Things to Do in Dakar

About Dakar

Where the Sahel meets the Atlantic at Africa's westernmost edge, Dakar pulses with an energy that defies easy categorization—a capital where French colonial architecture stands alongside contemporary art galleries, where the call to prayer mingles with mbalax rhythms, and where teranga (the Wolof spirit of hospitality) transforms every encounter into a meaningful connection. This isn't a city frozen in time for tourists; it's a living, evolving metropolis where West African culture, creativity, and ambition are shaping the continent's future in real time.

Travel Tips

• Currency and Cash: Exchange money at official banks or ATMs rather than street vendors, and always carry CFA francs in small denominations since many local markets, taxis, and restaurants don't accept cards or may claim they lack change.

• Transportation: Negotiate taxi fares before getting in (typical airport to Plateau should be 5,000-7,000 CFA) or use app-based services like Yango, as most taxis don't use meters and tourist pricing can be significantly inflated.

• Beach Safety: Avoid swimming at certain popular beaches like Plage de Yoff during high tide due to strong Atlantic currents; instead, opt for calmer waters at N'Gor Island or supervised areas at hotel beaches.

• Cultural Etiquette: Dress modestly when visiting residential neighborhoods and mosques (Dakar is 95% Muslim), covering shoulders and knees, and always ask permission before photographing people, as many Senegalese prefer privacy or may expect a small tip.

When to Visit

When to Visit Dakar, Sénégal

The optimal time to visit Dakar is during the dry season from November through May, when temperatures range from 20-28°C (68-82°F) and Atlantic breezes keep humidity manageable, though you'll need to strategically plan around specific events and trade-offs. December through February offers the most comfortable weather with minimal rainfall and temperatures around 22-26°C, coinciding with the vibrant Dakar Biennale (Dak'Art) held in May every two years, which transforms the city into a contemporary art hub but significantly inflates accommodation prices. March through May sees temperatures climbing to 25-30°C with increasing humidity as the rainy season approaches, yet this remains ideal for beach activities at N'Gor Island and exploring the atmospheric Gorée Island without overwhelming crowds. The rainy season from June through October brings intense humidity, temperatures around 27-31°C, and heavy downpours primarily in August and September that can flood streets and disrupt transportation, making this period appealing only to budget travelers willing to endure discomfort for 30-40% cheaper hotels—though you'll experience the lush, green transformation of the Sahel landscape. Avoid late July through early September entirely unless attending the Saint-Louis Jazz Festival in May justifies braving the approaching heat, and note that the Tabaski (Eid al-Adha) holiday, which shifts annually with the Islamic calendar, sees most businesses closed and domestic travel peaking.