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Dakar - Things to Do in Dakar in December

Things to Do in Dakar in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Dakar

28°C (82°F) High Temp
21°C (69°F) Low Temp
0 mm (0 inches) Rainfall
70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

  • Perfect beach weather without the scorching heat - temperatures hover around 28°C (82°F) during the day, which is genuinely comfortable for exploring. The Atlantic breeze keeps things pleasant, especially along the Corniche and Île de Gorée.
  • Virtually zero rainfall despite those 10 'rainy days' listed - December sits firmly in Dakar's dry season, so those occasional drizzles are brief and rare. You'll plan outdoor activities without worrying about washouts, unlike the August-October period when real rain disrupts everything.
  • Cultural calendar hits its stride - December brings Dakar into festival season as the city gears up for major events. The Saint-Louis Jazz Festival wraps up early month, and you'll catch rehearsals and pre-events for Dakar Biennale preparations. Local wrestling (Laamb) season is in full swing with matches most weekends.
  • Seafood is exceptional right now - December marks peak fishing season when the cold Canary Current brings nutrient-rich waters. Thiéboudienne (Senegal's national dish) tastes noticeably better with fresh-caught thiof, and beachside grills from Yoff to Ngor serve the year's best catches at reasonable prices, typically 3,500-6,000 CFA for a solid plate.

Considerations

  • Harmattan winds start appearing late month - while not as intense as January-February, you'll notice the dry, dusty wind from the Sahara creating hazy skies by late December. Visibility drops, sunsets look muted, and anyone with respiratory sensitivities should bring appropriate medication. The dust gets into everything.
  • Accommodation prices creep up for year-end holidays - while December isn't technically peak season, the Christmas and New Year period (roughly December 20-January 5) sees prices jump 30-50% as European expats return and diaspora Senegalese come home. Book before mid-November or expect to pay premium rates in popular areas like Almadies and Ngor.
  • Some cultural sites operate on reduced schedules - museums and galleries in Dakar often have irregular hours in late December as staff take holiday leave. The IFAN Museum and Village des Arts can close unexpectedly. Always call ahead or check current hours rather than relying on posted schedules.

Investigate Other Months

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
View Year-Round Climate Guide →

Best Activities in December

Île de Gorée Day Trips

December weather makes the 20-minute ferry crossing consistently smooth - important because rough seas in rainy season often cancel departures. The island's lack of cars and compact 900 m (0.5 mile) walking circuit means you'll explore comfortably in morning temperatures around 24°C (75°F). The Maison des Esclaves opens at 10:30am, and visiting before 11am means you'll avoid the cruise ship groups that arrive mid-morning. December's clear skies make the colonial architecture photograph beautifully, though late-month Harmattan haze affects this somewhat.

Booking Tip: Ferry tickets are sold at Dakar's maritime terminal, no advance booking needed - departures run every 1-2 hours from 6:30am to 11pm. Cost is 5,200 CFA round-trip for non-residents. For guided historical tours on the island, expect 8,000-15,000 CFA for 2-3 hours. Look for guides with official badges from the Gorée Historical Society. See current tour options in the booking section below for packages that include ferry and guided experiences.

Laamb Wrestling Matches

Traditional Senegalese wrestling season runs strong through December, with major bouts happening most weekends at Stade Demba Diop or Arène Nationale. December is actually ideal because the cooler evening temperatures make the outdoor stadium experience comfortable - matches typically start around 6pm and run until 10pm or later. This is genuinely local culture, not tourist performance, and the atmosphere is electric. You'll see the mystical pre-fight rituals, hear the sabar drums, and understand why wrestlers are Senegal's biggest celebrities.

Booking Tip: Tickets range from 2,000 CFA for basic seating to 25,000 CFA for VIP sections. Buy from official ticket offices at the venues 2-3 days before major matches - avoid street resellers. Check local sports pages or ask your accommodation for upcoming match schedules, as they're not always advertised to tourists. Major bouts featuring stars like Gris Bordeaux or Modou Lo sell out quickly.

Lac Rose (Lake Retba) Excursions

The pink lake is genuinely pinker in December's dry season - lower water levels concentrate the salt-loving bacteria that create the color. Located 35 km (22 miles) northeast of Dakar, December's pleasant temperatures make the hour-long drive comfortable, and you can actually walk around the lake without melting. The salt harvesters work year-round, but December mornings offer the best light for photography around 8-10am. The color intensity varies daily based on sunlight and wind, so manage expectations - some days it's bubble-gum pink, others more peachy-beige.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours typically cost 15,000-25,000 CFA per person including transport and guide, or 40,000-60,000 CFA for private vehicle. Many tours combine Lac Rose with nearby Bandia Wildlife Reserve. Book through your accommodation or see current options in the booking section below. If driving independently, entry to the lake area is around 2,500 CFA, and salt harvester boat rides cost 5,000-8,000 CFA for 20 minutes.

Dakar Peninsula Coastal Walks

December's moderate temperatures and dry conditions make the dramatic coastline actually walkable. The stretch from Mamelles Lighthouse south to Ouakam offers about 5 km (3.1 miles) of clifftop paths with Atlantic views and local fishing villages. Early morning walks (7-9am) before temperatures climb give you the best experience. The Pointe des Almadies, Africa's westernmost point, sits at the northern tip and makes a worthy destination. You'll pass through neighborhoods tourists rarely see and encounter fishermen hauling in morning catches.

Booking Tip: This is self-guided and free, though bringing a local guide adds cultural context and navigation help through residential areas. Informal guides near Mamelles Lighthouse typically charge 5,000-10,000 CFA for 2-3 hours. Wear sturdy walking shoes as paths are uneven volcanic rock in places. Bring water and sun protection - the UV index of 8 is serious, and coastal exposure intensifies it.

Dakar Food Market Tours

December's dry weather makes navigating markets like Marché Kermel and Marché Sandaga much more pleasant - no mud, no rain disruptions. Morning tours (8-11am) catch markets at peak activity when produce is freshest and the temperature is still manageable. You'll see seasonal items like fresh dates, bissap (hibiscus) flowers for tea, and the exceptional December seafood. Learning to identify good thiof fish and understanding Senegalese spice blends adds genuine value. Markets are intensely crowded and can overwhelm first-timers, so having someone who knows the layout helps tremendously.

Booking Tip: Walking food tours typically run 18,000-30,000 CFA for 3-4 hours including tastings. Look for tours that include cooking demonstrations or visits to family compounds where you'll see traditional food preparation. See current culinary tour options in the booking section below. If exploring independently, bring small bills - most vendors can't break 10,000 CFA notes, and having 500-1,000 CFA denominations makes transactions smoother.

Ngor Island Beach Time

This small island 400 m (0.25 miles) off Ngor village offers Dakar's best swimming beaches, and December's calm seas make the 5-minute pirogue crossing safe and comfortable. The island has no cars, just sandy paths connecting small beaches. December temperatures are perfect for beach lounging without the scorching intensity of March-May. The surf spots on the ocean-facing side work well in December, with consistent swells but not the massive waves of winter months. Water temperature stays around 22°C (72°F), refreshing but not cold.

Booking Tip: Pirogue water taxis run constantly from Ngor beach, 1,000 CFA round-trip per person. No advance booking needed - just show up. Beach chairs and umbrellas on Ngor Island rent for 2,000-3,000 CFA per day. Small restaurants serve fresh grilled fish for 4,000-7,000 CFA. Surfboard rentals available for 5,000-8,000 CFA for a few hours if you want to try the breaks. Bring cash as there are no ATMs on the island.

December Events & Festivals

Throughout December

Saint-Louis Jazz Festival Spillover

While the main festival happens in Saint-Louis in May, December sees jazz performances and cultural events in Dakar as part of the extended programming. Local venues like Just 4 U and Institut Français host concerts throughout the month. The exact schedule varies yearly, but expect quality performances featuring Senegalese jazz fusion blending traditional mbalax rhythms with contemporary jazz.

Throughout December

Dakar Biennale Preparations

Though the main Dak'Art contemporary art biennale happens in May of odd years, December sees gallery openings, artist residencies, and preview exhibitions as the art community gears up. Village des Arts in Ouakam and galleries around Plateau host openings most weekends. This is insider access to Dakar's vibrant contemporary art scene before the international crowds arrive.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight cotton or linen clothing in light colors - the 70% humidity makes synthetic fabrics uncomfortable. You'll want breathable materials that dry quickly if you sweat or encounter those rare drizzles.
SPF 50+ sunscreen and reapply frequently - UV index of 8 means you'll burn faster than you think, especially with coastal reflection intensifying exposure. Locals use umbrellas for sun protection, which works better than hats alone.
Dust mask or scarf for late December - as Harmattan winds pick up toward month's end, having something to cover nose and mouth during dusty periods helps significantly, particularly if you're sensitive to air quality.
Modest clothing for mosque visits and local neighborhoods - lightweight long pants or skirts that cover knees, and shirts covering shoulders. This isn't just religious sites but general respect in residential areas away from beach zones.
Sturdy walking sandals or breathable sneakers - Dakar's sidewalks are uneven, often broken, and you'll walk more than expected. Flip-flops work for beach areas but not for city exploration. Something that handles sand, dust, and occasional water works best.
Small daypack with zipper closures - for carrying water, sunscreen, and valuables while exploring markets and crowded areas. Open bags invite pickpocketing in busy zones like Sandaga market.
Reusable water bottle - tap water isn't drinkable, but refilling from large bottles at your accommodation saves money and plastic. You'll need to hydrate constantly in the warm, humid conditions.
Light jacket or long sleeves for evening - while days hit 28°C (82°F), evenings can drop to 21°C (69°F), especially near the coast with Atlantic breezes. Air-conditioned restaurants and vehicles can feel cold after being outside.
French phrasebook or translation app - English is limited outside tourist zones and upscale hotels. Basic French goes far, and attempting Wolof greetings like 'Nanga def' earns genuine smiles.
Unlocked phone for local SIM card - Orange and Free Senegal sell tourist SIM cards with data for 5,000-10,000 CFA at the airport. Having mobile data makes navigation and communication vastly easier than relying on hotel WiFi.

Insider Knowledge

The best exchange rates are at SGC and CBAO bank ATMs, not airport exchange counters or hotels. Airport rates typically run 5-8% worse. Withdraw larger amounts to minimize the 3,000-5,000 CFA flat fees most ATMs charge per transaction.
Taxis don't use meters - negotiate firmly before getting in. Dakar to Almadies should run 3,000-4,000 CFA during the day, 5,000-6,000 CFA at night. If a driver quotes 10,000 CFA, walk away and find another. The ride-hailing apps Yango and Heetch work well and eliminate negotiation stress.
December is actually when wealthy Dakarois take vacations, so upscale restaurants in Almadies and Ngor have better availability than you'd expect. Make reservations anyway for weekend dinners, but weeknight tables are usually available. The local dining scene slows down as families travel.
The Corniche walkway from downtown to Soumbedioune is best walked early morning before 8am or after 6pm - midday sun makes it brutal despite the ocean views. You'll also avoid the aggressive vendors who work the tourist walking hours. The 4 km (2.5 mile) stretch takes about an hour at a comfortable pace.

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating Dakar's sprawl and traffic - the city stretches over 30 km (19 miles) from downtown to Almadies, and traffic can turn a 20-minute drive into 90 minutes during rush hours (7-9am, 5-8pm). Budget extra time for any scheduled activities and don't plan back-to-back commitments in different neighborhoods.
Changing money at hotels or small exchange offices - rates are consistently worse than bank ATMs by 5-10%. The convenience isn't worth the loss on larger amounts. Withdraw CFA directly from ATMs using debit cards with low foreign transaction fees.
Wearing expensive jewelry or carrying obvious camera equipment in crowded markets - Dakar isn't particularly dangerous, but opportunistic theft happens in dense areas like Sandaga market. Keep phones in front pockets, cameras in bags until you're ready to shoot, and leave valuable jewelry at your accommodation.

Explore Activities in Dakar

Continue Planning Your Trip

November

Travel guide for November

January

Travel guide for January

Climate Guide

Weather and seasonal patterns for Dakar

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Plan Your December Trip to Dakar

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