Dakar in May

May weather, activities, events & insider tips

May Weather in Dakar

26°C (79°F) High Temp

21°C (69°F) Low Temp

0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Dry season peak - May is Dakar's driest month with virtually no rainfall, perfect for walking the expansive Niamey and exploring outdoor markets like Sandaga without weather disruption
Ideal ocean temperatures - Atlantic waters reach 23-24°C (73-75°F) in May, making beach activities at N'Gor and Yoff comfortable without wetsuit needs that are required in cooler months
Perfect festival season - May marks the end of cultural season with final performances of traditional wrestling matches and sabar dance events before the hot season social lull
Optimal visibility for island hopping - Harmattan dust winds subside by May, offering crystal clear 20-30 km (12-19 mile) visibility for day trips to Senegal and les Îles de la Madeleine

Considerations

Peak UV exposure - With 8+ UV index and minimal cloud cover, you'll need constant SPF 50+ reapplication every 90 minutes; locals avoid midday sun 11am-4pm entirely
Tourist season pricing surge - May accommodation rates increase 40-60% over March levels as European visitors arrive before summer, requiring bookings 6-8 weeks ahead for reasonable rates
Intensifying heat buildup - Daily temperatures climb steadily through May toward June's peak, with afternoon feels-like temperatures reaching 32-35°C (90-95°F) by month's end

Best Activities in May

Île de Gorée Historical Tours

May's clear skies and calm seas make the 20-minute ferry crossing comfortable with unobstructed views of Dakar's coastline. The historic slave trading island is best explored in early morning (8-10am) before heat intensifies. Maison des Esclaves and IFAN Museum are fully accessible without rain concerns, and photography conditions are optimal with bright, diffused light.

Booking Tip: Ferry tickets cost 2,500-3,000 CFA francs round trip. Depart from Dakar Maritime Station every hour 8am-6pm. Book island tours through certified cultural guides at the dock (typically 5,000-8,000 CFA for 2-hour guided tours). See current tour options in booking section below.

Atlantic Coastal Surfing

May delivers consistent 1-2m (3-6 ft) waves with offshore morning winds at N'Gor and Ouakam breaks. Water temperature peaks at 23-24°C (73-75°F), eliminating wetsuit needs. Beginner-friendly conditions prevail with 6-7 hour daylight surfing window. Local surf schools operate at full capacity with equipment in peak condition.

Booking Tip: Surf lessons typically cost 15,000-25,000 CFA for 2-hour sessions including board rental. Book 3-5 days ahead through beachside surf schools. Morning sessions (7-10am) offer best conditions before afternoon onshore winds. Current surf school options available in booking section below.

Sahel Wildlife Reserve Excursions

May's dry conditions provide optimal wildlife viewing at Senegal and Fathala, located 65 km (40 miles) south of Dakar. Animals congregate around water sources, improving spotting chances for giraffes, rhinos, and antelope. Clear weather ensures reliable vehicle access on dirt roads that become impassable during rainy season.

Booking Tip: Day safari tours range 35,000-50,000 CFA including transport and guide. Depart Dakar 6am for cooler morning game viewing, return by 4pm. Book through licensed operators with 4WD vehicles. Reserve 7-10 days ahead during May peak season. See current safari options in booking section below.

Traditional Wrestling Match Attendance

May marks the climax of wrestling season before hot season break. Matches occur Sundays at Stade Demba Diop and Iba Mar Diop Stadium, featuring top-tier wrestlers like those from Écurie Fass and Lansar stables. Cool evening temperatures 21-23°C (70-73°F) create comfortable spectating conditions for these 3-4 hour cultural spectacles.

Booking Tip: Premium seats cost 5,000-15,000 CFA, general admission 2,000-3,000 CFA. Purchase tickets at stadium box office day-of-event or through hotel concierges. Arrive 2 hours early for pre-match ceremonies and cultural performances. Current wrestling event listings available in booking section below.

Artisan Market Exploration Tours

May's dry weather allows comfortable navigation of sprawling outdoor markets like Marché Sandaga and Marché HLM. Fabric vendors display full inventories without rain protection needs, and walking conditions are optimal for bargaining sessions that can extend 45-90 minutes per purchase. Morning hours 8-11am offer coolest browsing temperatures.

Booking Tip: Market walking tours with cultural guides cost 8,000-15,000 CFA for 3-4 hours including artisan workshops visits. Independent exploration is feasible with basic Wolof phrases. Bring 20,000-50,000 CFA cash for purchases - haggle to 40-60% of initial asking prices. Current market tour options in booking section below.

Pink Lake Salt Harvesting Experience

May showcases Senegal at peak pink coloration due to high salt concentration from dry season evaporation. Salt harvesters work in cooler morning hours, providing authentic cultural interactions. The 35 km (22 mile) drive northeast passes through characteristic Tunis landscape best viewed in clear May conditions.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours including transport, guide, and salt harvesting demonstration range 20,000-30,000 CFA. Depart Dakar 8am, return 2pm to avoid afternoon heat. Book through tour operators with air-conditioned vehicles. Combine with traditional village visits for fuller cultural experience. Current Pink Lake tours in booking section below.

May Events & Festivals

Mid to Late May

Dak'Art Contemporary Art Festival

West Africa's premier contemporary art biennial showcases installations across Dakar's galleries, with outdoor exhibitions at Village des Arts and Ancien Tribunal perfectly suited to May's dry weather. International and Senegalese artists present cutting-edge works exploring African identity and global themes.

Throughout May

Fête de la Musique Preparation Concerts

Pre-festival concerts throughout May feature mbalax, hip-hop, and reggae performances at venues like Just 4 U and Thiossane. These intimate shows offer better artist access than the crowded June 21st main event, with comfortable outdoor venue conditions in May's mild evenings.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ sunscreen in 100ml bottles - UV index reaches 8-9 daily and requires reapplication every 90 minutes on Gorée Island and beach excursions

Wide-brimmed hat with chin strap - Atlantic coastal winds can reach 15-20 km/h (9-12 mph) during afternoon ferry rides and beach activities

Lightweight long-sleeve cotton shirts - Essential for mosque visits and protection during 11am-4pm peak sun hours when temperatures feel like 32-35°C (90-95°F)

Breathable hiking shoes - Cobblestone streets on Gorée Island and sandy paths at Pink Lake require closed-toe protection with ventilation for 70% humidity

Quick-dry pants in neutral colors - Mosque visits require leg coverage, and dust from Tunis excursions shows prominently on dark fabrics

Portable phone charger/power bank - Extended outdoor photography sessions at cultural sites drain batteries faster in warm temperatures

Electrolyte powder packets - Replace salts lost during 3-4 hour outdoor market browsing sessions in climbing temperatures

Light cotton scarf - Versatile for mosque head covering, sun protection, and dust protection during harmattan wind remnants

Waterproof phone case - Protect electronics during ferry rides and beach activities where salt spray extends 50-100m (165-330 ft) inland

Insect repellent with DEET - Evening cultural events and beachside dining attract mosquitoes despite dry conditions

Insider Knowledge

Schedule outdoor activities before 11am - Locals avoid direct sun exposure between 11am-4pm during May, conducting business in morning hours or air-conditioned spaces during peak heat

Negotiate taxi fares before departure - May tourist influx inflates prices 30-50% above local rates; agree on 2,000-3,000 CFA for cross-city trips versus quoted 5,000+ CFA tourist rates

Carry exact change in 500-1,000 CFA notes - Market vendors and taxi drivers often claim no change during tourist season to extract higher payments from visitors with large bills

Book accommodations in Almadies or N'Gor districts - These coastal areas receive consistent Atlantic breezes that reduce perceived temperature by 3-5°C (5-9°F) compared to inland Niamey

Avoid These Mistakes

Visiting Pink Lake during midday hours - Salt workers finish by 11am and tourist buses arrive 12-2pm; early morning visits offer authentic cultural interaction without crowds and oppressive heat

Bringing only credit cards - Many cultural sites, markets, and local transport operate cash-only; ATMs frequently run empty during May tourism peak, leaving visitors unable to pay for experiences

Overdressing for mosque visits - Heavy clothing seems appropriate for religious respect but becomes unbearable in rising temperatures; lightweight long sleeves and pants provide coverage without heat exhaustion