Gambia
Banjul in May
☀️ Dry seasonHot, a little humid and mostly dry.
🎒 Pack: light, breathable clothes & sunscreen · sunglasses & hat
Why May scores 8.3What goes into the score
How it works- Weather comfort8.4
- ✓Hot (32°C highs / 21°C lows)
- !Humid (dew point 20.1°C)
- ✓Mostly dry (~3 mm rain)
- Air quality6.6
- !Elevated (PM2.5 ~28 µg/m³)
- Seasonal hazards10.0
- ·No notable seasonal hazards
- Safety baseline7.5
- ·Increased caution
| May | Mar | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 8.3 Very good | 8.9 Excellent |
| Season | ☀️ Dry season | 🔥 Hot dry season |
| High / low | 32° / 21° | 33° / 20° |
| Rain | 3 mm | 0 mm |
| Humidity | dew pt 20° | dew pt 16° |
| PM2.5 | 28 µg/m³ | 15 µg/m³ |
Typical-month data: NASA POWER (MERRA-2 reanalysis) 2015–2024 (modelled, not a forecast). Temperatures: Banjul weather-station normals. Rainfall: Banjul weather-station normals (national met service).
Holidays & crowdsMay 2027
Long weekendThere's at least one long weekend. Domestic travel picks up and popular spots get busier over those days.
- Labor Day 1–3 May · 3 days off in a row
- Eid al-Adha 15–17 May · 3 days off in a row
Other public holidays: Africa Liberation Day (25 May)
National holidays only; regional holidays and school breaks aren't included. Source: holidays (open-source public-holiday calendar).
Explore BanjulEvents, sights, food & souvenirs
Check event dates locallyBanjul is the small capital of The Gambia, on an island at the mouth of the Gambia River, with the beach resorts of Bakau, Kololi and Kotu close by. Visitors come for winter sun, birdwatching and river trips into the country's history.
Tobaski (Eid al-Adha)Date variesAround late May in 2026 and mid-May in 2027; the date moves each year
The biggest Muslim festival of the year, with prayers and family feasts.
Why go: Many businesses close for several days and transport is busy.
Where: Nationwide
Coming up later
Independence DayEvery year18 February every year
A national holiday marking independence from Britain in 1965.
Why go: Expect parades and official events.
Where: Nationwide, with celebrations in Banjul
Arch 22
A tall gateway monument at the entrance to Banjul with a museum and viewing gallery.
💡 Climb to the top for views over the city and river.
Albert Market
Banjul's main market, selling fabric, crafts, spices and produce.
💡 Expect to bargain and keep small change handy.
Kachikally Crocodile Pool
A sacred pool in Bakau with many Nile crocodiles and a small museum.
💡 Follow the guides' instructions near the crocodiles.
Abuko Nature Reserve
A small forest reserve with monkeys, birds and walking trails.
💡 Go early in the morning for the best birdwatching.
Kunta Kinteh Island and Juffureh
A UNESCO-listed island in the river linked to the slave trade, visited by boat with the village of Juffureh.
💡 Usually a full-day trip; bring sun protection and water.
Domoda
A rich peanut stew with meat or fish, served over rice.
💡 Local restaurants and chop shops.
Benachin
A one-pot rice dish cooked with tomato, vegetables and fish or meat, related to jollof.
💡 Local eateries throughout the area.
Yassa
Chicken or fish marinated in onions and lemon, then grilled and stewed.
💡 Restaurants in Banjul and the resort areas.
Batik and tie-dye cloth
Hand-dyed fabrics made by local women's groups.
💡 Craft markets in Bakau and Albert Market.
Wood carvings
Carved masks, figures and bowls.
💡 Bakau craft market and tourist craft markets.