Gambia in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Gambia

34°C (93°F) High Temp

18°C (64°F) Low Temp

0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect dry season weather with zero rainfall - ideal for river trips, wildlife viewing, and outdoor activities without rain interruptions
Cool evenings at 18°C (64°F) make evening activities comfortable after hot days, perfect for sunset river cruises and outdoor dining
Peak bird migration season with over 300 species active - March is when European migrants overlap with resident species along the Gambia River
Local mango season begins in late March with fresh fruit available everywhere at rock-bottom prices (5-10 dalasi per kilo)

Considerations

Harmattan winds bring dust haze from the Sahara, reducing visibility and affecting those with respiratory sensitivities
Midday temperatures reach 34°C (93°F) making 11am-4pm uncomfortable for outdoor activities - you'll need to plan around the heat
End of tourist season means some beach bars and seasonal restaurants begin closing by late March

Best Activities in March

Gambia River Wildlife Cruises

March is peak season for river wildlife as animals congregate around water sources during the dry season. Hippos are easily spotted in deeper pools, and over 300 bird species are active. The lack of rainfall means crystal clear viewing conditions and calm waters. Early morning cruises (7am-10am) avoid the midday heat while catching peak animal activity.

Booking Tip: Book 5-7 days ahead through licensed river operators. Full-day trips typically cost 800-1,500 dalasi including lunch. Look for operators with experienced ornithologist guides. Reference the booking widget below for current cruise options.

Bijilo Forest Park Nature Walks

The dry season makes forest trails easily walkable without mud, and wildlife viewing is excellent as animals seek shade during hot afternoons. Red colobus monkeys are most active in early morning and late afternoon. The 1.5 km (0.9 miles) of trails are perfect when midday temperatures make beach activities too hot.

Booking Tip: Entry fee is 25 dalasi for non-residents. Best visited 7am-9am or 4pm-6pm to avoid heat. Guided walks cost 100-200 dalasi and are recommended for wildlife spotting. See current guided tour options in the booking section below.

Jufureh Historical Village Tours

March's dry conditions make the 30 km (18.6 miles) journey to Jufureh comfortable via local transport. This is the village connected to Alex Haley's 'Roots' and offers authentic cultural experiences. The cooler evenings are perfect for listening to griots (traditional storytellers) and experiencing local hospitality.

Booking Tip: Day trips typically cost 600-1,200 dalasi including transport and guide. Book through cultural tourism operators who work directly with the village. Local transport leaves Banjul around 9am, returning by 5pm. Check booking widget for organized cultural tours.

Tanji Fishing Village Market Experience

March is peak fishing season before the rains, making Tanji's colorful pirogue beach incredibly active. Arrive by 3pm to see boats returning with catches and experience the chaotic fish market. The dry season means you can walk the beach easily and interact with fishermen repairing nets.

Booking Tip: Independent visits are free, but hiring a local guide (100-150 dalasi) helps navigate cultural protocols and translates local languages. Half-day tours including transport typically cost 400-800 dalasi. Fresh fish purchases can be arranged for hotel cooking.

Abuko Nature Reserve Primate Tracking

Gambia's premier wildlife reserve is at its best in March with clear trails and active wildlife. The 1 km (0.6 miles) nature trail passes through gallery forest where vervet monkeys, baboons, and over 250 bird species thrive. Dry conditions mean excellent photography opportunities without rain-damaged equipment.

Booking Tip: Entry fee is 75 dalasi for non-residents. Professional guide services cost 150-300 dalasi and significantly improve wildlife spotting chances. Best visited early morning (8am-11am) before heat peaks. Book guided experiences through the booking widget below.

Local Market Food Adventures

March brings seasonal produce like early mangoes, cashew fruits, and baobab leaves to local markets. Banjul in Banjul and Serrekunda Market offer authentic food experiences. The dry weather makes market exploration comfortable, and you can enjoy fresh fruit juice without concern about water contamination from rain runoff.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically cost 300-600 dalasi for half-day experiences including tastings. Look for guides who speak local languages and can explain Mandinka, Wolof, and Fula food traditions. Independent exploration is free but bring 200-500 dalasi for purchases.

March Events & Festivals

Late March

International Roots Festival

Celebrating African heritage and diaspora connections, this festival features traditional music, dance, and cultural exchanges. Based around Jufureh and other historical sites, it offers authentic cultural immersion with griots, traditional wrestling, and craft demonstrations.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight, loose-fitting cotton shirts and pants - synthetic fabrics are unbearable in 70% humidity and 34°C (93°F) heat

Wide-brimmed hat and quality sunglasses - UV index reaches 8 and dust haze can strain eyes

SPF 50+ sunscreen and lip balm with SPF - reapply every 2 hours due to intense sun reflection off water and sand

Light sweater or long sleeves for evenings - temperatures drop to 18°C (64°F) and can feel cool after hot days

Dust mask or bandana - Harmattan winds carry Sahara dust that can irritate breathing

Insect repellent with DEET - dry season concentrates mosquitoes around water sources where you'll spend time

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - dust can make surfaces slippery, plus sandals for beach/boat activities

Quick-dry towel and waterproof phone case for boat trips and water activities

Electrolyte powder or tablets - easy to become dehydrated in the dry heat

Small daypack for carrying water and sun protection during outdoor activities

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations before February 15th - March is when European snowbirds extend stays, creating unexpected demand spikes

Carry small denomination dalasi (5, 10, 25 notes) - markets and local transport operators rarely have change for 100+ dalasi notes

Time activities around the call to prayer schedule - many attractions and restaurants pause service during prayer times (5 times daily)

Bargain at markets but not aggressively - offering 60-70% of the first price is culturally appropriate, going lower can cause offense

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities between 11am-4pm when temperatures peak at 34°C (93°F) - plan indoor activities or rest during these hours

Bringing only summer clothes and suffering through 18°C (64°F) evenings in shorts and t-shirts

Expecting pristine beaches like Seychelles - Gambian beaches are working fishing areas with boats, nets, and active local life