The climate of Dakar
Dakar,
Senegal, is settled within the Köppen climate classification of BSh. Bearing this name, it attributes the area's subtropical steppe environment. Geographically, Dakar's position on the Cape Verde Peninsula's westernmost point contributes to its consistent weather patterns, characterized by a combination of warmth and relative dryness.
Throughout the year, Dakar features warm temperatures coupled with generally low rainfall. The thermometer usually swings from the monthly average low of 20.2°C (68.4°F) to the average high of 29°C (84.2°F). These temperatures are mostly consistent, yet a subtle increase can be noticed from
May to
October. As for rainfall, Dakar has an arid disposition. The yearly turnout of precipitation ranges from 0mm (0") in the driest months to 88mm (3.46") in the rainiest period. Additionally, the relative humidity escalates from 59% to 82% throughout the year, peaking around the rainy season, making the atmosphere feel noticeably more humid during those months.
Optimal visibility conditions grace the city all year round, reaching an unchanging 10km (6.2mi). Sea temperatures vary between a minimum of 19.9°C (67.8°F) and a maximum of 28.7°C (83.7°F), with warmer periods experienced between May and
November. The city sees significant sunshine hours varying from 7.7 hours to 9.9 hours daily. Accompanied by this, daylight duration fluctuates in relatively small brackets from 11.3 hours to 13 hours.
The best time to visit Dakar
Taking into account
Dakar's climate characteristics, the ideal period to visit might be between
November and
April. During these months, the city enjoys higher temperatures, averaging between 22.2°C (72°F) to 26.3°C (79.3°F), and tremendously low rainfall, with totals rarely exceeding 3mm (0.12"). Sun-lovers will appreciate the consistent sunshine hours, ranging from 9.6 hours to 9.9 hours per day. Furthermore, the wind speed tends to be higher, particularly from
December to
February, creating a soothing breeze that brings relief from the heat.
The worst time to visit Dakar
Conversely, the period from
June to
September might be less ideal for travelers. Despite the high temperatures, ranging from 26.4°C (79.5°F) to 29°C (84.2°F), these months bring the majority of
Dakar's yearly rainfall. Precipitation rates can rise up to 88mm (3.46") in a single month, coupled with an increased relative humidity rate of 81% to 82%. Consequently, this might lead to a discomforting mugginess. Simultaneously, the sunshine hours reduce to their yearly low, with a minimum of 7.7 hours in
August.
Spring weather in Dakar
Springtime in
Dakar, denoted from
March through
May, treads a middle course in terms of climate. Temperatures maintain their warm plateau, with average highs between 22.3°C (72.1°F) to 24.9°C (76.8°F) and lows from 20.2°C (68.4°F) to 23.3°C (73.9°F). Rainfall remains relatively low, barely tipping over 3mm (0.12") in May. Increased wind speeds in March and May contribute to an enjoyable, fresh atmosphere during springtime.
Summer weather in Dakar
The summer season, running from
June to
August, marks
Dakar's wettest span. While temperatures continue to rise, peaking at 29°C (84.2°F) in
July, the rainfall also intensifies. Precipitation levels surge from 10mm (0.39") in June to a yearly high of 88mm (3.46") in August. The relative humidity also follows suit, attaining its apex at 82%. The sea temperature reaches its zenith as well, with a pleasant average of 28.3°C (82.9°F) in August.
Autumn weather in Dakar
Come autumn, from
September to
November, rainfall rapidly dwindles. After the peak of 88mm (3.46") in September, precipitation drops dramatically to 21mm (0.83") in
October, eventually reaching virtually non-existent levels by November. Meanwhile, temperatures remain consistently warm within an array of 26.3°C (79.3°F) and 28.1°C (82.6°F). The humidity also decreases, contributing to an enjoyable visit during this season.
Winter weather in Dakar
The winter months in
Dakar, from
December to
February, exemplify the subtropical steppe climate's charm. With virtually no rainfall, high temperatures from 24°C (75.2°F) to 22.7°C (72.9°F), and cool nights between 21.8°C (71.2°F) and 20.6°C (69.1°F), this period caters perfectly to winter escapades. Winter provides an estimated 9.6 to 9.7 hours of sunshine, ensuring wonderful days out under the open sky.
Weather in January
January starts the year in
Dakar,
Senegal, with mild conditions prevailing throughout the month. Temperatures fluctuate between 21.8°C (71.2°F) and 24°C (75.2°F) while sea temperature showcases a warmer 22.8°C (73°F). Humidity is relatively lower compared to upcoming months at 59% relative humidity, offering dry conditions to residents and tourists alike.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Moving into
February,
Dakar weather shifts subtly compared to
January. A slight fall in temperature gap manifests itself with a range from 20.6°C (69.1°F) to 22.7°C (72.9°F). Notably, February marks the commencement of the city's transition into a phase with relatively increased humidity levels, reaching 65% this month.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March brings in more changes to the weather scenario in
Dakar. March is characterized by an increase in the frequency of cloud cover, although sunshine hours do not witness any notable reduction. The humidity curve shows an upward trend with the rise reaching 71% this month, signifying a moist environment.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April initiates a departure from
Dakar's dry spell, as precipitation records 2mm (0.08") of rainfall, offering a slight but noticeable change from previous months. Along with the introduction of occasional showers, the month sustains the cooling trend of temperatures with a low of 20.3°C (68.5°F) and high of 22.2°C (72°F).
Weather in April » Weather in May
Dakar city witnesses a warmer
May. The high temperature climbs to 23°C (73.4°F). However, there's a touch of rain witnessed with up to 3mm (0.12") precipitation recorded. The relative increase in temperatures echoes in the sea's warmth with enhanced sea temperatures endorsing beach activities.
Weather in May » Weather in June
As
June arrives, the temperature gets revved up further in
Dakar. Showcasing the highest relative humidity level of 81%, June marks the advent of the wet season. Sea temperatures too serve warmer waters signifying a befitting time for water activities.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July captures the essence of rains in
Dakar, characterizing the heart of the wet season. An impressive 33mm (1.3") rainfall measurement stands out as July's notable feature. Despite the increased precipitation, temperatures remain relatively high at peak levels of 26.4°C (79.5°F).
Weather in July » Weather in August
In
August,
Dakar experiences weather dynamics with a multifaceted approach. August presents the highest rainfall of the year with as much as 77mm (3.03"), the city experiencing its peak monsoon phase. Dakar's sky assumes a grey outlook with a 43% cloud cover, the highest of the year.
Weather in August »Weather in September
Weather conditions in
September commence a gradual transition from the wet season peak. Rainfall decreases to 88mm (3.46") by comparison to
August, yet comfortably falls into the higher rain spectrum category.
Dakar's skyline presents a clearer view with decreasing cloud percentage.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
Transitioning further from the rainy season,
October in
Dakar brings down the average rainfall to 21mm (0.83"). Temperatures start to recede from the summer highs, settling at a maximum temperature of 29°C (84.2°F). October days experience a fall in cloud coverage, reinstating clearer skies and long sunny days.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November sees more dry spells setting in
Dakar. A mere 1mm (0.04") of rainfall sufficiently attests to the city's entry into the dry phase. Even though there is a significant drop in precipitation, the humidity stays at a moderate 67%, and temperatures remain warm at a high of 28.1°C (82.6°F).
Weather in November » Weather in December
Concluding the year,
December in
Dakar,
Senegal, returns to predominantly dry conditions. With negligible rainfall, this month truly echoes the characteristics of the dry season. The weather does not waver much from
November with the maximum temperature recorded at 26.3°C (79.3°F).
Weather in December »