Senegal Weather, climate and geography
Weather & climate
Senegal has a tropical climate with distinct dry and rainy seasons. The best time to visit is generally from November to May, when conditions are dry, humidity is lower and temperatures are more comfortable for sightseeing, wildlife viewing and outdoor activities. The rainy season from June to October brings lush landscapes but also higher humidity and occasional heavy downpours.
November to May (dry season): This is the best time to visit most of Senegal. Days are warm and sunny with little rainfall, making it ideal for exploring Dakar, Saint-Louis, the Petite Côte and national parks. Between November and March, the Harmattan wind can bring cooler mornings and evenings, particularly inland, together with dusty conditions.
June to October (rainy season): Temperatures and humidity are higher, with most rainfall occurring between July and September. Showers are often heavy but can be short-lived. The countryside becomes green and fertile, migratory birds are abundant, and this is a good time to visit the Casamance region. Flooding may occasionally disrupt travel in some areas.
Regional variations: Northern Senegal, including Saint-Louis and the Senegal River Valley, is hotter and drier than the rest of the country for much of the year. The Atlantic coast, including Dakar and the Petite Côte, benefits from cooling sea breezes and a more moderate climate. Southern Senegal, particularly Casamance, receives significantly more rainfall than the north and remains greener throughout the year.
Lightweight, breathable clothing is suitable throughout the year, particularly during the hot season. Cotton and linen fabrics are recommended, together with a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and high-factor sunscreen.
A light jumper or jacket is useful during the cooler months from November to February, especially in the evenings and early mornings when temperatures can fall noticeably inland.
If travelling during the rainy season (June to October), pack lightweight waterproof clothing and footwear suitable for heavy showers. Insect repellent and long-sleeved clothing are advisable in the evenings to help protect against mosquito bites.
Modest dress is appreciated, particularly when visiting mosques, rural communities and other places of worship. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for sightseeing, while sturdy footwear is advisable for hiking and wildlife safaris.
Geography
Senegal lies at the westernmost point of mainland Africa and covers approximately 196,700 sq km (75,950 sq miles). It is bordered by Mauritania to the north, Mali to the east, Guinea and Guinea-Bissau to the south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. The Gambia forms a narrow enclave extending eastwards from the Atlantic into Senegal, almost dividing the country into northern and southern sections.
Much of Senegal consists of low-lying plains and gently undulating savannah, with higher ground occurring towards the south-east near the borders with Guinea and Mali. The Senegal River forms much of the northern frontier with Mauritania, while the Gambia and Casamance rivers flow westwards through the central and southern regions.
The landscape becomes progressively greener towards the south. Northern Senegal lies within the semi-arid Sahel, while central areas are characterised by savannah and agricultural land. Casamance in the south receives considerably more rainfall and has forests, wetlands, rice fields and palm vegetation. Along the coast are sandy beaches, dunes, lagoons and extensive mangrove systems, particularly around the Sine-Saloum Delta and Casamance.
Senegal's highest terrain is found in the far south-east, where foothills associated with the Fouta Djallon highlands extend across the border from Guinea. The country's highest point is an unnamed elevation near Nepen Diakha, reaching approximately 648m (2,126ft) above sea level.
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