Weather In Sal Cape Verde – Weather Guide (per month!)

When booking a holiday to Sal, Cape Verde, you might want to know more about the weather in Sal Cape Verde. Well, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know about the weather in Sal Cape Verde (for each month!) and many more travel tips for your trip to Sal Cape Verde – it’s all here!

Weather In Sal Cape Verde

The stunning Cape Verde island Sal is renowned for its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and delightful weather year-round. Below is information about Sal’s year-round climate, including temperature, sea temperature, sunshine hours per day, wind speed, rainfall, cloudiness, and the distinct windy season. And later, I will go more in-depth by sharing information about the weather in Sal Cape Verde per month so you can plan your holiday to Sal easily and confidently.

Temperatures In Sal Cape Verde

Sal boasts a consistently warm and pleasant climate, making it an enticing retreat for sun-seekers. Throughout the year, the island enjoys average temperatures ranging from 21-27°C (69-80°F). From January to April, visitors can expect temperatures to hover around 20-23°C (68-73°F), while the period from May, the temperatures climb up to 27°C on average in the months of July, August, September, and October (the hottest months on Sal). The average temperature in November and December ranges from 23-26°C (73-78°F).

What are the hottest months in Cape Verde? July and August are typically the warmest months in Cape Verde, with temperatures reaching up to 30°C (86°F) or higher in some areas.

What are the coldest months in Cape Verde? The coldest months are January and February in Cape Verde, with average temperatures ranging from 21°C (70°F) to 24°C (75°F). However, Cape Verde is generally warm and pleasant, even in the cooler months, with plenty of sunshine and little rainfall.

Does it get cold at night in Cape Verde? It doesn’t get cold at night in Sal, with average night temperatures of 20°C or higher. However, Sal experiences trade winds, which can make it feel a bit chilly at night.

Is Cape Verde hotter than Tenerife? Cape Verde is hotter than Tenerife because it’s closer to the equator. The temperature in Cape Verde ranges from 24°C – 30°C (75°F – 86°F) year-round, whereas Canaries ranges from 18°C – 24°C (64°F – 75°F). Read more: Is Cape Verde Hotter Than Canaries? A Weather Guide

Is Cape Verde hot at Christmas? The average temperature at Christmas in Cape Verde ranges from 21°C – 25°C (69°F – 77°F).

Sunshine In Sal Cape Verde

Sal basks in abundant sunshine throughout the year, with an average of over 350 sunny days annually. This translates to approximately 8-10 hours of sunshine daily, offering enough time to enjoy sunny beach days, outdoor adventures, and the best things to do in Sal. The generous dose of sunshine adds to Sal’s allure as a sun-drenched destination and is one of the biggest reasons people love to book a holiday to Sal.

You can expect the most sunshine days in the months of December and January. The months with the least amount of sunshine days are July, August, and September.

In the months of May and June, you can expect the most sunshine hours in the day, with 9 hours or more. August is the month with the least amount of sunshine in the day, with an average of 7 hours per day.

Rainfall In Sal Cape Verde

Sal’s climate is characterized by relatively low rainfall, particularly during the dry season. From November to June, the island receives an average monthly rainfall of 1-5 millimeters (0.04-0.2 inches), ensuring long stretches of sunny days and clear skies. The wet season occurs from July to October, with slightly increasing rainfall ranging from 15-35 millimeters (0.4-1.3 inches), with August being the year’s wettest month (35 mm/ 1.3 inches). Showers during this time are typically brief and localized, with minimal impact on outdoor activities.

In the months of July – October, Sal experiences the most rainfall days in a month, with 8 rainfall days in September being the peak. The least amount of rainfall days are in December, January, and February, with 1 rainfall day on average per month.

What are the rainy months in Cape Verde? The rainy months in Cape Verde are August, September, and October. The rainfall ranges from 11-35 millimeters (0.4-1.3 inches) per month, with August being the rainiest month.

Wind Speed and the Windy Season in Sal Cape Verde

Sal experiences notable wind patterns, particularly during the windy season. During these months, trade winds grace the island, bringing average speeds ranging from 20-30 kilometers per hour (12-18 miles per hour). These winds create favorable conditions for wind sports enthusiasts. Professional windsurfers and kitesurfers from around the world come to the Cape Verde islands of Sal and Boa, especially for these perfect conditions (Kitesurf seasons: December-March). They revel in the exhilarating opportunities provided by Sal’s breezy atmosphere.

This maybe sounds like half of the year is very windy and not great for a sunny beach holiday, but let me tell you that during the windy season, it is also a good time to visit Sal. We visited Sal during the windy season, and it was lovely. You can always seek out areas secluded from the wind, such as beach clubs on the beach or areas by the pool at the plenty of best hotels in Sal, Cape Verde.

• What is the windy season in Cape Verde? The windy season in Cape Verde is from October to mid-July.

• Which is the windiest month in Cape Verde? February is the windiest month in Cape Verde, with average wind speeds of 30 km/h (18 mph).

• Which months are the best for kitesurfing in Cape Verde? The best time to visit Cape Verde for kitesurfing and windsurfing is between December and March when the wind is the most steady and reliable for these kinds of watersports. If you’re new to kitesurfing or windsurfing, it’s a good idea to book Kite surfing lessons from a qualified instructor and to be mindful of local wind and weather conditions.

Sea Temperature In Sal Cape Verde

Sal’s turquoise waters and sea temperature invite you for a refreshing dip throughout the year. The average sea temperature ranges from 22-27°C (71-81°F). From January until May, the sea temperature is the coolest, with an average temperature of 22°C (71°F) and rises up to its peak of 27°C (81°F) in September.

Whether you’re a water enthusiast or simply seeking tranquility by the shore, you can relish the warm embrace of the ocean waves and indulge in various water activities that Sal offers.

As you can see, the sea temperature in Sal is pleasant throughout the year, but when you’re a snorkel or dive enthusiast, the best months to visit Sal are between July – December. In these months, the visibility underwater is at its best. Still, snorkeling or diving in the other months are great too, but the conditions can be less ideal.

Perhaps you might also wonder, in general, can you swim in the sea in Cape Verde?

You can swim in the sea in Cape Verde, but not every island is suitable for swimming. Sal, Boa Vista, São Vicente, and Santiago are the best Cape Verde Islands to swim in the sea. And did you know that Sal has one of the best beaches in Cape Verde?

Santa Maria Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Cape Verde and one of the best beaches to swim. It is located on the southern coast of Sal and is known for its stunning sandy shores, stretching approximately 2.5 kilometers in length. The beach is easily accessible from the town of Santa Maria, which is just a short walk away. The water at Santa Maria Beach is mostly calm and inviting, making it suitable for swimming and water activities. And with several beachfront bars, restaurants, and beachfront resorts and hotels in Santa Maria, visitors can enjoy a range of amenities and services while soaking up the sun and enjoying the beautiful coastal scenery.

Cloudiness In Sal Cape Verde

On average, Sal, Cape Verde, experiences a low cloud cover percentage throughout the year. The island typically has around 10-20% cloud cover during the dry season, which spans from November to May. This means that the skies are mostly clear and sunny, providing plenty of opportunities for sunbathing and outdoor activities. During the rainy season, which occurs from July to October, there may be a slight increase in cloud cover, ranging from 25-48%. However, even during this period, Sal still enjoys a significant amount of sunshine and relatively low levels of cloudiness compared to many other destinations.

Weather In Sal Cape Verde By Month

Many people wonder,

What is the best time to visit Sal, Cape Verde?

The best time to visit Sal, Cape Verde, is between November and June. The average day temperature is around 24°C (75°F), the sea temperature is 22°C (71°F), and there is almost no rain. Perfect for a white-sandy beach holiday with plenty of fun things to do in Sal.

Now, because you probably have a time period in mind to visit Sal, let’s take a closer look at the weather for each month.

Weather In Sal Cape Verde In January

In January, Sal, Cape Verde, experiences pleasant weather conditions, making it an ideal destination for those seeking warmth during winter.

The average high temperature during this time is around 24°C (75°F), while the average low-temperature hovers around 19°C (66°F).

The sea temperature is relatively mild, averaging around 22°C (72°F), inviting visitors to take refreshing swims.

January is characterized by plenty of sunshine, with an average of 8-9 hours of sunshine per day and a high chance of clear skies.

Rainfall is minimal, with only a few millimeters expected, making it a dry month.

Winds are strong because of the windy season from October to mid-July, with an average wind speed of around 29 km/h (18 mph).

Cloudiness remains relatively low, allowing for ample opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and explore the stunning beaches of Sal.

Weather In Sal Cape Verde In February

In February, Sal, Cape Verde continues to offer pleasant weather conditions, perfect for a winter getaway.

The average high temperature reaches around 24°C (75°F), while the average low temperature stays around 19°C (66°F), providing comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities.

The sea temperature remains mild, averaging around 22°C (72°F), inviting visitors to enjoy swimming and water sports.

February is part of the dry season in Sal, characterized by minimal rainfall, with only a 1 millimeter expected in this entire month.

The island experiences approximately 8-9 hours of sunshine daily, with clear skies prevailing and an average of 25 sunshine days for the entire month.

February is known for being one of the windiest months in Sal, Cape Verde. During this time, the island experiences stronger wind speeds, making it a popular destination for wind-based activities. The average wind speed in February ranges from 20-25 knots (23-29 mph) or even higher. These consistent trade winds create ideal conditions for windsurfing, kitesurfing, and other water sports. Not a fan of kitesurfing? You can always seek out areas secluded from the wind, such as beach clubs on the beach or areas by the pool at the plenty of best hotels in Sal, Cape Verde.

Cloudiness remains relatively low, with only a few monthly cloudy days, translating to a low cloud cover percentage.

Overall, February offers a delightful combination of warm temperatures, ample sunshine, and a pleasant coastal environment for visitors to enjoy.

Weather In Sal Cape Verde In March

In March, Sal, Cape Verde continues to offer favorable weather conditions with a slight decrease in wind intensity compared to February.

The average high temperature reaches around 24°C (75°F), while the average low temperature remains at a comfortable 19°C (66°F).

The sea temperature stays mild, averaging around 22°C (72°F), perfect for swimming and water activities.

March is still part of the dry season in Sal, with minimal rainfall expected.

The island enjoys approximately 8-9 hours of sunshine daily, providing ample opportunities to soak up the sun.

While the winds are slightly lower than in February, they remain moderate to strong, with an average wind speed of around 28 km/h (17 mph).

Sal continues to experience a low cloud cover percentage, allowing for plenty of clear skies and optimal beach conditions.

Overall, March offers pleasant temperatures, abundant sunshine, and a great balance between wind activity and tranquility for visitors to enjoy.

Weather In Sal Cape Verde In April

In April, Sal, Cape Verde transition into the warmer season, offering delightful weather conditions for travelers.

The average high temperature rises to around 25°C (77°F), while the average low temperature increases to approximately 20°C (68°F).

The sea temperature becomes even more inviting, averaging around 23°C (73°F), perfect for swimming and water-based activities.

April still falls within the dry season, with minimal rainfall expected, allowing visitors to enjoy long stretches of sunny days. Sal experiences an average of 8-9 hours of sunshine per day and 27 sunshine days, providing ample opportunities for outdoor adventures and beach relaxation.

The wind speeds continue to decrease slightly compared to the previous months, with an average wind speed of 27km/h (16 mph).

Cloud cover remains relatively low, allowing for plenty of clear skies and picturesque views.

April in Sal combines warm temperatures, pleasant sea conditions, and a comfortable wind environment, making it an ideal time to explore the island’s beautiful coastline.

Weather In Sal Cape Verde In May

In May, Sal, Cape Verde, experiences a delightful transition into the summer season, characterized by warm and pleasant weather conditions.

The average high temperature reaches around 26°C (79°F), while the average low-temperature hovers around 21°C (70°F), providing comfortable conditions.

The sea temperature rises, averaging around 24°C (75°F), inviting visitors to enjoy the refreshing waters.

May is part of the dry season in Sal, with minimal rainfall. On average, the amount of rainfall is less than 5 millimeters (0.2 inches) throughout the month, with fewer than 2 days of rainfall.

The island enjoys a low cloud cover percentage in May, with clear skies dominating most of the month. This means plenty of sunshine, allowing visitors to make the most of their time exploring Sal’s beautiful beaches and landscapes.

The wind speeds further decrease compared to previous months, with an average wind speed ranging from 19-28 km/h (12-17 mph). Cloud cover remains relatively low, providing clear skies for most of the month.

May in Sal provides warm temperatures, scarce rainfall, limited cloudiness, and ample sunshine, creating ideal conditions for a sunny holiday.

Weather In Sal Cape Verde In June

Sal, Cape Verde enters the summer season in June with warm and sunny weather.

The average high temperature rises to around 27°C (81°F), while the average low temperature stays at a pleasant 22°C (72°F).

The sea temperature continues to warm up, averaging around 25°C (77°F), perfect for swimming and water sports.

June is still part of the dry season in Sal, with minimal rainfall. On average, the amount of rainfall remains low, with less than 5 millimeters (0.2 inches) expected for the month and only a few days of rainfall.

Sal experiences around 8 hours of sunshine daily, with 26 sunshine days in June, allowing for plenty of sun-soaked adventures.

The wind speeds decrease further compared to previous months, with an average wind speed ranging from 16-22 km/h (10-14 mph).

The cloud cover percentage remains relatively low, providing mostly clear skies and maximizing the enjoyment of outdoor activities.

June in Sal offers warm temperatures, minimal rainfall, a comfortable wind environment, and abundant sunshine, making it an excellent time to explore the island’s natural beauty and engage in various water-based activities.

Weather In Sal Cape Verde In July

In July, Sal, Cape Verde, experiences warm and sunny weather, making it an ideal destination for summer vacations.

July is one of the hottest months of the year. The average high temperature reaches around 28°C (82°F), while the average low-temperature hovers around 23°C (73°F), providing comfortable conditions for outdoor activities and beach fun.

The sea temperature is pleasantly warm, averaging around 25°C (77°F), perfect for swimming and water sports.

July is part of the dry season in Sal, with minimal rainfall expected. The amount of rainfall remains low, with less than 5 millimeters (0.2 inches) recorded on average throughout the month. Rainfall days are infrequent, allowing visitors to enjoy extended periods of sunshine.

Sal experiences around 7 hours of sunshine daily, which is lower than other months in the year. But still enough time for outdoor exploration and relaxation.

The wind speeds continue to decrease, with an average wind speed ranging from 14-20 km/h (9-12 mph), creating a gentle breeze that adds to the coastal charm. July and August are the months with the lowest wind speeds of the year.

The cloud cover percentage increases up to 41%, offering mostly clear skies and providing the perfect backdrop for enjoying the island’s stunning beaches.

July in Sal offers warm temperatures, minimal rainfall, a pleasant wind environment, and abundant sunshine, making it an ideal time to soak up the sun and indulge in the beauty of this tropical paradise.

Weather In Sal Cape Verde In August

August is the hottest and wettest month of the year. The average high temperature reaches around 30°C (86°F), while the average low temperature remains at a comfortable 25°C (77°F). These temperatures make August the peak of the summer season, offering hot and sunny weather for outdoor activities.

The sea temperature is also at its peak in August and remains warm, averaging around 26-27°C (79-81°F), perfect for swimming and enjoying water sports.

August also marks the transition into the rainy season in Sal. The island experiences increased rainfall during this month, with the average amount ranging from 20-35 millimeters (0.8-1.3 inches). Rainfall days become more frequent, bringing refreshing showers to the region. Usually, this means short showers somewhere in the day. Also, while August is considered the wettest month, rainfall amounts can vary yearly.

Sal enjoys around 7 hours of sunshine per day in August, making it the month with the least amount of hours of sunshine in the day.

The wind speeds in August are at their low of the year and are typically gentle, with an average speed ranging from 12-18 km/h (7-11 mph), creating a pleasant breeze along the coast.

August typically experiences a moderate cloud cover of 48% due to the increased humidity and rainfall, which makes August the month with the highest cloud cover compared to other months.

Weather In Sal Cape Verde In September

In September, Sal, Cape Verde experiences warm and humid weather as September is part of the rainy season.

The average high temperature reaches around 30°C (86°F), while the average low-temperature hovers around 25°C (77°F).

The sea temperature remains inviting, averaging around 27°C (81°F), perfect for swimming and water sports.

September has a slight decrease in rainfall compared to August. The average amount of rainfall is typically around 28 millimeters (1.1 inches). The number of rainy days is typically higher (8 days on average), as the island receives more frequent showers than other months.

However, Sal enjoys around 8 hours of sunshine daily in September, which is a slight increase compared to August—allowing for plenty of time to soak up the sun and explore the island’s stunning beaches.

The wind speeds in September are picking up a bit, with an average wind speed ranging from 15-20 km/h (9-12 mph). These breezes create a pleasant coastal atmosphere on hot sunny days.

Regarding cloud cover, Sal experiences a decrease in cloud cover of 37%, which is lower compared to the months of July and August.

Weather In Sal Cape Verde In October

In October, Sal, Cape Verde, experiences a transition from the rainy season to the dry season, offering more sunny weather conditions for visitors.

The average high temperature remains warm, around 29°C (84°F), while the average low temperature decreases slightly to approximately 24°C (75°F).

The sea temperature remains inviting, averaging around 26°C (79°F), ideal for swimming and water sports.

October marks the end of the rainy season in Sal, with a significant decrease in rainfall compared to the previous months. The average amount of rainfall drops to around 11 millimeters (0.4 inches) for the month, and the number of rainy days also decreases. This allows visitors to enjoy more sunshine and outdoor activities.

Sal experiences around 8 hours of sunshine daily in October.

The wind speeds continue to increase a bit as the windy season starts in October, with an average speed ranging from 22 km/h (13 mph), creating a pleasant coastal breeze.

The cloud cover percentage in October tends to be relatively lower (25%), offering clearer skies and optimal conditions for enjoying outdoor pursuits and sunbathing.

October in Sal provides warm temperatures, decreased rainfall, comfortable wind speeds, and plenty of sunshine, making it an excellent time to visit and enjoy the island’s stunning landscapes and sandy beaches.

Weather In Sal Cape Verde In November

In November, Sal, Cape Verde, experience mild and pleasant weather as it approaches the dry and winter season.

The average high temperature reaches around 28°C (82°F), while the average low-temperature hovers around 23°C (73°F), providing comfortable conditions for outdoor activities and beach visits.

The sea temperature remains warm, averaging around 25°C (77°F), perfect for swimming and water sports.

November is the beginning of the dry season. Sal experiences a decrease in rainfall compared to the previous months. The average amount of rainfall typically decreases significantly, with minimal precipitation expected during this time (2mm). The number of rainy days also decreases (2 days on average).

Sal enjoys a good amount of sunshine in November, with around 7-8 hours of sunshine per day, providing opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities and explore the island.

The wind speeds continue to increase, with an average speed ranging from 25 km/h (16 mph), creating a stronger coastal breeze as it almost transitions into the windy season.

Regarding cloud cover, November in Sal tends to have relatively low cloud cover, offering mostly clear skies and ample sunshine for outdoor activities and exploration.

November in Sal offers mild temperatures, almost no rainfall, comfortable wind speeds, and a good amount of sunshine, making it a favorable time to visit and appreciate the island’s natural beauty. November is the first month of the best time to visit Sal, Cape Verde.

Weather In Sal Cape Verde In December

In December, Sal, Cape Verde experiences pleasant weather.

The average high temperature reaches around 24°C (75°F), while the average low temperature hovers around 21°C (70°F), which are perfect for a sunny winter holiday or celebrating Christmas on the beach.

The sea temperature remains inviting, averaging around 24°C (75°F), perfect for swimming and water sports.

December is part of the dry season in Sal, with minimal rainfall expected. The amount of rainfall and the number of rainy days remains low to none. Visitors can expect mostly dry and sunny weather, providing abundant opportunities to enjoy the sun and the plenty of outdoor activities Sal offers.

Sal enjoys around 8 hours of sunshine per day in December, allowing plenty of daylight to explore the island and enjoy the beautiful beaches.

In December, Sal experiences stronger winds compared to other months. The average wind speed ranges from 20-30 km/h (12-19 mph) and can occasionally be higher. These winds make December popular for wind-based activities such as windsurfing and kitesurfing.

Regarding cloud cover, December in Sal typically has a relatively low percentage, offering mostly clear skies and abundant sunshine.

December in Sal offers nice temperatures, almost no rainfall, more windy days, and plenty of sunshine, making it an ideal time to visit Sal.

Unique Things To Do In Sal Cape Verde

With its long stretches of sandy beaches and clear blue waters, Sal is a popular destination for sun-seekers and water sports enthusiasts. You can try kitesurfing, windsurfing, snorkeling, admire the “Blue Eye,” one of the seven wonders of the island, and its natural pool, visit the world’s second saltiest water in Pedra de Lume, simply relax on the beach and soak up the sun or swim with sharks as I do as you can see in our Sal travel video below.

Our Travel Guide Video of Sal:

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Sal, Cape Verde, located?

Cape Verde is an archipelago of 10 volcanic islands and several islets off the coast of West Africa in the Atlantic Ocean. Located approximately 570 kilometers (350 miles) west of Senegal. The islands are situated between 14°30′ and 17°30′ north latitude and 22°30′ and 25°30′ west longitude.

How to get to Sal, Cape Verde?

You can directly fly to Sal Cape Verde from various cities in the UK and other European countries with TUI Airways.

Is Santa Maria Sal Cape Verde Safe?

Yes, Santa Maria in Sal Cape Verde is generally considered safe for tourists. The island has a low crime rate and is known for its friendly and welcoming people.

However, like anywhere else in the world, you should still exercise caution and use common sense. Petty theft can sometimes occur, so it is important to keep valuables secure and avoid displaying large amounts of cash or expensive jewelry.

Can you walk around in Sal?

Can you can easily walk around in Sal, especially in the main town of Santa Maria. Many of the island’s attractions, restaurants, and shops are located within walking distance of each other. However, visitors should know that the island can be quite hot and humid, particularly during summer. Staying hydrated and protecting yourself from the sun is important by wearing sunscreen and a hat.

Additionally, some areas outside of Santa Maria may be less pedestrian-friendly, and taking a taxi, renting a car, or booking a tour to explore these areas is recommended.

Is Sal Cape Verde expensive?

The cost of living in Sal Cape Verde can vary depending on your budget and travel style. Overall, Sal is considered a relatively affordable travel destination when compared to other popular tourist destinations. Accommodations, food, and transportation are generally less expensive than in Europe or North America.

However, imported goods and luxury items, such as high-end restaurants and hotels, can be expensive due to the additional transportation costs. Prices also tend to be higher in tourist areas like Santa Maria. As a result, it is possible to enjoy Sal on a budget, but visitors should plan accordingly and research prices ahead of time.

A 7-day holiday to Sal Cape Verde can range between €500-800 per person up to €2500 per person depending on the season, specific accommodations and activities are chosen, and individual spending habits.

Is Sal Nice in Cape Verde?

Sal is a nice island in Cape Verde. It is a beautiful island with white sandy beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters. It is a popular tourist destination known for its warm climate, relaxed atmosphere, and friendly locals. Sal is also known for its water sports, including windsurfing, kitesurfing, and snorkeling. Visitors can enjoy various activities on the island, from exploring the vibrant town of Santa Maria to relaxing on the beaches. With its unique mix of cultures, delicious food, and lively nightlife, Sal is a great destination for travelers seeking a unique and memorable experience.

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