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Senegal - Things to Do in Senegal in December

Things to Do in Senegal in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Senegal

30°C (86°F) High Temp
18°C (64°F) Low Temp
1 mm (0.04 inches) Rainfall
45% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

  • Perfect weather window for the entire month - December is arguably the single best weather month in Senegal's calendar. You'll get consistent sunshine, low humidity around 45%, and virtually zero chance of rain disrupting your plans. The harmattan winds from the Sahara create this incredibly clear atmosphere that photographers absolutely love, and those cool evenings mean you can actually enjoy outdoor dinners without sweating through your shirt.
  • Peak bird migration season at Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary - December through February brings over 3 million migratory birds from Europe to the Senegal River delta, about 60 km (37 miles) north of Saint-Louis. You'll see massive flocks of flamingos, pelicans, and cormorants that simply aren't there other times of year. The water levels are also perfect in December - high enough to attract birds but low enough that they concentrate in visible areas.
  • Ideal beach and ocean conditions along the Petite Côte - Water temperatures hover around 24°C (75°F), which is warm enough for extended swimming but cool enough to be refreshing. The Atlantic is relatively calm in December compared to the summer months when currents get stronger. Places like Saly, Somone, and Toubab Dialaw have excellent conditions for swimming, surfing, and kitesurfing without the intense heat you'd get later in the dry season.
  • Cultural calendar is active with Dakar's contemporary art scene - December coincides with the lead-up to the Dakar Biennale period (Dak'Art happens in even years, so 2026 is a biennale year with preparation events). The city's gallery scene in Médina and Plateau neighborhoods is particularly vibrant, and you'll find more cultural events, concerts at venues like Institut Français, and the teranga hospitality is in full swing before the intense tourist peak of late December and January.

Considerations

  • Harmattan dust affects air quality and visibility - That same Sahara wind that brings pleasant temperatures also carries fine dust particles that create hazy conditions. Some days you'll wake up to a thin layer of dust on everything, and if you have respiratory sensitivities, you might find it irritating. The dust also affects photography - that golden hour light gets diffused, and distant landscapes lose their sharpness.
  • Accommodation prices increase significantly after December 20th - Early December is actually quite reasonable, but once you hit the Christmas week, hotel rates in popular areas like Dakar, Saly, and Saint-Louis can double or even triple. Many European expats and diaspora Senegalese return for the holidays, creating genuine competition for quality rooms. If your dates are flexible, the first two weeks of December offer much better value than the last ten days.
  • Daytime heat requires strategic planning despite moderate temperatures - That 30°C (86°F) combined with UV index 9 means midday activities in Dakar or inland areas like the Sine-Saloum Delta can be genuinely exhausting. You'll need to adopt the local rhythm of starting early, taking a serious break from noon to 4pm, then resuming activities in late afternoon. Tourists who try to power through 10am-3pm sightseeing end up dehydrated and miserable.

Investigate Other Months

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Best Activities in December

Gorée Island Historical Tours

December's clear, dry weather makes the 20-minute ferry crossing from Dakar smooth and pleasant - important since the boats can get choppy during rainy season. The island's UNESCO World Heritage sites, particularly the Maison des Esclaves, are best experienced in the cooler morning hours before 11am when temperatures are still moderate. The lack of rain means you can wander the narrow streets and visit the outdoor historical markers without weather concerns. The light in December is particularly striking for the island's colonial architecture - that harmattan haze actually creates beautiful soft light for the ochre and pink buildings.

Booking Tip: Ferries leave from the main port in Dakar throughout the day, typically costing 5,200 CFA (around 8-9 USD) round trip. Go early - the 8am or 9am departures beat both the heat and the larger tour groups that arrive mid-morning. You don't need to book the ferry in advance, but if you want a guided historical tour on the island, arrange through licensed guides at the ferry terminal or see current tour options in the booking section below. Budget 4-5 hours total including ferry time.

Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary Excursions

This is THE activity for December in Senegal if you have any interest in nature. The sanctuary, about 60 km (37 miles) from Saint-Louis, hosts over 3 million migratory birds from Europe during December through February. You'll see massive colonies of white pelicans, flamingos, cormorants, and spoonbills that simply aren't present other months. The dry season means water levels concentrate birds in predictable viewing areas, and the morning light combined with December's clear air creates exceptional photography conditions. Early morning pirogue (traditional boat) tours through the channels put you directly among the flocks.

Booking Tip: Most visitors base in Saint-Louis and do day trips to Djoudj. Tours typically cost 35,000-50,000 CFA (55-80 USD) per person including transport, park entry, and boat tour. Book through operators in Saint-Louis at least 3-4 days ahead - December is peak season for this activity. Alternatively, see current tour options in the booking section below. Start as early as possible, ideally leaving Saint-Louis by 6:30am to catch the best bird activity. Bring serious sun protection and binoculars if you have them.

Sine-Saloum Delta Kayaking and Mangrove Exploration

December's low humidity and calm conditions make this the ideal month for paddling through the delta's intricate waterways about 150 km (93 miles) south of Dakar. The mangrove channels are navigable, tides are predictable, and you won't be dealing with rain or oppressive heat. Local guides take you through areas where you'll see monkeys, monitor lizards, and countless bird species. The oyster-gathering communities on the small islands are particularly welcoming in December, and you can watch women harvest oysters using traditional methods that haven't changed in generations.

Booking Tip: Base yourself in Toubakouta or Palmarin for delta access. Multi-day kayaking expeditions with camping typically run 45,000-70,000 CFA (70-110 USD) per day including meals and guide. Single-day paddles cost 20,000-30,000 CFA (30-50 USD). Book through eco-lodges in the area or see current tour options in the booking section below. December requires booking at least 1-2 weeks ahead as this is prime season. Bring reef shoes for muddy landings and quick-dry clothing.

Dakar Live Music and Mbalax Concerts

December's pleasant evening temperatures make Dakar's music scene particularly enjoyable - you can actually stand in a crowded venue without melting. The city is the birthplace of mbalax music, and December brings excellent programming at venues like Just 4 U in Almadies and Penc Mi in Ouakam. Thursday through Saturday nights feature everything from traditional sabar drumming to contemporary Afrobeat fusion. The energy is different in December because many diaspora musicians return home for the holidays, creating spontaneous collaborations and special performances you won't find other months.

Booking Tip: Cover charges typically run 2,000-5,000 CFA (3-8 USD) depending on the artist. Shows rarely start before 11pm and often go until 3-4am - this is not an early evening activity. No advance booking needed for most venues, just show up, though major concerts at Institut Français or Grand Théâtre require tickets purchased ahead. Check local listings through Dakar cultural websites or ask at your accommodation. Budget for taxis both ways as public transport stops running. See current cultural tours and nightlife options in the booking section below.

Lompoul Desert Camping Experience

December offers the most comfortable conditions for visiting this small Sahel desert about 145 km (90 miles) south of Saint-Louis. Daytime temperatures are warm but not scorching, and nighttime actually gets properly cool - sometimes dropping to 15°C (59°F) - which makes sleeping in traditional nomadic tents genuinely pleasant rather than suffocating. The harmattan winds create dramatic dune formations, and the clear December skies mean exceptional stargazing. You'll do camel rides at sunset, have dinner around campfires, and experience a slice of Saharan culture without the extreme temperatures of hot season.

Booking Tip: Two-day, one-night desert camps typically cost 40,000-60,000 CFA (60-95 USD) per person including meals, camel rides, and transport from Saint-Louis. Book through Saint-Louis operators or lodges in Lompoul village, or see current options in the booking section below. December is popular so book at least one week ahead. Bring warm layers for evening - that temperature drop surprises people. Also bring a headlamp, as camps have minimal lighting after dark.

Petite Côte Beach Activities and Watersports

The coastline from Saly to Toubab Dialaw offers Senegal's best beach conditions in December. Water temperature around 24°C (75°F) is perfect for extended swimming, the Atlantic is calmer than summer months, and the dry weather means consistent conditions for kitesurfing, surfing, and stand-up paddleboarding. Spots like Somone Lagoon have protected waters ideal for beginners, while Toubab Dialaw gets decent surf breaks. The lack of rain means beach clubs and restaurants have their full setups running, and you can actually relax on the sand without worrying about afternoon downpours.

Booking Tip: Kitesurfing lessons run 25,000-35,000 CFA (40-55 USD) for 2-hour sessions. Surfboard rentals cost 5,000-8,000 CFA (8-13 USD) per day. Stand-up paddleboard rentals around 10,000 CFA (15 USD) for 2 hours. Most beach clubs and watersports operators don't require advance booking except during the Christmas week when you should reserve 3-4 days ahead. See current watersports and beach activity options in the booking section below. Morning sessions before 11am offer the best conditions before wind picks up.

December Events & Festivals

Throughout December

Dak'Art Biennale Preparation Events

While the main Dak'Art contemporary art biennale happens in May 2026, December sees significant preparation activity including gallery exhibitions, artist talks, and cultural programming throughout Dakar's art districts. The Village de la Biennale in Médina and galleries in Plateau neighborhood host preview events and discussions. It's an insider's chance to see the emerging themes and artists before the official biennale crowds arrive. The contemporary art scene is particularly active as curators finalize selections and local artists prepare installations.

Mid to Late December

Saint-Louis Jazz Festival

This international jazz festival typically happens in mid-to-late December in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Saint-Louis. The festival brings together West African and international jazz musicians for concerts in historic colonial buildings, outdoor stages along the Senegal River, and intimate club venues. The combination of world-class music and Saint-Louis's stunning French colonial architecture creates a unique atmosphere. Evening concerts benefit from December's pleasant temperatures, and the festival draws serious music enthusiasts from across West Africa and Europe.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing for dramatic temperature swings - You need both sun protection for 30°C (86°F) days and a light sweater or jacket for 18°C (64°F) evenings. Locals actually pull out jackets after sunset in December, especially if you're near the coast where ocean breezes add chill. Pack breathable long sleeves for daytime sun protection and at least one warm layer for nights.
SPF 50+ sunscreen and quality sunglasses - That UV index of 9 is deceptive because the harmattan haze makes the sun feel less intense than it actually is. You'll burn faster than you realize, especially if you're on the water or in the desert. Bring more sunscreen than you think you need as quality brands are expensive and hard to find outside Dakar's upscale neighborhoods.
Dust protection for electronics and sensitive items - The harmattan carries fine Sahara dust that gets into everything. Bring ziplock bags for cameras, phones, and other electronics. A lightweight scarf or buff is invaluable for dusty days, and contact lens wearers should bring extra solution as the dust irritates eyes. A small microfiber cloth for cleaning phone screens and camera lenses is essential.
Reusable water bottle with 1.5 liter (50 oz) capacity minimum - The dry heat is dehydrating even though humidity is low. You'll need to drink constantly, especially during midday hours. Tap water isn't drinkable, so having a large bottle means fewer plastic bottle purchases. Many hotels and restaurants will refill from large filtered water dispensers.
Comfortable walking shoes with dust resistance - You'll be walking on sand, dusty streets, and uneven surfaces. Leather or canvas shoes work better than mesh athletic shoes which let in too much dust. Bring shoes you don't mind getting dirty - that red Senegalese dust stains and is nearly impossible to fully remove.
Light cotton or linen long pants and long-sleeve shirts - Beyond sun protection, modest clothing is respectful in this predominantly Muslim country. Long, loose clothing actually keeps you cooler than shorts and tank tops in the dry heat. Women especially should have at least one outfit that covers shoulders and knees for visiting religious sites or traditional communities.
Headlamp or small flashlight - Power cuts happen occasionally, and many areas outside Dakar have limited street lighting. If you're doing any camping or rural activities, a headlamp is essential. Even in cities, dark staircases and unlit walkways are common.
Anti-dust face masks if you have respiratory sensitivities - The harmattan dust can trigger asthma or allergies. A simple cloth mask or buff helps filter particles on particularly dusty days. This isn't about looking strange - you'll see locals covering their faces when dust is thick.
Insect repellent despite dry season - While December has far fewer mosquitoes than rainy season, they still exist, especially near water sources in the Sine-Saloum Delta or around Saint-Louis. Bring DEET-based repellent for evening use. Malaria risk exists year-round in Senegal, so take prophylaxis seriously.
Lightweight day pack with secure closures - For carrying water, sunscreen, and layers as you move between air-conditioned spaces and outdoor heat. Pickpocketing exists in crowded Dakar markets, so zippers are better than open-top bags. A 20-25 liter (1,200-1,500 cubic inch) capacity handles day trips comfortably.

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations before December 15th for significantly better rates - The Christmas-New Year period sees dramatic price increases, but early December pricing is often 40-50% cheaper for identical rooms. If you can visit December 1-20 instead of December 20-31, you'll save substantial money and encounter fewer crowds. Many quality hotels in Dakar and beach areas offer excellent value in early December.
Embrace the local schedule and take midday breaks seriously - Senegalese people largely disappear between noon and 4pm during December's heat, and you should too. Plan morning activities from 7am-12pm, rest during the hottest hours, then resume exploring from 4pm until dark around 7pm. Restaurants often close from 3-6pm, and trying to sightsee through midday heat is genuinely unpleasant. Use that downtime for air-conditioned museum visits or returning to your accommodation.
The teranga hospitality culture means accepting tea invitations - If locals invite you for attaya (three rounds of increasingly sweet mint tea), saying yes opens doors to authentic experiences guidebooks can't provide. The tea ceremony takes 45-60 minutes minimum and happens everywhere - on street corners, in shops, at workshops. This is how you actually connect with Senegalese culture rather than just photographing it. Budget extra time in your schedule for these spontaneous interactions.
Cash is essential outside Dakar despite what guidebooks say - ATMs exist in major cities but frequently run out of cash or malfunction. Bring euros to exchange rather than relying on ATM withdrawals. Outside Dakar, Saint-Louis, and major beach resorts, credit cards are essentially useless. Even in cities, many restaurants and shops prefer cash. Carry small bills - breaking a 10,000 CFA note can be difficult at small vendors.

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating the temperature drop after sunset and being cold at evening activities - Tourists pack for 30°C (86°F) weather and are genuinely uncomfortable when temperatures plunge to 18°C (64°F) at night, especially on the coast or in the desert. That 12°C (22°F) swing is significant. Bring at least one warm layer even though December seems like summer weather on paper.
Trying to see both Dakar and Saint-Louis plus beach areas in less than a week - Senegal's distances are deceptive and roads are slower than expected. Dakar to Saint-Louis is 270 km (168 miles) but takes 4-5 hours by car due to road conditions and traffic. Trying to hit too many regions means spending your vacation in vehicles rather than experiencing places. Better to pick 2-3 areas and explore them properly than rush through five destinations.
Booking Gorée Island visits for midday or afternoon - The morning ferries around 8-9am offer the best experience before heat peaks and before large tour groups arrive around 11am. By afternoon, the island is crowded, hot, and the return ferry lines are long. The island's emotional weight is better absorbed in the relative quiet of morning. Most tourists do this backward and regret it.

Explore Activities in Senegal

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November

Travel guide for November

January

Travel guide for January

Climate Guide

Weather and seasonal patterns for Senegal

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