Dakar in May
In May, Dakar averages 26°C (78°F) during the day and 21°C (69°F) at night, with only about 0 rainy days.
High seasonConditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Skies are generally dry and clear.
May is a great month to visit Dakar: pleasant temperatures and relatively few wet days.
How May compares to the rest of the year in Dakar
May is one of the coolest months in Dakar (10th of 12) and one of the driest months (11th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 2°C below the annual average (28°C). May runs roughly the same as April (25°C) and warms a further 2°C into June (28°C).
May sunrise & sunset in Dakar
Times shown for Dakar local time (Africa/Dakar), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Dakar — May
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Dakar's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Dakar in May
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 May's tier (High season) and Dakar's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — May 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 — May 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 May weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Dakar in May →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Dakar in May?
In May, Dakar averages a high of 26°C (78°F) and a low of 21°C (69°F) — generally warm.
Does it rain a lot in Dakar in May?
May is generally dry in Dakar, with about 0 rainy days on average.
Is May a good time to visit Dakar?
May 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 May?
Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings. See the full May packing list for Dakar for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.