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Data Source: Safety, crime, and quality metrics are sourced from Numbeo, a crowd-sourced global database of reported data.
All scores are relative comparisons on a 0-100 scale, where 50 = global average. Higher scores mean better than average, lower scores mean worse than average.
Joal offers a grounded, authentic coastal lifestyle for those seeking to trade metropolitan frenzy for the rhythmic pace of a traditional Senegalese fishing hub. It is an ideal destination for expats prioritizing community connection and a slower tempo of life, though it lacks the polished infrastructure of Dakar.
While the cost of living remains highly accessible and the local atmosphere is welcoming, relocation requires a pragmatic approach to logistics. You will find reliable healthcare and transport options within reach, but you must be prepared for a more modest standard of urban amenities. It is a place for those who value cultural immersion over high-end convenience.
Population
45,903
Area
19 km²
Density
2,387 per km²
Founded
-
Language
French
Distance to Coast
2 km
Districts & Neighborhoods in Joal
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Climate & Weather in Joal
Joal has a hot semi-arid climate (Köppen BSh) with a long dry season and a short wet season concentrated in the summer months. Temperatures stay warm to hot year-round, and coastal influence keeps humidity higher than in inland Senegal while rainfall remains modest compared with humid tropical climates.
Summer Average
31°C
Winter Average
24°C
Climate Type
Hot semi-arid
Rainy Days
45
Sunny Days
290
Humidity
70%
Spring
March - May
24-31°C
Spring is hot and increasingly humid, with little rainfall at first and rising heat toward May. Skies are often partly sunny to hazy, and conditions remain mostly dry before the rainy season begins.
Low rainfall
Summer
June - August
26-30°C
Summer is the main rainy season, though rainfall is still concentrated in fewer, sometimes heavy, showers. Temperatures remain warm and the air feels more humid, especially in July and August.
High rainfall
Autumn
September - November
27-32°C
Autumn begins with the tail end of the wet season and then turns progressively drier. Heat remains strong, and sunshine increases as rainfall declines sharply by late October and November.
Moderate rainfall
Winter
December - February
22-26°C
Winter is the driest and most comfortable period, with warm days, milder nights, and very little rain. Humidity is lower than in summer, and clear skies are common.
Very Low rainfall
Loading Weather...
Air Quality
Joal
Advantages
Joal
Historic fishing village charm
Coastal Atlantic beauty
Authentic Senegalese culture
Tight-knit community bonds
Affordable cost of living
Disadvantages
Joal
Limited higher education options
Few job opportunities locally
Inadequate infrastructure development
Minimal entertainment venues
Basic healthcare facilities
Safety & Security in Joal
Overall Safety Score
Includes resilience and environmental factors
Moderate
53
/100
Senegal Avg
54
Africa Avg
54
Worldwide Avg
56
Crime & Safety Metrics
Thermometer compares Joal to Senegal averages using different marker styles.Compare:
Joal
Senegal Average
No city-specific data available — showing Senegal country averages instead.
Safety Index
0510
Moderate
Safety from Crime
0510
Moderate
Safe Alone (Day)
0510
Moderate
Safe Alone (Night)
0510
Low
Safety from Violent Crime
0510
Moderate
Safety from Property Crime
0510
Concerning
Environmental & Natural Hazard Risks
Resilience Score: 90/100
No data for Joal — showing hazard indicators from nearby Thiès (~69 km).
