Climate and monthly weather forecastSoma, The Gambia
Climate and monthly weather forecast
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 indicates a minor shift in the average high-temperature, from June's 39.8°C (103.6°F) to a still torrid 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. November brings a marginal elevation to a still torrid 37.6°C (99.7°F) from October's 37°C (98.6°F) in Soma's average high-temperatures. 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 »Updated: Jun 19, 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
The least humid month is January, with an average relative humidity of 15%.
In Soma, rain does not fall in January through April and December.
In Soma, 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.
The months with the highest UV index are March through June and October, with an average maximum UV index of 8.
April is Soma's warmest month, registering average high temperatures of 41.6°C (106.9°F) and lows of 23.8°C (74.8°F).
The month with the most sunshine is April, with an average of 10h of sunshine.
Months with rainfall are May through November.
With an average of 12h and 54min of daylight, June has the longest days of the year.
Soma reaches its average lowest temperatures in August, measuring 33°C (91.4°F) at the peak and 24.1°C (75.4°F) at the lowest.
August is the month with the most rainfall. Rain falls for 22.9 days and accumulates 146mm (5.75") of precipitation.
With an average of 6.8h of sunshine, August has the least sunshine of the year.
The most humid month in Soma is September, with an average relative humidity of 80%.
The month with the shortest days is December, with an average of 11h and 24min of daylight.
Soma does not utilize Daylight Saving Time (DST). GMT timezone is used throughout the entire year.
Average temperature
Soma, 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
Soma, The Gambia
- Average pressure in January:
1012.1mbar - Average pressure in February:
1010.8mbar - Average pressure in March:
1009.9mbar - Average pressure in April:
1009.4mbar - Average pressure in May:
1010.1mbar - Average pressure in June:
1011.7mbar
- Average pressure in July:
1012.1mbar - Average pressure in August:
1011.8mbar - Average pressure in September:
1011.8mbar - Average pressure in October:
1010.7mbar - Average pressure in November:
1010.5mbar - Average pressure in December:
1011.7mbar
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
Soma, The Gambia
- Average wind speed in January:
11.2km/h - Average wind speed in February:
11.7km/h - Average wind speed in March:
10.6km/h - Average wind speed in April:
10.6km/h - Average wind speed in May:
10.8km/h - Average wind speed in June:
11.4km/h
- Average wind speed in July:
10.2km/h - Average wind speed in August:
9km/h - Average wind speed in September:
7.5km/h - Average wind speed in October:
7.5km/h - Average wind speed in November:
8.2km/h - Average wind speed in December:
10.6km/h
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
Soma, The Gambia
The month with the highest relative humidity is September (80%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is January (15%).
Average rainfall
Soma, 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
Soma, The Gambia
- Average rainfall days in January:
0.1 days - Average rainfall days in February:
0.1 days - Average rainfall days in March:
0.6 days - Average rainfall days in April:
1.2 days - Average rainfall days in May:
2.8 days - Average rainfall days in June:
8.6 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
19.6 days - Average rainfall days in August:
22.9 days - Average rainfall days in September:
19.9 days - Average rainfall days in October:
9.9 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 (22.9 days).
The months with the least rainy days are January and February (0.1 days).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Soma, 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 36min - Average sunshine in February:
9h and 42min - Average sunshine in March:
9h and 54min - Average sunshine in April:
10h and 0min - Average sunshine in May:
9h and 54min - Average sunshine in June:
9h and 36min
- Average sunshine in July:
7h and 42min - Average sunshine in August:
6h and 48min - Average sunshine in September:
8h and 0min - Average sunshine in October:
9h and 42min - Average sunshine in November:
9h and 42min - Average sunshine in December:
9h and 30min
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
Soma, The Gambia
- Average sunshine days in January:
30.8 days - Average sunshine days in February:
28.1 days - Average sunshine days in March:
30.5 days - Average sunshine days in April:
28.9 days - Average sunshine days in May:
27.6 days - Average sunshine days in June:
19.4 days
- Average sunshine days in July:
9.4 days - Average sunshine days in August:
5.8 days - Average sunshine days in September:
8.4 days - Average sunshine days in October:
19.3 days - Average sunshine days in November:
28.2 days - Average sunshine days in December:
30.9 days
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
Soma, 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
Soma, 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
Soma, 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).
