Last updated: January 18, 2025
Sal, Cabo Verde, is characterized by its BWh (arid desert) climate according to the Koppen-Geiger classification. The temperature ranges significantly throughout the year, with minimum recorded temperatures of 18°C (65°F) occurring in February, while average annual temperatures hover around 23°C (74°F). The warmest month, October, sees maximum temperatures reaching up to 29°C (84°F), presenting a consistently warm climate ideal for outdoor activities and tourism.
In Sal, Cabo Verde, temperature patterns exhibit a warm and relatively stable climate throughout the year, with subtle seasonal variations. Starting from January, temperatures tend to remain moderate, with minimums around 19°C (66°F) and average highs reaching 24°C (76°F) by the end of the month. By February, the climate cools slightly, presenting its lowest minimum of 18°C (65°F), followed by a gradual increase in temperature leading into the summer months. The peak warmth occurs in September and October, where average temperatures rise to 26°C (79°F) and reach maximums of 29°C (84°F). As the year transitions into November and December, temperatures dip slightly, but the climate remains pleasantly warm, maintaining averages around 25°C (77°F). Collectively, these temperature trends underscore Sal's reputation as a year-round sunny destination.
In Espargos and Santa Maria, temperatures range from a minimum of 18°C (65°F) in February to a maximum of 29°C (84°F) in October. This consistent climate makes both locations appealing for visitors year-round. For more detailed temperature information, you can visit the links for monthly temperatures in Espargos and monthly temperatures in Santa Maria.
Sal, Cabo Verde, features an exceptionally arid climate, with precipitation levels remaining minimal throughout most of the year. From January to June, the island experiences virtually no rainfall, with January recording 0 mm of precipitation and only a few millimeters noted in February and March. The trend of dry conditions continues into May and June, reinforcing Sal’s reputation as a sun-drenched destination. In fact, the first half of the year typically showcases zero days of measurable rainfall.
However, the late summer months introduce a shift with higher precipitation levels, notably in August and September. During these months, rainfall intensifies, with August seeing 22 mm (0.9 in) and September 21 mm (0.8 in), coinciding with a slight increase in the number of rainy days to two and three, respectively. Despite this seasonal uptick, overall annual precipitation remains remarkably low, ensuring that Sal maintains its dry, warm climate for the majority of the year.
Sal, Cabo Verde, is bathed in sunshine throughout the year, with a notable upward trend in sunshine duration from winter to summer. January starts the year with 242 hours of sunshine, gradually increasing as the months progress. By March, the hours rise significantly to 333, peaking in May with 356 hours. This month showcases the island's sunniest period, offering visitors ample opportunity to soak up the warm rays before the transition into the summer months. Even in June and July, when sunshine remains abundant, hours decrease slightly, maintaining a healthy 334 and 327 hours, respectively.
As summer wanes, sunshine hours begin to taper off, with September witnessing a decline to 317 hours. However, the sun still shines brightly for the majority of the month, ensuring that clear skies are a common feature along the coast. The autumn months bring further reductions, but the hours remain well above 290, with November and December presenting 294 and 287 hours of sunlight, respectively. Overall, the annual pattern demonstrates that while there are fluctuations, Sal consistently offers an impressive amount of sunshine, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a bright escape year-round.
Sal, Cabo Verde, presents a notable UV Index through the year, with values primarily categorized as very high to extreme, particularly from March to September. In the early months of the year, the UV Index begins at 9 in January and climbs to 10 in February, indicating robust sun exposure with a burn time of just 15 minutes. The transition to March marks a significant uptick, skyrocketing to an extreme UV Index of 12, necessitating caution as the burn time decreases to 10 minutes. The months of April, May, and August maintain this extreme level at 13, showcasing the strongest sun intensity during the late spring and summer months.
As summer progresses into the fall, the UV Index slightly recedes but remains high, hovering around 11 to 12 during October. Notably, November and December revert to very high levels at 10 and 9, respectively, with burn times extending to 15 minutes. This data emphasizes the importance of sun safety year-round, particularly during the peak months when UV radiation is most intense. Travelers and locals alike should take precautions to protect themselves from harmful UV exposure, especially during the key months of March to September.
UV Risk Categories
In Sal, Cabo Verde, daylight duration exhibits a steady pattern throughout the year, beginning with approximately 11 hours in both January and February. As spring approaches, daylight hours gradually increase, reaching 12 hours in March and remaining consistent through April and May. This ensures that residents and visitors enjoy ample daylight to engage in outdoor activities and explore the island's natural beauty as the temperatures rise.
During the summer months, particularly June, daylight peaks at 13 hours, providing an extra hour for sun-seekers to enjoy the warm weather. However, this peak is short-lived as daylight hours recede back to 12 hours in July and stabilize at that duration through August and September. By October, daylight begins to diminish again, settling back to 11 hours for the autumn and winter months. This rhythmic pattern showcases Sal's mild climate and provides a consistent environment for leisure and exploration year-round.
Espargos, Cabo Verde, features a warm and relatively dry climate with mild temperatures year-round. Average temperatures range from 21°C (70°F) in winter months to 26°C (79°F) in the late summer, peaking at a comfortable 29°C (84°F) in October. The area receives minimal rainfall, with the wettest months being August and September, averaging around 19 mm (0.8 in). Sunshine is abundant, reaching up to 357 hours in May, making it an attractive destination for sun-seekers. For more detailed information, visit Espargos climate.
Santa Maria, Cabo Verde, enjoys a warm and dry climate throughout the year, with average monthly temperatures ranging from 21°C (70°F) in winter to 26°C (79°F) in fall. Precipitation is minimal, with the wettest months being August and September, receiving up to 26 mm (1.0 in) and 22 mm (0.9 in) respectively. The area benefits from abundant sunshine, peaking in May with 355 hours, ensuring plenty of bright days. Overall, Santa Maria offers a pleasant climate ideal for outdoor activities. For more details, visit Santa Maria climate.
In conclusion, Sal, Cabo Verde, offers a consistently warm and sunny climate, highlighted by minimal precipitation and abundant sunlight throughout the year. With average temperatures and a high UV Index, the island is an ideal destination for sun lovers seeking outdoor adventures. The steady increase in daylight duration from winter through summer enhances the appeal, allowing visitors to make the most of their time under the sun. As a result, Sal stands out as a year-round haven for those looking to escape to a beautiful, sun-soaked paradise while emphasizing the importance of sun protection and responsible outdoor enjoyment.