Saint-Louis
Senegal
- Island of Saint-Louis
- Faidherbe Bridge
- Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary
- Langue de Barbarie National Park
- Senegal River
About Saint-Louis
Saint-Louis lies where the Senegal River meets the Atlantic and was founded by the French in the 17th century. For many years it was the capital of French West Africa.
Its river island, with colonial-era buildings, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site; the Faidherbe Bridge, the Guet Ndar fishing quarter and nearby bird sanctuaries are its landmarks.
Natural phenomena and seasons
- Harmattan (December–February) — From December–February, the dry, dusty harmattan wind from the Sahara reduces visibility and leaves a haze in the air. A mask can help people with sensitive airways.
How many days do you need?
Allow two days: one for the island's historic streets, the Faidherbe Bridge and Guet Ndar, and one for the Langue de Barbarie or Djoudj bird reserves. Winter is the best time to see migratory birds at Djoudj.
Where to stay
- The island (historic centre) — Walkable, with colonial houses and small hotels.
- Sor — The modern mainland district, where transport links are.
- Hydrobase — A narrow strip on the ocean with beach hotels.
From the airport to the city
The main international gateway is Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS) near Dakar; the drive to Saint-Louis takes several hours. Use a private transfer or a shared taxi.
Getting around
The island is small and easily walked; horse carts are also used for tours. Taxis are handy for short trips between the island and the mainland.
Good to know
- The dry season runs roughly from November to June; rain falls mainly from July to October.
- Djoudj and the Langue de Barbarie are visited by boat tour; plans can change with weather and season.
- The official language is French and Wolof is widely spoken. The currency is the CFA franc.
When to go?
Best time to visit for the weather: December–February. The warmest month is May (average high 96 °F); the wettest is August (5.9 in).
Monthly climate
| Month | Avg. high °F | Rain in | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 86.4 | 0.03 | Good |
| February | 88.7 | 0.38 | Good |
| March | 93.2 | 1.52 | Very hot |
| April | 94.8 | 0.07 | Very hot |
| May | 96.1 | 0.00 | Very hot |
| June | 95.9 | 0.50 | Very hot |
| July | 92.5 | 3.10 | Very hot |
| August | 90.5 | 5.87 | Very hot |
| September | 90.9 | 4.78 | Very hot |
| October | 94.3 | 0.87 | Very hot |
| November | 92.8 | 0.04 | Very hot |
| December | 87.8 | 0.03 | Good |
Source: NASA POWER (MERRA-2 reanalysis), 2005–2024 monthly averages of daily high temperature and total rainfall. Values are estimates for an area of about 50 km and may differ from the city-centre weather station.
Public holidays 2027
- New Year's DayJanuary 1
- End of Ramadan (Eid al-Fitr) *March 9
- Easter MondayMarch 29
- National HolidayApril 4
- Labour DayMay 1
- Ascension DayMay 6
- Feast of the Sacrifice (Eid al-Adha) *May 16
- Feast of the Sacrifice (Eid al-Adha) *May 17
- Whit MondayMay 17
- Day of Ashura *June 15
- Magal de Touba *July 22
- Birthday of Muhammad (Mawlid) *August 14
- AssumptionAugust 15
- All Saints' DayNovember 1
- Christmas DayDecember 25
* Date follows the lunar calendar and may shift by a few days.
Sources: date-holidays and python-holidays open data projects; for Northern Cyprus, its public holidays law.
Practical info
- CurrencyWest African CFA Franc (Fr)
- Dialling code+221
- Plugs & voltageType C, D, E, K · 230 V · 50 Hz
- EmergencyPolice 17 · Fire 18
- DrivingOn the right
Sources: IEC plug types, Wikidata, Wikipedia; unverified details are left blank.