Weather in Banjul

About Banjul

Banjul perches on a peninsula as one of Africa's tiniest capitals, yet its strategic location makes it a West African crossroads. The Gambian capital offers excellent birdwatching, a vibrant market culture, and surprisingly sophisticated restaurants.

Country

Gambia

Best months to visit

January, February, March, April, May, June, December

Currency

GMD

Language

English, Mandinka, Wolof, Fula

Things to do in Banjul

Birdwatch the wetland reserves Explore the National Museum Visit Albert Market Beach-swim Boat up the Gambia River Dine in seaside restaurants

Weather by month

Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.

Recommended

January

31C

Hot and humid, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

February

31C

Hot and humid, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

March

31C

Hot and humid, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

April

30C

Hot and humid, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

May

28C

Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

June

29C

Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.

July

29C

Warm and pleasant, with regular rainfall.

August

29C

Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.

September

29C

Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.

October

31C

Hot and humid, with occasional showers.

November

32C

Hot and humid, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

December

31C

Hot and humid, and mostly sunny skies.

Banjul, The Gambia's small capital, sits on an island where the Gambia River meets the Atlantic, with a relaxed pace, colonial-era buildings around Albert Market, and easy access to the river's birdlife and the country's famous beach resorts just across the bridge in Serrekunda and Kololi. Its compact size and English-speaking population make it an easy and approachable introduction to West Africa.

Best areas to stay in Banjul

Banjul City Centre

The compact downtown with Albert Market, government buildings and the National Museum.

Kololi / Senegambia Strip

The main beach resort area a short drive from Banjul, with hotels, bars and restaurants along the coast.

Serrekunda

The country's largest urban centre and main market town, busier and more local than the resort strip.

Bakau

A coastal town near the resorts with a crocodile pool, craft markets and beach access.

Getting to Banjul

✈

Flights

Banjul International Airport has direct charter and scheduled flights from the UK and Europe, particularly in the dry season.

⏱

From London

~6-6.5 hours direct from London.

🚕

Getting around

Taxis (green tourist taxis or yellow local taxis) connect Banjul to the resort areas around Kololi and Serrekunda.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Banjul and The Gambia?

November to May is the dry season and most popular with visitors, with warm, sunny weather; the rainy season runs roughly June to October.

Is Banjul the same as the beach resorts?

No — Banjul itself is a small administrative city, while the main beach resort areas (Kololi, Senegambia, Cape Point) are a short drive away near Serrekunda.

What is Albert Market like?

A bustling market in central Banjul selling textiles, crafts, produce and souvenirs, good for a taste of everyday Gambian life.

Can you do river trips from Banjul?

Yes — boat trips up the Gambia River for birdwatching and visits to sites like James Island (Kunta Kinteh Island) are popular, often arranged from nearby resort areas.

Do English speakers find Gambia easy to navigate?

Yes — English is the official language, which makes The Gambia notably easy for English-speaking travellers compared to many West African neighbours.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

Lovely, friendly country and surprisingly easy given everyone speaks English. Albert Market in Banjul was a great cultural stop before heading to the beach.

Susan W. · January 2024

★★★★☆

Took a river boat trip from near Banjul to see birdlife and Kunta Kinteh Island — a moving and memorable day out.

Lamin J. · February 2023

★★★★☆

Stayed near Kololi but spent a morning in Banjul itself — much smaller and quieter than I expected, with a nice museum.

Derek H. · December 2022