Dakar in January
In January, Dakar averages 27°C (80°F) during the day and 20°C (68°F) at night, with only about 0 rainy days.
High seasonConditions are warm and beach-friendly. Skies are generally dry and clear.
January is a great month to visit Dakar: pleasant temperatures and relatively few wet days.
How January compares to the rest of the year in Dakar
January is in the middle of the year for warmth in Dakar (8th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (8th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 1°C below the annual average (28°C). January runs 2°C cooler than December (29°C) and cools 1°C in February (26°C).
January sunrise & sunset in Dakar
Times shown for Dakar local time (Africa/Dakar), calculated for the 15th of January. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Dakar — January
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of January, in Dakar's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Dakar in January
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 January's tier (High season) and Dakar's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — January in Dakar
This is a busy month in Dakar — not the absolute peak, but tourist numbers are clearly elevated. You'll feel it at headline attractions on weekends and in the historic centre, though side streets and lesser-known sights stay manageable. Prices are above off-season but not at their summit. A good week for first-time visitors who want everything open without the worst of the crush.
Why this tier: excellent tourism weather
Sun & mosquito risk — January in Dakar
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
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow 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 January weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Dakar in January →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Dakar in January?
In January, Dakar averages a high of 27°C (80°F) and a low of 20°C (68°F) — generally warm.
Does it rain a lot in Dakar in January?
January is generally dry in Dakar, with about 0 rainy days on average.
Is January a good time to visit Dakar?
January 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 January?
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen. See the full January packing list for Dakar for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.