Senegal Weather by Month
Senegal, located on the west coast of Africa, is a country marked by diverse landscapes, from its Atlantic shoreline to the interior plains and river valleys. Covering approximately 196,712 square kilometers, Senegal shares borders with Mauritania to the north, Mali to the east, Guinea and Guinea-Bissau to the south, and the Gambia, a narrow enclave that extends into Senegal along the Gambia River. The country is known for its rich cultural history, dynamic cities like Dakar, and natural features such as the Senegal River, which forms the boundary with Mauritania. Senegal’s coastal regions experience maritime influences, while the interior has more arid and semi-arid climates, influenced by the Sahara Desert.
The country’s climate is generally divided into two main seasons: the dry season (November to May) and the rainy season (June to October). These seasons are primarily governed by the movement of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), which influences rainfall patterns. However, weather conditions vary significantly across regions, with the north being drier and the south receiving more precipitation.
Senegal Weather by Month
January
General Overview
- Average temperature: 20-25°C (68-77°F)
- Rainfall: Very low to no rainfall
January marks the height of Senegal’s dry season, characterized by low humidity and mild to warm temperatures. In the coastal areas, especially in Dakar, temperatures range between 20-25°C (68-77°F), providing a comfortable atmosphere for outdoor activities. Inland, in regions like Tambacounda and Matam, the temperatures can be slightly higher but remain bearable.
Regional Differences
- Coastal regions: Cooler due to the Atlantic breezes
- Interior regions: Slightly warmer but still dry
- Sahelian north: Hotter with clear skies
The Harmattan winds, a dry and dusty trade wind from the Sahara, can blow across the country, particularly in the northern and interior regions, reducing visibility and causing cooler evenings.
February
General Overview
- Average temperature: 21-26°C (69.8-78.8°F)
- Rainfall: Very low to no rainfall
February continues the dry season, with slightly increasing temperatures, especially in the interior regions. Coastal areas, influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, maintain relatively moderate conditions, while the north becomes warmer.
Regional Differences
- Dakar and other coastal areas: Pleasant weather, cool mornings, and warm afternoons
- Northern Senegal: Gradually warming, with highs reaching 30°C (86°F)
- Eastern regions: Warmer compared to the coast, with sunny skies
The Harmattan winds may still be present but are less intense than in January.
March
General Overview
- Average temperature: 23-28°C (73.4-82.4°F)
- Rainfall: Minimal to no rainfall
March sees a noticeable rise in temperatures as Senegal begins its transition toward hotter months. The climate remains dry with sunny days throughout the country.
Regional Differences
- Coastal regions: Still moderated by sea breezes, temperatures around 23-25°C (73.4-77°F)
- Interior and northern regions: Hotter, with daytime highs reaching 35°C (95°F)
- Southern regions: Begin to feel warmer, but humidity remains low
While the temperatures rise, the country remains rain-free, with clear skies dominating.
April
General Overview
- Average temperature: 24-30°C (75.2-86°F)
- Rainfall: Still minimal, but humidity starts to rise
April marks the onset of hotter weather, especially in inland and northern areas. The coastal regions, while warmer, continue to experience cooler nights and mornings.
Regional Differences
- Dakar and coast: Mildly warm, benefiting from the cool Atlantic breeze
- Northern Senegal: Hot, with temperatures frequently surpassing 35°C (95°F)
- Interior regions: Very warm with little humidity, though there is no rain yet
Humidity levels begin to increase slightly in southern regions, though it remains largely dry.
May
General Overview
- Average temperature: 25-32°C (77-89.6°F)
- Rainfall: Slight increase in southern regions
May signifies the beginning of the pre-rainy season period, especially in southern Senegal. While most of the country remains dry, the southern areas, such as Ziguinchor and Kolda, may experience their first rains.
Regional Differences
- Coastal areas: Warm, with occasional fog and morning cloud cover
- Northern and interior regions: Hot, dry, with temperatures over 35°C (95°F)
- Southern regions: Humidity increases, with the possibility of short rain showers
The approaching rainy season begins to influence southern Senegal’s weather patterns, while the rest of the country remains hot and dry.
June
General Overview
- Average temperature: 26-33°C (78.8-91.4°F)
- Rainfall: Noticeable increase in southern regions, beginning of the rainy season
June marks the official start of the rainy season in Senegal, especially in southern regions like Casamance. The rains begin gradually, with thunderstorms occurring intermittently.
Regional Differences
- Coastal regions: Warmer and more humid, with occasional light rain
- Northern regions: Still hot and largely dry, but humidity increases
- Southern regions: Frequent rains and high humidity
The south becomes wetter, while the north and interior regions only begin to experience an increase in humidity.
July
General Overview
- Average temperature: 26-31°C (78.8-87.8°F)
- Rainfall: Heavy rainfall, especially in southern and central regions
July is one of the wettest months in Senegal, with the rainy season in full swing. The rain is frequent, especially in the south and along the central regions.
Regional Differences
- Coastal regions: Warm and humid, with sporadic rain showers
- Northern regions: Warmer but with little rainfall
- Southern and central regions: Heavy rains, with frequent thunderstorms
Flooding can occur in some areas due to the intensity of the rainfall, particularly in the southern parts of the country.
August
General Overview
- Average temperature: 25-30°C (77-86°F)
- Rainfall: Peak of the rainy season, heavy rains across much of the country
August is the wettest month in Senegal, especially in the southern and central parts. The rain is frequent and intense, leading to lush vegetation and sometimes causing temporary disruptions due to flooding.
Regional Differences
- Coastal regions: Warm, humid, and rainy, especially in Dakar
- Northern regions: Rain increases but still less frequent compared to the south
- Southern and central regions: Heavy and persistent rain, high humidity
The interior and southern areas, such as the Casamance region, can experience significant rainfall, with occasional storms.
September
General Overview
- Average temperature: 25-31°C (77-87.8°F)
- Rainfall: Heavy rainfall, but begins to taper off toward the end of the month
September remains a rainy month, though the intensity begins to decrease as the country moves toward the end of the rainy season.
Regional Differences
- Coastal regions: Warm, humid, with sporadic rain showers
- Northern regions: Increased rain, though less frequent than in central and southern areas
- Southern regions: Continues to receive heavy rain but with signs of tapering off
While the rains remain strong, especially in the south, by late September, the country begins transitioning to drier conditions.
October
General Overview
- Average temperature: 24-30°C (75.2-86°F)
- Rainfall: Rainfall decreases significantly
October marks the end of the rainy season in most parts of Senegal. Rainfall becomes sporadic and less intense as the dry season approaches.
Regional Differences
- Coastal areas: Humid, with occasional rain, but mostly dry
- Northern regions: Drying out, with few remaining showers
- Southern regions: Some rain, but much less frequent compared to previous months
By late October, the weather in Senegal is generally dry, though humidity remains high, especially in the south.
November
General Overview
- Average temperature: 22-28°C (71.6-82.4°F)
- Rainfall: Dry season begins, with little to no rain
November signals the start of the dry season across Senegal. The rains have mostly stopped, and temperatures start to moderate as the country moves into cooler months.
Regional Differences
- Coastal regions: Mild and comfortable, with pleasant sea breezes
- Northern regions: Warm and dry, with clear skies
- Southern regions: Dry, though some residual humidity from the rainy season
The overall weather is more pleasant, with lower humidity levels compared to the rainy season.
December
General Overview
- Average temperature: 21-25°C (69.8-77°F)
- Rainfall: No significant rainfall
December is one of the most comfortable months to visit Senegal, with mild temperatures, low humidity, and virtually no rainfall.
Regional Differences
- Coastal regions: Cool, breezy, and dry, with temperatures around 22-25°C (71.6-77°F)
- Northern regions: Cooler, especially at night, with daytime temperatures in the mid-20s°C
- Southern regions: Pleasant, with dry and warm conditions
The Harmattan winds may return in northern areas, bringing cool and dry air, making December one of the most pleasant months for outdoor activities.
Summary of Senegal’s Climate by Region
Coastal Regions (Dakar, Saint-Louis)
- Best months: November to April (mild temperatures, dry, and breezy)
- Rainy season: June to October (increased humidity and occasional rains)
Northern Regions (Matam, Podor)
- Best months: December to February (cool and dry)
- Hottest months: April to June (temperatures above 35°C)
- Rainy season: July to September (but less rain compared to the south)
Southern Regions (Ziguinchor, Kolda)
- Best months: November to February (dry, with pleasant temperatures)
- Wettest months: June to September (frequent and heavy rain)
Interior Regions (Tambacounda, Kaolack)
- Best months: December to March (warm but dry)
- Hottest months: April to June (high temperatures, often exceeding 35°C)
- Rainy season: July to September (significant rainfall)
Senegal’s climate is diverse and regionally distinct, with the coastal areas being milder due to maritime influences, while the interior and northern regions can be extremely hot during the dry season. The rainy season, most pronounced in the south, shapes the country’s agricultural and ecological patterns, with lush vegetation flourishing during the summer months.