Senegal Visitor Information

Climate Chart for Dakar, Senegal

Senegal has marked contrasts in climate. The coastal region, except in Casamance, is equable, with low rainfall and high humidity. Inland, the climate is drier, ranging to the semi-desert of the Sahel region in the east. The wet season is from June to September, rather shorter in the north and longer in the south, especially near the coast. The rainfall varies from less than 20 inches in the north to 80 inches in Casamance. In eastern and central Senegal, water is often scarce in the dry season. The country suffers from occasional droughts, such as that of 1968-73. The Senegal River fell to one-third of its average annual flow in 1972-73, and in 1972 failed to flood for the first time in more than 60 years. Temperatures vary according to the season, with an average range of approximately 24° - 38°C (75° - 100°F), the highest being in the northeast.

• Foreign & Commonwealth Office (London)
• US State Department - Travel Warnings

Official Currency:    West African CFA=100 centimes
Current Exchange Rate:    Today's Exchange Rate

Credit cards and travellers cheques are widely accepted.

Air

All the main towns are linked to Dakar via a domestic air service runs by the national airline, Air Senegal

Railways / Train Services

The service is slow but improvements are planned.

Bus

The main centres are connected by fairly good quality minibuses. Long distance travel is also covered by bush taxis, usually Peugeot 504's with three rows of seats, they are comfortable, safe and reliable. On lesser used routes bush taxis are pick up trucks and are less comfortable with bench seating.

Road

Road conditions away from the coast can be poor and sometimes impassable. Driving is on the right hand side and an international driving licence or french licence is required. There are numerous local and international car hire firms mainly at the airport and in Dakar.

1st January New Year's Day
4th April Independence Day
1st May Labour Day
21st May Ascension Day
15th August Assumption
1st November All Saint's Day
25th December Christmas Day
Moveable holidays: Good Friday and Easter Monday
and variable Muslim holidays

click to view plug types

Electric Power is 220V - 240V running at 50Hz.
The Plug type used in Senegal is: "Type D & C"