Dakar in August

August weather, activities, events & insider tips

August Weather in Dakar

30°C (86°F) High Temp

25°C (77°F) Low Temp

165 mm (6.5 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is August Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect surfing conditions - August brings consistent swells to N'Gor and Yoff beaches with waves 1-2 m (3-6 feet), ideal for both beginners and intermediates
Hivernage cultural season peaks - locals celebrate the rainy season with busy festivals, traditional wrestling matches every weekend, and the famous Saint-Louis Jazz Festival
Lush green landscapes - the rains transform Dakar's normally dusty terrain into verdant beauty, making photography at Senegal and Senegal spectacular
Cooler temperatures than dry season - daytime highs of 30°C (86°F) are 8°C (14°F) cooler than March-May, making walking tours and outdoor markets comfortable

Considerations

Unpredictable afternoon downpours - rain hits suddenly around 3-5pm lasting 30-90 minutes, disrupting outdoor plans about 60% of days
High humidity makes it feel hotter - 70% humidity means 30°C (86°F) feels like 35°C (95°F), and cotton clothes stay damp longer
Some rural roads become impassable - accessing remote beaches like Popenguine or traditional villages requires 4WD vehicles after heavy rains

Best Activities in August

Surfing lessons and board rentals at N'Gor Island

August delivers Dakar's most consistent surf conditions with Atlantic swells producing perfect 1-2 m (3-6 feet) waves. The rainy season winds create ideal offshore conditions in mornings before noon. Water temperature stays warm at 24°C (75°F) while air cools to comfortable levels. Local surf schools on N'Gor Island beach offer lessons in Wolof and French, with equipment included.

Booking Tip: Book morning sessions (8am-11am) to avoid afternoon rains. Lesson packages typically cost 15,000-25,000 CFA ($25-40) including board rental. Book 3-4 days ahead during weekends when Dakar residents escape to the coast. See current surf tour options in booking section below.

Traditional wrestling matches and cultural tours

August marks peak wrestling season as the rains bring celebration energy to neighborhoods. Every weekend features matches at Stade Léopold Sédar Senghor or local arenas. These aren't tourist shows but genuine community events with live percussion, traditional dress, and intense local pride. Wrestling culture tours include visits to training grounds and meetings with wrestlers.

Booking Tip: Match tickets cost 2,000-8,000 CFA ($3-13) depending on seating. Cultural tours with wrestler meetings typically run 20,000-35,000 CFA ($32-57). Book through cultural centers or see current options in booking section below. Weekend matches start at 4pm to avoid midday heat.

Saint-Louis Jazz Festival and northern Senegal exploration

The legendary Saint-Louis Jazz Festival runs late August, transforming the UNESCO World Heritage island city into West Africa's jazz capital. Beyond concerts, August's cooler weather and lush landscapes make the 270 km (168 mile) journey north ideal for exploring colonial architecture, the Langue de Barbarie National Park, and traditional fishing communities.

Booking Tip: Festival passes cost 35,000-85,000 CFA ($57-138). Combined transport and accommodation packages from Dakar typically range 75,000-150,000 CFA ($122-244). Book 6-8 weeks ahead as this is Senegal's premier cultural event. See current tour packages in booking section below.

Bandia Wildlife Reserve photography tours

August rains transform this 3,500-hectare reserve 65 km (40 miles) southeast of Dakar into a photographer's great destination. The normally brown savanna explodes with green, creating dramatic backdrops for giraffes, rhinos, and antelope. Cooler temperatures mean animals are more active during midday hours, and the soft light after rain showers is perfect for wildlife photography.

Booking Tip: Reserve entry fees are 15,000 CFA ($24) plus 25,000-40,000 CFA ($40-65) for guided photography tours. Vehicle rentals with drivers cost 35,000-50,000 CFA ($57-81) for half-day trips. Book morning tours (9am-1pm) to avoid afternoon rains. See current tour options in booking section below.

Gorée Island historical tours and indoor museums

August's variable weather makes Gorée Island perfect - when rains hit mainland Dakar, the island's museums, historical sites, and covered markets provide cultural immersion. The 20-minute ferry ride offers dramatic storm-watching opportunities, and the island's compact 0.18 km² (45 acres) means you can duck into the House of Slaves or IFAN Historical Museum when weather turns.

Booking Tip: Ferry tickets cost 5,200 CFA ($8.50) round-trip with departures every 2 hours. Island entry is free but museum fees range 1,000-3,000 CFA ($1.60-4.90). No advance booking needed for ferries, but check return schedules as service reduces during heavy storms. See current guided tour options in booking section below.

Indoor cooking classes and market tours with rain backup plans

August's afternoon rains make covered Sandaga and Kermel markets bustling social centers where locals gather. Cooking classes in traditional compounds teach thieboudienne (national rice dish) and other Senegalese staples while rain drums on tin roofs. Many classes include market tours with indoor sections and covered cooking areas, perfect for August's unpredictable weather.

Booking Tip: Half-day cooking experiences cost 25,000-45,000 CFA ($40-73) including market tour and meal. Book morning sessions (9am-1pm) starting in covered markets before moving to covered cooking spaces. Most classes accommodate 4-8 people and require 2-3 days advance booking. See current culinary tour options in booking section below.

August Events & Festivals

Late August

Saint-Louis International Jazz Festival

West Africa's premier jazz festival transforms the colonial island city into a musical great destination with international and local artists performing in historic venues, courtyards, and outdoor stages. Features traditional Senegalese music fusion with contemporary jazz.

Throughout August

Traditional Wrestling Championship Season

Peak season for Senegal's national sport with major matches every weekend at stadiums and neighborhood arenas. Features elaborate pre-match ceremonies, traditional drummers, and intense community pride. Wrestlers train year-round for these rainy season competitions.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry rain jacket (not umbrella) - afternoon downpours are windy and sudden, lasting 30-90 minutes with little warning

Breathable cotton or linen clothing - avoid polyester in 70% humidity as synthetic fabrics trap moisture and heat

Waterproof phone case - essential for sudden storms and high humidity that can damage electronics

Closed-toe shoes that dry quickly - flip-flops are impractical in flooded streets and muddy markets after rains

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index hits 8 even on cloudy days, and reflection off wet surfaces intensifies exposure

Moisture-wicking underwear and socks - cotton stays damp for hours in high humidity, causing discomfort and chafing

Small quick-dry towel - for sudden rain or humidity-induced perspiration, especially during market visits

Ziplock bags for documents - protect passport, money, and tickets from sudden downpours and humid conditions

Lightweight long pants - for mosque visits and protection from air-conditioned indoor spaces that locals keep very cool

Probiotics or stomach medication - increased bacteria activity in warm, humid conditions can affect sensitive stomachs

Insider Knowledge

Carry 500 and 1,000 CFA notes during rainy season - taxi drivers and vendors rarely have change when everyone's seeking shelter simultaneously during sudden downpours

Plan indoor backup activities between 3-5pm daily - this is when 60% of August rains hit, and locals automatically shift plans to covered markets, shopping centers, or cafes

Book accommodations with reliable generators - power outages increase during August storms, and budget hotels without backup power leave you without fans or AC in humid conditions

Learn basic Wolof weather phrases like 'taw na' (it's raining) - locals appreciate effort and will offer better shelter advice and insider timing for activities

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking outdoor tours for afternoon hours - most rain hits 3-5pm, disrupting sunset tours, beach activities, and walking tours that don't account for weather patterns

Packing only cotton clothes - while breathable, cotton takes hours to dry in 70% humidity, leaving you in damp clothes if caught in rain

Expecting reliable internet/power during storms - many areas experience outages during heavy rains, so download offline maps and entertainment beforehand