Kotu, Gambia: vitamin D, best months and travel guide
Quiet beach strip with bird walks and small hotels. Best for: bird watchers, retirees, couples.
The best months for vitamin D in Kotu are October to June, when a full dose takes about 6 minutes at midday. Rainy or stormy from July to September.
Kotu month by month
| Month | Rating | Sun window | Peak UV | Full dose, age 30 | Afternoon high | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Good | 7.1 h | 6.6 | 8 min | 30°C | 0/30 |
| February | Excellent | 7.8 h | 7.7 | 7 min | 31°C | 0/30 |
| March | Excellent | 8.3 h | 8.5 | 6 min | 31°C | 0/30 |
| April | Excellent | 8.6 h | 8.8 | 6 min | 31°C | 0/30 |
| May | Excellent | 8.5 h | 8.5 | 6 min | 30°C | 1/30 |
| June | Excellent | 8.4 h | 8.2 | 7 min | 30°C | 4/30 |
| July | Bad weather | 7.6 h | 7.7 | 7 min | 30°C | 20/30 |
| August | Bad weather | 6.9 h | 7.4 | 7 min | 29°C | 24/30 |
| September | Bad weather | 7.2 h | 7.5 | 7 min | 30°C | 24/30 |
| October | Excellent | 7.2 h | 7.2 | 7 min | 31°C | 10/30 |
| November | Excellent | 7.3 h | 6.8 | 8 min | 33°C | 0/30 |
| December | Good | 6.6 h | 6.0 | 9 min | 31°C | 0/30 |
Sun window is the number of hours a day with UV Index 2.5 or higher. Full dose is the minutes at midday for about 1,000 IU of vitamin D with a quarter of the body bare, for skin type III. Rainy days are days with at least 1 mm out of 30.
What to expect in Kotu
Quiet beach strip with bird walks and small hotels. Dry, hot winters and a rainy season from June to October. Hotels are modest and prices are low. Expect street sellers and a very easy-going pace.
In Kotu afternoon highs average from 29°C in August to 33°C in November. The wettest month is August (about 24 rainy days out of 30) and the driest is December (0). Midday UV peaks at 8.8 in April, which is very strong, so protect your skin.
Questions about Kotu
When is the best time to visit Kotu for vitamin D?
The best months for vitamin D in Kotu are October to June, when a full dose takes about 6 minutes at midday.
What is the weather like in Kotu?
Afternoon highs average from 29°C in August to 33°C in November. The wettest month is August, with about 24 rainy days out of 30.
Which months should I avoid in Kotu?
For a beach stay, avoid the months when it is rainy or stormy from July to September.