Senegal: When to Go

The best time to travel in Senegal is between November and February, when it's fairly cool and dry. It's also the best time to spot migratory birds and mammals. The only downside of visits during that time are the harmattan winds that bring in Sahara dust to cloud vision and waters (not great for scuba diving). The best music festivals happen in November/December and from April to June. Low tourist season is from July to September - the time of the tropical rains.

Weather

Senegal's climate is pleasantly tropical, with Dakar ranking as one the coolest, breeziest spots in West Africa. The country's average daily temperatures range from 18°C (65°F) to 31°C (87°F). In the north and central parts, the wet season lasts from July to September, while in the Casamance it's about a month longer on either end. Rainfall averages range from 300mm (12in) in the north to as much as six times that in the south; Dakar gets over 600mm (24in) annually. The dry season (December to April) is the time of the hot, dry harmattan winds.