Friday 11 January 2013

Enticing!



The Gambia is generally recognized as having perhaps the most agreeable climate in West Africa.

The weather is subtropical with distinct dry months, November through May (7) and a rainy season June through October.  The rainy season in Gambia coincides with the hurricane season in the USA. It is said that the winds that blow off the West Coast of Africa during the hurricane season follow the same route as the slave trade and is the breath of the ancestors.

There is a dry wind called the Harmattan which blows during the dry season. This dry wind is something else! You need all kinds of moisturizers during this time of year. The Harmattan Saharan winds give the Gambia a uniquely pleasant winter, completely rainless and blessed with daily sunshine. From November to May, the temperature varies between 70F (21C) and 80F (27C) and the relative humidity stays between 30% and 60%. Summer temperatures range between 80oF (27C) and 110F (32oC) and the relative humidity is high. 70F might not sound chilly to you, but when the air temperature drops from 100F to 70F with the Harmattan Winds believe me you’ll look for a comforter at night to keep you warm!

The rains usually begin in June and continue to October with the heaviest month usually being late July through mid September.  Inland, the cool season is shorter, and by the day high temperatures are encountered between March and June.  Generally, there is considerable cooling off in the evening. Rainfall in most parts of the country does not exceed 40 inches (1,016 Millimeters) and sunny periods occur on most days even in the rainy season.

The Atlantic Ocean borders the West Coast of Gambia and the sea temperature ranges from 62F-84F with the sea being warmer of course in the spring and summer months.
Gambia is more accessible to visitors from the UK and parts of Europe due to charter flights that usually fly in and out of Gambia from mid September through mid April. Coming from the states I suggest coming through Dakar if it’s your first time to Gambia. Spending a few days in Dakar and other parts of Senegal can be very enriching and rewarding. Although Gambia is surrounded by Senegal on the north, east and south, these countries are quite different. Senegal was colonized by the French so it is called a, “Francophone” country and Gambia by the British and a so called, “Anglophone” country.

Gambia is a small and peaceful country so it makes a great introduction to Africa. It’s a place where you can learn to think differently than western societies and also learn to think outside the box that so many live in. You will assuredly learn patience!

Like I’ve said before, visitation and residing are entirely two different things. The only way to find out is to take the leap for your self!   


                              No matter what season, the sunsets are spectacular!


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