Things to Do in Senegal in May
May weather, activities, events & insider tips
May Weather in Senegal
Is May Right for You?
Advantages
- Last chance for dry season weather - May sits right at the transition point before the rainy season hits in June, meaning you still get mostly sunny days with temperatures around 32°C (90°F) but without the relentless heat of March-April
- Significantly fewer tourists than winter high season - accommodation prices drop by 20-30% compared to December-February, and major sites like Gorée Island and Lac Rose feel pleasantly uncrowded rather than packed with tour groups
- Green season begins transforming the landscape - the Sahel region starts showing life after months of brown, dusty conditions, making places like the Sine-Saloum Delta and Niokolo-Koba National Park actually worth visiting for nature photography
- Perfect timing for birdwatching migration patterns - migratory species are still present in Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary before heading north, while you can catch both resident and departing species in the same day, particularly flamingos and pelicans
Considerations
- Humidity climbs steadily throughout the month - that 70% average humidity feels considerably higher by late May, and the combination with 32°C (90°F) temperatures means you'll be sweating through shirts by 11am, making midday exploration genuinely uncomfortable
- Unpredictable rain showers start appearing - while May only averages 15mm (0.6 inches) of rainfall, when it does rain the infrastructure isn't ready for it yet, meaning flooded streets in Dakar and muddy conditions at beach resorts, plus tour operators sometimes cancel last-minute
- Beach conditions deteriorate as winds pick up - the Atlantic gets choppier in May with stronger onshore winds, making swimming at places like Saly and Cap Skirring less pleasant, and you'll deal with more seaweed washing up on the sand
Best Activities in May
Gorée Island Historical Tours
May is actually ideal for visiting this UNESCO World Heritage Site because the cruise ships have stopped coming and European tour groups have thinned out dramatically. The 20-minute ferry from Dakar runs every hour, and you'll have the Maison des Esclaves and colonial architecture largely to yourself, especially if you go on weekday mornings. The heat is manageable since ocean breezes keep the island cooler than mainland Dakar. The lower crowds mean you can actually have contemplative moments at the historical sites rather than fighting through selfie-stick wielding groups.
Dakar Street Food Walking Routes
May is perfect for exploring Dakar's food scene because it's mango season and the city goes absolutely crazy for them - you'll find fresh mangoes everywhere for 200-500 CFA each, plus vendors making mango juice and mango-based dishes. The evening temperatures drop to a comfortable 26°C (79°F) after 7pm, making night markets in neighborhoods like Medina and Plateau actually pleasant to walk through. Thieboudienne (the national rice and fish dish) is at its best because the fish catches are excellent before the rainy season disrupts fishing patterns. The humidity means outdoor eating is sweaty during the day, but evening food tours work beautifully.
Lac Rose (Pink Lake) Day Trips
Late dry season is actually the best time to see Lac Rose at its pinkest because the water levels are lower and salt concentration is higher, which intensifies the color caused by dunaliella salina algae. The lake sits about 35km (22 miles) northeast of Dakar, and in May you'll see it at peak pink intensity, especially between 11am-2pm when the sun hits it directly. The salt harvesters are still working before the rains come, so you get the full cultural experience of watching them extract salt using traditional methods. That said, the midday heat is brutal at 35°C (95°F) with no shade, so bring serious sun protection.
Sine-Saloum Delta Boat Excursions
May marks the sweet spot where the delta starts greening up from the dry season but hasn't yet flooded with rainy season waters, meaning boat navigation is easier and you can still access shell islands and fishing villages. The mangrove channels are stunning as new growth appears, and fishing communities are actively working before the weather shifts. Birdlife is still abundant with both resident and late-migrating species. The delta sits about 150km (93 miles) south of Dakar, and overnight trips to places like Toubakouta or Palmarin give you sunset boat rides when temperatures drop to comfortable levels around 28°C (82°F).
Saint-Louis Colonial Architecture Walks
May is excellent for exploring Saint-Louis because the historic island city is less crowded than winter months but still comfortable for walking in the early morning and late afternoon. This former French colonial capital, about 270km (168 miles) north of Dakar, has incredible 19th-century architecture that photographs beautifully under May's dramatic cloud formations. The Faidherbe Bridge and colonial buildings are best explored between 7-10am or after 5pm when temperatures are around 28°C (82°F). The nearby Langue de Barbarie National Park is also accessible, though beach conditions are getting windier.
Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary Excursions
May is the absolute last chance to catch migratory birds before they leave for Europe, making this UNESCO site about 60km (37 miles) from Saint-Louis still worthwhile despite increasing heat. You'll see massive pelican colonies, flamingos, and cormorants, though numbers are declining as birds depart. The sanctuary is best visited at dawn (6-7am) when it's cooler around 24°C (75°F) and birds are most active. By late May, some channels start drying up, which actually concentrates birds in remaining water areas, making viewing easier. The heat by midday is punishing though, easily hitting 38°C (100°F) with high humidity.
May Events & Festivals
Saint-Louis Jazz Festival
This internationally recognized jazz festival typically happens in late May and transforms the colonial city into a music lover's dream, with concerts in historic buildings, outdoor stages along the river, and intimate venue performances. International and West African jazz artists perform over 4-5 days, and the atmosphere is electric. Accommodation books up fast, and the city's restaurants extend hours to accommodate the crowds. It's genuinely one of West Africa's best music festivals and worth planning your entire trip around if you're into jazz.