Sea temperature in Senegal
Live water temperatures and swimming conditions across 2 beaches on the Senegal coast.
Best time to swim in Senegal
The sea in Senegal peaks in April, when the water averages around 29°C.
The main swimming season runs from January – December, when surface temperatures stay comfortable for extended sessions.
On average, 12 months a year sit above 20°C — the threshold most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.
The coldest month is typically January at around 28°C, when cold-water swimmers dominate the coast.
Senegal sea temperature history
Long-term climatology for Senegal shows an annual mean sea temperature of 28°C, ranging from 28°C in winter to 29°C at the summer peak.
The seasonal swing is roughly 1°C between the coldest and warmest month — a useful yardstick when comparing years or checking whether the current sea is running above or below average.
Recent decades have trended slightly warmer at Senegal, in line with regional sea-surface temperature records for the wider basin.
Monthly averages below are drawn from multi-decadal climatology and are updated as new observations arrive.
Values are area averages; individual beaches vary by exposure and depth.
Senegal sea temperature: frequently asked questions
What is the warmest month to swim in Senegal?
April is the warmest month in Senegal, when the sea averages about 29°C. Late-season warmth often persists a few weeks after peak.
When is the sea coldest in Senegal?
The coldest month in Senegal is typically January, when the water averages around 28°C. Cold-water swimmers and surfers dominate this period.
When can you swim in Senegal without a wetsuit?
The main swimming season in Senegal runs from January – December — about 12 months a year when the sea sits above 20°C, the level most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.
Do I need a wetsuit in Senegal?
Senegal stays warm year-round, so most swimmers never need a wetsuit — a rash guard is usually enough for sun and wildlife protection.
What is the average sea temperature in Senegal?
The long-term annual mean sea temperature in Senegal is about 28°C, based on multi-decadal climatology of the surrounding waters.
How do I check the current sea temperature in Senegal?
The live reading at the top of this page shows the current sea temperature in Senegal, updated hourly from marine buoy and satellite data. The 7-day forecast covers water, air, waves, wind and UV for the week ahead.
Senegal sea temperature by month
Average sea temperatures around Senegal for every month of the year, based on long-term Open-Meteo marine climatology.
| Month | Average sea | Swimming comfort |
|---|---|---|
| January | 28.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| February | 28.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| March | 28.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| April ⭐ | 29.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| May | 29.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| June | 28.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| July | 28.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| August | 28.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| September | 28.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| October | 28.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| November | 28.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| December | 28.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
Monthly figures are modelled climatology averages, not live readings. How accurate is our data?
Warmest beaches in Senegal right now
| Beach | Region | Sea | Swim score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plage de Yoff | Dakar | 28.4°C | Excellent |
| Plage de Cap Skirring | Ziguinchor | 27.5°C | Excellent |
Sea temperature in Senegal — FAQ
How warm is the sea in Senegal in September?
The sea off Senegal averages about 28.0°C in September, based on long-term monthly averages for this coast.
When is the best time to swim in Senegal?
Senegal is warmest in April (around 29.0°C) and coldest in January (around 28.0°C). There are typically 12 months a year when the water sits above 22°C.
What is the average yearly sea temperature in Senegal?
Across all twelve months, the sea in Senegal averages about 28.2°C.
Do you need a wetsuit to swim in Senegal?
In peak season (around April, ~29.0°C) most swimmers are comfortable without a wetsuit. Outside summer, when the water drops toward 28.0°C, a 3/2mm to 5/4mm wetsuit is recommended.