sunny days.
The best time to visit Soma
The ideal period for visiting
Soma aligns with the town's dry season between
November and
April. During these months, the tourist can subject themselves to comfortable humidity levels dropping as low as 15%. While the rainfall being almost absent, the sunny days outnumber the overcast with sunlight exposure hours staying strong between 9.6h to 9.7h, providing limitless opportunities for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
The worst time to visit Soma
The least favorable time to halt in
Soma is during its wet season from
May to
October, when the town witnesses a considerable upsurge in rainfall.
August harbors the heaviest rains amounting to 146mm (5.75") and the frequency of rainy days augmentation jumps to 22.9 days. Concurrently, the month exhibits nearly 80% relative humidity, along with a decline in visibility to 8km (5mi).
Spring weather in Soma
Spring months in
Soma, from
March to
May, show a progressive rise in temperatures reaching as high as 41.6°C (106.9°F). During this period, rainfall is almost non-existent, excluding 3mm (0.12") recorded in May. While days are longer with roughly 12.1h to 12.8h of daylight, it is further boosted by 9.9h to 10h exposure to sunshine from long, cloud-free days.
Summer weather in Soma
Summer in
Soma demonstrates a sharp escalation in humidity and rainfall, initiating from
June and lasting through
August.
July and August endure the highest rain volumes, distinguished by 101mm (3.98") and 146mm (5.75"). In unison, humidity augments from 48% in June up to 78% in August, and temperatures cool down to 35.6°C (96.1°F), making the air feel sticky and somewhat uncomfortable.
Autumn weather in Soma
During Autumn from
September to
November, the climate gradually shifts from a wet to a dry phase. Despite the average rainfall in September of 94mm (3.7"), the volume slips to a mere 3mm (0.12") by November. Simultaneously, the humidity slumps down from 80% to 35%, improving the overall climate feel. Temperatures remain high, just over 33.3°C (91.9°F) in September and gradually increase to 37.6°C (99.7°F) by November.
Winter weather in Soma
Winter, from
December to
February, spots the driest part of the year with virtually no rainfall. With the least humidity, around 15% to 16%, it is arguably the most comfortable period of the year. Even though temperatures reside on the higher side, 35.7°C (96.3°F) to 37.8°C (100°F), the lower humidity makes the weather bearable. The maximum daylight hours offer 11.3h to 11.7h, keeping those sunny days in abundance for the outdoor-adventurers.
Weather in January
With the onset of the year,
Soma experiences a typically hot and drought heavy
January. The arid conditions are punctuated by a remarkably low humidity of 15%. Allowing for a respite in this landscape is the high visibility of 10km (6.2mi) and the abundant sunshine for almost 9.6 hours daily.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Following the pattern of
January,
February continues to be glaringly hot. A notable pattern is the range of temperatures from 37.8°C (100°F) for daytime highs to nighttime lows of 21.2°C (70.2°F). Being a salient feature of
Soma's climate, remarkably, the month exhibits little to no rainfall.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Moving into
March, there is a slight increase relative humidity, nevertheless, the weather remains arid. Departure from
February is marked by a marginally higher UV index of 8. March yet again witnesses a lack of rainfall ensuring sustained touristic activities in
Soma.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Soma,
The Gambia sees a surge in daytime temperatures reaching a scorching 41.6°C (106.9°F). There's an observable increase in humidity, but rainfall remains elusive, pointing to the arid conditions that the town experiences.
Weather in April » Weather in May
A noticeable shift occurs in
Soma's weather in
May with the onset of rainfall amounting to 3mm (0.12"). This marks the beginning of a transformative phase in Soma's annual weather cycle. Combined with the highest relative humidity thus far, at 35%, May brings a touch of respite from the prevalent aridity.
Weather in May »Weather in June
The arrival of
June witnesses
Soma weather transitioning towards more rainfall, amounting to 18mm (0.71"). Albeit, this does not overshadow the fact that the months persists to hold its high temperature patterns consistent with the rest of the year.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Soma signifies the height of the rainy season with a significant rainfall amount of 101mm (3.98"). The weather at this time of the year is generally humid and wet, with overcast skies and occasional sunshine. Despite the rainfall, the local life thrives with greenery springing up everywhere, animals abound, and agriculture in full swing, painting a vibrant picture of life in Soma. July's arrival in Soma coincides with a soft drop in the average high-temperature, subtly decreasing from
June's sweltering 39.8°C (103.6°F) to a still very hot 35.6°C (96.1°F).
Weather in July » Weather in August
The heaviest rainfall is observed in
August, with a total rainfall amount of 146mm (5.75"). This contributes to the lush greenery and burgeoning agricultural activities in the region. August stands out as a month when the town of
Soma truly comes alive in its tropical glory.
Weather in August »Weather in September
The weather in
Soma starts to transition away from the rainy season in
September with a decrease in rainfall to 94mm (3.7"). However, this factor combined with the temperature range from 33.3°C (91.9°F) to 23.5°C (74.3°F) allows locals and visitors alike to experience a mix of Soma's weather extremes.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Soma is characterized by further decrease in rainfall to 32mm (1.26"), thus marking the nearing end of the rainy season. The weather once again encompasses high visibility, substantial hours of sunshine, and winds picking up to 7.5km/h (4.7mph).
Weather in October » Weather in November
In
November,
Soma experiences a drastic decrease in the rainfall to a meager 3mm (0.12"). The town begins to revert to its dry and hot climate typical of the region, with clear skies and more hours of sunshine. Come to witness the transformation of the wet landscape back into an arid panorama, making November an excellent time to experience the cyclic nature of Soma's weather. Soma registers an average high-temperature of a still torrid 37.6°C (99.7°F) at the commencement of November, closely related to the preceding month.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December heralds the onset of the dry period once again as
Soma registers the barest amount of rainfall. With no rainfall, the dry spell eases into its full stride and the landscape transforms revealing the classic bare and arid look of
The Gambia.
Weather in December » [Resources]