Dakar in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Dakar

25°C (77°F) High Temp

18°C (65°F) Low Temp

0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season with zero rainfall - perfect for outdoor activities and beach excursions without weather interruptions
Harmattan winds create comfortable 18-25°C (65-77°F) temperatures, ideal for walking tours and cultural sites
Prime whale watching season along Almadies Peninsula - humpback whales migrate through Dakar waters from February through April
Festival season culminates with pre-Ramadan celebrations and traditional wrestling tournaments drawing massive local crowds

Considerations

Dust-laden Harmattan winds can reduce visibility and irritate respiratory systems, especially problematic for those with allergies
Peak tourist season means accommodation prices increase 40-60% and popular sites like Senegal become crowded with cruise ship passengers
Strong UV index of 8 combined with dry air creates rapid sunburn risk - locals avoid midday sun from 11am-3pm

Best Activities in March

Île de Gorée Historical Tours

March's dry conditions make the 20-minute ferry ride comfortable with minimal seasickness risk. The island's cobblestone paths are dust-free, and the House of Slaves museum benefits from the clear, bright lighting. Early morning visits (8am-10am) avoid both crowds and intense UV exposure while capturing the best photography light.

Booking Tip: Book ferry tickets 2-3 days ahead through official operators. Tours typically cost 15,000-25,000 CFA ($25-42) including round-trip ferry. Choose morning departures to avoid afternoon heat and cruise ship crowds. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Pink Lake (Lac Rose) Salt Harvesting Experience

March's dry season intensifies the lake's pink coloration due to high salt concentration and minimal dilution. The 35km (22 miles) journey takes 45 minutes on improved roads. Salt workers are most active 6am-11am, offering authentic cultural interactions before midday heat becomes unbearable.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours cost 20,000-35,000 CFA ($33-58) including transport and guide. Book through licensed operators with insured vehicles for the sandy terrain. Combine with nearby Senegal for full-day experiences. Current options available in booking section below.

Whale Watching Excursions

March marks peak humpback whale migration season along Dakar's Atlantic coast. Calm seas from reduced rainy season winds provide optimal viewing conditions. Success rates exceed 85% during morning trips when whales surface feed. The dry weather ensures clear visibility up to 15km (9 miles) offshore.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through certified marine operators. Tours cost 45,000-65,000 CFA ($75-108) for 4-6 hour excursions. Choose operators with marine biologist guides and safety certifications. See current whale watching options in booking section below.

Traditional Wrestling Match Attendance

March hosts major 'Laamb' wrestling tournaments preparing for Ramadan season. Matches occur Saturday evenings at Stade Demba Diop, featuring elaborate pre-fight ceremonies and traditional drumming. The dry weather ensures outdoor venues operate at full capacity with authentic crowd energy.

Booking Tip: Tickets range 2,000-15,000 CFA ($3-25) depending on seating. Purchase through official stadium box office or hotel concierge services. Matches start 6pm lasting 3-4 hours. Cultural tour packages including dinner cost 25,000-40,000 CFA ($42-67).

Bandia Wildlife Reserve Safari

March's dry conditions concentrate wildlife around water sources, improving animal viewing opportunities. The 3,500-hectare reserve located 65km (40 miles) from Dakar features giraffes, rhinos, and antelopes most active during cooler morning hours. Dust-free roads allow open-vehicle safaris.

Booking Tip: Day trips cost 35,000-55,000 CFA ($58-92) including transport, entrance, and guide. Book morning departures (7am) to avoid afternoon heat. Combine with Pink Lake visits for efficient full-day itineraries. Current safari options in booking section below.

Dakar Peninsula Coastal Hiking

March's comfortable temperatures and minimal humidity create ideal hiking conditions along the 15km (9 miles) of coastal cliffs from Almadies to Ouakam. Clear skies offer spectacular Atlantic views and optimal photography conditions. Traditional fishing village interactions peak during morning hours when boats return with catches.

Booking Tip: Guided coastal walks cost 12,000-20,000 CFA ($20-33) for 4-5 hours including cultural stops. Independent hiking requires sturdy shoes for rocky terrain. Start early (7am) to complete before midday sun intensifies. See current hiking tour options in booking section below.

March Events & Festivals

Early to Mid March

Grand Magal Preparation Festivals

Community celebrations and preparatory events leading to the Magal of Senegal pilgrimage. Features traditional music, Islamic poetry recitations, and communal feast preparations throughout Dakar neighborhoods.

Mid March

International Wrestling Championship Preliminaries

Major Laamb wrestling tournaments featuring top Senegalese champions competing in elaborate ceremonies with traditional drummers, griots, and mystical preparations. Held at various venues across Dakar.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

High-SPF sunscreen (50+) and reapply every 90 minutes - UV index 8 with intense reflection off Atlantic waters causes rapid burning

Dust mask or bandana for Harmattan wind days when Saharan dust reduces visibility and irritates airways

Lightweight long-sleeve shirts in light colors for mosque visits and sun protection during midday hours

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip for Senegal's cobblestones and coastal cliff paths

Wide-brimmed hat with chin strap - coastal winds can be strong, especially during whale watching boat trips

Insect repellent for evening outdoor activities - mosquitoes emerge after sunset despite dry conditions

Light jacket for evening temperatures dropping to 18°C (65°F) and air-conditioned venues

Reusable water bottle - dehydration occurs quickly in dry Harmattan conditions even without visible sweating

Cash in small CFA denominations - many local experiences and transport options don't accept cards

Respectful clothing covering shoulders and knees for mosque visits and cultural sites

Insider Knowledge

Take car rapides (local buses) between 6-8am when they're less crowded and before dust accumulates - fare is 150-300 CFA versus 2,000+ CFA for taxis covering same routes

Visit markets like Marché Sandaga early morning (7-9am) when vendors offer better prices before tourist crowds arrive and when dust levels are lowest from overnight settling

Book accommodations in Almadies Peninsula rather than downtown Plateau - coastal breezes reduce dust impact and provide easier access to whale watching departure points

Eat at local 'tangana' outdoor restaurants after 7pm when families gather - March's comfortable evening temperatures create the most authentic social dining experiences of the year

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating Harmattan dust impact - tourists often skip face coverings then struggle with respiratory irritation and dirty camera equipment

Booking afternoon whale watching tours - morning trips have 85% success rates versus 60% for afternoon departures when winds increase

Not carrying enough cash - popular March festivals and events often overwhelm ATM networks, leaving tourists unable to participate in cultural experiences