The climate of Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, positioned in
Cape Verde, experiences a predominant BWh or Subtropical desert climate formally classified by Köppen and Geiger. The climate in Santa Cruz remains warm throughout the year, with temperatures rising from 21.8°C (71.2°F) in
January to up to 28.4°C (83.1°F) in
September. Humidity levels also increase over the year, starting at 69% in January and peaking at 79% by
June, maintaining the same level through to September.
Patterns in rainfall illustrate a dramatic increase from
August to September, escalating rapidly from 4mm (0.16") to 50mm (1.97") within a month. However, rainfall dwindles quickly in the following months down to 10mm (0.39") by
November. The number of rainfall days follows a similar pattern, experiencing a significant rise from 6.2 days in
July to a significant 13.1 days in September, then dropping down to 2.6 days by November.
A notable feature of Santa Cruz's climate is the high hours of sunshine evident throughout the year; it begins at 9.5 hours in January and increases to 9.9 hours by
May, although there is a slight dip to 7 hours from July to August. UV indexes remain stable at 6 from January to June and
December, with an uptick to 7 from July to November. The visibility remains steady at 10km (6.2mi) across all months, a clear signal of minimal variation in atmospheric conditions.
The best time to visit Santa Cruz
Optimal conditions for visiting
Santa Cruz are generally observed between
April and
June, with pleasant temperatures ranging from 24.1°C (75.4°F) to 25°C (77°F) and lower rainfall at 1mm (0.04") to 3mm (0.12"). Sunshine hours are high, offering between 9.7 hours in April to 9.6 hours in June, conducive for sightseeing and outdoor activities. UV indexes are stable at 6, meaning visitors can enjoy the outdoors without facing extreme UV exposure.
The worst time to visit Santa Cruz
The least desirable period to visit
Santa Cruz would be between
August and
October when temperatures are highest, ranging from 28.1°C (82.6°F) to 28.4°C (83.1°F). These months also see a dramatically increased amount of rainfall from 31mm (1.22") in August to 50mm (1.97") in
September, tapering to 40mm (1.57") in October. Increased humidity levels, peaking at 79%, and fewer sunshine hours, particularly from August to September, add to the less enjoyable environmental conditions.
Spring weather in Santa Cruz
Springtime in
Santa Cruz, from
March to
May, sees a gradual increase in temperature. From 23.7°C (74.7°F) in March and
April to 24.8°C (76.6°F) by May. Humidity levels edge up marginally in this period, up to 76% in April and 77% in May. Rainfall remains relatively low, with 1mm (0.04") to 3mm (0.12") average values. However, the length of daylight and the number of sunshine hours both increase, resulting in a pleasant overall climate.
Summer weather in Santa Cruz
Throughout the summer months of
June to
August,
Santa Cruz experiences increasing temperatures, peaking at 27.6°C (81.7°F) in August. Correspondingly, humidity levels reach a maximum value of 79%. Rainfall sees a sharp rise, particularly from
July to August, increasing from 3mm (0.12") to a substantial 31mm (1.22").
Autumn weather in Santa Cruz
Autumn, from
September to
November, is characterized by high temperatures peaking at 28.4°C (83.1°F) in September and tapering off to 25.5°C (77.9°F) by November. September also sees the highest rainfall in the year at 50mm (1.97"), although it reduces to 10mm (0.39") by November. Sunshine hours start to rise again from 8 hours in September to 9.2 hours by November.
Winter weather in Santa Cruz
During the winter season, from
December to
February,
Santa Cruz experiences milder temperatures ranging from 24.3°C (75.7°F) to 23.7°C (74.7°F). Rainfall is significantly lower at 1mm (0.04") to 3mm (0.12") and humidity drops to a yearly low of 69%-71%. Winter also sees high levels of sunshine, offering between 9.4 hours in December and 9.5 hours in February.
Weather in January
Remaining relatively cooler than the next few months,
January in
Santa Cruz,
Cape Verde stays comfortably warm. The month sees an uptick in wind strength, reaching speeds of 25.1km/h (15.6mph), capped at 25.6km/h (15.9mph), with gusts up to 34.2km/h (21.3mph).
Weather in January »Weather in February
Warmth remains consistent in
February as the breezes of
January transition into this month. Although the humidity slightly increases, the balmy weather conditions persist. Wind speed tends to rise marginally to a high of 26.4km/h (16.4mph), making coastal maritime activities desirable.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March arrives with a slight decrease in wind speed, ushering in a tranquil weather period. The average temperature spans from 21°C (69.8°F) to 23.7°C (74.7°F) and it is not intolerably hot. The concert of mild wind, the right amount of sunshine, and temperature consistency makes March an inviting month in
Santa Cruz.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
The gradual transition to warmer weather sets in during
April. Rainfall witnesses a slight increase, measuring 3mm (0.12") on average, adding an occasional refreshing touch to the warm days. Although the humidity levels stay within comfort, the dry, warm spells interspersed with light rain showers create a unique weather pattern for
Santa Cruz.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May observes a marked departure from
April's unpredictability, reverting to the stable, warmer conditions typical of
Santa Cruz. Despite being the precursor to the wet months, rain appears sparingly, allowing the city's vibrant summer spirit to shine through.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June carries forward the warmth from
May, introducing a slightly humid atmosphere. Although the month is marked by a slight increase in precipitation, the weather remains predominantly dry. Unhindered by rain,
Santa Cruz continues to exude a summer vibe, accentuated by the average wind speeds dropping down to 19km/h (11.8mph).
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Santa Cruz welcomes the summer season's peak, featuring the highest average low temperature of 23.8°C (74.8°F). It is characterized by mild tropical heat with occasional rainfall. Despite being one of the hottest months, the weather is far from stifling.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Santa Cruz comes with quite a dramatic change in the weather pattern. It sees a spike in rainfall, with precipitations reaching 31mm (1.22"). This transformation results in a landscape that takes on a fresh, vibrant hue.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September retains
August's weather patterns, further intensifying with rainfall reaching up to 50mm (1.97"). The onset of substantial rainfall marks a pronounced shift in the city's climate. This period sees
Santa Cruz drenched in frequent showers that invigorate the landscape.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October ushers in a period of transition with declining rainfall, from 50mm (1.97") to 40mm (1.57"), and moderating temperatures. The weather in
Santa Cruz starts to cool off, drawing in a softer and gentler atmosphere. Even with changes in weather, the overall climate remains warm and relatively dry.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November continues with the downward trend in temperature, creating a significantly cooler environment. It also brings a significant decrease in rainfall, dropping from 40mm (1.57") to 10mm (0.39"). This drop in rain marks the end of the wet season in
Santa Cruz.
Weather in November » Weather in December
With the arrival of
December,
Santa Cruz experiences a return to the cooler weather conditions similar to the year's start. Breezy conditions prevail once again, with wind speeds rising to 23.2km/h (14.4mph), demonstrating a distinct cyclic pattern in the weather.
Weather in December »