Fall in Dakar brings steady warmth, shifting skies, and a noticeable drop in rain as the season moves along. You can expect average daytime highs around the mid-80s °F (about 29°C), with nights cooling into the low to mid-70s °F (around 22–24°C).
The season feels comfortable for outdoor plans, especially once the heavy summer rains fade.
You’ll notice September often starts humid and wet. By November, the air feels drier and skies open up more often.
The days also grow shorter, with sunsets moving earlier. Planning activities around daylight becomes important.
The coastal location really matters here, keeping temperatures from swinging too much and adding a steady breeze that grows stronger later in the season.
These patterns shape how you experience the city. Whether you’re walking through its busy markets, spending time by the ocean, or exploring cultural sites, the weather leaves its mark.
Overview of Fall Weather Patterns in Dakar
Fall in Dakar, Senegal brings steady warmth, a sharp drop in rainfall, and a noticeable shift in humidity and wind.
You feel a clear transition from the wet season to the dry season. Temperatures stay stable while skies gradually clear and ocean breezes strengthen.
Typical Weather Conditions in Fall
During fall, daily high temperatures in Dakar usually stay near 84–86°F (29–30°C).
Nights are mild, with lows between 72–78°F (22–25°C).
The range is small, so big swings between day and night don’t really happen.
Humidity starts high in September but decreases steadily through November.
Early in the season, days often feel muggy. By late fall, conditions become more comfortable.
Cloud cover also changes. In September, skies are overcast most of the time, but by November, you see more clear or partly cloudy days.
Winds pick up as the season goes on, averaging 9–13 mph, shifting mainly from west to north.
The nearby Atlantic Ocean keeps water temperatures warm, starting near 82°F (28°C) and cooling slightly to about 77°F (25°C) by late November.
This keeps coastal areas pleasant for swimming well into the season.
Transition from Wet to Dry Season
Fall marks the shift from Senegal’s rainy season to its dry season.
At the start of September, you still face a high chance of rain, with averages near 5 inches for the month.
By November, rainfall drops to almost nothing, often less than 0.2 inches.
This change happens quickly. The chance of a wet day falls from nearly 60% in early September to under 5% by late November.
Outdoor activities become easier, and flooding risks common in late summer fade away.
Humidity follows the same trend. Early fall feels sticky, with nearly every day reaching muggy levels.
By late fall, only about half the days feel humid, making air temperatures more comfortable.
Sunlight also decreases. Day length shortens by about an hour from September to November, with sunsets moving earlier in the evening.
Even with shorter days, you still get plenty of sunshine compared to the rainy months.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Compared to summer, fall in Dakar is less rainy and slightly cooler at night.
Summer brings heavy downpours and higher humidity, while fall offers drier skies and more stable weather.
Winter is cooler and drier than fall. Average highs drop closer to 75–78°F (24–26°C), and humidity is much lower.
Winds are stronger, and skies are often clearer.
Spring brings rising temperatures and very little rainfall, but humidity starts to build again before the rains return in summer.
Fall stands out as the turning point, bridging the wettest and driest periods of the year.
If you compare Dakar to inland areas of Senegal, you notice the coast stays more moderate.
The ocean keeps fall temperatures stable, while inland regions can feel hotter during the day and cooler at night.
This makes Dakar’s fall weather more consistent and easier to plan around.
Average Fall Temperatures in Dakar
During the fall months, Dakar stays warm with only gradual cooling as the season progresses.
You can expect steady daytime highs, slightly cooler nights, and a noticeable shift in humidity and comfort levels as the weeks move forward.
Daytime Highs and Nighttime Lows
Daytime temperatures in Dakar during fall average around 86°F (30°C).
Highs rarely fall below 79°F (26°C) or rise above 92°F (33°C).
The afternoons stay consistently warm but not extreme compared to hotter inland regions.
At night, temperatures cool to the low to mid-70s °F (22–24°C).
Early in the season, lows hover near 78°F (25°C). By late fall, they drop closer to 72°F (22°C).
This gradual shift makes evenings more comfortable as humidity also decreases.
Because the difference between day and night is modest, sharp temperature swings just don’t happen.
The steady warmth means lightweight clothing works well throughout the season, though nights can feel fresher by November.
Monthly Temperature Variations
September often feels the warmest, with average highs near 87–88°F (31°C) and lows around 77–78°F (25–26°C).
Humidity is also at its peak, which can make the heat feel heavier during the day.
By October, temperatures ease slightly. Highs usually sit around 85–86°F (29–30°C), while lows dip to 74–75°F (23–24°C).
This month marks the start of drier air, making the warmth more tolerable.
November brings the most noticeable cooling. Highs average 83–84°F (28–29°C), and nighttime lows reach 72–73°F (22–23°C).
The humidity continues to drop, giving the air a lighter feel.
Late fall really feels like one of the more comfortable times to experience Dakar weather.
Temperature Extremes in Fall
While fall temperatures in Dakar are steady, you may still see occasional extremes.
The highest average high of the season, about 88°F (31°C), occurs in early October.
Rare spikes can push readings into the low 90s°F (33°C), but these are uncommon.
On the cooler side, nighttime lows rarely fall below 69°F (21°C).
Such readings are unusual but can happen late in the season.
You won’t encounter cold conditions, as Dakar’s coastal climate keeps temperatures mild year-round.
This stability makes fall one of the least variable times of year in terms of temperature.
You get predictable warmth during the day and mild, comfortable nights.
Rainfall and Precipitation Trends
Fall in Dakar marks a shift from the peak rainy season into drier months.
You can expect noticeable changes in rainfall amounts, the number of wet days, and humidity as the season progresses.
These patterns shape the comfort of outdoor activities and influence when you may find the weather most pleasant.
Rainy Days and Amounts
During the early part of fall, especially in September, Dakar still experiences significant rainfall.
On average, this month can bring over 100 mm of precipitation, spread across 8–10 rainy days.
Showers often come in short, heavy bursts rather than long, steady rain.
By October, rainfall drops sharply. You may see closer to 30–40 mm for the month, with only 3–4 rainy days.
This decline continues into November, when totals often fall below 10 mm, and rain becomes rare.
Here’s a table with a quick look at average fall rainfall:
| Month | Avg. Rain (mm) | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|
| September | ~100–130 | 8–10 |
| October | ~30–40 | 3–4 |
| November | <10 | 0–1 |
This pattern shows how quickly the wet season tapers off in Senegal’s capital.
End of the Rainy Season
You’ll notice the rainy season winding down as fall advances.
September still feels like part of the wet season. By mid-October, the shift is clear.
Rain becomes less frequent, and skies clear for longer stretches of sunshine.
Dakar’s position on the Atlantic coast drives this transition.
Moist air from the ocean brings the summer rains, but as wind patterns change in October, drier air takes over.
By November, the city is firmly in its dry season.
If you prefer fewer interruptions from rain, late October and November are far more reliable than September.
Outdoor events, city tours, and beach activities face little risk of being disrupted.
Humidity Levels During Fall
Humidity in Dakar follows rainfall trends closely.
In September, you can expect high humidity levels, often above 80%, especially at night and early morning.
The air feels heavy, and combined with warm temperatures, it can be uncomfortable if you’re not used to tropical climates.
As rainfall decreases in October, humidity levels begin to drop.
Average values fall closer to 70–75%, making the air feel less oppressive.
By November, humidity often dips further into the 60–65% range, which feels noticeably more comfortable.
This decline in humidity improves air quality and visibility.
It also makes physical activities such as walking tours or outdoor markets more pleasant.
If you’re sensitive to muggy conditions, you’ll find late fall in Dakar easier to handle than the early part of the season.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours
You can expect steady daylight in Dakar during the fall, but the number of bright hours shifts as the season moves from September into November.
While skies often remain partly cloudy, you still get a reliable amount of sun each day.
Average Daily Sunlight
During fall, Dakar averages between 7 and 9 hours of direct sunlight per day.
September tends to be on the lower end, with about 7.3 hours, while October and November see clearer skies and slightly longer sunny periods.
Even when clouds are present, daylight remains consistent.
You get around 12 hours of total daylight each day due to Dakar’s location near the equator.
Sunrise and sunset times do not vary much across the season.
To put it simply:
- September: ~7.3 hours of sun
- October: ~8 hours of sun
- November: ~8.5–9 hours of sun
This balance of daylight and sunshine makes outdoor activities possible throughout the season, even during the wetter start of fall.
Seasonal Changes in Sunshine
As fall progresses, cloud cover decreases.
In September, skies are overcast or mostly cloudy about 78% of the time.
By November, this drops closer to 55%.
This shift explains why sunlight hours increase later in the season.
The transition from the rainy period to the drier months also plays a role.
September still carries leftover humidity and showers, which limit sunshine.
By late October and November, rainfall drops sharply, allowing for clearer skies.
You’ll notice brighter afternoons and longer sunny stretches as the season moves forward.
For travel planning, October and November are more favorable if you want reliable sunshine along with milder weather averages.
Wind and Coastal Influences
Dakar’s position on the western tip of Africa shapes its fall weather.
Winds shift direction as the season progresses, while the nearby Atlantic Ocean helps regulate temperatures and humidity.
Average Wind Speeds in Fall
During fall, you notice a steady increase in wind speeds across Dakar.
Early September tends to be calmer, averaging around 9 mph.
By late November, speeds rise closer to 13 mph.
The calmest period usually occurs in mid to late September, when daily averages can briefly dip below 9 mph.
By contrast, November often feels breezier, with more consistent gusts.
Wind direction also changes as the season moves forward.
In early fall, winds often come from the west, influenced by the Atlantic.
By late September, they shift more toward the north, which continues through November.
This transition affects comfort outdoors.
Early fall brings softer breezes that balance the humidity, while later months feel drier and cooler with stronger northern winds.
For travelers, the city feels less humid but noticeably windier by the end of the season.
Effects of Atlantic Ocean on Weather
The Atlantic Ocean really shapes Dakar’s fall weather. Water temperatures start off warm, around 82°F (28°C) in early fall, and then cool down to about 77°F (25°C) by late November.
This slow drop in temperature keeps the air pretty steady, with highs usually between 79°F and 88°F.
As the ocean cools, humidity drops too. September feels muggy, but by November, you’ll notice the air is much drier.
Rain chances go down as well, from a few inches early in the season to almost none by the end.
Dakar’s coastal location makes its climate milder than what you’d find inland in West Africa.
You get smaller temperature swings between day and night, and those sea breezes in the evening make it really nice for being outside.
If you’re visiting, the ocean helps keep things warm but not too hot, acting as a buffer from both heat and dryness.
Practical Tips for Visiting Dakar in Fall
In the fall, Dakar stays warm, humidity drops, and rain becomes rare.
These changes make it a good time for beaches, markets, and exploring the city’s culture, but you’ll still want to get ready for a mix of sun, heat, and the occasional breeze.
What to Pack for Fall Weather
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing since daytime highs often hit the mid-80s °F (about 29–31°C).
Loose cotton or linen shirts, shorts, and dresses keep you comfortable in the humidity.
Evenings can get a bit cooler, so throw in a light sweater or long-sleeve shirt.
A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are must-haves because the sun doesn’t let up, especially in September and October.
Rain falls off quickly, but you might still want to bring a compact umbrella or light rain jacket for early fall.
Comfortable walking shoes or sandals make exploring Dakar’s streets and coastline much easier.
If you’re hitting the beaches, pack swimwear and quick-dry clothes.
A small daypack comes in handy for water, snacks, and whatever else you need, especially when you’re heading to Gorée Island or wandering through the markets.
Best Outdoor Activities
Fall really feels like the perfect time to get outside and explore Dakar. Locals and visitors flock to the beaches along the Cap-Vert Peninsula, like Yoff and Ngor. The water usually stays warm, somewhere between 77 and 82°F (25–28°C), so you can swim or just hang out and relax.
I’d recommend a trip to Île de Gorée too. Since the heavy rains are gone, you can wander around this UNESCO World Heritage site in peace. The drier weather makes those walking tours way more enjoyable. When November rolls in, the humidity drops, and sightseeing just feels easier.
Markets like Marché Kermel and Sandaga Market really come alive, especially when the air isn’t so muggy. If hiking sounds good, check out Les Mamelles hills. You’ll get sweeping views of the city and the Atlantic coast up there.
Late fall often brings clear skies, so the visibility gets pretty amazing.