Climate
The tourist season starts in November and goes until around April as the weather during that time is dry and pleasant. From May to October, the weather is typically hotter and once the rains start in July, very humid. Because Joal is located on the coast, there is usually a pleasant breeze all the time which makes Joal cooler than most places in Senegal.
Understand
Joal-Fadiout rests on the Petite Cote 35km south of Mbour. The largest artisanal fishing port in West Africa resides here and provides a spectacular sight for the way fishing was done before modern machinery. While the city is usually referred to as just Joal, Fadiout is a unique and special part of the city. It is an island made primarily of sea shells and is home to most of the local Sereerâs and Catholicâs. Lastly, Joal-Fadiout is home to Senegalâs first president, Leopold Senghor in whom the city takes much pride.
Respect
The Senegalese are a very friendly and hospitable group of people. In order to continue receiving their hospital, please follow the actions listed below.
Always greet and ask how their day is going.
Never use your left hand to shake hands or give something to someone. By doing so, you would be showing a lack of respect towards the locals.
Never tell a Senegalese that he/she is lying even if they are.
Always ask for permission before taking pictures of the locals.
As a tourist, you will be asked by many people to give out money, and even if you want to, PLEASE DO NOT GIVE OUT MONEY!!! By giving the locals money, you would be making the locals dependent on foreign aid instead of them working for themselves for their own livelihood. The reason the locals in Senegal always ask tourists for money is because the tourists had done so in the past. In order to break the cycle, tourists should stop giving out money.
If you really want to donate something to the community, please go to the local schools and give school supplies to the principal who will then distribute the supplies appropriately.