Do you dream of going to trip to Senegal? But you wonder what is the best time to go? Have you heard about a rainy season in Senegal and are looking to find out more? We promise, the weather won’t ruin your next trip. I deliver to you today all information about the climate And the rainy season in Senegal to help you plan your stay with complete peace of mind.
Rainy season, dry season? What is the climate in Senegal?
Senegal is a country of northern Africalocated near Mauritania. He is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west. The country experiences a tropical climate characterized by pleasant temperatures throughout the year. They are included between 25°C and 35°C on average depending on the region and can reach more than 40°C during the hottest months.
The climate in Senegal has two distinct seasons:
- a dry season and fresh, mid-October to June
- a rainy season, also called wintering, July to early October
Of the climate differences are present between the north and the south of the countryespecially for the wet season. Indeed, we notice that the southern regions (as Casamance) know a earlier and longer rainy season. It generally takes place between the end of May and the end of October.
On the other hand, the African monsoon goes back towards the south of the country. Thus, the precipitation is much greater in the south than in the north, particularly in the towns of Kaolack, Bignona, Kolda or even Kedougou. They reach more than 1500 mm annually in places. Moreover, in August during the rainiest month, the sky is mostly cloudy in this region.
In the north and center of Senegal, rainfall is much lower with 600 mm of precipitation per year in general. This region is attached to Sahel, a semi-arid zone between the desert of North Africa and the vegetation of the south of the continent.
Thus, in Senegal, the landscapes are deserts in the north and have lush vegetation in the south. However, the temperatures are higher in the south of the country. Likewise, he always does cooler on the coasts than inland.
Some additional data on the climate in Senegal
During the dry season, the territory of Senegal is subject to a regular northeast wind, called Harmattan which sometimes brings sand and dust. Additionally, the climate is arid outside the rainy season. The months of November to May have a zero rainfall in northern Senegal and very low in the rest of the country.
In Senegal, the water temperature is always 20°C or more, making the swimming possible all year round. She reaches 28°C between August and October.
Finally, Dakar, the capital, is located on a peninsula, where blows continuously a fresh wind coming from the sea. Thus, we find in Dakar the mildest temperatures of the country. It is between 18 and 25°C on average with a maximum 30°C during the warmer months. To visit the capital of Senegal, the most favorable months will be between November and July.
Thanks to these data, we can say that the ideal time to visit Senegal will be during the dry season. Preferably, you should opt for a stay between December and February in order to have a weather as pleasant as possible throughout the country. But is this the only favorable time on a trip? What does “rainy season” mean in Senegal in practice? Here is some information to help you answer these questions.
The rainy season in Senegal is less intense than in other countries (from Asia in particular). It experiences high intensity in August, July and September. These three months should therefore be avoided if possible for a trip to Senegal.
However, during this period, it is not really the rain that keeps tourists away, but above all extreme heat and humidity who can be stifling. Indeed, before the rainy season in Senegal, the temperature increases during the months of April-May, and reached sometimes 44°C. This makes the unfavorable climate for a trip to the region as it will be difficult to go out and enjoy activities in such heat.
Even though it is still relatively warm, the rains are lighter from Octoberwhich is a month when tourist numbers are lower. (There high tourist season is mainly located between November and February in Senegal.)
The rains mainly occur in the form of showers. In Dakar, for example, it rains for about 10 days in August, but the rain stops as quickly as it comes. In other regions, the rain is more intense. For example, in Ziguinchor, the equivalent of the annual amount of rain falls in Dakar during the month of August alone (i.e. 550 mm).
Generally, in the south of Senegal, the number of rainy days is more numerous, with around twenty days in July and August. Thus, the rainy season in Senegal is often more difficult to experience in the southern part of the country.
Rainy season in Senegal: a period to avoid?
However, this period does not stop travelers. Indeed, for many, the rainy season in Senegal is a ideal time for a trip. It is here that the colors will be the most beautiful with green and non-desert panoramas, even in the north. With the rain, vegetation is reborn, the flowers bloom, which offers beautiful landscapes. The birds are also more present during this session. Finally, the sea is warmer, which makes swimming very pleasant. It’s an ideal time to enjoy the sun and warmth.
Are you afraid that the rain will spoil your outings and your stay? Rest assured. In central and northern Senegal, rainfall is relatively light during the rainy season. We know a few showers between July and September, in the form of a storm, which last a maximum of two hours. The sun returns shortly after and it is not uncommon to experience several days in a row, without a drop of rain.
In the south, it’s a little different. THE rainy days are more numerous. There are also thunderstorms but over a longer period. However, with the stifling heat that affects this territory, showers are often seen as a liberation. Plus, there are enough rain-free moments to fully enjoy your trip. The rainy season in Senegal is therefore generally a great time to travel.
What are the risks during the rainy season in Senegal?
Cyclones generally form in the ocean, west of Senegal and move towards the northwest. Thus, they generally do not reach the country. However, it can happen that cyclonese form a short distance from the coasts of Senegal, which causes storms (wind gusts, torrential rain) along the coasts. This notably happened in September 2015 with Hurricane Fred which caused a lot of damage to residents. We can therefore say that hurricanes are affecting Senegal exceptionally. The cyclone risk will be more important during a trip to Reunion or in the Caribbean For example.
However, when wintering is intense, it is common for floods take place in Senegal. They then causeDifficulties getting around and some houses are sometimes destroyed.
Finally, the biggest risk that travelers will face during the rainy season in Senegal will certainly be that mosquitoes. In fact, they are numerous in the wet season and can transmit diseases such as malaria. If you wish to leave during this season, you will need to plan effective repellents, purchased directly on site. With humidity, perspiration is greater, so it is advisable to protect yourself more regularly.
To minimize this risk, it will also be necessary to wear long clothes, especially in the evening, to protect your legs and arms. Likewise, it will be better to opt for a room equipped with a mosquito net.
The rainy season in Senegal often delights travelers looking for a more authentic stay, far from the tourists. You will be able to discover fascinating landscapes and very different from the dry season. All Senegalese will tell you that this season is well worth a trip and that the rain will not spoil your stay. So you are ready to leave during the rainy season in Senegal?
