Dakar in February

February weather, activities, events & insider tips

February Weather in Dakar

25°C (77°F) High Temp

18°C (64°F) Low Temp

0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season with zero rainfall but still 70% humidity keeping dust levels manageable - perfect for exploring markets and outdoor attractions without Dakar's notorious dusty harmattan winds
Ideal temperature range of 18-25°C (64-77°F) means comfortable walking during day and pleasant evenings without needing air conditioning constantly - saving money on accommodation
Prime whale watching season as humpback whales migrate past Dakar's coast - visibility from Almadies Peninsula reaches 15-20 km (9-12 miles) on clear February days
Local fishing season peaks in February bringing freshest catch to markets - thieboudienne (national fish and rice dish) uses day-caught thiof fish rather than frozen imports

Considerations

Highest tourist season means accommodation prices increase 40-60% compared to rainy season, and popular restaurants like those in Medina quarter require reservations 2-3 days ahead
Harmattan desert winds can arrive unexpectedly for 3-5 day periods, reducing visibility to 2-3 km (1-2 miles) and creating hazy conditions that affect photography and island trips
Atlantic Ocean remains cool at 19-21°C (66-70°F) making swimming uncomfortable for most visitors - locals typically don't swim until April when water reaches 24°C (75°F)

Best Activities in February

Gorée Island Historical Tours

February's clear skies and calm Atlantic conditions make the 20-minute ferry crossing consistently reliable with minimal seasickness. The island's slave house museums and colonial architecture are best explored in February's moderate temperatures before March heat arrives. Morning departures at 8am offer best lighting for the emotional Maison des Esclaves experience.

Booking Tip: Ferry tickets cost 5,200 CFA (about $9-10) return and depart every 2 hours from Dakar port. Buy tickets day-of at the port - no advance booking needed. Avoid weekends when Dakar families visit. Allow full day including 3-4 hours on island.

Atlantic Coast Whale Watching

Humpback whale migration peaks in February with 85% success rate for sightings from boats departing Almadies Peninsula. February's calm seas and excellent visibility make this the year's best month for whale watching. Local fishermen spot whale spouts 8-12 km (5-7 miles) offshore almost daily.

Booking Tip: Tours typically cost 25,000-35,000 CFA ($45-60) for 4-5 hours. Book through licensed operators at Almadies fishing port or through hotels. Morning departures have higher success rates. Bring seasickness medication even in calm February seas.

Retba Pink Lake Salt Harvesting Experience

February's dry conditions intensify Lake Retba's pink coloration as water evaporation concentrates salt and algae levels. The 35 km (22-mile) drive from Dakar takes 45 minutes on improved roads. Salt harvesters work actively in February's cooler temperatures, offering authentic cultural interaction opportunities.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours cost 15,000-20,000 CFA ($25-35) including transport and guide. Independent travel via taxi costs 8,000-10,000 CFA ($15-18) return. Entry fee to lake area is 2,000 CFA ($3.50). Floating experience in salt water costs additional 3,000 CFA ($5).

Sandaga Market and Medina Walking Tours

February's comfortable temperatures and dry conditions make navigating Dakar's bustling markets manageable for visitors. The famous Sandaga Market operates at full capacity with fresh produce from interior regions arriving after harvest season. Medina quarter's narrow streets are dust-free and walkable in February's moderate heat.

Booking Tip: Guided market tours cost 8,000-12,000 CFA ($15-20) for 3-4 hours including cultural explanations and haggling assistance. Start early (8-9am) to see morning deliveries and avoid afternoon crowds. Independent exploration free but hiring local guide for 5,000 CFA ($9) recommended for first-time visitors.

Bandia Wildlife Reserve Safari

February's dry season concentrates wildlife around water sources making animal viewing optimal at this 4,500-hectare reserve 65 km (40 miles) from Dakar. Giraffes, rhinos, and antelopes are most active during February's cooler morning and evening temperatures. Dust levels remain low due to recent rains.

Booking Tip: Day tours including transport cost 35,000-45,000 CFA ($60-80) for full day. Self-drive entry costs 15,000 CFA ($25) plus vehicle fee. Morning safaris (8am start) offer best animal activity and lighting. Reserve requires advance booking during February peak season.

Traditional Wrestling (Lutte) Matches

February marks peak traditional wrestling season in Senegal with major tournaments held in Dakar's Demba Diop Stadium and Pikine venues. These culturally significant events feature elaborate pre-fight ceremonies with djembe drumming and traditional costumes. February's pleasant evenings make outdoor arena experiences comfortable.

Booking Tip: Tickets range from 2,000-15,000 CFA ($3-25) depending on seating and match importance. Major matches announced only 1-2 weeks ahead - check local sports newspapers or ask hotel concierge. Stadium food vendors offer local specialties during events. Matches typically start 6-7pm.

February Events & Festivals

Early February

Dakar Rally Finish Celebration

The world-famous Dakar Rally traditionally concludes in early February with victory celebrations at Dakar's port area. Even though the race now runs in Saudi Arabia, Dakar maintains cultural events and exhibitions celebrating its motorsport heritage during this period.

Throughout February

Saint-Louis Jazz Festival Promotion Events

Leading up to the main Saint-Louis Jazz Festival in May, Dakar venues host promotional concerts and jazz workshops throughout February. Local clubs in Niamey feature international and Senegalese jazz musicians in intimate settings.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight cotton or linen clothing - avoid synthetic fabrics in 70% humidity as they trap sweat and become uncomfortable during market visits

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index of 8 causes sunburn within 15-20 minutes of unprotected exposure

Light scarf or bandana for unexpected harmattan dust storms that can arrive with 2-3 hours notice and last several days

Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes with good grip - Dakar's streets mix sand, concrete, and uneven surfaces especially in Medina markets

Reusable water bottle - tap water not recommended and bottled water costs 500-1000 CFA ($1-2) at tourist areas versus 200 CFA ($0.35) at local shops

Small daypack with secure zippers for market visits - pickpocketing increases during February's peak tourist season

Lightweight rain jacket or umbrella - despite dry season, brief afternoon showers occur 10 days in February

Cash in CFA francs - many local operators, markets, and restaurants don't accept cards, and ATM fees can reach 3,000 CFA ($5) per withdrawal

Insect repellent for evening activities - mosquitoes remain active despite dry conditions, especially near coastal areas

Power adapter (Type C and E plugs) and portable charger - power outages occur weekly for 2-4 hours especially during peak tourist demand

Insider Knowledge

Local families take beach picnics to Yoff and Ngor beaches every Sunday in February - join them at sunset around 6:30pm for authentic cultural experience and amazing thieboudienne shared meals

Taxi drivers quote tourist prices 3-4x normal rates during February peak season - always negotiate and agree on price before starting journey, or use app-based Car Rapide for fixed pricing

Thursday evenings feature live sabar drumming and dancing at HLM market area starting around 8pm - free cultural experience that most tourists never discover

Book accommodation in Almadies Peninsula or Ngor for ocean breezes that naturally cool rooms 3-4°C (5-7°F) below inland Niamey temperatures, reducing air conditioning costs

Avoid These Mistakes

Attempting to swim in Atlantic Ocean without wetsuit - water temperature of 19-21°C (66-70°F) feels shocking even to locals and causes rapid heat loss after 10-15 minutes

Wearing all-white or light colors to markets and dusty areas - harmattan dust storms can arrive suddenly and permanently stain light fabrics within hours

Booking domestic flights or long-distance transport during harmattan periods - dust reduces visibility below safe flying conditions and delays become common with 2-3 day waits