Things to Do in Senegal in December

December Weather in Senegal

27°C (81°F) High Temp

19°C (66°F) Low Temp

5mm (0.2 inches) Rainfall

55% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect weather with 27°C (81°F) highs and virtually no rain - ideal for all outdoor activities from beach lounging to desert excursions
Cool 19°C (66°F) evenings make Dakar's nightlife scene incredibly comfortable - rooftops and street markets become magical
Peak migratory bird season at Djoudj National Park with over 300 species visible, plus whale watching season begins off the coast
Tabaski preparation season means incredible local food markets, traditional music performances, and authentic cultural immersion opportunities

Considerations

High tourist season means accommodation prices increase 40-60% and popular spots like Île de Gorée can feel crowded between 10am-3pm
Harmattan winds bring Saharan dust creating hazy skies that reduce visibility and can irritate sensitive eyes and throats
Strong UV index of 8 combined with reflective sand requires constant sun protection - sunburn happens in under 20 minutes

Best Activities in December

Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary Tours

December is peak migration season with over 300 bird species including flamingos, pelicans, and cormorants. Early morning temperatures of 19°C (66°F) make the 3-hour boat tours comfortable, and wildlife is most active before 10am. The dry conditions mean clear photography and easy walking on sanctuary trails.

Booking Tip: Book 2-3 weeks ahead as December is peak birding season. Tours typically cost 15,000-25,000 CFA francs ($25-40) including transport from Saint-Louis. Look for operators with early morning departures (6am-7am) for best wildlife viewing.

Île de Gorée Cultural Tours

December's mild weather makes exploring this UNESCO World Heritage site ideal - no oppressive heat for the walking tours and museum visits. Cool evenings extend visiting hours, allowing you to experience the island's restaurants and art galleries after day-trippers leave at 4pm.

Booking Tip: Visit Tuesday-Thursday to avoid weekend crowds. Ferry tickets cost 5,200 CFA francs ($8.50) round-trip. Book accommodation on the island itself for the authentic evening experience - rates range 25,000-60,000 CFA francs ($40-100) per night.

Lompoul Desert Camping Expeditions

December offers perfect desert weather - warm 25°C (77°F) days for camel rides and dune exploration, cool 15°C (59°F) nights ideal for traditional camp dining and star gazing. No summer heat means comfortable overnight camping in traditional Mauritanian tents.

Booking Tip: Two-day packages typically cost 45,000-75,000 CFA francs ($75-125) including meals and transport from Dakar. Book 10 days ahead as December camps fill up. Choose operators offering sunrise camel treks for the best experience.

Sine-Saloum Delta Mangrove Tours

Dry season means accessible waterways and concentrated wildlife viewing. December's low humidity (55%) makes full-day boat tours through the mangroves comfortable, with excellent fishing, dolphin spotting, and visits to traditional Serer villages on shell islands.

Booking Tip: Day tours cost 20,000-35,000 CFA francs ($35-60) from Toubacouta. Multi-day eco-lodge packages range 80,000-150,000 CFA francs ($130-250). Book through lodges directly for better prices than tour operators.

Dakar Music and Nightlife Scene

December's cool evenings transform Dakar's music venues - outdoor concerts, mbalax performances, and rooftop bars become incredibly comfortable. Many venues extend hours due to pleasant weather, and December hosts pre-New Year cultural events.

Booking Tip: Live music venues like Just 4 U and Thiossane charge 3,000-8,000 CFA francs ($5-13) entry. Start early (8pm) as venues fill by 10pm in December. Check local Facebook pages for pop-up concerts and traditional sabar performances.

Saint-Louis Colonial Architecture Walking Tours

Perfect walking weather with morning temperatures starting at 19°C (66°F) and minimal rain risk. December's clear skies provide excellent photography conditions for the UNESCO-listed colonial buildings, and cool evenings allow for extended terrace dining along the Senegal River.

Booking Tip: Self-guided tours are free with tourism office maps. Guided tours cost 8,000-15,000 CFA francs ($13-25) for 3 hours. Stay in restored colonial houses (35,000-80,000 CFA francs/$60-130 per night) for the full experience.

December Events & Festivals

Mid December

Festival International de Jazz de Saint-Louis

West Africa's premier jazz festival featuring international and local artists performing in colonial courtyards and riverside venues. December's cool evenings make outdoor concerts magical, with performances extending late into the night.

Throughout December

Tabaski Preparation Markets

Month-long buildup to the Muslim feast of sacrifice creates incredible market scenes throughout Senegal. Traditional textiles, livestock markets, and family preparation rituals offer authentic cultural immersion opportunities.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight long-sleeve shirts for evening - temperatures drop to 19°C (66°F) and locals consider this quite cool

SPF 50+ sunscreen and lip balm with SPF - UV index 8 plus sand reflection causes rapid burning

Dust mask or scarf for Harmattan winds - fine Saharan dust can irritate throat and eyes

Closed-toe shoes for walking - sand gets into sandals and December dust makes streets gritty

Light jacket or fleece for desert camping - temperatures can drop to 15°C (59°F) at night

Reusable water bottle with filter - stay hydrated in dry conditions without buying plastic

Cotton clothing over synthetic - breathes better in 55% humidity and dust conditions

Wide-brimmed hat - essential protection for full-day outdoor activities

Eye drops - dry Harmattan winds can cause irritation even for those without sensitivities

Power bank - taking photos in perfect lighting conditions will drain your phone battery quickly

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations by late October - December is peak season and quality places fill 6-8 weeks ahead, especially in Saint-Louis and Île de Gorée

Eat lunch at local gargotes (neighborhood restaurants) between 1-3pm when tourist restaurants are overpriced and crowded - look for places with plastic chairs and no English menus

Take sept-places (shared taxis) departing before 8am to avoid Harmattan dust clouds that build throughout the day, reducing visibility for scenic routes

Withdraw CFA francs from Ecobank or CBAO ATMs - they have the most reliable networks and lowest fees, especially important as many tour operators and markets are cash-only

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating December crowds at major sites - Île de Gorée and Pink Lake become packed between 10am-3pm, arrive early or visit late afternoon

Not bringing warm layers for desert excursions - many tourists pack only for 27°C (81°F) daytime temperatures and freeze during 15°C (59°F) desert nights

Booking whale watching tours too early in December - migration doesn't peak until late December, early tours have low success rates