Dakar in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Dakar

30°C (86°F) High Temp

23°C (74°F) Low Temp

0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect dry season weather - November marks the start of Dakar's ideal tourist period with zero rainfall and consistent ocean breezes keeping temperatures comfortable at 23-30°C (74-86°F)
Tabaski (Eid al-Adha) celebrations often fall in November, offering authentic cultural immersion with traditional wrestling matches, family feasts, and busy street celebrations throughout the city
Optimal conditions for Senegal visits - calm Atlantic waters make the 20-minute ferry crossing smooth, while clear skies provide perfect lighting for the island's historical sites and photography
Peak season for local markets and street food - vendors operate longer hours in the comfortable weather, and seasonal produce like bissap (hibiscus) and bouye (baobab fruit) are at their freshest

Considerations

High season pricing begins - accommodation costs increase 40-60% compared to rainy season months, and popular restaurants like those in Almadies Peninsula require reservations 2-3 days ahead
Harmattan winds can begin late November, bringing Saharan dust that reduces visibility to 2-3 km (1.2-1.9 miles) and creates hazy conditions for photography and coastal activities
Tourist crowds peak at major sites - Senegal ferries run at 80% capacity, and you'll wait 15-20 minutes longer at popular spots like IFAN Museum and Marché Kermel

Best Activities in November

Île de Gorée Historical Tours

November's calm seas make the ferry crossing to this UNESCO World Heritage site comfortable and reliable. The dry weather is perfect for walking the island's cobblestone streets and exploring the House of Slaves museum. Clear skies provide excellent visibility of Dakar's skyline from the island. Morning tours (8-11am) avoid the strongest UV rays while evening visits (4-7pm) offer golden hour photography opportunities.

Booking Tip: Ferry tickets cost 5,200 CFA (about $9-10) round trip from Dakar port. Depart every hour 7am-7pm. Book guided historical tours for 15,000-25,000 CFA through certified guides at the ferry terminal. Avoid weekends when local families visit. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Lac Rose (Lake Retba) Salt Harvesting Experience

The dry season intensifies the lake's pink coloration as water levels drop and salt concentrations increase. November's low humidity makes the 30 km (18.6 mile) drive northeast comfortable, and clear weather provides perfect conditions for photography. Salt collectors work actively during these months, offering authentic cultural interactions. The high salt content makes floating effortless.

Booking Tip: Day trips typically cost 35,000-50,000 CFA including transport and guide. Book 3-5 days ahead through licensed tour operators. Early morning departures (7-8am) avoid afternoon heat and provide best lighting. Entrance fee 2,000 CFA per person. Current tour options available in booking section below.

Traditional Wrestling Match Experiences

November coincides with the peak wrestling season in Senegal, with major bouts often scheduled around Tabaski celebrations. The comfortable evening temperatures 23-25°C (74-77°F) make attending matches at venues like Stade Demba Diop enjoyable. This is when legendary wrestlers compete, and the atmosphere reaches fever pitch with traditional drums and crowd energy.

Booking Tip: Match tickets range from 2,000-15,000 CFA depending on seating and bout importance. Purchase through official venues or hotel concierges. Major matches sell out 1-2 weeks ahead. Evening matches (6-9pm) are most popular. Transport costs 3,000-5,000 CFA each way via taxi. Check current wrestling events in booking section below.

Artisan Market and Craft Workshop Tours

Dry weather means outdoor artisan workshops in neighborhoods like Medina and Soumbedioune operate at full capacity. November's comfortable temperatures allow extended browsing through covered markets like Marché HLM without the oppressive heat of other seasons. Local craftsmen work longer hours, and you can watch traditional weaving, woodcarving, and jewelry making processes.

Booking Tip: Self-guided market visits are free, but guided craft tours cost 20,000-35,000 CFA for half-day experiences including workshop visits. Morning tours (9am-1pm) offer the best selection and most active workshops. Budget 15,000-50,000 CFA for quality souvenirs. Bargaining is expected - start at 40% of asking price. Current cultural tours in booking section below.

Coastal Fishing Village Experiences

November's calm seas bring fishing boats closer to shore, making traditional villages like Yoff and Ngor ideal for authentic maritime experiences. Fishermen work longer hours in the comfortable weather, and you can witness the colorful pirogues (traditional boats) returning with daily catches. The dry season also means clearer waters for potential swimming at secluded beaches.

Booking Tip: Village visits cost 10,000-20,000 CFA including local guide and possible fishing boat ride. Best visited early morning (6-9am) when boats return or late afternoon (4-7pm) when they depart. Transport to villages like Yoff costs 2,000-3,000 CFA via taxi from central Dakar. Bring small bills for fish purchases directly from boats. Current coastal tours in booking section below.

Senegalese Cooking Classes and Food Tours

November's weather makes outdoor food markets comfortable for extended visits, and seasonal ingredients like fresh fish, millet, and hibiscus are abundant. Cooking classes can use outdoor kitchens without heat concerns, and walking food tours through neighborhoods like Plateau become pleasant rather than exhausting. Traditional dishes like thieboudienne taste better with fresh, in-season ingredients.

Booking Tip: Cooking classes range from 25,000-45,000 CFA for 3-4 hour experiences including market visits and meal. Book 5-7 days ahead, especially for weekend classes. Food tours cost 15,000-25,000 CFA for 3-hour walking experiences. Morning classes (9am-1pm) work with market schedules. Afternoon options (2-6pm) avoid midday crowds. Current culinary experiences in booking section below.

November Events & Festivals

Varies annually based on lunar calendar - typically mid to late November

Tabaski (Eid al-Adha) Celebrations

The most important Islamic celebration in Senegal, featuring family gatherings, traditional wrestling matches, and elaborate feasts. Streets come alive with new clothes, shared meals, and community prayers. Visitors can witness authentic Senegalese culture and hospitality, though many businesses close for 2-3 days.

Late November

Saint-Louis Jazz Festival Overflow Events

While the main festival occurs in Saint-Louis, Dakar hosts spillover concerts and jazz performances in venues like Institut Français and local clubs. November's pleasant evenings make outdoor concert venues particularly appealing for both performers and audiences.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

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

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 8, and reflection off Atlantic waters increases exposure during island visits

Light scarf or shawl - essential for mosque visits and provides dust protection if harmattan winds begin late in month

Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes - Dakar's streets have uneven surfaces, and you'll walk 8-12 km (5-7.5 miles) daily sightseeing

Waterproof phone case - ferry spray and fishing village visits can expose electronics to salt water and sand

Hand sanitizer and wet wipes - essential for market visits and street food experiences where washing facilities may be limited

Insect repellent with DEET - evening activities near Lac Rose and coastal areas can have mosquitoes despite dry conditions

Power bank and universal adapter - frequent power fluctuations in some neighborhoods can interrupt device charging

Cash in small denominations - many vendors and taxi drivers cannot break 10,000 CFA notes, carry plenty of 500-2,000 CFA bills

Lightweight day pack - secure bag for camera, water, and purchases during long walking tours through markets and cultural sites

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodation by early October - November starts high season and quality guesthouses in Almadies and Ngor fill up as European tourists escape winter weather

Exchange money at official banks rather than street changers - rates are nearly identical but bank notes are accepted everywhere, while some vendors refuse worn bills from unofficial sources

Take shared taxis (car rapide) during morning hours only - they become overcrowded and uncomfortable after 11am when temperatures rise above 28°C (82°F)

Visit Senegal on weekdays before 2pm - weekend crowds triple, and afternoon ferry returns can have 45-minute waits during peak season

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating November pricing - many first-time visitors budget for low season rates but November begins high season, increasing accommodation costs 40-60% and restaurant prices 20-30%

Overpacking warm weather clothes - November evenings cool to 23°C (74°F) with ocean breezes, requiring light layers for comfort during sunset activities

Not booking Gorée Island early in stay - many visitors save this highlight for their final day, but ferry disruptions or sold-out tours can ruin plans, visit within first 2-3 days