The best time to travel in Senegal is between November and February, when it is moderately cool and dry. It is also the best time of year to catch a glimpse of migratory birds and mammals. The only disadvantage of visiting during this time is the harmattan winds that produce the Sahara dust, blurring vision and waters, making it extremely difficult to travel by land and sea. Tourist are far and few between from July to September, because this is the time of the tropical rains.
Senegal's climate is pleasantly tropical, however, with Dakar’s status as one the coolest, breeziest spots in West Africa. The country's average daily temperatures range from 18°C (65°F) to 31°C (87°F). In the north and central regions, the wet season lasts from July to September, while in the Casamance it can last close to two months longer, starting in June and lasting through the end of October. Rainfall averages from 300mm (12in) in the north to nearly as much as six times that in the southern regions; Dakar gets over 600mm (24in) every twelve months.
HOLIDAYS
January - New Year's Day
January - Tamxarit (Islamic New Year)
March - Prophet's Birthday
March - Easter Monday
April - Independence Day (parades and canoe races)
May - Labour Day (parades)
May - Ascension
May - Whit Sunday (Pentecost)
May - Whit Monday
August - Assumption Day
October - Korité (Eid Al Fitr)
November - All Souls' Day
December - Tabaski (Eid Al Adha)
December - Christmas Day
Weekend Saturday, Sunday
