Things to Do in Senegal in February
February weather, activities, events & insider tips
February Weather in Senegal
Is February Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak dry season with virtually zero rainfall - you can plan outdoor activities weeks in advance without worrying about weather cancellations, which is pretty rare in West Africa
- The harmattan winds from the Sahara have mostly subsided by February, meaning clearer skies for photography and wildlife viewing compared to December-January when dust haze obscures visibility
- Sea turtle nesting season peaks along the Petite Côte beaches, particularly around Joal-Fadiouth and Popenguine - you'll see conservation teams doing night patrols that you can sometimes join
- Dakar's cultural calendar is absolutely packed - you've got the Saint-Louis Jazz Festival wrapping up, wrestling season in full swing, and the energy from Dakar Biennale still resonating through the art scene
Considerations
- February is firmly high season, so expect accommodation prices 30-40% higher than May-October, and popular guesthouses in places like Saly and Toubab Dialaw book out 4-6 weeks ahead
- The harmattan can still make surprise appearances in early February, bringing that fine Saharan dust that gets into everything - your camera gear, your sinuses, your carefully packed white linen shirts
- Dakar traffic reaches its annual peak as the European winter holiday crowd overlaps with regional business travel - that 12 km (7.5 miles) from the airport to Plateau can take 90 minutes during afternoon rush
Best Activities in February
Langue de Barbarie National Park Boat Excursions
February is absolutely prime time for birdwatching in this park near Saint-Louis - the migratory species from Europe are still here, and the water levels are perfect for boat access through the channels. You'll see flamingos, pelicans, and if you're lucky, the occasional African spoonbill. The morning light is spectacular, and the 18°C (64°F) early temperatures mean you can actually enjoy being on the water without melting. The dry conditions also mean better access to the breeding islands that get waterlogged during rainy season.
Sine-Saloum Delta Pirogue Tours
The delta's maze of mangrove channels and islands is at its most accessible in February - water levels are stable, visibility is excellent, and you're not fighting afternoon thunderstorms. This is peak oyster harvesting season, and you'll see women working the mangrove roots using techniques passed down for generations. The birdlife is phenomenal, and the shell islands (artificial islands built entirely from centuries of discarded oyster shells) are easier to explore when the ground is dry. The relatively low humidity makes full-day excursions actually comfortable.
Dakar Street Art and Neighborhood Walking Tours
February's cooler mornings (before 11am when it hits 28°C/82°F) are perfect for exploring Dakar's evolving street art scene on foot. The Médina, Ouakam, and Plateau neighborhoods have become open-air galleries, with murals that comment on everything from migration to climate change. The Dak'Art Biennale influence lingers in February, with gallery openings and artist studio visits still happening. You'll get the real texture of Dakar life - tailor shops, street food vendors, mosque calls to prayer - that you completely miss from a car window stuck in traffic.
Lac Rose (Lake Retba) Salt Harvesting Visits
The lake's famous pink color is most vivid in February's dry season - the combination of low water levels, high salinity, and intense UV (index of 10) makes the algae produce maximum pigment. You'll see salt harvesters working in water so dense they float effortlessly, using techniques unchanged for decades. The surrounding dunes are firm enough for walking, and some operators offer short camel treks. February's clear skies mean the color contrast between pink water, white salt mounds, and blue sky is absolutely striking for photography.
Petite Côte Beach and Fishing Village Exploration
The stretch from Toubab Dialaw to Joal-Fadiouth is perfect in February - calm seas, minimal rain, and the fishing season in full swing. You'll witness the late afternoon return of the pirogues, which is genuinely spectacular - dozens of brightly painted boats hitting the beach simultaneously while the entire village mobilizes to process the catch. The turtle nesting activity adds another dimension, and the water temperature around 22°C (72°F) is actually swimmable. The colonial-era shell island of Fadiouth is much more pleasant to explore when it's not scorching hot.
Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary Expeditions
This UNESCO site near the Mauritanian border is extraordinary in February - peak migratory bird season with over 3 million birds from Europe and Asia. The pelican colonies are nesting, and the early morning boat trips through the channels are otherworldly. The dry season means reliable access (the park can flood during rainy months), and the cooler mornings make the 3-hour round trip from Saint-Louis manageable. You'll need binoculars and serious camera equipment - this is world-class birdwatching, not casual nature viewing.
February Events & Festivals
Saint-Louis Jazz Festival
Usually wraps up in early February, with the final weekend bringing international and West African jazz artists to venues around this gorgeous colonial-era city. The atmosphere is relaxed and accessible - you'll catch impromptu performances in courtyards and riverside bars beyond the official concerts. Worth timing your visit around if you're a jazz fan, though book accommodation months ahead as Saint-Louis completely fills up.
Traditional Wrestling (Laamb) Championship Matches
February is peak wrestling season, with major championship bouts happening most weekends in Dakar's Demba Diop Stadium and Pikine. This is Senegal's national obsession - think soccer-level passion but with mystical rituals, elaborate pre-fight ceremonies, and fighters who are genuine celebrities. The energy is electric, the crowd participation intense, and you'll see an authentic slice of Senegalese culture that tourists usually miss. Tickets at the gate run 2,000-10,000 CFA depending on seating.