Dakar in December

In December, Dakar averages 29°C (84°F) during the day and 22°C (71°F) at night, with only about 0 rainy days.

Peak season

Conditions are warm and beach-friendly. Skies are generally dry and clear.

December is a great month to visit Dakar: pleasant temperatures and relatively few wet days.

29°C
Avg high
22°C
Avg low
0
Rain days
0 mm
Rainfall

How December compares to the rest of the year in Dakar

5th
warmest month of the 12
12th
wettest month of the 12
0%
of yearly rainfall falls in December
11 h 16 min
daylight on the 15th

December is in the middle of the year for warmth in Dakar (5th of 12) and one of the driest months (12th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 1°C above the annual average (28°C). December runs 1°C cooler than November (30°C) and cools 2°C in January (27°C).

December sunrise & sunset in Dakar

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
7:27 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
6:42 PM
Day length
11 h 16 min

Times shown for Dakar local time (Africa/Dakar), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Dakar — December

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Dakar's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
6:27 AM – 7:07 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
7:07 AM – 8:07 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
6:02 PM – 7:02 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
7:02 PM – 7:42 PM

📅 When to book — Dakar in December

Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on December's tier (Peak season) and Dakar's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
3-5 months
Flight prices are near their annual peak. Watch fare-alert tools, book directly when you see a fare under the typical range for this city.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
3-5 months
Reasonable selection still available at 3-4 months out, but central locations vanish first.
⚠ Christmas / New Year travel is a global premium-pricing event — many destinations 30-50% above normal. Book 4+ months ahead if your dates are Dec 20 - Jan 2.

Crowds & pricing — December in Dakar

Peak season

Dakar is in peak season during this month — expect bigger crowds at famous sights, higher hotel and flight prices, and longer queues. Restaurant reservations a few days out are advisable, and any boutique hotels you have your eye on should be booked weeks ahead. The trade-off: most attractions, restaurants, and seasonal services are fully open, the weather is at its most reliable, and the city feels at its most alive.

Why this tier: excellent tourism weather Christmas / New Year travel surge

Sun & mosquito risk — December in Dakar

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
9.5
Very high
Limit sun exposure between 11 AM and 3 PM; SPF 30-50, reapply every 90 minutes outdoors.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●●●○
High
Peak mosquito activity. DEET 30%+, long sleeves at dawn/dusk, sleep under nets if rural. Check current dengue/malaria advisories for the destination.

UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.

Dakar in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 27°C / 80°F 20°C / 68°F 2 mm 0
February 26°C / 79°F 19°C / 66°F 1 mm 1
March 25°C / 78°F 19°C / 66°F 0 mm 0
April 25°C / 77°F 20°C / 67°F 0 mm 0
May 26°C / 78°F 21°C / 69°F 1 mm 0
June 28°C / 82°F 23°C / 74°F 3 mm 2
July 29°C / 84°F 25°C / 77°F 36 mm 11
August 29°C / 84°F 26°C / 78°F 143 mm 22
September 29°C / 85°F 26°C / 78°F 106 mm 17
October 31°C / 87°F 26°C / 79°F 16 mm 5
November 30°C / 86°F 24°C / 76°F 1 mm 1
December 29°C / 84°F 22°C / 71°F 0 mm 0

Other cities with similar December weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Dakar in December →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Dakar in December?

In December, Dakar averages a high of 29°C (84°F) and a low of 22°C (71°F) — generally warm.

Does it rain a lot in Dakar in December?

December is generally dry in Dakar, with about 0 rainy days on average.

Is December a good time to visit Dakar?

December is warm and mostly dry. It suits travelers who are comfortable with warm weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Dakar in December?

Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen. See the full December packing list for Dakar for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Dakar on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.