Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of Santa Cruz, Cabo Verde, is classified under the Köppen-Geiger system as BWh, indicative of a hot semi-arid environment. Characterized by a minimum temperature of 18°C (65°F) in February, the region enjoys an average temperature of approximately 23°C (74°F) throughout the year. The peak warmth is felt in August, where temperatures can rise to a maximum of 28°C (84°F). This warm and dry climate provides a unique backdrop for both local biodiversity and human activities, making Santa Cruz a significant point of interest within the Cabo Verde archipelago.
Temperature patterns in Santa Cruz, Cabo Verde, exhibit a distinct seasonal trend characterized by mild winter months transitioning into hotter summer periods. From January to April, temperatures remain relatively cool, with minimums ranging from 18°C (65°F) to 19°C (66°F) and averages hovering around 21-22°C (70-72°F). As the region moves into May and June, a gradual increase is noted, with maximum temperatures reaching 26°C (79°F) in June. The summer months of July and August peak with minimum temperatures of 21-23°C (70-73°F) and averages rising to 24-25°C (75-78°F). This warmth persists into September and October, where temperatures stabilize around 24-26°C (75-79°F). The year concludes with a slight cooling as November and December bring temperatures back down to about 20-22°C (69-72°F), maintaining the overall warmth but marking a subtle shift towards the cooler end of the spectrum.
Both Santa Cruz and Pedra Badejo experience a consistent range of temperatures throughout the year, with a minimum of 18°C (65°F) in February and a maximum of 28°C (84°F) in August. For more details on the climate in Santa Cruz, visit monthly temperatures in Santa Cruz, and for Pedra Badejo, check out monthly temperatures in Pedra Badejo.
Precipitation in Santa Cruz, Cabo Verde, is notably scarce throughout most of the year, with monthly totals consistently low from January through June. January and March record virtually no rainfall, while February, April, and May see minimal precipitation of 2 mm (0.1 in) or less. The dry season persists until July, which marks a slight increase with 6 mm (0.3 in) of rain. However, it is in the late summer months that the region experiences its most significant precipitation, with August receiving 45 mm (1.8 in) and September soaring to 62 mm (2.4 in).
These late summer rains correlate with an uptick in rainy days, as August has an average of 6 rainy days and September follows closely with 8 days of measurable precipitation. October, although cooler, still retains some moisture with 13 mm (0.5 in) spread across 2 rainy days, while November and December return to minimal rainfall conditions. Overall, Santa Cruz has a pronounced wet and dry season dynamic, with rain primarily concentrated in the peak of summer.
In Santa Cruz, Cabo Verde, sunshine duration showcases a clear seasonal trend, with increasing hours of sunlight from winter into summer. Starting the year, January offers 242 hours of sunshine, gradually rising to 285 hours in February. This upward trajectory continues through the spring months, peaking in May with a remarkable 355 hours of sunshine, making it one of the sunniest months of the year. The consistent brightness not only enhances the region's appeal for visitors but also supports local agriculture, benefiting from the ample sunlight during this critical growth period.
As the year transitions into summer, the sunshine hours remain high, with June and July averaging around 330 hours, slightly decreasing to 332 hours in August. Notably, the late summer months, despite being the wettest in terms of precipitation, still provide substantial sunshine, although a decrease occurs with 313 hours in September. The trend continues into autumn with 322 hours in October and 290 hours in November, before tapering off towards the end of the year. Overall, Santa Cruz enjoys a relatively sunny climate throughout the year, with the sunny peak positioned firmly in the late spring, affirming its reputation as a desirable tropical destination.
The UV Index in Santa Cruz, Cabo Verde, consistently demonstrates high to extreme levels throughout the year, emphasizing the need for sun protection, especially during peak months. Starting from January, the UV Index registers at 9, categorized as "very high," with a burn time of just 15 minutes. As the year progresses into February and March, the index escalates dramatically, peaking at 11 in February and reaching a notable 13 in both March and April, marking these months as extreme in terms of solar radiation exposure. With a continual demand for vigilance, the burn time at this high UV Index remains short, emphasizing the urgency for adequate sun protection.
As the summer months approach, the UV Index maintains its extreme classification, peaking at 14 in September, and continuing at 12-13 during the preceding and following months. This persistent elevation underscores the need for continued awareness and caution against sunburn. Both November and December see a slight decrease to 10 and 9, respectively, but still remain within the “very high” category, indicating that sun protection continues to be crucial even as the year ends. Overall, Santa Cruz experiences a pronounced UV radiation challenge, necessitating protective measures year-round for residents and visitors alike.
UV Risk Categories
In Santa Cruz, Cabo Verde, daylight duration exhibits a steady rhythm throughout the year, showcasing a balance between light and dark. During the first two months of the year, January and February, residents enjoy approximately 11 hours of daylight, providing a gentle introduction to the year. As spring approaches in March, daylight extends to 12 hours, a trend that continues consistently through the summer months of April to August, where the ample hours of sunlight create vibrant days ideal for outdoor activities and agricultural pursuits.
As autumn sets in, daylight once again becomes more variable, returning to 11 hours in October. This pattern persists across November and December, marking the end of the year with familiar daylight conditions. Overall, the relatively constant daylight duration in Santa Cruz emphasizes the region's equatorial location, where seasonal changes have a minimal impact on the overall length of the day, allowing for long periods of sunlight that contribute to the area's warm climate and colorful landscapes throughout the year.
Pedra Badejo, Cabo Verde enjoys a warm and predominantly dry climate with temperatures ranging from a low of 18°C (65°F) in February to a high of 28°C (84°F) in August. The area experiences minimal precipitation, particularly in the earlier months, with August and September receiving the highest rainfall at 45 mm (1.8 in) and 62 mm (2.4 in), respectively. Sunshine hours are abundant, peaking in May with 355 hours and consistently providing a bright atmosphere throughout the year. This combination of warmth and sunlight makes Pedra Badejo an appealing destination for visitors. For more detailed information, visit Pedra Badejo climate.
Santa Cruz, Cabo Verde, enjoys a mild tropical climate with temperatures ranging from 18°C (65°F) to 28°C (84°F) throughout the year. The hottest months are typically from July to September, while January to April remains cooler, with minimal temperature variation. Precipitation is scarce, especially in the first half of the year, peaking in August with 45 mm (1.8 in) and September with 62 mm (2.4 in). The region benefits from abundant sunshine, with May receiving the most hours at 355. For more detailed information, visit Santa Cruz climate.
In conclusion, the climate of Santa Cruz, Cabo Verde, is characterized by a warm, semi-arid environment with distinct seasonal patterns in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, and UV Index. The region sees comfortable temperatures that peak in the summer and minimal rainfall concentrated mainly in late summer, while extensive sunshine hours highlight the area’s appeal for outdoor activities and tourism. However, with high UV Index readings throughout the year, particularly in the spring and summer months, sun protection remains crucial for both residents and visitors. Overall, the climatic conditions in Santa Cruz not only support a rich biodiversity but also present unique opportunities and challenges for sustainable living and tourism in this tropical paradise.