Sea temperature in Gambia
Live water temperatures and swimming conditions across 1 beaches on the Gambia coast.
Best time to swim in Gambia
The sea in Gambia peaks in April, when the water averages around 29°C.
The main swimming season runs from January – December, when surface temperatures stay comfortable for extended sessions.
On average, 12 months a year sit above 20°C — the threshold most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.
The coldest month is typically January at around 28°C, when cold-water swimmers dominate the coast.
Gambia sea temperature history
Long-term climatology for Gambia shows an annual mean sea temperature of 28°C, ranging from 28°C in winter to 29°C at the summer peak.
The seasonal swing is roughly 1°C between the coldest and warmest month — a useful yardstick when comparing years or checking whether the current sea is running above or below average.
Recent decades have trended slightly warmer at Gambia, in line with regional sea-surface temperature records for the wider basin.
Monthly averages below are drawn from multi-decadal climatology and are updated as new observations arrive.
Values are area averages; individual beaches vary by exposure and depth.
Gambia sea temperature: frequently asked questions
What is the warmest month to swim in Gambia?
April is the warmest month in Gambia, when the sea averages about 29°C. Late-season warmth often persists a few weeks after peak.
When is the sea coldest in Gambia?
The coldest month in Gambia is typically January, when the water averages around 28°C. Cold-water swimmers and surfers dominate this period.
When can you swim in Gambia without a wetsuit?
The main swimming season in Gambia runs from January – December — about 12 months a year when the sea sits above 20°C, the level most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.
Do I need a wetsuit in Gambia?
Gambia stays warm year-round, so most swimmers never need a wetsuit — a rash guard is usually enough for sun and wildlife protection.
What is the average sea temperature in Gambia?
The long-term annual mean sea temperature in Gambia is about 28°C, based on multi-decadal climatology of the surrounding waters.
How do I check the current sea temperature in Gambia?
The live reading at the top of this page shows the current sea temperature in Gambia, updated hourly from marine buoy and satellite data. The 7-day forecast covers water, air, waves, wind and UV for the week ahead.
Gambia sea temperature by month
Average sea temperatures around Gambia for every month of the year, based on long-term Open-Meteo marine climatology.
| Month | Average sea | Swimming comfort |
|---|---|---|
| January | 28.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| February | 28.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| March | 28.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| April ⭐ | 29.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| May | 29.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| June | 28.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| July | 28.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| August | 28.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| September | 28.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| October | 28.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| November | 28.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| December | 28.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
Monthly figures are modelled climatology averages, not live readings. How accurate is our data?
Warmest beaches in Gambia right now
| Beach | Region | Sea | Swim score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kololi Beach | Western | 28.6°C | Excellent |
Sea temperature in Gambia — FAQ
How warm is the sea in Gambia in September?
The sea off Gambia averages about 28.0°C in September, based on long-term monthly averages for this coast.
When is the best time to swim in Gambia?
Gambia is warmest in April (around 29.0°C) and coldest in January (around 28.0°C). There are typically 12 months a year when the water sits above 22°C.
What is the average yearly sea temperature in Gambia?
Across all twelve months, the sea in Gambia averages about 28.2°C.
Do you need a wetsuit to swim in Gambia?
In peak season (around April, ~29.0°C) most swimmers are comfortable without a wetsuit. Outside summer, when the water drops toward 28.0°C, a 3/2mm to 5/4mm wetsuit is recommended.