Things to Do in Senegal in March

March Weather in Senegal

28°C (82°F) High Temp

18°C (64°F) Low Temp

15mm (0.6 inches) Rainfall

45% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect weather with minimal rainfall - only 2 rainy days and 15mm (0.6 inches) total precipitation makes this ideal for outdoor exploration
End of migration season at Djoudj National Park - witness massive flocks of Palearctic birds before they depart, with over 400 species still present
Shoulder season pricing - accommodation rates drop 20-30% compared to December-February peak tourist season, especially in Saly and Cap Skirring
Comfortable evening temperatures of 18°C (64°F) perfect for teranga (traditional welcome ceremonies) and outdoor concerts in Dakar's cultural venues

Considerations

Intense midday heat reaches 28°C (82°F) with UV index 9 - outdoor activities between 11am-4pm become uncomfortable without proper preparation
Harmattan winds from Sahara bring dust and haze, reducing visibility and affecting air quality, particularly challenging for respiratory-sensitive travelers
Tourist infrastructure in remote areas like Sine-Saloum begins seasonal maintenance, limiting access to some traditional fishing village experiences

Best Activities in March

Pink Lake Salt Harvesting Tours

March offers the most intense pink coloration at Lac Rose due to low water levels and high salt concentration. The 28°C (82°F) heat increases evaporation, making the lake's pink algae more vibrant than any other time of year. Salt harvesters work early morning hours (6am-10am) to avoid midday heat, giving visitors authentic cultural experiences.

Booking Tip: Book early morning tours (6am start) to avoid heat and witness active salt harvesting. Tours typically cost 15,000-25,000 CFA ($25-40 USD) and include transportation from Dakar. Book 5-7 days ahead through licensed operators - see current tour options in booking section below.

Gorée Island Historical Tours

March's dry weather and clear skies provide perfect conditions for the 20-minute ferry journey and extensive walking tours. The 18°C (64°F) evening temperatures allow for extended exploration of the UNESCO site without the exhausting heat of later months. Harmattan winds actually enhance the dramatic atmosphere of this former slave trading post.

Booking Tip: Take afternoon ferries (2pm-4pm) to avoid morning crowds and enjoy cooler evening return. Ferry costs 5,200 CFA ($8.50 USD) round trip. Purchase tickets at Dakar port - no advance booking needed. Guided tours available on-island for 10,000-15,000 CFA ($16-25 USD).

Sine-Saloum Mangrove Explorations

Low March water levels create perfect conditions for pirogue (traditional canoe) navigation through narrow mangrove channels impossible to access during rainy season. Migratory birds linger in massive numbers before departing, while crocodiles and manatees are more easily spotted in concentrated water areas.

Booking Tip: Multi-day tours typically cost 45,000-65,000 CFA ($75-110 USD) per person including meals and basic accommodation in traditional villages. Book 10-14 days ahead as March is prime season for wildlife viewing. See current options in booking section below.

Saint-Louis Architecture Walking Tours

March's comfortable morning temperatures make exploring this UNESCO colonial city ideal before 11am. The dry season ensures all historic buildings and museums are fully accessible, while the Faidherbe Bridge and colonial architecture photograph beautifully in the clear, dust-filtered light characteristic of Harmattan season.

Booking Tip: Start walking tours by 8am to complete before midday heat. Local guides charge 8,000-12,000 CFA ($13-20 USD) for 3-4 hour comprehensive tours. Book directly with licensed guides at tourist office or through accommodations 2-3 days ahead.

Dakar Music and Culture Experiences

March marks the end of the cool season cultural calendar with final major concerts and sabar drum ceremonies before Ramadan preparations begin. Evening temperatures of 18°C (64°F) make outdoor venues like Just 4 U and Théâtre National comfortable for extended performances showcasing mbalax, Afrobeat, and traditional Wolof music.

Booking Tip: Concert tickets range from 5,000-20,000 CFA ($8-33 USD) depending on venue and artist. Check local listings at hotels or cultural centers. Traditional sabar ceremonies in neighborhoods like Medina happen spontaneously - ask hotel staff for current events.

Casamance River Delta Tours

March water levels allow access to remote Diola villages accessible only during dry season. This is the final month before some areas become completely inaccessible due to seasonal flooding preparations. Wildlife viewing peaks as animals concentrate around remaining water sources.

Booking Tip: Multi-day river tours cost 40,000-70,000 CFA ($65-115 USD) including pirogue transport, village stays, and traditional meals. Requires 7-10 days advance booking through registered operators in Ziguinchor. See current tour options in booking section below.

March Events & Festivals

Mid March

Dakar Fashion Week

West Africa's premier fashion event showcasing contemporary African designers alongside traditional textile artisans. Features runway shows, textile workshops, and pop-up markets throughout Dakar's cultural district.

Late March

Festival International de Jazz de Saint-Louis

Final weekend concerts of the jazz festival season featuring West African jazz fusion and international artists performing in colonial-era venues along the Senegal River.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 9 during midday hours with little natural shade in most tourist areas

Lightweight long-sleeved shirts in light colors - protects from sun while allowing airflow in 45% humidity conditions

Dust mask or bandana - Harmattan winds carry Saharan dust that can irritate respiratory systems and affect visibility

Closed-toe walking shoes with good ventilation - for extensive walking on hot pavement and dusty village paths

Light rain jacket or umbrella - though only 2 rainy days expected, brief downpours can be intense when they occur

Electrolyte tablets or oral rehydration salts - essential for maintaining hydration in 28°C (82°F) heat with low humidity

Power bank and dust-proof phone case - dusty conditions can affect electronics, and rural areas have limited charging access

Cash in small CFA denominations - many local guides, transport, and village experiences operate cash-only

Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees - required for mosque visits and respectful in traditional villages

Insect repellent with DEET - though dry season reduces mosquitoes, they're still present near water sources and at dawn/dusk

Insider Knowledge

Local Senegalese avoid midday activities during March's peak heat - follow their lead by starting tours at 6am, taking long lunch breaks from 12pm-4pm, and resuming activities at sunset

March is 'ceebu jën season' when the national fish and rice dish tastes best due to optimal fish catches before spawning season - try it at local 'tangana' (neighborhood restaurants) for 1,500-2,500 CFA ($2.50-4 USD)

Negotiate taxi and car rapide (shared van) prices before departure - March tourist presence inflates prices 50-100% above local rates, especially for airport transfers and popular destinations

Book internal flights between Dakar and Cap Skirring at least 21 days ahead - Air Senegal reduces frequency in March, and remaining flights fill quickly with both tourists and locals traveling for end-of-dry-season family visits

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling intensive outdoor activities between 11am-4pm when temperatures peak at 28°C (82°F) - most attractions are best visited early morning or late afternoon

Underestimating the impact of Harmattan dust on photography and health - many visitors don't bring proper lens protection or respiratory masks, leading to damaged equipment and discomfort

Expecting lush green landscapes - March is peak dry season, so vegetation appears brown and sparse, which disappoints visitors expecting tropical greenery from promotional photos