Spring in Dakar, Senegal brings a steady shift toward warmer, brighter days along the Atlantic coast of West Africa. Daytime highs rise from the upper 70s to low 80s Fahrenheit, and nights stay mild in the mid-60s to low 70s.
The season starts out comfortable, but humidity builds pretty quickly as spring moves forward. The air can feel heavier even when the temperature doesn’t shoot up.
Rainfall stays very low, so you probably won’t need to plan around storms. Instead, you’ll notice clearer skies with more sunshine and fewer cloudy days as spring goes on.
Winds calm down a bit, though breezes from the north still shape the coastal climate and keep things pleasant.
The nearby Atlantic influences daily life, with sea temperatures warming steadily through spring. That makes coastal outings and water activities more inviting as weeks pass.
With its mix of reliable sunshine, mild heat, and growing humidity, Dakar’s spring season sets a distinct rhythm for both the weather and outdoor experiences.
Overview of Spring Weather in Dakar
Spring in Dakar brings steady warmth, mild humidity, and not much rain. You’ll notice comfortable temperatures, fewer cloudy days than in winter, and pretty stable conditions before the hotter summer months show up.
Spring Months and Climate Classification
Spring in Dakar runs from March through May. The city’s climate falls under a subtropical steppe classification, so it’s warm and semi-arid with only modest seasonal changes.
Average daytime highs sit around 22°C (72°F) to 25°C (77°F). Nighttime lows hover near 20°C (68°F) to 23°C (73°F).
These temperatures stay consistent, and you don’t really see sharp swings between day and night.
Rain is scarce in spring. Precipitation usually stays below 50 millimeters for the whole season, and most days are dry.
Spring is one of the more predictable times of year for outdoor plans.
Humidity levels are moderate, not overwhelming, thanks to Dakar’s spot on the Atlantic Ocean. The sea helps regulate both temperature and moisture, so things don’t get too extreme.
General Weather Patterns in Spring
Skies in spring look clearer compared to winter. The percentage of mostly cloudy days drops from about 37% in early March to around 31% by late May.
That means more sunshine as spring moves forward.
Winds shape daily weather, too. Breezes from the ocean cool off the afternoons and keep heat from building up.
These winds also help prevent the air from getting stagnant and humid.
Spring days feel warm but not hot, and evenings stay pleasant. You get stable conditions without sudden downpours or wild temperature swings.
Whether you’re walking city streets or hanging out by the coast, spring is easy to plan around.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Compared to winter, spring is a bit warmer and sunnier. Winter in Dakar usually means cooler nights and more overcast skies, but it’s still mild by global standards.
Spring is much drier than summer. Summer brings a short rainy season, especially in August and September, but spring mostly avoids that with minimal rainfall.
Compared to autumn, spring feels similar in temperature but less humid. Autumn comes right after the rainy season, so it can feel heavier and stickier.
Spring, by contrast, offers a lighter atmosphere and steadier weather.
This mix of warmth, dryness, and clear skies makes spring one of Dakar’s most comfortable seasons.
Average Temperatures During Spring
Spring in Dakar brings a steady rise in both daytime and nighttime temps. You’ll get mild to warm afternoons, cooler evenings, and a noticeable shift toward more humid air as the season goes on.
Average High Temperatures
During spring, the average high temperature in Dakar climbs from about 78°F (25.5°C) in early March to around 82°F (27.8°C) by late May.
These highs rarely drop below 72°F (22°C) or go above 87°F (30.5°C).
Afternoons feel comfortable to warm, and the increase is gradual, not sudden. You won’t get extreme heat, but late spring definitely feels warmer than early spring.
Compared to summer, spring highs stay moderate, which is great if you like being outside. If you’re planning a visit, expect consistent warmth without the intense heat and humidity that show up later.
Average Low Temperatures
The average low temperature rises more quickly than the highs. Early in the season, nights average near 65°F (18°C), but by the end of May, lows reach about 72°F (22°C).
These numbers rarely dip below 62°F (16.5°C) or rise above 75°F (24°C).
This steady climb means evenings get milder as spring goes on. In March, you might want a light layer at night, but by late May, short sleeves feel just fine.
The rise in nighttime temps signals more humid air. The later it gets in spring, the less relief you’ll get from cooler nights.
Day and Night Temperature Variation
The gap between day and night temperatures in Dakar during spring stays pretty small. On average, the difference is about 10°F to 13°F (5–7°C).
This limited variation creates a stable climate where both daytime and nighttime feel mild to warm. Unlike inland regions that cool off sharply after sunset, Dakar’s coastal setting keeps things more even.
Mornings start cool and comfortable, afternoons warm up moderately, and nights stay mild. This balance makes spring predictable, with little risk of sudden temperature swings.
Rainfall and Humidity Trends
Spring in Dakar, Senegal, brings steady warmth with only slight changes in rainfall and humidity. Showers stay rare, but the air grows more humid as summer approaches.
Precipitation Levels and Rainy Days
Rainfall in Dakar during spring is extremely limited. March and April are almost completely dry, with totals often under 2 millimeters (0.08 inches).
By May, light showers can pop up, but even then, amounts usually stay below 3 millimeters (0.12 inches).
Rainy days are pretty uncommon. You can expect 0 to 1 day of measurable rain per month.
Most outdoor plans, from sightseeing to walking along the coast, are unlikely to get interrupted by rain.
Spring offers a reliable dry window, especially compared to the heavy rains that arrive in summer. If you want to avoid frequent storms, this is a good time.
The lack of wet weather also keeps streets and local markets easy to get around.
Humidity Patterns in Spring
While rainfall stays low, humidity starts to climb. In March, relative humidity averages around 70%, which still feels comfortable thanks to the steady Atlantic breeze.
By April, levels rise a bit, and by May, humidity can hit 75% or higher. Even without much rain, the air feels heavier as spring moves forward.
This shift signals the approaching wet season.
You might notice mornings and evenings feeling more humid, while afternoons are easier to handle with the ocean wind.
If you’re sensitive to muggy air, May could feel less comfortable than March or April, even though showers are still rare.
For most visitors, the mix of dry skies and rising humidity keeps spring manageable. Still, it’s smart to stay hydrated and plan outdoor activities earlier in the day.
Sunshine, Cloud Cover, and Wind
During spring in Dakar, you get longer daylight hours, fewer cloudy days, and steady breezes from the Atlantic. These factors shape how warm or cool it feels and can affect your outdoor plans.
Sunshine Hours and Daylight Duration
Expect about 12 to 13 hours of daylight each day in spring. Sunrise happens around 7:00 AM, and sunset is close to 8:00 PM by late season.
That gives you plenty of time outdoors, whether you’re sightseeing or just living your daily life.
Direct sunshine is common, though not nonstop. Dakar usually sees 7 to 9 hours of sunshine per day in spring.
The sun can feel strong, so wearing light clothes, sunscreen, and a hat is a good idea.
Daylight length stays pretty steady because Dakar sits near the equator. Unlike northern regions, you won’t see big changes in day length.
This consistency makes planning easier since early sunsets aren’t an issue.
Partly Cloudy and Cloud Cover
Spring brings a drop in cloud cover. Early in the season, skies are overcast or mostly cloudy about one-third of the time, but this drops as the months go by.
By late spring, you get more clear or partly cloudy days.
On average, cloud cover falls from about 37% to 31% through the season. That means more direct sunlight and warmer afternoons.
Still, mornings can start with haze or thin clouds before clearing up.
Partly cloudy skies offer a balance between shade and sun, making outdoor conditions more comfortable than in the peak summer months.
For travelers, this period brings reliable weather without a lot of interruptions.
Wind Speeds and Breezes
Winds matter a lot in Dakar weather. During spring, steady breezes from the Atlantic help keep temperatures in check.
Typical wind speeds range from 10 to 15 miles per hour, though gusts can be stronger near the coast.
These breezes are most noticeable in the afternoon and evening. They provide natural cooling, making it more pleasant to be outside despite the strong sun.
You might find the winds helpful if you enjoy outdoor sports, walking, or hanging out along the coast.
If you’re sensitive to wind, a light jacket or windbreaker can make longer outings more comfortable.
Sea Temperatures and Coastal Conditions
The Atlantic waters along Dakar’s coast stay relatively cool in early spring and warm up steadily as the season moves on.
Calm seas, low rainfall, and frequent sunshine create stable conditions for spending time near the shoreline.
Average Sea Temperatures
Sea surface temperatures in Dakar shift from about 18–19°C in March to 21–22°C by May. The water feels brisk at first, but gets more comfortable as summer approaches.
These cooler readings come from the Canary Current, which brings colder water south along Senegal’s coast.
By late spring, the warming trend makes swimming and other activities more appealing, especially if you’re sensitive to cold water.
Here’s a quick look at the averages:
| Month | Avg. Sea Temp (°C) |
|---|---|
| March | 18.6 |
| April | 19.1 |
| May | 21.2 |
The water will feel cooler than in many tropical destinations, but the gradual rise through spring offers a nice balance between refreshing and tolerable.
Beach and Waterfront Weather
Weather along Dakar’s beaches stays dry and sunny through spring. Rain is almost nonexistent, with 0–1 rainy days per month, and skies are often clear.
Daytime air temperatures range from 24°C in March to 25–26°C in May. Nights remain mild around 21–22°C.
Wind conditions are generally light to moderate, helping keep humidity in check.
The steady sunshine and cooler sea breezes make the waterfront pleasant for walking, fishing, or enjoying open-air cafés.
Daylight hours increase from about 12 hours in March to nearly 13 hours in May. You get extended time outdoors without the intense heat found inland.
This consistency gives you reliable conditions for planning beach visits or coastal excursions.
Travel Tips for Visiting Dakar in Spring
Spring in Dakar feels pretty comfortable, honestly. The heat is mild, there’s not much rain, and the days stretch out longer, so you’ve got more daylight for outdoor plans.
You’ll probably want to check out cultural sites, coastal activities, and the city’s energy, but keep in mind—humidity starts to creep up, and those Atlantic breezes are steady.
Best Activities for Spring Weather
Dakar’s coastline is perfect for exploring in spring. Take a walk along the Corniche and you’ll notice how the ocean breeze cools off those warmer afternoons.
If you like swimming, Yoff and Ngor beaches are solid options. The water warms up from about 19°C to 24°C, so it’s not too chilly.
Spring is a good time for cultural visits. The African Renaissance Monument and IFAN Museum of African Arts feel much more pleasant now, since you’re not fighting that heavy summer humidity.
You might want to wander through outdoor markets like Sandaga. They’re lively, but honestly, spring makes them less overwhelming than during the sticky, wet months.
Day trips? Absolutely doable. Head over to Île de Gorée, which UNESCO recognizes as a World Heritage site. Or maybe hop on a boat to Îles de la Madeleine National Park.
The weather really lets you enjoy walking tours without getting drenched or overheated.
Evenings in Dakar are kind of magical in spring. Lots of restaurants and cafés set up terraces, so you can eat fresh seafood and catch the sunset, usually around 19:00.
Packing Recommendations
You’ll want to pack light, breathable clothing since daily highs usually sit between 26°C and 28°C. Cotton shirts, shorts, and light dresses really work for daytime comfort.
Bring a light jacket or a sweater for those cooler evenings when temperatures can drop close to 18°C. Honestly, it gets chilly faster than you’d expect.
Humidity kicks in pretty fast as the season goes on, so moisture-wicking fabrics make a big difference. Toss in a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, because that midday sun just gets stronger as spring rolls forward.
If you’re planning to wander through markets or hike along the coast, your footwear matters. Comfortable sandals or walking shoes will save your feet.
Planning a visit to religious sites? Make sure you have modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
Winds usually come from the north, so having a light windbreaker can help, especially if you hang out by the water. You could bring a small travel umbrella, but honestly, spring rain doesn’t happen much.