When to go · Senegal
Senegal in April
Great month. Coast still fine; interior very hot. Independence Day 4 April.
Key facts
- Verdict
- Great
- Crowds
- Medium
- Senegal
- Prices
- Medium
- Senegal
Verdict
Coast still fine; interior very hot. Independence Day 4 April.
Weather in April
- Dakar and the Atlantic coast · Dakar, Saint-Louis, Petite Côtebest weather
Trade winds keep the coast 5–8 °C cooler than inland; January–March evenings can feel cool, and the sea is cold until May.
- Sine-Saloum and the Gambia fringe · Toubacouta, Palmarin, Kaolackhot
Harmattan dust some weeks Jan–Mar; the delta is at its best for birds Nov–Apr.
- Casamance · Ziguinchor, Cap Skirring, Oussouyebest weather
Senegal's wettest region: up to 1,500 mm a year, most of it Jul–Sep; many beach hotels close in the rains.
- Inland north and east · Touba, Tambacounda, Niokolo-Koba, Kédougouhot
40 °C+ in April–May; Niokolo-Koba tracks close in the rains (roughly Jul–Oct).
Festivals and holidays
Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.
Independence Day
4 Apr
Parade in Dakar; offices closed.
Christian holidays
Easter Monday, Ascension, Whit Monday (moves)
Public holidays; Popenguine pilgrimage at Pentecost.
Crowds and prices
- Crowds · Senegal
- Medium
- Prices · Senegal
- Medium
What to pack
- Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and sunscreen
Where to go in April
Rated best or good this month
Dakar and the Atlantic coast
Best weather of the year (Dakar, Saint-Louis, Petite Côte)
Casamance
Best weather of the year (Ziguinchor, Cap Skirring, Oussouye)
Dry; hot afternoons.