The climate of Sal
Sal, a part of
Cape Verde archipelago, is located in the humid tropics. Its climatological pattern fits squarely within the BWh classification of Köppen climate classification, identifying it as a subtropical desert. The weather remains highly consistent throughout the year, with minor variations.
Throughout the year, the highest average temperature barely fluctuates and marginally rises from 21.6°C (70.9°F) to 26.7°C (80.1°F). The lowest average temperature similarly progresses from 20.6°C (69.1°F) to 25.9°C (78.6°F), maintaining a warm atmosphere year-round. Humidity ranges from 72% to 84%, providing the island with a moderate to high level of moisture.
Rainfall experiences a noticeable pattern, with virtually no precipitation from
January to
June and a significant surge in
August and
September reaching 35mm (1.38") and 28mm (1.1") respectively. Rainfall days follow a similar trend, climbing from a single day in January to eight days in September.
The island enjoys long daylight hours, ranging from 11.1 hours to 13.1 hours. Sunshine hours remain quite generous, dropping slightly during the humid period but averaging around 8.6 hours per day. Cloud cover increases substantially during the rainy period, reaching up to 48% in August, compared to a relatively clear sky during drier periods.
The best time to visit Sal
Spring, between
March and
May, would present the ideal window to visit
Sal. The weather is warm yet moderately humid, with a temperature ranging from 21.6°C (70.9°F) to 23.9°C (75°F). Rainfall remains at a minimal level with monthly averages around 1mm (0.04"), contributing to dry, sunny days. Additionally, the island will be bathed in approximately 12.1 hours to 12.9 hours of daylight a day reflecting an ideal time for outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Sal
The months of
August and
September showcase a different weather pattern for visitors. During these months, rainfall hits its peak, with monthly averages shooting up to 35mm (1.38") and 28mm (1.1"). Rainfall days also increase, reaching 7.2 days and 8 days respectively. This period might be least desirable for visitors, especially those looking to enjoy outdoor activities in
Sal.
Spring weather in Sal
Spring in
Sal ushers in a gradual rise in temperature from 21.6°C (70.9°F) to 23.9°C (75°F). Humidity also begins to increase, making the environment moderately moist. Rainfall remains nearly absent, marking a dry spring season. The spring period gifts the island with longer daylight hours, from 12.1 hours in
March to 13.1 hours in
June. Travelers can look forward to prolonged sunshine hours and long day excursions in spring.
Summer weather in Sal
Summer in
Sal, from
June through
August, is characterized by a significant increase in rainfall. The monthly average shoots up from 2mm (0.08") to a staggering 35mm (1.38"). Humidity remains high as the temperature peaks, offering rather warm and humid weather conditions. Despite the erratic weather, daylight remains plentiful, with about 13 hours per day. Sunshine hours reduce, but the island stays reasonably sunny, assuring delightful outdoor adventures.
Autumn weather in Sal
Autumn in
Sal, from
September through
November, is marked by a decrease in rainfall, falling from 28mm (1.1") to 2mm (0.08") in November, thereby making the later months of autumn more attractive for visitors. The weather remains warm, with temperatures varying from 26°C (78.8°F) to 24.5°C (76.1°F). Despite the decrease in rainfall, humidity remains high, creating a moderately moist environment. Daylight hours also begin to decrease, making the days slightly shorter.
Winter weather in Sal
Sal's winter season, from
December until
February, is characterized by stable weather conditions. The average temperature dips marginally, falling to 22.7°C (72.9°F) and 21.7°C (71.1°F) in
January and February respectively, and consistent with the subtropical desert climate, precipitation is quite minimal throughout this phase. With daylight hours of around 11 hours, this period also exhibits reduced cloud cover, resulting in clear, bright winters, optimal for visitors who prefer mild weather and plenty of sunshine.
Weather in January
January in
Sal,
Cape Verde brings a flurry of mild conditions. The temperature plays between 21.6°C (70.9°F) to 22.7°C (72.9°F), ensuring a pleasant start to the year. Compared to the later months, there is no rainfall in January, making it a great time to explore the unspoilt beauty of the island.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February brings subtle changes to the climatic canvas of
Sal. The temperature dips slightly to a low of 20.8°C (69.4°F) from a high of 21.7°C (71.1°F), sustaining the moderate weather from
January. Absence of extreme climatic conditions creates perfect settings for outdoor adventures and sightseeing.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March's palette unfolds with enhanced beauty in
Cape Verde’s
Sal. Although the temperature fluctuates from 20.6°C (69.1°F) to 21.6°C (70.9°F), it counters the humidity increase experienced in
February, resulting in balanced climatic conditions.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April carries forward the early signs of warmth as observed in the latter part of
March. A high of 21.8°C (71.2°F) marks a slight rise in temperature, signaling the onset of the warmer months. The mild teetering of the temperature and the increased duration of daylight emulate an idyllic spring season.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May triggers the transition of
Sal from spring to summer. Displaying a temperature range of 21.3°C (70.3°F) to 22.5°C (72.5°F), the weather becomes significantly warmer than the preceding
April. Reduced rainfall and increased sea temperatures create perfect conditions for seaside and outdoor activities.
Weather in May » Weather in June
In
June,
Sal experiences a subtle hint of the summer heat. Temperatures climb up to 23°C (73.4°F) from a low of 21.8°C (71.2°F), hinting at the warm months ahead. The appealing blend of the balmy weather, extended daylight hours, and intermittent rainfall add to the diverse summer experience.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July witnesses
Sal in its full summer splendor. A peak temperature of 23.9°C (75°F) underlines the warmest phase of the year, presenting a stark contrast to the departing
June. The heat, although elevated, is balmy and complements the island's scenic vistas.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Sal delivers the highest temperature of the year, measuring 25.8°C (78.4°F) in stark contrast to the dwindling warmth of
July. Accompanying the temperature shift is the arrival of rainfall, with 35mm (1.38") rain adding variety to the climatic conditions.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September embodies the proverbial calm after the storm. Despite a considerable drop in temperature from 26.6°C (79.9°F) to 21.8°C (71.2°F) compared to
August, the weather remains mostly warm. The lingering heat of the summer gives way to more pleasant conditions, making the outdoors seem more inviting.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October entails a shift from the warm
September to moderately cool conditions. The maximum temperature curb at 26.7°C (80.1°F) resonates with the pleasant outdoors and the lively island culture. After the departure of the September showers, the weather assumes a balanced profile.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November sets the stage for the upcoming winter in
Sal. The temperature fluctuated from an ordinary high of 25.5°C (77.9°F) to comfortable lows, indicating a transition from the warm
October days. The entry of November means significantly less rain and the pleasant chilly island breeze wafting about.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December heralds in the winter season in
Sal. With temperatures oscillating from 23.1°C (73.6°F) to 24.1°C (75.4°F), the weather becomes noticeably colder than in
November. The arrival of December brings the lowest temperatures of the year, aligning with the year-end festivities.
Weather in December »