Best time to go to Dakar Average weather of Dakar, Senegal
Tony Samson last update: 17/04/2024When is the best time to go to Dakar?
The best time to visit Dakar, the vibrant capital of Senegal, greatly depends on your preferences regarding climate and activities. If we focus solely on the weather, the period from November to July proves to be the most pleasant (with a preference for the dry season from November to May). During these months, the climate is favorable with generally clear skies, pleasant temperatures, and low precipitation, making urban explorations and outdoor activities particularly enjoyable.
If you are a fan of swimming, May to January is the best time to enjoy the warm waters around Dakar, with temperatures ranging from 20°C (68°F) to 31°C (88°F) .
However, it is important to note that the peak tourist season in Dakar is in November and December. During these months, the city is particularly lively and offers a rich cultural experience. Festivals, cultural events, and nightlife are in full swing. However, this also means that hotels and tourist attractions may be more crowded and prices slightly higher.
Visiting Dakar during the rainy season, from June to October, can also have its advantages. Despite an increase in precipitation, the rain brings a welcome freshness and intensifies the natural beauty of the landscape. Additionally, tourist traffic is generally lower during these months, which can make your visit quieter and potentially less expensive.
In conclusion, regardless of the time of year, Dakar offers a multitude of experiences and discoveries. It's simply a matter of choosing the time that best suits your preferences and expectations.
So, when is the best time to go to Dakar? Here's some more information to help you in your decision:
- The weather is good all year round in Dakar
- On average, the warmest months are July, August, September, October, November and December
- Dakar has dry periods in January, February, March, April, May, November and December
- The rainiest months are August and September
- The best months for swimming are June, July, August, September, October and November
Annual weather in Dakar
Weather details in Dakar month by month
Weather and climate in Dakar
Dakar, the capital of Senegal, benefits from its geographical location which allows it to benefit from maritime influence. This explains the quality of its climate for much of the year, while inland localities such as Matam or Tambacounda suffer from excessive heat. Indeed, Dakar has a semi-arid climate, more precisely a hot and dry steppe climate according to the Köppen-Geiger classification. This climatic particularity is manifested through two major seasons: the hot and humid season which extends from June to October and the dry and cool season from November to May. The latter is preferable if you wish to enjoy the sun and pleasant warmth, stretched out on the golden and warm sand of the beautiful Senegalese beaches.
Dakar - Dry Season (November to May)
The dry season in Dakar extends from November to May. The weather during this period is mainly characterized by clear skies and moderate heat. Daytime minimum temperatures range from 21°C (70°F) to 25°C (77°F) , while maximum temperatures generally reach 25°C (77°F) to 27°C (81°F) . The precipitation rate is almost nil during this season, with only a few millimeters of rain recorded. The sky is often clear, offering many sunny days, ideal for exploring the city and its surroundings.
Dakar - Rainy Season (June to October)
The rainy season in Dakar, which extends from June to October, offers a different climatic panorama. Daytime minimum temperatures increase, ranging from 25°C (77°F) to 28°C (83°F) , while maximum temperatures can reach up to 31°C (88°F) . This period is marked by an increase in precipitation, with more frequent rains from August onwards. However, this does not diminish the beauty of Dakar, as the rain brings a welcome freshness and makes the landscape even greener.
Charts: temperature and rainfall in Dakar
In the charts below, you can see the following seasonal norms for the city of Dakar: the minimum and maximum outdoor temperature, the risk and amount of monthly rainfall, daily average sunshine, sea temperature, and relative humidity for each month of the year.
Outside temperature
Precipitation (rainfall)
Daily sunshine hours
Sea temperature
Humidity
Peak visitor numbers and tourist seasons in Dakar
Find out when Dakar has its high tourist season (the period when the influx of tourists is highest) and off-peak tourist season using our data and figures.
Tourist seasons in Dakar
- Very low season in Dakar
The months with the lowest number of tourists are: April, June and September. - Low season in Dakar
The months with low numbers of tourists are: January, February, March, May, July, August and October. - High season in Dakar
The number of visitors to Dakar is high in: November. - Peak season in Dakar
The largest number of tourists visiting Dakar is during: December.
Figure: Visitor index for Dakar month by month
Best time for low prices in Dakar
Average prices of hotels in Dakar month by month
Generally, March is the month with the lowest hotel prices in Dakar. So this is a great time to save on your holiday! In contrast, December is statistically the most expensive month of the year for hotels.
Find the best price for your hotel room
Average price for flights to Dakar
A return flight between London and Dakar is generally cheaper if you go in november ($ 523 on average): this is the best time for travellers on a tight budget. In contrast, you may end up paying $ 383 more for your airline ticket to Dakar if you go in august.
Find the best price for your flight
Average price of hiring a car in Dakar
On average, it costs $ 103 per day to hire a car in Dakar. This price varies by $ 7.8 depending on the month. In january, hiring a car costs an average of $ 97 per 24 hours, so this is the best time to save money! In contrast, the average price in july is $ 105.
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