Weatherwatch: the Gambia's pleasant subtropical climate

Tiny west African country enjoys warm temperatures, which are cooler on its tourist-filled coast

As the smallest country on the African mainland - just 30 miles (50km) across at its widest point, and barely larger than Devon and Cornwall combined - you would not expect the Gambia to have a very varied climate. The low-lying nature of the country, which runs along the Gambia River, also means there is little or no altitudinal variation.

But there is a difference in temperature, and especially humidity, between the Atlantic coast in the west and places further upriver: inland sites are noticeably hotter and more humid, especially from March to June. Hence the vast majority of the holiday resorts are situated along the 50-mile coastline, where pleasantly warm winds also offer some relief from the heat.