Cap-Vert

Cape Westernmost African peninsula containing Dakar and coastal suburbs

The Cap‑Vert peninsula contains Dakar, coastal neighborhoods like Ngor and ferry links to Gorée; visitors explore markets, surf spots, fish‑landing beaches and short sea trips to nearby islands.

Main image
A Survey of St Vincent-Cape Verde Islands Frazer-Mudge-Vidal-Durnford 1873.jpg
Admiralty Chart No 1147 Africa west coast Cape Verde to Cape St Ann, Published 1900.jpg
Admiralty Chart No 1147 Cap Vert to Cape St Ann, Published 1970.jpg
Admiralty Chart No 1230 Africa west coast Garnet Head to Cape Verde, Published 1898.jpg
Admiralty Chart No 1231 Cape Blanco to Cape Verde, Published 1844.jpg
Admiralty Chart No 594 Africa west coast River Gambia to Cape Lopez and Anno Bom, Published 1885.jpg
Admiralty Chart No 599 Cape Verde to Cape Roxo, Published 1830.jpg
Ambassade France Cap Vert.jpg
AS09-23-3491 (21429742243).jpg

Cap-Vert is the peninsula that projects into the Atlantic on which the city of Dakar is situated and contains the westernmost point of the African mainland. The peninsula is a mix of urban areas, fishing villages, rocky headlands and sandy beaches.

The area is popular for coastal recreation, including surfing at well-known breaks, small island boat trips and shoreline viewpoints. Urban Dakar occupies much of the peninsula, with residential and commercial districts interspersed with beaches and cultural sites.

Historically the peninsula was a maritime gateway and later developed into the major port and capital city of Dakar; it remains the country’s economic and cultural hub.

Cap-Vert lies in western Senegal and forms the western tip of the country around the city of Dakar.

  • Westernmost point: Hosts the westernmost point of continental Africa at Pointe des Almadies.

What to See #

  • Pointe des Almadies: A rocky headland that marks the westernmost point of the African mainland and is a frequently visited viewpoint for sunsets and ocean views.
  • N'Gor and surf beaches: A stretch of coastline with popular beaches and surf breaks, including the N'Gor area which is well known for surfing and island excursions.
Cap-Vert
Cap‑Vert (Cap Vert peninsula), Dakar region, Senegal
14.7221, -17.5045

How to Get to Cap-Vert #

Cap‑Vert (the Cap‑Vert peninsula) is the westernmost point of mainland Africa and contains the city of Dakar. The peninsula is reached by the city road network (including the Corniche roads along the coast); from central Dakar all points on the peninsula are a short drive or taxi ride away.

Tips for Visiting Cap-Vert #

  • For sweeping coastal views and to reach westernmost points, go late afternoon for dramatic light over the Atlantic and to watch local surfers around the Almadies headland.
  • Approach the peninsula along the Corniche Ouest to take in continuous sea views and stop at small headlands and lookout points rather than trying to see everything from a single parking area.
  • Include short detours to coastal communities (for example fishing piers and local beaches) to experience daily life on the peninsula-many travellers stick to the city Corniche and miss these quieter seafront spots.

Best Time to Visit Cap-Vert #

For Cap‑Vert (Dakar peninsula) aim for the dry season (November-May) for the most comfortable coastal weather and clearer skies.

Dry season (most comfortable)
November-May · 20-30°C
Drier, breezier coastal conditions around the Cap‑Vert peninsula make outdoor sightseeing and beach visits more pleasant.
Wet/humid season
June-October · 24-33°C
Warmer, more humid with periodic heavy showers; outdoor activities can be less comfortable during the hottest months.

Weather & Climate near Cap-Vert #

Climate

Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in September) and warm winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 16°C to 31°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.

Best Time to Visit
JanuaryMarchApril
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
33°
Warmest Month
16°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 16°C. Almost no rain.

94 Ideal

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
16° 26°
70%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

2 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.6
UV Index
Very High
11.3h daylight

February

February is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 16°C. Almost no rain and partly cloudy skies.

92 Ideal

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
16° 26°
76%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

1 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.9
UV Index
Very High
11.6h daylight

March

March is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 16°C. The driest month with just 0 mm.

94 Ideal

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
16° 27°
83%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

0 mm
Rainfall
4.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.3
UV Index
Extreme
11.9h daylight

April

April is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 17°C. The driest month with just 0 mm.

94 Ideal

Comfort

22°
Feels Like Mild
22°C
Temperature
17° 27°
88%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

0 mm
Rainfall
4.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.5
UV Index
Extreme
12.3h daylight

May

May is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 18°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and partly cloudy skies.

92 Ideal

Comfort

23°
Feels Like Mild
23°C
Temperature
19° 27°
88%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

0 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.5
UV Index
Extreme
12.7h daylight

June

June is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Almost no rain and partly cloudy skies.

88 Excellent

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
21° 29°
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

8 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.3
UV Index
Extreme
12.8h daylight

July

July is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

78 Very Good

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
23° 30°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

53 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.2
UV Index
Extreme
12.8h daylight

August

August is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (146 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

70 Very Good

Comfort

30°
Feels Like Hot
27°C
Temperature
24° 30°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

146 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.2
UV Index
Extreme
12.5h daylight

September

September is the hottest month, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (123 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

68 Good

Comfort

31°
Feels Like Hot
27°C
Temperature
24° 31°
83%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

123 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.1
UV Index
Extreme
12.1h daylight

October

October is the hottest month, feeling like 30°C due to high humidity. Light rainfall.

84 Excellent

Comfort

30°
Feels Like Hot
27°C
Temperature
23° 31°
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

20 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.0
UV Index
Extreme
11.7h daylight

November

November is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 21°C. Almost no rain.

94 Ideal

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
21° 30°
73%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

2 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.7
UV Index
Very High
11.3h daylight

December

December is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 18°C. Almost no rain.

94 Ideal

Comfort

23°
Feels Like Mild
23°C
Temperature
18° 28°
69%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

1 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.6
UV Index
Very High
11.2h daylight

Nearby Attractions to Cap-Vert