The climate of Santa Maria
At the crossroad of the Atlantic Ocean and the Equator lies
Santa Maria, part of the
Cape Verde archipelago. The climate of this town falls under the Köppen climate classification of BWh, which signifies a Subtropical desert climate. Renowned for its year-round temperate conditions, it's a place where the notion of severe weather stays largely foreign.
Throughout the cycle of a year, there's a remarkable consistency in the temperatures in Santa Maria. High temperatures hover between 21.6°C (70.9°F) to 26.7°C (80.1°F), merely fluctuating by a mere 5.1°C (41.2°F) from the coldest to the warmest month. Similarly, low temperatures show a moderate variation, ranging from 20.6°C (69.1°F) to 26°C (78.8°F). Humidity levels tend to rise and fall around the same seasons, peaking at 84% during the months of
June and
July and dipping to 72% during
January and
December.
The canvas of Santa Maria's sky throughout the year tells a varied tale. The months of
August and
September boast a cloud cover of 48% and 37% respectively, while the relatively clearer months of January and December feature only 18% and 20% cloud cover.
As for wind patterns, Santa Maria experiences increased wind speeds from January to
April, with the highest registered wind gust reaching 41.6km/h (25.8mph) in
February. These wind gusts gradually decrease to their smallest values in August and September, 24.8km/h (15.4mph) and 29km/h (18mph) respectively, before regaining momentum towards the end of the year. Additionally, Santa Maria is almost devoid of rainfall except during the months of August and September, when rainfall measures at 35mm (1.38") and 28mm (1.1") respectively.
The best time to visit Santa Maria
The best time to embrace the charm of
Santa Maria is arguably from
November to
April. The temperatures during these months range from 21.6°C (70.9°F) to 22.7°C (72.9°F), creating ideal conditions for a beach holiday without the discomfort of scorching heat. The humidity is low during these months, typically ranging from 72% to 78%, ensuring a comfortable atmosphere for outdoor activities. The skies remain generously sunny, with an average of between 9.1 hours to 9.4 hours of sunshine per day and an average daily UV index of 6, making it an amazing period for sunbathing.
The worst time to visit Santa Maria
Even though
Santa Maria enthralls visitors with its consistent weather patterns throughout the year, the timing of a visit can still have an impact on the experience. The months of
August and
September are less favorable times for a trip. High humidity levels, reaching up to 84%, can be uncomfortable for some.
These months also bring rain, which is otherwise scarce in Santa Maria. With 35mm (1.38") and 28mm (1.1") of rain in August and September respectively, outdoor activities might be affected during these months. Moderate wind gusts of 24.8km/h (15.4mph) and 29km/h (18mph) are recorded during these months, meaning a slightly less beach-friendly environment.
Spring weather in Santa Maria
Spring graces
Santa Maria with pleasant and mild weather. The general temperature in
March,
April, and
May goes from 21.6°C (70.9°F) to 22.5°C (72.5°F). Temperatures rarely fall below 20.6°C (69.1°F) to 21.3°C (70.3°F), ensuring that nights are warm. During this period, the level of humidity rises gradually from 78% to 82%.
The rainfall during the spring season is minimal, varying from 1mm (0.04") in April to 3mm (0.12") in May. A notable characteristic of spring is that each day is blessed with ample sunshine, from 8.9 hours in March to 9.9 hours in May.
Summer weather in Santa Maria
June ushers in the summer season, characterized by temperatures increasing moderately from 23°C (73.4°F) to 26.7°C (80.1°F) as the season progresses through to
August. Nights too turn warmer with the mercury column marking 21.8°C (71.2°F) to 25.9°C (78.6°F). Relative humidity levels generally peak during these months at 84%.
Rain makes a rare appearance during summer, with rainfall amounts surging to 35mm (1.38") in August. Despite the soaring temperatures and occasional showers,
Santa Maria welcomes a healthy 7.6 hours to 10.6 hours of sunshine each day, perfect for lounging in the warm sand at the beach.
Autumn weather in Santa Maria
The autumn months in
Santa Maria,
September to
November, are marked by mellowing temperatures, receding from the summer's peak of 26.7°C (80.1°F) to a still balmy 25.5°C (77.9°F). Night temperatures also cool down from 25.9°C (78.6°F) to 24.5°C (76.1°F).
While September maintains the summer's rainy mantle with 28mm (1.1") of rain,
October brings relief with a decrease to 11mm (0.43"). November experiences even less rainfall with just a mild drizzle of 2mm (0.08"). The autumn season is lit up with over 8 hours of sunshine every day which conjugates well with the dipping humidity levels of 79% to 75%.
Winter weather in Santa Maria
Santa Maria's winter season, which lasts through
December,
January, and
February, is far from the typical winter chill. Temperatures remain delightfully stable, with average highs of 22.7°C (72.9°F) to 24.1°C (75.4°F) and lows of 21.6°C (70.9°F) to 20.8°C (69.4°F). Humidity stands at 72% to 75%, making winter mornings refreshing.
December and January are the driest months of the year with a scanty rainfall of 2mm (0.08"). Winter months allow ample sunbathing opportunities too, with daylight spanning 11.2 hours to 11.4 hours, out of which 8.3 hours to 9.4 hours witness potent sunshine. Winter in Santa Maria is thus a mild and pleasant affair, entirely devoid of any harsh climatic conditions.
Weather in January
With the arrival of
January,
Santa Maria commences the year with temperatures in a narrow range, from 21.6°C (70.9°F) to 22.7°C (72.9°F). This equatorial city presents humidity at a comfortable average of 72% and refreshing sea temperatures around 24.1°C (75.4°F).
Weather in January »Weather in February
February's climate largely mirrors that of
January, with the temperature range marginally decreasing from 20.8°C (69.4°F) to 21.7°C (71.1°F). The month stands out for its relative humidity, which slightly intensifies from the preceding year's beginning.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March sees a slight increase in temperature and humidity, a precursor of the season to come. Rainfall begins to trickle in with an average of 1mm (0.04"), potentially causing slight increases in the day's humidity levels. The slanting rays of sunshine enjoy a brief window of around 8.9 hours through the clouds to reach the city.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
In
April,
Santa Maria,
Cape Verde, witnesses a marginal rise in both low and high temperatures. Accompanying these warms days is an appreciable increase in rainfall to 1mm (0.04") average, contributing to increased daylight hours to 12.5h.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May often brings with it a clear leap towards the warmer times in
Santa Maria. Temperatures begin to climb with the highest measuring around 22.5°C (72.5°F) and the lowest not falling beneath 21.3°C (70.3°F). Designed to grease the wheels of the upcoming seasons, rainfall gently ascends to 3mm (0.12") with potential for an occasional drizzle.
Weather in May » Weather in June
A departure from the initial months of the year,
June is now fully engaged with
Santa Maria's warm season. June gifts the island with its longest daylight duration, often lasting for 13.1 hours. Unabated, the sun generously lights up the city for an average of 10.6 hours daily.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
As the midpoint of the year,
July brings to
Santa Maria the heat it's famed for. Temperatures soar, with the mercury often reading between 22.8°C (73°F) and 23.9°C (75°F). Enveloped in the heat, the city welcomes the monsoon with an average rainfall reaching up to 3mm (0.12").
Weather in July »Weather in August
Santa Maria's
August experiences the most dramatic shift in climate throughout the year. This month boasts the most copious amount of rainfall, hitting an average of 35mm (1.38"), a marked spike from previous months. Amid showers, steadily high relative humidity of 83% defines the atmospheric condition.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Santa Maria maintains the city's spell of summer monsoons, with rainfall averaging 28mm (1.1"). Simultaneously, with the highest value in the year, the temperatures fluctuate between a warm 26°C (78.8°F) and a balmy 26.7°C (80.1°F).
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October imbues
Santa Maria with a subtler variation of the weather experienced in the previous two months. Temperatures continue to taper off, ranging between 25.9°C (78.6°F) and 26.7°C (80.1°F). Concurrently, the rainfall decreases significantly to an average of 11mm (0.43"), marking the end of the prolonged monsoon season.
Weather in October » Weather in November
Santa Maria in
November witnesses the onset of the drier season, with rainfall reducing drastically to a meager 2mm (0.08"). With a retreat from the heavy rains, the city sees a drop in temperature, limiting the range from 24.5°C (76.1°F) to 25.5°C (77.9°F).
Weather in November » Weather in December
Rounding off the year,
December in
Santa Maria is characterized by comfortable temperatures falling between 23.1°C (73.6°F) and 24.1°C (75.4°F). With a significant reduction in rainfall, the dry season takes firmer ground, and cloud coverage shrinks.
Weather in December » [Resources]