Dakar, Senegal: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
Traveling to Dakar, Senegal? If you're planning to go to Dakar, this article contains some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Dakar
- Important essentials for Dakar
- Activities for Dakar
- Dakar in January: weather and what to pack
- Dakar in February: weather and what to pack
- Dakar in March: weather and what to pack
- Dakar in April: weather and what to pack
- Dakar in May: weather and what to pack
- Dakar in June: weather and what to pack
- Dakar in July: weather and what to pack
- Dakar in August: weather and what to pack
- Dakar in September: weather and what to pack
- Dakar in October: weather and what to pack
- Dakar in November: weather and what to pack
- Dakar in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Dakar, Senegal
Based on the climate and weather in Dakar, the best time to go is April. See below for details.
Important essentials for Dakar, Senegal
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Dakar, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards can get worn. An unreadable card may result in severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry TSA-friendly choice.
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID-19 protection available.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks aren't sold for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
General health necessities
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas of this country may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's important to bring a contaminant filtering water bottle.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a great option.
-
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
-
Emergency phone
For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Dakar may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.
-
For families with young children
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D, E and K. This one should work in most areas, but you may want to check with your hotel.
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
Money/passport pouch
Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.
What to wear/what to pack for Dakar, Senegal by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
If you vacation in Dakar during January, you are likely to notice that it is warm and dry with little rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 60s F (high 10s C). Humidity is generally between 50 and 60% during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Extra socks
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light skirts
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are going to see the majestic Dakar Grand Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who can enter the building; you should check with the Dakar tourism authority.
-
Scarf for women
You may need to wear something to cover your head. This is a good option.
-
Socks
You will need to take your shoes off.
-
Dressy pants/trousers
Your pants should cover your knees:
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
If you go to Hann Park and Zoo, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Binoculars
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
February
If you go to Dakar in February, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sandals
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light skirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are going to see the majestic Dakar Grand Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who can enter the building; you should check with the Dakar tourism authority.
-
Scarf for women
You may need to wear something to cover your head. This is a good option.
-
Socks
You will need to take your shoes off.
-
Dressy pants/trousers
Your pants should cover your knees:
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
If you go to Hann Park and Zoo, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Binoculars
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
March
If you vacation in Dakar during March, you might find that it is a perfect temperature and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 60s F (high 10s C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Bug repellent
-
Light skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are going to see the majestic Dakar Grand Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who can enter the building; you should check with the Dakar tourism authority.
-
Scarf for women
You may need to wear something to cover your head. This is a good option.
-
Socks
You will need to take your shoes off.
-
Dressy pants/trousers
Your pants should cover your knees:
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
If you go to Hann Park and Zoo, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Binoculars
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
April
April is a perfect temperature and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light skirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Bug repellent
-
Extra socks
-
Sandals
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are going to see the majestic Dakar Grand Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who can enter the building; you should check with the Dakar tourism authority.
-
Scarf for women
You may need to wear something to cover your head. This is a good option.
-
Socks
You will need to take your shoes off.
-
Dressy pants/trousers
Your pants should cover your knees:
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
If you go to Hann Park and Zoo, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Binoculars
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
May
If you visit Dakar during May, you might notice that it is a perfect temperature and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 60s F (low 20s C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light skirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Bug repellent
-
Extra socks
-
Sandals
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are going to see the majestic Dakar Grand Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who can enter the building; you should check with the Dakar tourism authority.
-
Scarf for women
You may need to wear something to cover your head. This is a good option.
-
Socks
You will need to take your shoes off.
-
Dressy pants/trousers
Your pants should cover your knees:
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
If you go to Hann Park and Zoo, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Binoculars
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
June
If you go to Dakar in June, you will notice that it is extremely warm and dry with little rain. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Extra socks
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sandals
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are going to see the majestic Dakar Grand Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who can enter the building; you should check with the Dakar tourism authority.
-
Scarf for women
You may need to wear something to cover your head. This is a good option.
-
Socks
You will need to take your shoes off.
-
Dressy pants/trousers
Your pants should cover your knees:
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
If you go to Hann Park and Zoo, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Binoculars
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
July
If you vacation in Dakar during July, you will probably see that it is pretty consistently hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 70s F (mid 20s C). Humidity is generally around 70 during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick also removes dangerous contaminants:
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunglasses
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from UV rays:
-
Skirts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and cool you.
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We like:
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are going to see the majestic Dakar Grand Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who can enter the building; you should check with the Dakar tourism authority.
-
Scarf for women
You may need to wear something to cover your head. This is a good option.
-
Socks
You will need to take your shoes off.
-
Dressy pants/trousers
Your pants should cover your knees:
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
If you go to Hann Park and Zoo, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Binoculars
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
August
August is hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice also filters dangerous contaminants:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Skirts
-
Sunglasses
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Bug repellent
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We recommend:
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are going to see the majestic Dakar Grand Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who can enter the building; you should check with the Dakar tourism authority.
-
Scarf for women
You may need to wear something to cover your head. This is a good option.
-
Socks
You will need to take your shoes off.
-
Dressy pants/trousers
Your pants should cover your knees:
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
If you go to Hann Park and Zoo, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Binoculars
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
September
If you are traveling to Dakar in September, you will notice that it is extremely hot. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick also cleans harmful contaminants:
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you cool and guard against the sun:
-
Sunglasses
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We suggest:
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are going to see the majestic Dakar Grand Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who can enter the building; you should check with the Dakar tourism authority.
-
Scarf for women
You may need to wear something to cover your head. This is a good option.
-
Socks
You will need to take your shoes off.
-
Dressy pants/trousers
Your pants should cover your knees:
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
If you go to Hann Park and Zoo, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Binoculars
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
October
If you vacation in Dakar during October, you are likely to notice that it can be sweltering and dry with little rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 70s F (mid 20s C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Skirts
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can make you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick also filters dangerous contaminants:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunglasses
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We like:
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are going to see the majestic Dakar Grand Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who can enter the building; you should check with the Dakar tourism authority.
-
Scarf for women
You may need to wear something to cover your head. This is a good option.
-
Socks
You will need to take your shoes off.
-
Dressy pants/trousers
Your pants should cover your knees:
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
If you go to Hann Park and Zoo, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Binoculars
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
November
If you visit Dakar during November, you are likely to find that it is extremely warm and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C). Humidity is generally between 50 and 60% during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Skirts
-
Sunglasses
-
Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from skin damage:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick also cleans contaminants:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
If you're going to the beach
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are going to see the majestic Dakar Grand Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who can enter the building; you should check with the Dakar tourism authority.
-
Scarf for women
You may need to wear something to cover your head. This is a good option.
-
Socks
You will need to take your shoes off.
-
Dressy pants/trousers
Your pants should cover your knees:
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
If you go to Hann Park and Zoo, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Binoculars
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
December
December for Dakar is a perfect temperature and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Extra socks
-
Bug repellent
-
Sandals
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light skirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are going to see the majestic Dakar Grand Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who can enter the building; you should check with the Dakar tourism authority.
-
Scarf for women
You may need to wear something to cover your head. This is a good option.
-
Socks
You will need to take your shoes off.
-
Dressy pants/trousers
Your pants should cover your knees:
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
If you go to Hann Park and Zoo, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Binoculars
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
Activities for Dakar, Senegal
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Dakar.
Check out our guides for these other locations: Bauska, Latvia, Semkovo, Bulgaria, Central Aegean, Turkey, Vanino, Russia, Vaavu, Maldives, Central Panama, Panama, Karatsu, Japan, Coxen Hole, Honduras, Tipón, Peru, Nasugbu, Philippines, and Bekal, India.