Banjul in August

August weather, activities, events & insider tips

August Weather in Banjul

31°C (88°F) High Temp

23°C (74°F) Low Temp

353 mm (13.9 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is August Right for You?

Advantages

Peak rainy season means lush green landscapes and the Gambia River at its most dramatic - perfect for river excursions and bird watching with 300+ species active
Tourist crowds are at their absolute lowest, giving you authentic local experiences and better prices on accommodations (typically 30-40% less than dry season)
Fresh produce season brings incredible local markets with mangoes, cashews, and groundnuts at peak flavor - plus traditional harvest celebrations in nearby villages
Afternoon rain showers (typically 2-3pm lasting 45-60 minutes) provide natural air conditioning and create impressive atmospheric photography opportunities at Albert Market and Independence Stadium

Considerations

Daily afternoon thunderstorms can disrupt outdoor plans - roads flood quickly in downtown Banjul, particularly around July 22nd Square, making walking difficult for 1-2 hours
High humidity (70%) combined with 31°C (88°F) temperatures makes midday exploration exhausting - most locals stay indoors 11am-4pm
Some rural attractions become inaccessible due to flooded roads, limiting day trips to Jufureh or stone circles to organized tours only

Best Activities in August

Gambia River Bird Watching Cruises

August is peak migration season with over 300 species active along the river. Morning cruises (7-10am) avoid afternoon rains and offer cooler temperatures of 25°C (77°F). High water levels mean boats can access normally unreachable tributaries where kingfishers and herons nest. The lush riverbank vegetation after weeks of rain creates spectacular wildlife viewing.

Booking Tip: Book 5-7 days ahead through licensed river operators at the ferry terminal. Morning departures (7am-10am) cost 800-1200 dalasi. Look for operators with covered boats and life jackets. See current tour options in the booking widget below.

Albert Market Cultural Immersion

Rainy season brings the best local produce and traditional crafts to Banjul's main market. Visit 8-11am before afternoon storms hit. The covered sections stay dry, and vendors are eager to share stories about harvest season goods. Fresh groundnuts, mangoes, and traditional textiles are at their peak quality and lowest prices.

Booking Tip: No booking required but consider hiring a local guide (300-500 dalasi for 2 hours) through your hotel or guesthouse. Guides help navigate flood-prone areas and translate Mandinka interactions. Peak shopping hours are 8am-11am.

Kachikally Crocodile Pool Day Trips

The sacred pool is fuller in August, making crocodile viewing more reliable. Rain keeps temperatures comfortable for the 45-minute drive from Banjul. Local ceremonies and blessings are more frequent during harvest season, offering cultural insights unavailable in dry months.

Booking Tip: Organize through hotel concierge or local taxi associations (2500-3500 dalasi round trip including waiting time). Depart early morning (8am) to return before afternoon rains. Include Gambia fish market stop for lunch.

Mangrove Forest Kayaking

High water levels in August open up narrow creeks normally inaccessible. Morning sessions (7-10am) offer calm conditions and active wildlife before daily rains. The flooded mangroves create cathedral-like paddling experiences with excellent bird photography opportunities in soft, clouded light.

Booking Tip: Book 3-5 days ahead with operators offering waterproof gear. Sessions typically cost 1500-2200 dalasi including equipment. Choose operators with backup indoor activities for rain delays. Morning departures essential to avoid afternoon storms.

Traditional Wrestling Match Viewing

August harvest season brings increased wrestling competitions, Gambia's national sport. Matches typically happen weekend afternoons in covered or semi-covered venues. The community atmosphere is electric with drumming, traditional dress, and local food vendors. Rain often makes matches more atmospheric.

Booking Tip: Ask locals or hotel staff about weekend matches - they're rarely advertised to tourists. Entry typically 50-100 dalasi. Matches usually 3-6pm in Independence Stadium or local compounds. Bring small bills for food vendors and tips.

Cooking Class with Market Tour

Rainy season offers the best ingredients for traditional Gambian cuisine. Start with early market tour (8am) for fresh fish and vegetables, then cook under cover during afternoon rains. Learn to prepare domoda (groundnut stew) with peak-season groundnuts and fresh-caught river fish.

Booking Tip: Arrange through cultural centers or established guesthouses 2-3 days ahead. Full experiences (market + cooking) cost 1800-2800 dalasi. Look for programs that include recipe cards and takeaway spice packets. Indoor cooking areas essential for August.

August Events & Festivals

Mid to Late August

Groundnut Harvest Festival Celebrations

Village communities around Greater Banjul celebrate the groundnut harvest with traditional music, dancing, and food sharing. These authentic celebrations offer insights into Gambian agricultural culture and feature traditional drums, wrestling exhibitions, and communal feasts.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry hiking pants and long sleeves - essential for 70% humidity and mosquito protection during dawn/dusk activities

Waterproof phone case and camera covers - afternoon storms are intense and electronics fail quickly in humid conditions

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 8 even on cloudy days, and river reflection intensifies exposure

Lightweight rain jacket with ventilation - storms last 45-60 minutes with heavy downpours, but plastic ponchos cause overheating

Water-resistant shoes that dry quickly - streets flood rapidly and take 2-3 hours to drain after storms

Moisture-wicking undergarments - cotton stays wet and uncomfortable in 70% humidity and 31°C (88°F) temperatures

Portable umbrella with wind resistance - for sudden downpours and as sun shade during market visits

Dry bags for day trips - protect documents, money, and electronics during river excursions and market visits

Electrolyte supplements - high humidity and heat cause rapid dehydration despite frequent rain cooling

Small bills in dalasi - ATMs are limited and vendors prefer exact change, especially during rain when card readers malfunction

Insider Knowledge

Locals call August 'the green season' and plan indoor socializing during 11am-4pm heat. Follow their lead - visit air-conditioned locations like the National Museum or covered markets during peak heat hours.

Ferry schedules between Banjul and Barra become irregular during heavy storms. Check morning conditions and have backup transportation plans. Local taxi drivers know which roads flood first.

Mobile network coverage drops during storms due to tower issues. Download offline maps and save important contacts before daily afternoon rain. Most hotels have landlines for emergencies.

Street food vendors move to covered locations during rain but often serve their best dishes - look for temporary setups under large trees or building overhangs for real feels missed by fair-weather visitors.

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities after 1pm - afternoon storms hit predictably between 2-4pm and make roads impassable. Plan major sightseeing for morning hours only.

Wearing synthetic fabrics that trap moisture and smell terrible in high humidity. Cotton and linen breathe better in 70% humidity conditions.

Not carrying enough cash - ATMs malfunction during power outages from storms, and many businesses become cash-only when card readers fail during rain.