Senegal: when to go?

tropical sec climate

Senegal enjoys a very pleasant dry tropical climate, marked by two distinct seasons that make planning your stay easier. The dry season, from November to May, offers ideal conditions with clear skies, mild temperatures, and virtually no rainfall. It's the perfect time to explore Dakar, Saint-Louis, or the beaches of the Petite Côte. The harmattan, this dry Saharan wind, sometimes brings a slight haze of dust but guarantees a very healthy atmosphere. The rainy season, from June to October, transforms the landscape into a true tropical garden. Although showers are generally short and refreshing, humidity increases noticeably. For an optimal trip, absolutely prioritize the period from December to March: you'll enjoy perfect temperatures (25-30°C), generous sunshine, and can fully enjoy all activities, from safaris in national parks to cultural excursions.

Best period
November to March
Good alternatives
April to June, October
Rainy season
July to September
Ideal:NovemberDecemberJanuaryFebruaryMarch
Avoid:JulyAugustSeptember

Year-round overview

Select a month to plan your trip

Ideal (5)Favorable (4)Fair (3)Unfavorable (2)Not recommended (1)

Climate in numbers

Monthly temperatures and precipitation

Temperature (°C)

Precipitation (mm)

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Month by month

Find detailed climate information for each month of the year.

Temperature

15° — 33°C

Precipitation

0 mm

Average temperature

3.9°C

Rating

Ideal

By climate zone

General climate Senegal5/5
Cape Verde Peninsula5/5
Saint-Louis and delta5/5
Sine Saloum5/5
Casamance5/5
Eastern Senegal5/5

Perfect temperatures and clear skies. Ideal for all tourist activities.

Temperature

16° — 36°C

Precipitation

0 mm

Average temperature

4.2°C

Rating

Ideal

By climate zone

General climate Senegal5/5
Cape Verde Peninsula5/5
Saint-Louis and delta5/5
Sine Saloum5/5
Casamance5/5
Eastern Senegal5/5

Exceptional weather conditions. Perfect for excursions and the beach.

Temperature

17° — 39°C

Precipitation

0 mm

Average temperature

4.5°C

Rating

Ideal

By climate zone

General climate Senegal5/5
Cape Verde Peninsula5/5
Saint-Louis and delta5/5
Sine Saloum5/5
Casamance5/5
Eastern Senegal4/5

Pleasant heat and dry air. Enhanced sun protection recommended.

Temperature

18° — 41°C

Precipitation

1 mm

Average temperature

4.8°C

Rating

Good

By climate zone

General climate Senegal4/5
Cape Verde Peninsula5/5
Saint-Louis and delta4/5
Sine Saloum4/5
Casamance4/5
Eastern Senegal3/5

Rising temperatures but manageable. Avoid midday for sightseeing.

Temperature

20° — 42°C

Precipitation

10 mm

Average temperature

5°C

Rating

Fair

By climate zone

General climate Senegal3/5
Cape Verde Peninsula4/5
Saint-Louis and delta3/5
Sine Saloum4/5
Casamance3/5
Eastern Senegal2/5

Marked heat and sporadic early rains. Morning activities recommended.

Temperature

23° — 38°C

Precipitation

62 mm

Average temperature

4.9°C

Rating

Average

By climate zone

General climate Senegal3/5
Cape Verde Peninsula3/5
Saint-Louis and delta2/5
Sine Saloum3/5
Casamance2/5
Eastern Senegal2/5

Regular rainfall begins with increasing humidity. Sunny periods between showers.

Temperature

23° — 34°C

Precipitation

170 mm

Average temperature

4.7°C

Rating

Average

By climate zone

General climate Senegal2/5
Cape Verde Peninsula3/5
Saint-Louis and delta2/5
Sine Saloum2/5
Casamance1/5
Eastern Senegal1/5

Frequent rainfall and high humidity. Pack waterproof gear and lightweight clothing.

Temperature

22° — 33°C

Precipitation

265 mm

Average temperature

4.5°C

Rating

Average

By climate zone

General climate Senegal1/5
Cape Verde Peninsula2/5
Saint-Louis and delta2/5
Sine Saloum2/5
Casamance1/5
Eastern Senegal1/5

Peak rainy season. Difficult travel conditions and limited outdoor activities.

Temperature

22° — 33°C

Precipitation

217 mm

Average temperature

4.7°C

Rating

Average

By climate zone

General climate Senegal2/5
Cape Verde Peninsula2/5
Saint-Louis and delta2/5
Sine Saloum2/5
Casamance1/5
Eastern Senegal1/5

Frequent rainfall but less intense. Magnificent lush landscapes.

Temperature

22° — 35°C

Precipitation

66 mm

Average temperature

4.8°C

Rating

Fair

By climate zone

General climate Senegal3/5
Cape Verde Peninsula3/5
Saint-Louis and delta3/5
Sine Saloum3/5
Casamance2/5
Eastern Senegal3/5

Gradual return of fair weather. Humidity still high but conditions improving.

Temperature

18° — 35°C

Precipitation

5 mm

Average temperature

4.5°C

Rating

Good

By climate zone

General climate Senegal4/5
Cape Verde Peninsula5/5
Saint-Louis and delta5/5
Sine Saloum5/5
Casamance4/5
Eastern Senegal4/5

Return of pleasant conditions. Nature still lush after the rains.

Temperature

15° — 33°C

Precipitation

1 mm

Average temperature

4.1°C

Rating

Ideal

By climate zone

General climate Senegal5/5
Cape Verde Peninsula5/5
Saint-Louis and delta5/5
Sine Saloum5/5
Casamance5/5
Eastern Senegal5/5

Ideal conditions found. Perfect for exploring the country with complete peace of mind.

Frequently asked questions

Everything about the climate and the best time to visit Senegal

The best months to visit Senegal are November, December, January, February, March. This period offers favourable weather and ideal conditions for exploring the country at its best.

Yes, the tropical climate of Senegal remains warm and humid year-round (average temperature 28.2°C). Seasonal variations mainly concern rainfall rather than temperatures.

The rainy season in Senegal mainly affects July, August, September. Showers are generally short and intense, often occurring late in the day, followed by beautiful sunny spells.

Absolutely. Traveling in Senegal during the rainy season even has its advantages: lush landscapes, fewer tourists, more favorable rates. Our local agency adapts itineraries based on actual weather conditions.

Underwater visibility in Senegal is optimal during the dry season, between November, December, January, February, March. Water temperature remains pleasant year-round (around 28-30°C). Our agency guides you to the best spots according to the season.

If your travel dates don't match the ideal season in Senegal, the Nomadays network brings together more than 100 local agencies worldwide. Get in touch to find out which destination would be ideal for your dates.

Landscape of Senegal

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