Dakar Weather and Climate: A Comprehensive Guide
Dakar has a hot semi-arid climate with a short rainy season and a lengthy dry season. Dakar's rainy season lasts from July to October while the dry season covers the remaining eight months. The city sees approximately 540 mm of annual precipitation. Dakar between December and April is usually nice and warm. Nights during this time of the year are comfortable. Between May and November, the city becomes decidedly warmer. However, Dakar's weather is not quite as hot as that of African cities inland.
Average maximum day and minimum night temperature
The climate in Dakar remains fairly constant, offering comfortable temperatures throughout the year. Average maximum daytime temperatures range from a comfortable 30°C in October, the warmest time of the year, to a comfortable 23°C during cooler months like February.
At night, temperatures typically drop to an average of around 20°C during these months. Check out our detailed temperature page for more information.Temperature ranges by month
Precipitation and rainy days
Dakar tends toward drier weather patterns, receiving approximately 283 mm of rain per year. Significant seasonal changes in precipitation occur throughout the year. During the wetter season, August receives high rainfall, averaging 133 mm of precipitation, recorded across 10 rainy days. In contrast, the drier season, April brings less rainfall, with 0.1 mm over 0 rainy days. For more details, please visit our Dakar Precipitation page.The mean monthly precipitation over the year, including rain, hail and snow
The average number of days each month with precipitation
Sunshine over the year
While the amount of sunshine in Dakar varies throughout the year, all seasons offer their own charm. Enjoy up to 9.7 hours of daily sun in May, and experience slightly darker atmosphere in September, with about 7.3 hours of daily sunlight. Visit our detailed sunshine hours page for more information.Monthly hours of sunshine
Daily hours of sunshine
Daily percentage of sunshine
Average water temperature
The mean water temperature over the year ranges from 20°C in February to 27°C in July.
Water temperature over the year
Average humidity
The relative humidity is high throughout the year in Dakar.
The city experiences its highest humidity in September, reaching 83%. In January, the humidity drops to its lowest level at 68%. What does this mean? Read our detailed page on humidity levels for further details.
Relative humidity over the year
Average wind speed
The mean wind speed over the year ranges from 3 m/s in July, August, September and October to 5 m/s in January, March, April, May and December.
The mean monthly wind speed over the year (meters per second)
partly cloudy and no rain partly cloudy and no rain broken clouds and no rainForecast for Dakar
6 m/s
5 m/s
5 m/s
Select a Month of Interest
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
The best time of year to visit Dakar in Senegal
During the months of January, February, March, April and May you are most likely to experience good weather with pleasant average temperatures that fall between 20°C and 26°C.Other facts from our historical weather data:
October has an average maximum temperature of 30°C and is the warmest month of the year.
The coldest month is February with an average maximum temperature of 23°C.
August tops the wettest month list with 133 mm of rainfall.
April is the driest month with 0 mm of precipitation.
May is the sunniest month with an average of 291 hours of sunshine.
No idea where to travel to this year? We have a tool that recommends destinations based on your ideal conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.
