Things to Do in Senegal in February

February Weather in Senegal

30°C (86°F) High Temp

17°C (63°F) Low Temp

0 mm (0 inches) Rainfall

45% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect dry season weather with zero rainfall - ideal for exploring Senegal's national parks and outdoor markets without weather interruptions
Harmattan winds from the Sahara create clear, dust-free skies perfect for photography and wildlife viewing in places like Niokolo-Koba
Cool evening temperatures (17°C/63°F) make Dakar's nightlife and rooftop dining comfortable - locals say this is the best month for outdoor socializing
Prime migrant bird season with over 200 species visible at Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary, including flamingos and pelicans arriving from Europe

Considerations

Peak tourist season means accommodation prices increase 40-60% and popular sites like Goree Island can have 2-3 hour wait times for ferries
Strong Harmattan winds (20-30 km/h or 12-18 mph) create dusty conditions that can irritate sensitive eyes and respiratory systems
Extreme temperature swings from 30°C (86°F) midday to 17°C (63°F) at night require packing for both summer and fall weather

Best Activities in February

Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary Tours

February is peak migration season with over 3 million birds present, including European flamingos, pelicans, and cormorants. Cool morning temperatures (18-20°C/64-68°F) mean birds are most active from 6-9am. Dry conditions ensure perfect boat access through the sanctuary's waterways without seasonal flooding complications.

Booking Tip: Book 2-3 weeks ahead as February is prime birding season. Tours typically cost 25,000-35,000 CFA francs ($40-55) including boat transport. Look for operators with early morning departures (6am) and experienced ornithological guides. Reference booking widget for current tour options.

Sine-Saloum Delta Mangrove Explorations

February's low humidity (45%) and dry conditions create perfect visibility for spotting manatees, dolphins, and crocodiles. The cool evenings make overnight stays in traditional fishing villages comfortable. This is oyster harvesting season, so you'll witness local women collecting oysters using traditional methods passed down for generations.

Booking Tip: Multi-day packages typically cost 45,000-65,000 CFA francs ($70-100) per person including accommodation in local villages. Book through operators offering cultural immersion programs. Boats can access all waterways in February's dry conditions.

Goree Island Historical Tours

February's clear, dust-free skies provide perfect conditions for photography and the 3 km (1.9 mile) ferry ride is comfortable in mild temperatures. However, expect 2-3 hour ferry waits due to peak season crowds. The island's museums and slave house are less crowded in early morning (8-10am) before tour groups arrive.

Booking Tip: Take the first ferry at 6:30am to avoid crowds. Return tickets cost 5,200 CFA francs ($8). Don't book tour packages - explore independently and hire local guides on arrival for 5,000-8,000 CFA francs ($8-12). Current ferry schedules available in booking section below.

Dakar Markets and Street Food Tours

February's comfortable evening temperatures make exploring Sandaga Market and HLM Market ideal after 4pm when the heat subsides. This is peak season for local fruits like bissap (hibiscus) and bouye (baobab fruit). The dry weather means street food vendors operate full schedules without rain interruptions.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically cost 15,000-25,000 CFA francs ($25-40) for 3-4 hours including tastings. Look for guides who speak Wolof and can navigate vendor relationships. Evening tours (5-8pm) offer the best atmosphere and food quality.

Pink Lake (Retba) Salt Harvesting Experiences

February's dry season intensifies the lake's pink coloration as water levels drop and salt concentration increases. Cool morning temperatures (18°C/64°F) make the 1 km (0.6 mile) walk around the lake comfortable. This is peak salt harvesting season, so you'll see dozens of workers using traditional techniques.

Booking Tip: Day trips cost 20,000-30,000 CFA francs ($30-45) from Dakar including transport. The 35 km (22 mile) drive takes 45 minutes. Visit between 8-11am for best lighting and active salt harvesting. Float sessions cost additional 2,000 CFA francs ($3).

Saint-Louis Colonial Architecture Walks

February's low humidity preserves the colonial buildings better for photography, and comfortable temperatures make the 2-3 km (1.2-1.9 mile) walking tours through the UNESCO World Heritage site enjoyable. The Senegal River is at ideal levels for pirogue rides to nearby fishing villages without flood season complications.

Booking Tip: Walking tours cost 8,000-15,000 CFA francs ($12-25) for 2-3 hours. The 270 km (168 mile) drive from Dakar takes 4 hours. Many operators offer 2-day packages (35,000-50,000 CFA francs/$55-80) including accommodation in colonial-era hotels.

February Events & Festivals

Mid February

Dakar Fashion Week

West Africa's premier fashion event showcasing contemporary African designers alongside traditional textiles. Features runway shows, pop-up markets, and cultural performances across multiple venues in Dakar's Plateau district. Tickets range from 15,000-50,000 CFA francs ($25-80).

Late February

Festival International de Jazz de Saint-Louis

One of Africa's most important jazz festivals featuring international and local musicians performing in colonial courtyards and along the Senegal River. The February weather is perfect for outdoor evening concerts. Three-day passes cost 25,000-40,000 CFA francs ($40-65).

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight long pants and long sleeves for evenings - temperatures drop to 17°C (63°F) and locals dress warmly

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wraparound sunglasses - UV index reaches 9 with intense Saharan sun reflection

Dust mask or scarf for Harmattan winds - fine Sahara dust can irritate respiratory systems

Layers for 13°C (23°F) temperature swings between day and night - bring both t-shirts and light sweater

Closed-toe shoes for dusty conditions and walking on rough coastal paths around 500m (1,640 ft) cliff areas

Light rain jacket despite dry season - occasional brief dust storms require wind protection

Reusable water bottle - dry air and heat require 3-4 liters (0.8-1 gallon) daily hydration

Cash in small denominations - most markets and local transport only accept CFA francs

Portable phone charger - long touring days in areas with limited electricity access

Anti-malaria medication - consult doctor 4-6 weeks before travel as recommendations vary by region

Insider Knowledge

Locals call February 'noor' season (bright season) - markets open earlier (6am) and close during peak heat (1-4pm), so plan shopping accordingly

The ferry to Goree Island runs every 2 hours but locals know to buy return tickets immediately upon arrival - ferries fill up and you might get stranded for 4-6 hours

Street food vendors in Dakar prepare thieboudienne (national rice dish) fresh twice daily - 1pm and 7pm servings are always better than reheated portions

Taxis don't use meters but February is peak season - negotiate fares before entering and expect 30% higher prices than March-November rates

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating the cold evenings - tourists arrive with only summer clothes and end up buying overpriced jackets from hotel shops

Visiting Pink Lake during midday heat (12-3pm) when salt workers take breaks and the harsh light washes out the pink coloration

Booking same-day Goree Island trips in February - ferries are often fully booked and you'll waste half a day waiting for space