Things to Do in Senegal in August

August Weather in Senegal

31°C (88°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

267mm (10.5 inches) Rainfall

85% Humidity

Is August Right for You?

Advantages

Lush green landscapes at their most beautiful - the Sahel region transforms into emerald grasslands after months of rain
Significantly fewer tourists mean authentic experiences and better prices - hotels often offer 30-40% discounts from dry season rates
Prime bird watching season with over 200 migrant species present, including European bee-eaters and various warblers in Djoudj National Park
Cultural festivals are at their peak - harvest celebrations and traditional ceremonies happen in villages as communities prepare for the dry months ahead

Considerations

Daily heavy rains from 2-6pm make afternoon sightseeing impossible - you'll spend 4 hours indoors most days
Many remote roads become impassable, limiting access to eastern regions like Kédougou and some Casamance villages
Extremely high humidity (85%) makes even short walks exhausting, especially for travelers not accustomed to tropical climates

Best Activities in August

Saint-Louis Colonial Architecture Walking Tours

August mornings (7-11am) are perfect for exploring this UNESCO World Heritage island city before the afternoon rains. The historic quarter is most photogenic with dramatic storm clouds building overhead. Cooler temperatures and softer light make for ideal photography conditions.

Booking Tip: Book morning tours only - most operators don't run afternoon tours in August due to guaranteed rain. Expect to pay 15,000-25,000 CFA for guided walks. Look for guides certified by the Saint-Louis Tourism Office.

Djoudj National Park Bird Watching

August is peak migration season with the highest bird diversity of the year. Early morning boat tours (6-9am) offer incredible wildlife viewing before the heat and humidity become unbearable. Pelican colonies are at maximum size and European migrants are arriving daily.

Booking Tip: Essential to start at dawn - book overnight accommodation in Saint-Louis the night before. Tours cost 40,000-60,000 CFA including boat and guide. Park is accessible despite rains as tours use waterways.

Dakar Markets and Indoor Cultural Experiences

Rainy afternoons are perfect for exploring covered markets like Sandaga and Kermel, plus museums and galleries. The Grand Théâtre and cultural centers schedule more indoor programming during rainy season. August brings fresh local produce and rainy-season specialties to food markets.

Booking Tip: Plan indoor activities for 2-6pm daily when outdoor exploration is impossible. Market tours cost 8,000-15,000 CFA. Museums typically charge 2,000-5,000 CFA entrance fees.

Saloum Delta Mangrove Exploration

High water levels in August make pirogue navigation optimal through the delta's channels. Rainy season brings incredible fishing and the mangroves are lush and full of wildlife. Traditional fishing villages are most authentic during this working season.

Booking Tip: Multi-day tours work best as you can wait out afternoon storms in villages. Expect 80,000-120,000 CFA for 2-day trips including accommodation and meals. Book through operators in Toubacouta or Ndangane.

Traditional Music and Dance Workshops

August is when master drummers and griots are most available for intensive workshops as outdoor festival season hasn't started yet. Indoor studios in Dakar offer immersive experiences during the rainy hours. This is when serious students come to study.

Booking Tip: Book full-day workshops that work around the 2-6pm rain window. Private lessons cost 25,000-40,000 CFA per day. Look for teachers affiliated with École des Sables or Institut Français.

August Events & Festivals

Throughout August

Magal of Touba Preparation Season

While the main Magal happens later, August is when pilgrims begin spiritual preparations and the holy city of Touba sees increased religious activities. Witness authentic devotional practices without the massive crowds of the main event.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry rain poncho or lightweight rain jacket - daily storms last 1-2 hours and umbrellas are useless in driving rain

Moisture-wicking underwear and socks - cotton retains humidity and becomes uncomfortable in 85% humidity

Waterproof phone case and electronics bag - sudden downpours can destroy devices in seconds

Antifungal foot powder - wet conditions and humidity create perfect fungal growth conditions

Lightweight long-sleeve shirts for mosquito protection - rainy season brings increased malaria risk

Water purification tablets - flooding can compromise local water sources temporarily

Cash in waterproof wallet - ATMs sometimes fail during power outages from storms

Sandals with good grip - streets become slippery and muddy after rains

High SPF sunscreen (50+) despite clouds - UV index still reaches 7 between storms

Portable battery pack - frequent power outages during storms affect charging opportunities

Insider Knowledge

Schedule all outdoor activities for 7am-1pm - locals know that 2pm onwards is guaranteed rain time and plan accordingly

Hotels often run generators during afternoon storms but WiFi typically fails - download maps and information in the morning

Bush taxis and car rapides often stop running during heavy rains - always have backup transportation plans or stay put until storms pass

Many restaurants close early in August due to fewer customers - eat lunch by 1pm and dinner by 7pm for best selection and service

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking afternoon flights or activities - weather delays and cancellations are extremely common due to daily thunderstorms

Staying in accommodations without backup power - extended outages during storms are normal and can last several hours

Attempting to drive outside Dakar during rainy season without 4WD - many roads become impassable and rental companies won't cover water damage