Dakar, Senegal Climate & Monthly Averages
The climate of Dakar
Located in Senegal, Dakar experiences a tropical wet-and-dry climate with year-round warmth split between a rainy season and a pronounced dry season. Afternoon temperatures peak near 87°F (30°C) in October and dip to about 77°F (25°C) in March, with around 12.9 inches (328 mm) of precipitation falling across the year.
Climate quick facts
- Hottest month: October - highs near 87°F (30°C)
- Coldest month: March - highs near 77°F (25°C)
- Record high: 102°F (39°C) · Record low: 60°F (16°C) (2015–2024)
- Wettest month: August (15 rainy days) · Sunniest: April (11.7 h sun/day)
- Climate type: tropical wet-and-dry - year-round warmth split between a rainy season and a pronounced dry season
Temperatures through the year
The warmest stretch of the year centers on October. Highs average 87°F (30°C) and overnight lows stay near 79°F (26°C). The coolest month is March, with typical highs of 77°F (25°C) and lows around 67°F (19°C). Based on 2015–2024 weather data, temperatures have reached as high as 102°F (39°C) and dropped as low as 60°F (16°C).
Rain, sun and snow
August is usually the wettest month. It brings about 5.7 inches (146 mm) of rain over 15 days, while April is the driest. April brings the most sunshine, averaging 11.7 hours of sun a day.
Monthly climate table
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Precipitation | Sunshine | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 81° | 69° | 0 | 0.1 in | 10.2 h/day | 53% |
| February | 79° | 67° | 0 | 0.0 in | 10.6 h/day | 58% |
| March | 77° | 67° | 0 | 0.0 in | 11.0 h/day | 67% |
| April | 77° | 68° | 0 | 0.0 in | 11.7 h/day | 72% |
| May | 78° | 70° | 0 | 0.0 in | 11.5 h/day | 77% |
| June | 82° | 74° | 1 | 0.2 in | 11.3 h/day | 79% |
| July | 84° | 77° | 7 | 1.5 in | 10.2 h/day | 78% |
| August | 84° | 78° | 15 | 5.7 in | 9.5 h/day | 81% |
| September | 85° | 79° | 12 | 4.6 in | 9.9 h/day | 83% |
| October | 87° | 79° | 3 | 0.7 in | 10.4 h/day | 78% |
| November | 87° | 76° | 0 | 0.0 in | 10.0 h/day | 65% |
| December | 84° | 72° | 0 | 0.0 in | 9.7 h/day | 55% |
Dakar month by month
Dakar weather in January
January brings highs around 81°F (27°C), lows near 69°F (20°C), about 0 wet days.
Dakar weather in February
February brings highs around 79°F (26°C), lows near 67°F (20°C), about 0 wet days.
Dakar weather in March
March brings highs around 77°F (25°C), lows near 67°F (19°C), about 0 wet days - typically the coldest month of the year in Dakar.
Dakar weather in April
April brings highs around 77°F (25°C), lows near 68°F (20°C), about 0 wet days - typically the driest month and the sunniest month of the year in Dakar.
Dakar weather in May
May brings highs around 78°F (26°C), lows near 70°F (21°C), about 0 wet days.
Dakar weather in June
June brings highs around 82°F (28°C), lows near 74°F (23°C), about 1 wet days.
Dakar weather in July
July brings highs around 84°F (29°C), lows near 77°F (25°C), about 7 wet days.
Dakar weather in August
August brings highs around 84°F (29°C), lows near 78°F (26°C), about 15 wet days - typically the wettest month of the year in Dakar.
Dakar weather in September
September brings highs around 85°F (29°C), lows near 79°F (26°C), about 12 wet days.
Dakar weather in October
October brings highs around 87°F (30°C), lows near 79°F (26°C), about 3 wet days - typically the hottest month of the year in Dakar.
Dakar weather in November
November brings highs around 87°F (30°C), lows near 76°F (25°C), about 0 wet days.
Dakar weather in December
December brings highs around 84°F (29°C), lows near 72°F (22°C), about 0 wet days.
Seasons in Dakar
March through May
March through May in Dakar is pleasantly warm, with daytime highs averaging 77°F (25°C) and nights around 68°F (20°C); precipitation is infrequent.
June through August
June through August in Dakar brings hot afternoons, with daytime highs averaging 83°F (28°C) and nights around 76°F (25°C); expect showers on roughly 22 days across the season. With the humidity factored in, afternoons often feel hotter than the thermometer reads - run the numbers through the humidity and dew point converter to see why.
September through November
September through November in Dakar brings hot afternoons, with daytime highs averaging 86°F (30°C) and nights around 78°F (26°C); rain falls on about 15 days over the three months.
December through February
December through February in Dakar is hot, with daytime highs averaging 81°F (27°C) and nights around 69°F (21°C); precipitation is infrequent.
Climate questions, answered
What is the average temperature in Dakar?
Is Dakar hot in summer?
Is Dakar cold in winter?
How many rainy days does Dakar get in a year?
Best time to visit Dakar
The best time to visit Dakar is generally January to June, when these months combine the driest skies with the most comfortable heat. Daytime temperatures in that window typically sit near 79°F (26°C).
Pack for Dakar with lightweight, breathable clothing and strong sun protection for the hot months; rain gear if you travel around August. Evenings can feel noticeably cooler than afternoons - October nights average 79°F (26°C).
Dakar temperature records (2015-2024)
Derived from ERA5 reanalysis data, 2015–2024. Official station records may differ.