Dakar weather in October and November: Dakar 2026

Thumbnail for Dakar weather in October and November: Dakar 2026

Humid heat in October, drier air in November: temperatures, sea, sun, mosquitoes and a packing list to enjoy Dakar during the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.

Dakar weather in October and November: what to expect

October in Dakar is the tail end of the rainy season: hot afternoons around 30 to 32 °C, sticky air and the odd late thunderstorm in the first days of the month. November brings drier northern trade winds, cooler nights and bright, clear skies. That is exactly when the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games take place, from 31 October to 13 November, bringing athletes aged 15 to 18, families and media.

October: the end of the rains, heat and humidity

Think of October as a changeover month. The heavy downpours of August and September are over, yet humidity often stays above 70 % and the heat feels intense between noon and 4 pm. Nights remain warm, around 25 to 26 °C, so air conditioning or at least a decent fan really matters.

  • Early October: short but heavy storms can still flood streets for a few hours in Pikine, Guédiawaye, Keur Massar and parts of Parcelles Assainies.
  • Late October: rain becomes rare, the sky clears and the sea breeze cools the peninsula.
  • Tip: move around in the morning or late afternoon and always carry water (a 1.5 litre bottle usually costs 300 to 600 FCFA in a local shop).

November: drier air and pleasant evenings

November opens the dry season. Daytime highs ease to about 28 to 31 °C and evenings become genuinely comfortable, around 22 to 24 °C. Ocean-facing neighbourhoods such as Ngor, Almadies, Ouakam, Yoff and the Plateau enjoy a steady breeze, while inland areas like Rufisque and Diamniadio are often two or three degrees warmer at midday.

For spectators, road cycling on the Corniche Ouest happens in the wind, while the areas around Dakar Arena and the Diamniadio Exhibition Centre feel hotter. The TER train runs from the Plateau to Diamniadio via Colobane, Hann, Pikine, Thiaroye, Rufisque and Bargny, a good way to skip traffic. Saly is about 80 km away, roughly 1 h 15 to 2 h on the toll motorway. For schedules and tickets, check the organising committee's official website or app.

Sea, sun and mosquitoes

The ocean is still warm, about 26 to 28 °C in October and slightly cooler in November. Beaches at Ngor, Yoff and Ouakam get busy at weekends, but Atlantic currents are strong: only swim where locals swim, and never alone. In an emergency, call the fire and rescue service on 18.

The sun is fierce even when the wind feels mild: pack SPF 50, a hat and sunglasses for long hours in the stands or at Saly.

Mosquitoes are still common in October because standing water from the rainy season takes time to dry up. Malaria is present in Dakar, so use repellent in the evening, wear long sleeves after sunset and sleep under a net if your room has none. Repellent in a pharmacy typically costs 2,000 to 6,000 FCFA. See your doctor before you travel.

What to pack for Dakar in October and November

  • Light cotton or linen clothes in pale colours.
  • Lightweight trousers and a long-sleeved shirt for evenings and mosquito protection.
  • A thin jumper or light jacket for breezy November nights and chilly air-conditioned halls.
  • Sandals plus comfortable closed shoes for walking between venues.
  • Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, a refillable bottle and repellent.
  • A compact umbrella or light rain jacket if you land in early October.
  • Cash in FCFA for taxis, markets and beach vendors. Visa works in hotels and supermarkets, but Yango and Heetch take cash or Wave and Orange Money, which need a Senegalese SIM. ATMs are the easiest source of cash.

If you want help with day trips or transfers, browse the travel agencies and tour operators in Dakar listed on SeneFinder.

Recommended addresses on SeneFinder

You can also see all addresses in this category or explore the Dakar directory.

Useful tools

Frequently asked questions

Does it still rain in Dakar in October?

A little. A few storms are possible early in the month, then rain becomes rare and the dry season settles in by late October.

Is it cold in Dakar in November?

No. Days stay warm at around 28 to 31 °C, but evenings by the ocean are cooler and breezy, so a light jacket is enough.

Can you swim in Dakar during the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games?

Yes, the sea is still warm in October and November. Pick a busy beach, follow local guidance and be careful with Atlantic currents.