Winter in Dakar feels calm and comfortable, a real contrast to the city’s hot and humid summers. You’ll find mild daytime temperatures, cooler evenings, and almost no rainfall, making it one of the most pleasant times of the year to be outside.
The air stays dry, the sky usually looks clear, and the Atlantic breeze keeps things fresh.
If you’re hoping to escape harsh winter weather somewhere else, Dakar’s warm and steady climate will probably appeal to you. Sunshine sticks around most of the day, and the sea remains inviting if you’re into coastal activities.
With reliable weather and barely any chance of rain, you can plan your days without much worry and enjoy a mix of local culture and time by the ocean.
This season brings out some of Dakar’s best travel conditions. Humidity drops to comfortable levels, and the days get a bit longer, which helps if you want to sightsee.
Whether you’re exploring the city or just relaxing by the water, winter offers an easy climate to enjoy. You won’t deal with storms or heavy heat.
Overview of Dakar’s Winter Climate
Dakar’s winter brings mild temperatures, barely any rain, and steady winds that come from its spot on the coast.
You’ll experience dry, comfortable days with cooler nights and clear skies. The Atlantic Ocean’s influence is obvious.
Climate Classification and Location
Dakar sits on the Cape Verde Peninsula in western Senegal, stretching out into the Atlantic. That spot gives it a semi-arid steppe climate (BSh under Köppen-Geiger), which means hot summers and mild, dry winters.
Unlike places farther inland, Dakar doesn’t get extreme heat in winter. Highs usually land between 78°F and 84°F (25°C to 29°C), while lows drop to about 65°F (18°C).
You’ll never see frost or freezing conditions, so winter feels comfortable for everyone.
Humidity drops during the season. Early winter can feel a bit muggy, but by late January, the air dries out more.
This change makes things much nicer than the sticky summer months.
Dakar’s location keeps its climate different from most of Senegal, which gets hotter and drier inland. The peninsula helps the city stay more temperate and steady.
Seasonal Weather Patterns
Winter in Dakar features stable and predictable weather. Rain hardly falls, with only about 0.2 inches per month, and the odds of a rainy day hover around 4%.
You’ll mostly get dry days with plenty of sunshine.
Clouds thin out as the season moves along. December might bring some partly cloudy days, but by late February, most days are clear or nearly so.
This makes winter one of the sunniest times of year.
Winds pick up a bit as winter goes on. Average speeds rise from about 13 mph to 14 mph, usually blowing in from the north.
These breezes help keep the air fresh and prevent heat from building up, especially near the coast.
Daylight gets a little longer from December to late February. You gain about 30 extra minutes of sunlight, and sunsets happen later.
This slow change adds to the mild, bright feeling of winter.
Cape Verde Peninsula Influence
Dakar’s spot on the Cape Verde Peninsula really shapes its winter weather. The Atlantic wraps around three sides, so the city benefits from marine moderation, which keeps temperatures steady between day and night.
The ocean cools down in winter, dropping from about 77°F (25°C) to 67°F (19°C). This cooling lowers both air temperature and humidity, so things feel more comfortable.
The peninsula also channels the winds. In winter, northerly trade winds take over, bringing in dry air from the Sahara but softened by the ocean.
This prevents the harsh desert climate that hits inland areas.
Since the city is surrounded by water, wild temperature swings almost never happen. You’ll get a steady mix of warm days, cool evenings, and refreshing breezes, making Dakar’s winter one of the most comfortable in West Africa.
Typical Winter Temperatures in Dakar
Winter in Dakar brings mild, steady weather, especially compared to other places. You’ll notice cooler nights, comfortable afternoons, and only small changes in temperature from month to month.
Average Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures
Daytime highs during winter usually sit between 78°F (25°C) and 84°F (29°C). Afternoons feel warm but not really hot, so it’s easy to spend time outside.
At night, temperatures dip to 65°F (18°C) to 72°F (22°C). The evenings cool off nicely.
You probably won’t need heavy clothing, but a light jacket or sweater is handy after sunset.
Humidity drops in winter, which makes both days and nights feel more comfortable than in the rainy months.
Monthly Temperature Variations
From December to February, temperatures change slowly instead of suddenly. December starts a bit warmer, with highs around 82°F (28°C).
By early February, which is usually the coolest stretch, average highs settle closer to 78°F (25°C).
Nighttime lows follow the same pattern. December evenings average about 70°F (21°C), while February nights can get down to 65°F (18°C).
You won’t get sudden cold snaps. Instead, you’ll notice a gentle cooling through January, then things start to warm up again as spring approaches.
Temperature Extremes and Records
Extreme temperatures hardly ever happen in Dakar, thanks to the coast. The coldest nights rarely drop below 61°F (16°C).
The warmest winter afternoons almost never go past 90°F (32°C).
The coldest day of the year usually lands in early February, with daily ranges from 65°F (18°C) to 78°F (25°C).
The hottest day of the year comes in October, long after winter’s gone.
Because the Atlantic shapes the weather, Dakar avoids both freezing and extreme heat in winter. This steady moderation is what makes the city’s winter climate so appealing.
Rainfall and Humidity During Winter
In winter, Dakar enters its dry season. Rain almost disappears, and humidity drops compared to the sticky summer, giving you more comfortable days for getting around or traveling.
Average Precipitation Levels
Winter in Dakar, generally from December to April, brings very low precipitation.
Most months see almost 0 mm of rain, and January, February, and March often record no measurable rainfall at all.
By April, you might spot a trace amount, usually under 2 mm, but it’s barely noticeable next to the wet season totals.
Here’s a look at the typical numbers:
| Month | Average Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| December | 0 mm |
| January | 0 mm |
| February | 0 mm |
| March | 0 mm |
| April | 1–2 mm |
These dry months make winter a great time for outdoor activities, since weather interruptions are rare.
Rainy Days Frequency
Rainy days in winter are almost nonexistent. From December through March, you’ll get 0 rainy days per month, so skies stay clear and dry.
By late April, rain might show up on 1 day or less, but it’s still uncommon.
This long stretch of dry weather really defines Dakar’s winter climate.
Such consistency means travelers don’t have to worry about sudden storms or downpours. For locals, this period also brings a break from the flooding and waterlogging that summer can bring.
Humidity Trends
Humidity in Dakar during winter drops compared to the rainy season, though it doesn’t vanish completely. In January, relative humidity averages around 68%, which is about as low as it gets all year.
The air feels lighter and much more comfortable than in late summer, when humidity often tops 80%.
From December to April, humidity stays in a moderate range, usually between 65% and 75%.
Steady sea breezes help balance out the warm days, keeping things pleasant.
Even though the air is drier, you might still notice a bit of stickiness in the evenings. Still, it’s way better than the heavy, wet season humidity, making winter one of the nicest times to experience Dakar’s climate.
Sunshine, Wind, and Daylight Hours
Winter in Dakar brings steady sunshine, moderate winds, and only small shifts in daylight. These factors make for a comfortable stretch of weather and one of the most reliable times to enjoy the city’s coastal vibe.
Average Daily Sunshine
During winter, expect about 9.5 to 9.7 hours of sunshine per day. The sky usually stays clear, with much less cloud cover than in the rainy season.
This level of sunlight holds steady across December, January, and February, so you get long, bright days.
The sun sits lower than in summer, but there’s still plenty of daylight for sightseeing or hanging out by the water.
The lower humidity in winter means the air feels drier, and the sun isn’t as oppressive.
Even though UV levels stay high in Dakar, the cooler temperatures make the sun easier to handle. Still, sunscreen and light clothes are a must, since UV exposure never really lets up.
Wind Patterns and Speeds
Winds shape Dakar’s winter weather in a big way. You’ll feel steady breezes from the northeast trade winds, called the Harmattan.
These winds are strongest from December through February.
Average wind speeds run between 15 to 25 km/h (9–15 mph). The breezes feel refreshing and help balance the warmth of the day.
They also cut down on humidity, which drops a lot in winter.
Sometimes, stronger gusts blow through, especially near the coast. For travelers, this makes the beaches more comfortable since the air feels cooler.
For locals, the winds help clear out dust and haze, keeping the air quality decent.
Daylight Duration
Dakar’s daylight hours stay pretty steady all year since it sits near the equator. In winter, you’ll get about 11 to 11.3 hours of daylight per day.
The shortest days come in late December, but the change from summer is less than two hours.
Sunrise usually happens around 7:30 a.m., and sunset is close to 6:30 p.m.
This steady pattern makes planning your day simple. You won’t need to adjust your schedule much from season to season, and you can count on a predictable mix of daylight and darkness when you visit Dakar in winter.
Sea Temperatures and Coastal Conditions
The Atlantic around Dakar stays mild in winter, with cooler currents affecting both sea surface temperatures and how the coastline feels.
These changes influence swimming comfort, water activities, and even the air along the Cape Verde Peninsula.
Winter Sea Surface Temperatures
From December through February, the sea surface cools down compared to the hot season.
Average readings go from about 23.6°C in December to around 19.1°C by February.
That’s thanks to the Canary Current, which brings cooler water down the West African coast.
The change happens slowly. December still feels fairly warm, but by late winter, the ocean gets noticeably brisker.
This cooling trend repeats every year and stands out as one of the most predictable parts of Dakar’s winter.
For reference, the annual average sea temperature is about 24°C, so winter sits below that mean.
It’s not cold by global standards, but you’ll feel the difference—especially if you’re used to the warmer late-summer waters that can hit nearly 29°C.
Swimming and Water Activities
If you’re thinking about swimming in winter, expect cooler but still swimmable conditions. Most people manage water temperatures between 19°C and 23°C, though honestly, you’ll probably find them more refreshing than warm.
A light wetsuit helps, especially in February.
Surfers and windsurfers flock to the Cape Verde Peninsula during winter. The cooler waters and steady Atlantic trade winds create reliable waves.
Snorkeling and diving usually offer good visibility because rainfall stays low and there’s barely any runoff.
Beach crowds thin out compared to summer, so you get more space. Services like rental stands or guided tours might run on limited schedules outside peak season.
Coastal Microclimate Effects
The sea really shapes Dakar’s winter air temperatures. As the ocean cools, daytime highs along the coast reach about 24–27°C.
Nights drop to around 21–24°C. The Cape Verde Peninsula is so narrow, you’re never far from this moderating effect.
Humidity stays moderate, and a steady ocean breeze keeps things comfortable. Since rain barely shows up in winter, skies stay clear and sunny most days.
Just a few kilometers inland, you might notice warmer daytime temperatures. This contrast shows how the Atlantic shapes Dakar’s microclimate, making the city’s winter weather mild and pretty stable.
Travel Tips for Visiting Dakar in Winter
Dakar’s winter brings mild temperatures, very little rain, and steady breezes off the Atlantic. Outdoor activities feel comfortable, but you’ll want to be ready for cooler evenings, changing humidity, and the occasional strong wind.
Best Activities and Events
Walking along Corniche Ouest feels great in the cooler air, and you can really enjoy the coastline. Beaches like Yoff and Ngor get quieter in winter, though the water feels brisk as ocean temperatures drop from the upper 70s°F to the upper 60s°F.
Dakar’s creative side shines during cultural events this season. There’s Dakar Fashion Week and plenty of local art exhibitions. If you’re into history, trips to Gorée Island are much more pleasant with the drier winter air and lower humidity.
Markets like Sandaga and Kermel stay lively all year, but browsing feels easier without the summer heat. Day trips inland, like to Lac Rose, also become more comfortable when the humidity drops.
Packing Recommendations
Daytime highs usually hover around 78–84°F, but nights can dip to 65°F. Pack light clothes—think cotton shirts and breathable pants—but toss in a light sweater or jacket for the evenings.
A packing list could look like this:
- Light layers for daytime
- Sweater or light jacket for cooler nights
- Comfortable walking shoes for markets and coastal walks
- Swimwear if you want to hit the beach
- Windbreaker since breezes get stronger later in winter
Sun protection still matters. Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat, since daylight hours start to stretch out in February. Even with cooler air, the UV index doesn’t really let up.
Health and Comfort Considerations
Humidity drops as the season goes on, but dry air and wind might make your skin feel tight. I’d suggest carrying moisturizer and lip balm so you stay comfortable. If you’re sensitive to dust, keep in mind that winds sometimes blow sand in from the Sahara.
Keep drinking water, even when the temperatures seem mild. You’ll find bottled water everywhere in Dakar, and honestly, it’s just safer to stick with that for drinking.
Food really shapes the experience, but I’d stick to clean, well-reviewed places if you want to avoid stomach problems. If you’re thinking about swimming, remember the Atlantic surf can get pretty strong, so try to pick guarded beaches when you can.