The Gambia
The Gambia is a narrow West African country built around a river, with Atlantic beaches at one end and more than 500 resident bird species.
The Gambia is the smallest country on mainland Africa. It stretches along both banks of the lower Gambia River, which flows to the Atlantic, and Senegal surrounds it on three sides. At its widest point the country is less than 50 km across, so the river, the coast and most towns are close together. Banjul, the capital, sits on an island at the river mouth and is the country's only port. Banjul International Airport at Yundum, about 26 km outside the capital, is the only international airport.
Visitors come for the Atlantic beaches, the river and birdwatching, with more than 500 resident bird species. The country's history includes trans-Saharan trade and Islam from the 9th and 10th centuries, and British colonial rule from 1765 to 1965. Independence came on 18 February 1965. Wrestling is the national sport, and domoda, a savory peanut stew, is the national dish. Most roads outside towns are unpaved, so the trip suits travelers who are comfortable on rough roads. The dry season, from about October to May, is the more comfortable time to visit.
Five things to know before The Gambia
- Check whether you need entry clearance
UK citizens do not need a visa and get a 28-day stamp on arrival that can be extended. Other passports, including the US, differ: ask the Gambian High Commission or embassy for your country before you fly. UK entry rules
- Carry $20 for the airport security fee
The Gambia charges an airport security fee of $20 on arrival and on departure, payable in dollars, euros, pounds or dalasi. Children aged 1 or under and transit passengers are exempt.
- Visit between November and February
The dry season brings sunny days, lower humidity and the peak of the birding season. The rains from July to October are heavy and hot.
- Carry a yellow fever certificate if needed
It is required if you arrive from a risk country. You may also need one for onward travel because of the yellow fever risk in The Gambia.
- Head upriver for birds and wildlife
Boat trips on the creeks near the coast and up to Janjanbureh show a different country from the resort strip. Allow two or three days for the river.
The Gambia travel guides
Practical guides from writers who live there.
Visa-free stays, entry clearance and the airport security fee.
Read the guideTravel insuranceMedical and evacuation cover, and what policies exclude.
Read the guidePhones and eSIMGetting data in The Gambia from the day you land.
Read the guideMoney and costsCash, cards, ATMs and what to carry for rural stretches.
Read the guideGetting aroundDomestic flights, long-distance buses and hiring a driver.
Read the guide
Destinations in The Gambia
When to go
- Rainy days
- Days with storms
- Best
- JanuaryClear0 rainy daysHigh30°Low22°Dry, sunnyJanuaryClear
Best
- High
- 30°
- Low
- 22°
- Precipitation
- 0 mm
- Rainy days
- 0
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Dry, sunny
- FebruaryClear0 rainy daysHigh30°Low22°Dry, sunnyFebruaryClear
Best
- High
- 30°
- Low
- 22°
- Precipitation
- 0 mm
- Rainy days
- 0
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Dry, sunny
- MarchClear0 rainy daysHigh29°Low21°Dry, hotMarchClear
- High
- 29°
- Low
- 21°
- Precipitation
- 0 mm
- Rainy days
- 0
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Dry, hot
- AprilClear0 rainy daysHigh29°Low22°Dry, hotAprilClear
- High
- 29°
- Low
- 22°
- Precipitation
- 0 mm
- Rainy days
- 0
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Dry, hot
- MayClear1 rainy dayHigh27°Low22°Dry, humidMayClear
- High
- 27°
- Low
- 22°
- Precipitation
- 2 mm
- Rainy days
- 1
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Dry, humid
- JuneClear4 rainy daysHigh28°Low24°Rains startJuneClear
- High
- 28°
- Low
- 24°
- Precipitation
- 26 mm
- Rainy days
- 4
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Rains start
- JulyRain17 rainy daysHigh29°Low26°RainyJulyRain
- High
- 29°
- Low
- 26°
- Precipitation
- 201 mm
- Rainy days
- 17
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Rainy
- AugustRain25 rainy daysHigh28°Low26°WettestAugustRain
- High
- 28°
- Low
- 26°
- Precipitation
- 324 mm
- Rainy days
- 25
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Wettest
- SeptemberRain22 rainy daysHigh29°Low26°RainySeptemberRain
- High
- 29°
- Low
- 26°
- Precipitation
- 299 mm
- Rainy days
- 22
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Rainy
- OctoberClear9 rainy days1 day with stormsHigh30°Low27°Rains endOctoberClear
- High
- 30°
- Low
- 27°
- Precipitation
- 76 mm
- Rainy days
- 9
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 1
Rains end
- NovemberClear1 rainy dayHigh31°Low26°Dry, greenNovemberClear
Best
- High
- 31°
- Low
- 26°
- Precipitation
- 2 mm
- Rainy days
- 1
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Dry, green
- DecemberClear0 rainy daysHigh30°Low23°Dry, sunnyDecemberClear
Best
- High
- 30°
- Low
- 23°
- Precipitation
- 1 mm
- Rainy days
- 0
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Dry, sunny
Average daily high and low in Banjul, 2016–2025. Rainy day: 1 mm of rain or more.
Right now in The Gambia
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
28
- Feels like
- 32°
- Humidity
- 78%
- Wind
- 24 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 84%
Banjul
11:23 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today30°28°84%Monday: Thunderstorms. High 30°, Low 28°. Chance of rain 84%.
- Tue32°26°12%Tuesday: Cloudy. High 32°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 12%.
- Wed32°26°8%Wednesday: Cloudy. High 32°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 8%.
- Thu34°27°2%Thursday: Cloudy. High 34°, Low 27°. Chance of rain 2%.
- Fri37°27°0%Friday: Partly cloudy. High 37°, Low 27°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Sat37°26°0%Saturday: Partly cloudy. High 37°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Sun33°27°0%Sunday: Cloudy. High 33°, Low 27°. Chance of rain 0%.
Updated 08:49 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 74.64 GMD
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Before you go to The Gambia
The Gambia FAQ
Do I need a visa for The Gambia?
Not on a UK passport. Rules for other nationalities, including US citizens, vary, so ask the Gambian High Commission or embassy for your country before you travel.
How long can UK visitors stay in The Gambia?
The arrival stamp gives 28 days, and it can be extended twice by 28 days at the immigration office in Banjul or tourist police stations.
When is the best time to visit The Gambia?
November to February is dry, sunny and the best time for birding. July to October is the rainy season.
Can I combine The Gambia with Senegal?
Yes. The Gambia is surrounded by Senegal, and road crossings are straightforward. Check visa rules for both countries for your passport.
Can I use cards in The Gambia?
Larger hotels take cards, but most daily spending is in dalasi cash. Use ATMs in the coastal towns before heading upriver.