Dakar Weather in October

October weather

Dakar stays warm in October, with highs around 29°C and nights barely cooler. It's still humid, and rain falls on about 13 days, though September is much wetter. Showers can interrupt a walk, but they don't usually rule out a whole day.

You'll get some sunny spells for the African Renaissance Monument or a stroll along the Corniche. The sea can be choppy, so don't count on calm swimming at Ngor. Goree Island is still worth a visit, but keep your ferry trip flexible if rain or rough water rolls in.

What to do

October suits a mix of indoor and outdoor plans. Browse the IFAN Museum of African Arts, then find a dry spell for lunch in Plateau. A bowl of thieboudienne, Senegal's fish-and-rice dish, makes a good pause between sights.

If you hate crowds, October is a useful in-between month: the main high season runs from November to May, and Dakar is generally quieter than in those popular months.

Events and crowds

There's no single October festival you can count on every year. The Grand Magal pilgrimage to Touba and the Mawlid celebration, known locally as Gamou, follow the Islamic calendar, so their dates shift. If either falls during your visit, expect more people travelling around Senegal, even though the events aren't based in Dakar.

Prices and visitor numbers are usually lower than in the November-to-May high season, but don't expect a dramatic drop everywhere. Practical tip: check the ferry service before heading to Goree, especially after heavy rain or when the water looks rough.