What is the best time to visit Senegal?

Best Time to Visit Senegal

The best time to travel to Senegal is during the dry season from November to May and the cooler months from June to October.

Dry Season in Senegal

The dry season in Senegal runs from November to May and is the best time to visit. The weather is sunny and dry, making it the perfect time for outdoor activities. Temperatures range from 21°C to 33°C, and rainfall is minimal. During this season, travelers can explore the country’s many attractions, such as the Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary, the Niokolo-Koba National Park, and the pink lake of Retba. The country also hosts several cultural festivals during this time, including the Dakar International Film Festival and the Saint Louis Jazz Festival.

Cooler Months in Senegal

The cooler months in Senegal run from June to October and are also a great time to visit. The temperatures range from 18°C to 29°C, and rainfall is higher than during the dry season. Despite the rain, travelers can still explore the country’s attractions, such as the Lake Retba, the Niokolo-Koba National Park, and the Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary. During this season, the country also hosts several cultural festivals, such as the Dakar International Film Festival and the Saint Louis Jazz Festival.

Month-by-month guide for traveling in Senegal

Senegal in January

Weather

January is the coolest month of the year in Senegal, with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to mid-70s Fahrenheit (18-24°C). The weather is usually sunny and dry, with occasional rain showers.

Events

• The Dakar International Film Festival is held in January, showcasing the best of African cinema.
• The Festival of the Tabaski is celebrated in January, a religious festival that commemorates Abraham’s sacrifice of a ram.
• The Festival of the Baobab is held in January, celebrating the iconic baobab tree with music, dance, and storytelling.
• The Festival of the Mango is held in January, celebrating the mango harvest with music, dance, and storytelling.
• The Festival of the Peanut is held in January, celebrating the peanut harvest with music, dance, and storytelling.

Senegal in January

Weather

January in Senegal is the start of the dry season and is typically quite warm. The average temperature is around 25°C (77°F) with lows of 18°C (64°F) and highs of 31°C (88°F). The dry season is characterized by sunny days with occasional light showers in the afternoons.

Events

• The International Jazz Festival of Saint Louis is held in January and is one of the largest jazz festivals in Africa. The festival features performances from local, national, and international jazz artists.
• The Dakar International Film Festival is held in January and is one of the most important film festivals in West Africa. The festival showcases films from around the world and includes workshops and discussions with filmmakers.
• The Dakar Rally is held in January and is one of the most famous off-road races in the world. The rally takes place over a two-week period and features over 500 competitors from around the world.
• The Festival of the Tabaski is held in January and is one of the most important religious festivals in Senegal. The festival is celebrated by Muslims and involves the sacrifice of a sheep or a goat.
• The Festival of the Sacred Music of Senegal is held in January and is one of the most important music festivals in the country. The festival features performances from traditional and contemporary musicians from Senegal.

Senegal in March

Weather

March is the start of the dry season in Senegal, with temperatures ranging from the mid-20s to the mid-30s Celsius (mid-70s to mid-90s Fahrenheit). Rainfall is minimal, and the days are generally sunny and dry.

Events

• The Dakar International Film Festival is held in March, featuring films from Senegal and around the world.
• The Festival of the Tree is a traditional celebration in Senegal that takes place in March. During this festival, people gather to celebrate the importance of trees and the environment.
• The International Day of the Francophonie is celebrated in Senegal in March. This day celebrates the French language and culture, and is celebrated with music, dance, and other cultural activities.
• The Senegalese Independence Day is celebrated on March 4th. This day marks the independence of Senegal from France in 1960 and is celebrated with parades, music, and other festivities.
• The International Day of Women is celebrated in Senegal in March. This day celebrates the achievements of women in Senegal and around the world, and is marked with special events and activities.

Senegal in April

Weather

April in Senegal is generally hot and humid. Temperatures range from an average low of 24°C (75°F) to an average high of 33°C (91°F). Rainfall is common during the month, with an average of 8 days of precipitation throughout the month.

Events

• The Festival International de Jazz de Dakar is held in April and is one of the largest and most anticipated jazz festivals in Africa. It features performances by both local and international jazz musicians.
• The Festival International du Film de Dakar is held in April and is an international film festival that celebrates African cinema and culture.
• The Festival International des Arts Nègres is a cultural festival held in April that celebrates African culture and heritage. It features traditional music, dance, and art performances.
• The Festival International de la Culture de la Paix is held in April and is a celebration of peace and unity. It features performances by various artists, as well as workshops and seminars on peace and conflict resolution.
• The Festival International des Arts de la Rue is held in April and is a celebration of street art, featuring performances by local and international street artists.

Senegal in May

Weather

May in Senegal is hot and humid with temperatures ranging from 25-35°C. Rainfall is common in the coastal regions, but the interior is generally dry.

Events

• International Jazz Day (May 1): Celebrated worldwide on the first of May, International Jazz Day is a day to celebrate the power of jazz music to bring people together. Senegal is known for its vibrant jazz scene, and many concerts and events are held in Dakar and other major cities.
• Tabaski (May 22): Tabaski is a major Muslim holiday that celebrates the story of Abraham and Ishmael. During this holiday, families gather to slaughter a sheep and share the meat with their neighbors.
• Festival International de Jazz de Saint-Louis (May 24-27): This four-day festival is held in the city of Saint-Louis and features some of the best jazz musicians from around the world.
• Festival International de Musique Sacrée de Touba (May 25-27): Held in the city of Touba, this three-day festival celebrates sacred music from around the world.
• Festival International du Film de Dakar (May 28-June 2): This six-day festival is held in the capital city of Dakar and showcases films from African filmmakers.

Senegal in June

Weather

June in Senegal is hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the mid-90s Fahrenheit during the day. The humidity is high and rainfall is common, especially in the afternoon.

Events

• The Dakar International Film Festival is held in June in Dakar, the capital of Senegal. This festival showcases the best of African and international cinema.
• The Festival of the Tabaski, or Eid al-Adha, is celebrated in June in Senegal. This is a religious holiday that celebrates the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son.
• The Festival of the Marabout is held in June in Senegal. This is a celebration of the marabouts, or holy men, who are venerated in Senegal.
• The Festival of the Baobab is held in June in Senegal. This is a celebration of the baobab tree, which is a symbol of strength and resilience in Senegal.
• The Festival of the Sacred Forest is held in June in Senegal. This is a celebration of the sacred forests of Senegal, which are home to many species of plants and animals.

Senegal in July

Weather

July is the hottest month of the year in Senegal, with temperatures ranging from 27-34°C (81-93°F). Rainfall is also common in July, with an average of 8-9 days of rain per month.

Events

• The Dakar International Film Festival is held in July in Dakar, Senegal. It is a celebration of African and international cinema, and features screenings, workshops, and seminars.
• The Grand Magal de Touba is an annual pilgrimage to the holy city of Touba. It is held in July and is attended by millions of people from all over the world.
• The Festival International de Jazz de Saint-Louis is an annual jazz festival held in the city of Saint-Louis. It features performances from local and international jazz musicians.
• The Festival International de Musique de Mbour is an annual music festival held in the city of Mbour. It features performances from local and international musicians.
• The Festival International des Arts et Cultures de Ziguinchor is an annual festival held in the city of Ziguinchor. It features performances from local and international musicians, dancers, and other artists.

Senegal in August

Weather

August in Senegal is generally hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 21°C to 31°C. Rainfall is common during this month, with an average of 115mm of precipitation.

Events

• The Dakar International Film Festival is held in August each year. The festival showcases the best of African cinema and attracts filmmakers from across the continent.
• The Touba Grand Magal is an important religious event that takes place in August. The event is attended by millions of people and marks the anniversary of the death of Cheikh Amadou Bamba, founder of the Mouride Brotherhood.
• The Festival International de Jazz de Dakar is an annual jazz festival held in August. The event features performances by jazz musicians from all over the world.
• The Festival de la Musique du Monde is a world music festival held in August. The event features performances by musicians from all over the world.
• The Festival des Arts et de la Culture is an annual event held in August. The event showcases the best of Senegalese culture, including music, dance, and art.

Senegal in September

Weather

September is the beginning of the dry season in Senegal, with temperatures ranging from the high 70s to low 80s Fahrenheit. The humidity is low, and there is little rainfall.

Events

• The Dakar International Film Festival is held in September, showcasing the best of African and international cinema.
• The Dakar Offshore Fishing Festival takes place in September, offering locals and tourists the chance to experience the best of Senegal’s fishing culture.
• The Festival of the Tabaski is held in September, a celebration of the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Adha.
• The International Festival of Music and Dance is held in September, bringing together some of the best performers from around the world.
• The International Festival of Arts and Crafts is held in September, showcasing traditional and modern art and craft from around Senegal.

Senegal in October

Weather

October in Senegal is generally hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 20-30°C (68-86°F). Rainfall is common during this month, with an average of 4-5 days of rainfall.

Events

• The Tabaski Festival is celebrated on October 4th and is a national holiday in Senegal. This festival commemorates the story of Abraham’s sacrifice in the Bible and is celebrated with prayer, feasting, and the slaughter of a sheep.
• Dakar International Film Festival (FESCIDAKAR) is held in October and showcases films from around the world.
• The International Festival of the Sahara is held in October in the city of Atar, Senegal. This festival celebrates the culture and music of the Sahara region.
• The Festival of African Music and Culture is held in October in the city of Saint-Louis, Senegal. This festival celebrates African music and culture with performances, workshops, and exhibitions.
• The International Jazz Festival is held in October in the city of Dakar, Senegal. This festival showcases jazz music from around the world, with performances from local and international artists.

Senegal in November

Weather

November is the start of the dry season in Senegal. The temperature is mild, with an average of 24-27°C (75-80°F). There is little to no rain during this month.

Events

• The Dakar International Film Festival is held in November, showcasing the best of African and international cinema.
• The Festival International de Jazz de Dakar is held in November, featuring some of the best jazz musicians from around the world.
• The Dakar International Poetry Festival is held in November, celebrating the power of spoken word.
• The Festival International de la Musique de Saint-Louis is held in November, featuring traditional and contemporary music from Senegal and beyond.
• The Festival International de la Gastronomie is held in November, celebrating the best of Senegalese cuisine.

Senegal in December

Weather

December in Senegal is the start of the dry season, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the low-90s Fahrenheit. Rainfall is minimal, with an average of only 0.2 inches of rain throughout the month.

Events

• The Dakar International Film Festival takes place in December, with screenings of films from around the world.
• The Festival of the Sacred Tree is celebrated in December, honoring the baobab tree, which is a symbol of Senegal.
• The Festival of the Diola People is held in December, celebrating the culture and traditions of the Diola people of Senegal.
• The Festival of the Fishermen is celebrated in December, honoring the fishermen of Senegal and their role in the country’s economy.
• The Festival of the Peul People is held in December, celebrating the culture and traditions of the Peul people of Senegal.