The Gambia in May

Last dry month; Tabaski may fall here in 2026 (check).

• Atlantic coast · Banjul, Kololi, Kotu, Kartongbest weather

  Sunny, 25–30 °C and breezy from November to May; Harmattan haze some weeks; the rains hit July–September.

• Upriver · Tendaba, Janjanbureh, Bassehot

  Much hotter than the coast: 40 °C in April–May; tracks turn to mud in the rains.

• Banjul31° / 22°, 1 rain days

Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.

• Labour Day

  1 May

  Public holiday.

• Tobaski (Eid al-Adha) big impact

  May 2026 (lunar — check)

  Heavy travel before; shops shut for days.

• Africa Day

  25 May

  Public holiday.

• Koriteh (Eid al-Fitr) check

  Moves yearly; check · Banjul

  A day or two of closures; busy transport and markets beforehand.

• Labour Day and Africa Day

  1 and 25 May · Banjul

  Public holidays; Banjul itself stays fairly quiet.

• Tabaski (Eid al-Adha) check

  Moves yearly; check · Banjul

  The country's biggest holiday: transport books out, sheep are sold everywhere, and many residents travel to family homes upcountry.

• International Roots Festival

  Usually around May, moves; check · Banjul

  A biennial heritage festival tied to Kunta Kinteh Island and Juffureh, with events and performers also appearing in Banjul; confirm this year's dates and whether it is running.

Crowds · The Gambia

Low

Prices · The Gambia

Medium

• Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and sunscreen

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Rated best or good this month

• Atlantic coast

  Best weather of the year (Banjul, Kololi, Kotu, Kartong)