Weather in Senegal

The dry season from November through April is the optimal time to visit Senegal. During these months, the harmattan wind from the Sahara is at bay, temperatures along the coast are pleasantly warm rather than oppressive (25–30°C / 77–86°F), and rainfall is essentially absent. The beaches of the Petite Côte, the wildlife viewing in the national parks, and the birdwatching in the Sine-Saloum Delta are all at their finest during this period. December through February offers the coolest and most comfortable temperatures, making it the peak season for European visitors — book accommodation in advance for the Christmas and New Year holiday period.

The rainy season, the hivernage, runs from June through October, bringing heavy rainfall particularly in the south, lush green landscapes, and temperatures that can exceed 35°C with high humidity. Mosquitoes and the risk of malaria are significantly higher during this period. However, the Casamance, Senegal's most lush region, is spectacularly beautiful in the wet season, and the rains support extraordinary birdlife. The Dakar area is somewhat drier than the south even in the wet season. March through May is a transitional period — increasingly hot, with the first rains arriving in June — and is generally not recommended for first-time visitors.