Climate

Senegal has a tropical and fairly dry climate, but there are significant variations between the north and the south. In northern Senegal, the Sahel zone dominates with dry landscapes of shrub savannas and sparse grasslands. The rainy season here is short, typically limited to the summer months, while the rest of the year is dry and hot, with northern harmattan winds carrying dust from the Sahara.

Further south, in Senegal’s Casamance region and throughout southern Gambia, the climate becomes more humid and lush. The landscape is characterized by tropical savannas, mangrove forests along rivers and coastal areas, and denser woodlands in some regions. The rainy season in the south is longer and heavier, creating favorable conditions for agriculture and a more fertile environment.

Along the coasts of both Senegal and Gambia, sea breezes and the cooling effect of the ocean help moderate temperatures. Inland, however, it is often significantly hotter. The Atlantic coastline features long stretches of beaches lined with coconut and casuarina trees. Biodiversity is rich, especially around the Gambia River and Senegal’s river deltas, where many bird species and aquatic animals thrive in the varied ecosystems.