Dakar in May

Hot and humid; rains start late in the month.

All twelve months in one grid — weather, crowds and prices, with gaps left as unknown.

May is rated mixed. These months rate higher:

• NovemberGreatDry season starts; good month.
• DecemberGreatDry; cooler nights; year-end crowds.
• JanuaryGreatDry and warm; good month.
• FebruaryGreatDry; cooler evenings.

• DakarHighs around 29 °C (84 °F), lows around 21 °C (70 °F), rain on about 1 dayHighs around 84 °F (29 °C), lows around 70 °F (21 °C), rain on about 1 day
• Dakar and the Atlantic coast, Senegal · Dakar, Saint-Louis, Petite Côtebest weather

  Trade winds keep the coast 5–8 °C (9–14 °F) cooler than inland; January–March evenings can feel cool, and the sea is cold until May.Trade winds keep the coast 9–14 °F (5–8 °C) cooler than inland; January–March evenings can feel cool, and the sea is cold until May.

Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.

• Tabaski (Eid al-Adha) check

  Islamic calendar, moves yearly · Citywide

  Sheep markets, then a quiet, closed city; taxis are scarce.

• Dak'Art biennale (even years) check

  Varies · Galleries and cultural centres

  Exhibitions across the city; hotels fill.

• Dak'Art contemporary art biennale

  May–June, even years (check)

  Exhibitions across the city; hotels fill; check the year's dates and programme.

• Popenguine Catholic pilgrimage

  Late May or June (Pentecost)

  Large crowds on the Petite Côte roads; Dakar traffic thickens.

Crowds · Senegal overall

Low

Prices · Senegal overall

Medium

Senegal overall: Last dry month; Tabaski may fall here in 2026 (check) — transport jams before it.

Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Dakar, side by side.

Nothing unusual for the weather this month.

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