Dakar Weather in January
January in Dakar sees daytime temperatures around 24°C (75°F) and lows of 21°C (70°F) at night. The excellent weather makes it a good time to visit.
Rainfall in Dakar in January
Records from the past 30 years suggest around a single day of rain, with 2.2 mm (0.1 in) average for the month. If rain does fall, it tends to be very light and barely worth getting out an umbrella for.
Temperature in Dakar in January
January is a excellent month in Dakar, with 24°C (75°F) during the day and 21°C (70°F) at night. This kind of day-to-night contrast is typical for this time of year. Nights are mild at around 21°C (70°F), which is comfortable for most people.
Sunshine in Dakar in January
Expect sunny days throughout the month, with an estimated 245 hours of sunshine. This makes it a pleasant time to visit Dakar.
Wind Speed in Dakar in January
Average wind conditions reach 5 m/s (10 knots) in January. This creates lively weather with fresh winds that make small trees sway noticeably. Remember this is an average: some days are less windy while others have particularly active windy conditions.
Average water temperature in January
With water at 22°C (72°F), you can expect warm, pleasant conditions for any water activity. There's no adjustment period — it feels comfortable straight away.If you're a fan of comfortable temperatures and drier conditions, January is a great time to visit.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Senegal, check out our Dakar's climate page.
Dakar Temperature in January
Daily Historical Temperatures
51-year average (1976-2026)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Dakar typically stay consistent throughout January, with daily highs averaging around 24°C (75°F). Nights are pleasant, with lows around 19°C (66°F).
Average temperatures in January
Daily Historical Precipitation
51-year average (1976-2026)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in January
Historical weather for Dakar in January
Browse day-by-day weather records for Dakar spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Dakar historical weather extremes in January
Based on 25 years of weather observations in Dakar between 2000 and 2025, these are the recorded extremes.
- Dakar recorded its highest January temperature of 37°C (99°F) on January 25, 2022.
- The lowest daytime temperature in January was 20°C (68°F), recorded on January 25, 2014.
- Dakar registered its coldest January night on January 2, 2010, with temperatures dropping to 15°C (59°F).
Best Places in Senegal in January
Find out more about the weather in Senegal and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of Senegal in January →
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What to Wear in Dakar in January
For Dakar in January, you'll want flexible clothing. It's wise to pack cotton shirts, comfortable shorts, and a pair of jeans for cooler evenings. A light sweater or jacket is useful for air-conditioned spaces (like buses) or unexpected cool moments. Almost no rain is expected, so no need to bring rain gear. Expect water temperatures of around 22°C (72°F), which is ideal for taking a refreshing dip. Bring swimwear and consider packing a towel for drying off. You'll definitely want to pack sunglasses and sunscreen. There will be plenty of bright sunshine this month.What To Do in Dakar in January
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Senegal, check out our Dakar's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed Water Temp
See the full Dakar climate overview or explore weather in Senegal.