What is the weather like in Dakar throughout the year?

Dakar experiences varying weather throughout the year. The warmest month is November with average highs of 31°C. The coolest month is May.

What is the weather like in Dakar in January?

Dakar in January scores 66/100 based on 30 years of climate data. Solid choice for most travelers.

Who should visit Dakar in January?

January in Dakar is ideal for: Families with children, Outdoor enthusiasts, Photographers, Cultural tourists, Honeymoon couples.

Best Time to Visit Dakar | 30-Year Weather Analysis

Why January is the Best Time to Visit Dakar

Is January a Good Time to Visit Dakar?

👍Solid choice for most travelers(66/100)

Short Answer

January perfect for Dakar's beaches - 22.2°C water temperature, 27°C days, minimal 1% rain. Book beachfront early as this is peak coastal season.

Decision Factors

Vaccinations required

Yellow Fever

Rough sea conditions

1.59m average wave height - Surfers Only

Excellent dry conditions

Only 1% rain probability - ideal for outdoor activities

Pleasant swimming conditions

22.2°C sea temperature

Health precautions needed

Be aware of: Leptospirosis, Schistosomiasis, African Tick-Bite Fever

Comfortable humidity levels

54% humidity - pleasant conditions

Good For

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦
Families with children
Comfortable 27.4°C temperatures and low 1% rain risk
🥾
Outdoor enthusiasts
Ideal hiking conditions: 27.4°C, 1% rain chance
📸
Photographers
10h sunshine, 56% clear skies for golden hour shots
🏛️
Cultural tourists
Comfortable conditions for exploring museums and sites
💑
Honeymoon couples
Wedding score 100/100 with romantic weather conditions

Who Should Avoid

Suitable for most traveler types

Warmest

November

31°C avg

Coolest

May

26°C avg

Driest

November

0% rain

Wettest

August

33% rain

Planning Your Trip to Dakar, Senegal

Wondering when is the best time to visit Dakar? Based on our analysis of 30 years of NASA satellite weather data, the ideal months to travel to Dakar are January, February, March. During these months, you'll experience optimal temperatures around 27°C with only 1% chance of rain.

The Dakar climate varies throughout the year. November is the hottest month with average highs of 31°C, while May is the coldest at 26°C. If you're planning outdoor activities or sightseeing in Dakar, avoid August when rainfall peaks at 33% probability.

For the best Dakar weather experience, we recommend visiting during November for the driest conditions or the shoulder months of January and February for a perfect balance of weather and fewer crowds.

Dakar Weather by Month: Climate Guide

Click any month to explore detailed daily forecasts for Dakar

🏆 85-100: Excellent👍 70-84: Great👌 55-69: Good🤔 40-54: Fair⚠️ 0-39: Challenging

When to Visit Dakar: Travel Style Guide

Personalized Dakar travel recommendations based on 30-year weather data

Beach Lovers

Warmest weather with ideal sea temperatures for swimming

OctoberNovemberJuly

Budget Travelers

Shoulder season with good weather and lower prices

JuneJulyDecember

Avoiding Crowds

Fewer tourists with acceptable weather conditions

AugustSeptember

Photography

Best light conditions with clear skies

FebruaryMarchApril

Honeymoon

Perfect conditions for a romantic getaway

JanuaryFebruaryMarch

Dakar Weather FAQ: Your Questions Answered

What is the best time to visit Dakar?

Based on 30 years of weather data, the best months to visit Dakar are January, February, March. These months offer the optimal combination of pleasant temperatures (27°C avg) and low rainfall (1% chance).

When is the hottest time of year in Dakar?

November is historically the warmest month in Dakar with average highs of 31°C. If you prefer cooler weather, consider visiting in May when temperatures average around 26°C.

When is the rainy season in Dakar?

August typically sees the most rainfall in Dakar with a 33% chance of rain. For the driest conditions, plan your visit in November when rain probability drops to just 0%.

How accurate is the Dakar weather forecast?

Our Dakar climate analysis is based on 30 years of NASA POWER satellite observations (1995-2024), providing highly accurate historical averages. While weather can vary year to year, these long-term patterns are excellent indicators for planning your trip to Dakar.

What should I pack for Dakar?

Packing depends on when you visit. In November (warmest month), pack light summer clothes for 31°C weather. In May (coolest month), bring layers for 26°C temperatures.

Is Dakar good for a destination wedding?

Yes! The best months for an outdoor wedding in Dakar are November (only 0% rain chance) and January for optimal weather conditions. Avoid August when rain probability peaks at 33%.