Spending summer in Dakar means dealing with warm temperatures, high humidity, and frequent rain showers. Average daily highs usually sit in the low to upper 80s Fahrenheit, and nights stay mild in the 70s.
The season just feels humid and often overcast, making the air heavier than in the drier months.
You’ll notice the biggest change in July and August when rainfall peaks. Short, intense showers cool the city for a bit.
Cloudier skies become the norm as summer goes on, and the chance of rain jumps up by late summer.
Even with all the rain, you still get long daylight hours, so there’s plenty of time to explore before evening.
Wind plays a big part in Dakar’s summer weather. Early in the season, breezes from the north keep things more comfortable.
By mid-summer, winds swing in from the Atlantic, bringing extra moisture. This mix of heat, rain, and ocean air shapes Dakar’s unique summer climate.
Overview of Dakar’s Summer Climate
Dakar’s spot on the Atlantic keeps extreme heat in check but brings high humidity and seasonal rain. You’ll get warm temps, lots of clouds, and a gradual shift from drier early summer to wetter weather by late August.
Location and Geographical Factors
Dakar sits on the Cap-Vert Peninsula, the westernmost tip of mainland Africa. Its spot on the Atlantic keeps temperatures steadier than what you’d find inland.
The city barely rises above sea level, averaging about 39 feet. This, plus all the surrounding water, means you won’t often see extreme heat spikes like those in Senegal’s interior.
Water temperatures climb from around 75°F in June to about 82°F by late August, which just adds to the humidity.
Since Dakar is so urban, all that concrete and asphalt trap heat, making evenings feel warmer—especially when the winds die down.
Winds change directions as the season goes on. Early summer brings breezes from the north, but by mid-June, they turn westward and haul in more moisture from the ocean. That’s a big reason the rainy season arrives.
Seasonal Climate Patterns
Daytime highs usually land between 82°F and 86°F, and nighttime lows rise from 72°F in June to about 78°F in August. Temperatures rarely stray from this range, so you get warmth but not anything too wild.
Cloud cover ramps up fast. Early June skies can be clear or just partly cloudy, but by late August, it’s mostly overcast. Less sunshine means days feel dimmer, even though it’s still hot.
Rainfall jumps up quickly. June barely sees any rain, but by late August, you can expect several inches per month. The odds of a wet day go from 1% in early June to nearly 60% by the end of August.
Humidity sticks around. By mid-summer, muggy air is pretty much guaranteed, with dew points staying high day and night. Even moderate temps feel heavy.
Comparison With Other Seasons
Summer in Dakar feels totally different from the cooler months. Winter and spring bring drier air, less humidity, and more sunshine.
Daytime highs in February hover near 75°F, and nights cool down to around 65°F.
Rain basically disappears in the dry season. From November through May, skies stay clearer and storms are rare. Most people find this stretch the best for outdoor stuff.
Wind patterns shift too. In spring, stronger breezes from the north and northeast keep things drier and less humid. Summer winds from the west, though, bring in moisture and rain.
Daylight changes a little over the season. June gets close to 13 hours of sunlight, while late August drops to about 12 hours 25 minutes. The days slowly get shorter as autumn approaches.
Typical Summer Temperatures
In Dakar, summer temperatures stay warm day and night, with only small gaps between highs and lows. The weather stays steady, but rain and humidity can make the heat feel stronger.
Daytime and Nighttime Averages
During summer, daytime highs usually range from 82°F to 86°F (28°C to 30°C). Highs rarely top 88°F, so you get warmth but not the punishing heat found in some coastal cities at this latitude.
At night, average lows rise from about 72°F (22°C) in early summer to 78°F (26°C) by August. Nights feel humid and almost never dip below 70°F.
This steady warmth makes air conditioning or a good fan a real bonus, especially when things get muggy.
The small difference between daytime highs and nighttime lows creates a consistent climate. You won’t have to pack for wild temperature swings—light clothing should do the trick.
Monthly Temperature Trends
From June to August, the pattern doesn’t change much, but you’ll notice slight shifts.
- June: Average highs close to 82°F and lows near 72°F.
- July: Highs inch up to about 84°F, with lows around 76°F.
- August: The warmest month, with highs near 86°F and lows about 78°F.
You’ll feel the heat build as summer goes on. Humidity and rain also peak, so August can feel heavier, even though the temperature isn’t that much higher than in June.
By late August, the ocean gets warmer too, reaching about 82°F and making the air feel even thicker.
Record Highs and Lows
Dakar stays warm all year, but summer records aren’t that extreme.
The highest daily highs rarely go above 88°F (31°C), which is pretty moderate compared to other parts of West Africa. The ocean keeps dangerous heat spikes at bay.
On cooler nights, lows almost never drop below 70°F (21°C). So, you won’t need to worry about chilly evenings, even at the start of summer.
Just for context, the hottest day of the year usually lands in early October, not in summer. The coldest day comes in February, when nights can hit the mid-60s. The ocean really helps keep things steady in summer.
Rainfall and Precipitation During Summer
Dakar’s summer weather brings a short but intense rainy season. Rain mostly falls in just a few months, with sharp contrasts between wet and dry spells. Expect heavy showers mixed with stretches of sunny, dry days.
Rainy Season Timing
Rain in Dakar follows a pretty clear pattern. The wet season usually starts in July and runs through September, with August being the rainiest month.
Unlike some tropical places where it rains year-round, Dakar’s rain is super seasonal. The rest of the year stays mostly dry, so summer’s when you’ll see almost all the precipitation.
Warm, moist air from the Atlantic brings this rain. When summer winds blow inland, they bring enough humidity to spark showers and the occasional thunderstorm. Once those winds shift away, dry conditions return fast.
If you visit outside July–September, you probably won’t see much rain. But in August, rain really becomes part of daily life.
Monthly Precipitation Totals
Rainfall jumps around a lot during summer. July usually gets about 60–90 mm, while August often tops 120–130 mm. By September, rainfall drops back down to 70–80 mm.
Outside these months, it’s almost bone dry. For example, April and May usually get less than 1 mm of rain, making them the driest part of the year.
Here’s a quick look at the averages:
| Month | Avg. Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| July | 60–90 |
| August | 120–130 |
| September | 70–80 |
Nearly all of Dakar’s yearly rainfall—about 280–400 mm—comes in just these three months.
Frequency of Showers
Even in August, it doesn’t rain every day. August averages about 10 rainy days, while July and September get around 6–8 days each. So, most days stay dry, even when the totals sound high.
Showers tend to be quick and heavy. Storms usually pop up in the afternoon or evening, then clear out by night. Mornings often stay dry and good for getting outside.
Dakar’s spot on the coast means fewer rainy days than you’d find inland. The ocean keeps storms intense but less frequent.
If you’re planning a trip, expect bursts of rain followed by sun, not endless wet weather. This makes it easier to enjoy Dakar, even right in the middle of the rainy season.
Humidity Levels in Dakar’s Summer
Humidity in Dakar jumps way up during summer, often hitting very high levels. This shapes how you feel day-to-day, and it can make the air seem hotter than it really is.
Average Humidity by Month
Humidity climbs as summer rolls on. By June, average humidity is around 84%, so the air feels damp pretty much all the time.
July and August stay muggy, with averages near 75–80%, depending on the rain and local weather.
September usually hits the peak, with humidity reaching about 83%—the highest of the year. That lines up with the rainy season and all the cloud cover.
For comparison, in cooler months like January, humidity can drop to around 68%. The difference between seasons is obvious, and it really affects how you experience Dakar’s weather.
| Month | Average Humidity (%) |
|---|---|
| June | ~84% |
| July | ~75–80% |
| August | ~75–80% |
| September | ~83% |
Impact of Humidity on Comfort
High humidity in Dakar’s summer makes everything feel warmer than the thermometer says. For example, when it’s 26–30°C with 80% humidity, the air just feels thick.
Sweat doesn’t evaporate as fast, so your body can’t cool off as easily. This can get uncomfortable, especially if you’re walking outside or doing anything active.
Most travelers look for shade and catch sea breezes along the coast—those breezes actually help cut through the muggy air. Light clothes, lots of water, and indoor breaks make a big difference.
Honestly, the constant dampness can be tougher than the heat itself, so humidity really shapes how you plan your days in Dakar during summer.
Wind Conditions and Their Effects
In Dakar, steady breezes shape how comfortable summer feels and how you plan your days. The wind affects outdoor comfort, air quality, and even your options for water sports along the coast.
Average Wind Speed
In summer, winds in Dakar usually average 3 to 4 meters per second (about 11–14 km/h or 7–9 mph). That breeze is enough to move leaves, keep flags outstretched, and just generally make the air feel a bit more alive.
You’ll probably notice the wind gives some relief from the humidity, especially in July and August when rainfall is highest. The moving air takes the edge off the heat, even when it’s pushing into the mid-80s °F.
If you’re into outdoor activities, this wind usually feels pleasant. It’s strong enough to cool you down, but not so gusty that it ruins your plans for sightseeing or eating outside.
Along the coast, the breeze helps clear out dust and pollutants, so the air feels fresher.
Typical summer wind speed range in Dakar:
| Month | Average Wind Speed | Equivalent (mph) |
|---|---|---|
| July | ~3 m/s | ~6.7 mph |
| August | ~3 m/s | ~6.7 mph |
| September | ~3–4 m/s | ~7–9 mph |
Seasonal Wind Variations
Wind patterns in Dakar change with the seasons. From December to May, winds pick up to around 5 m/s (about 18 km/h or 11 mph), and you’ll notice stronger, more persistent breezes.
During these months, branches sway and you might feel a bit of pushback if you’re walking against the wind.
But from July through October, things calm down, with averages dropping to about 3 m/s. That’s also the rainy season, so you’ll get heavier humidity and more clouds.
Lighter breezes during this time can make the air feel warmer and a bit more still.
If you’re into water sports, stronger winds outside of summer work better for kiteboarding and windsurfing. In summer, the calmer weather isn’t great for those sports, but it’s honestly nicer if you just want to hang out on the beach.
You’ll want to plan your activities around both wind and rainfall. If you’re after steady breezes and less humidity, the cooler, windier months might be more your style than the laid-back summer stretch.
Other Notable Summer Weather Features
Expect long daylight hours and shifting cloud cover, while the nearby Atlantic helps keep temperatures steady. The sea stays warm and stable, so conditions for comfort and recreation don’t change much.
Sunshine Hours and Cloud Cover
In summer, Dakar gets between 12 hours 25 minutes and 13 hours of daylight, with the longest days in June. Sunrise usually happens around 6:40–6:55 AM, and sunset lands between 7:20–7:40 PM.
Cloud cover can change pretty fast. Early June often brings clear or partly cloudy skies, but by late August, it’s mostly cloudy or even overcast.
On average, overcast skies jump from about 30% to nearly 80% through the season.
So, you might catch brighter skies at the start of summer, but afternoons by August get more humid and cloudy. Less direct sunshine means outdoor visibility drops, and less solar energy reaches the ground.
For planning, just know June is the clearest month, and late August brings the most clouds. If you’re a fan of clear skies, early summer is your best bet.
Sea and Water Temperatures
The Atlantic Ocean hugs Dakar and really shapes the city’s summer weather. Sea surface temperatures climb from about 75°F (24°C) in early June to around 82°F (28°C) by late August.
This warming trend makes swimming surprisingly pleasant all season. You’ll find the water stays warm enough for long afternoons outside, whether you’re swimming, sailing, or just soaking up the coastal breeze.
The sea temperature doesn’t really jump around much from week to week. Instead, you’ll notice a gentle rise that tops out in late summer.
The warm ocean air brings extra humidity, especially in August, when both the water and the air feel at their hottest.