The climate of Alcatraz
Sitting in the Subtropical desert zone, the climate in
Alcatraz,
Cape Verde, can be characterized as BWh according to the Köppen climate classification. Coastline landscape gives the area a general arid climate with little precipitation and plenty of sunshine year round.
Throughout the year, Alcatraz experiences moderate to high temperatures. The high temperatures range from 24.3°C (75.7°F) to a pinnacle of 28.4°C (83.1°F), while the lowest temperature recorded is at 20.9°C (69.6°F), escalating to a crest of 25.8°C (78.4°F). Relative humidity is fairly consistent throughout the year, tracing a narrow path from 69% to a high-water mark of 79%.
Rainfall in Alcatraz bears the hallmark of its desert climate. Few minute traces are observed from 1mm (0.04") to 4mm (0.16") during the first half of the year, with a staggering jump to 50mm (1.97") in
September. The frequency of rainy days follows a similar trend, culminating at an apex of 13.1 days in September. The island basks in ample sunlight with daylight hours oscillating between 11.2h and 13h. The annual average sunshine duration hovers between 7h and 9.9h, complemented by clear visibility of 10km (6.2mi) all year round.
Predominantly, the island hosts scattered clouds with denser cloud coverage observed during the late summer months, reaching a peak of 52% in
August. There is a gentle ebb and flow of atmospheric pressure, traced from 1012.5mb to 1015.2mb. The velocity of the wind never remains static, blowing at less intense speeds from 14km/h (8.7mph) to 25.8km/h (16mph), and gusts trail from 18.6km/h (11.6mph) to a high level of 35km/h (21.7mph).
The best time to visit Alcatraz
Targeting a trip to
Alcatraz during the period from
December to
April could give the best weather conditions. During this time, temperatures oscillate between 24.1°C (75.4°F) and 25.5°C (77.9°F), making for pleasantly warm, arid days. Additionally, these months account for the lowest rainfall levels, ranging from 1mm (0.04") to 3mm (0.12"), and an infrequent number of rainy days, between 0.7 and 3.3 days. A visit during these months ensures soaking in ample sunlight with longer sunshine hours ranging from 9.4h to 9.7h per day.
The worst time to visit Alcatraz
A visit during the months of
August and
September might be challenging due to variable weather conditions. During these months,
Alcatraz receives the highest rainfall levels, soaring from 31mm (1.22") to 50mm (1.97"). Recorded humidity levels are also at a yearly high during this time, elevating to 79%. In addition to these conditions, sunlight is least abundant, with sunshine hours decreasing to the minimum annual level of 7h per day, and instances of denser cloud coverage increase significantly, particularly in August.
Spring weather in Alcatraz
During the months of
March through
May,
Alcatraz sees the transition from lower to mid-range annual temperatures. Highs vary from 23.7°C (74.7°F) to 24.8°C (76.6°F) and lows hover between 21°C (69.8°F) and 22.2°C (72°F). Rainfall amounts remain relatively low in this period, from 1mm (0.04") to 3mm (0.12"), with rainy days varying from 2.1 to 3.3 days per month. It's worth noting that the daylight starts to increase during these months, from 12.1 hours to 12.8 hours, whilst sunshine duration rises from 9.6 hours to 9.9 hours.
Summer weather in Alcatraz
Summer is characteristically hot in
Alcatraz, with temperatures from
June through
August ranging from 25°C (77°F) to 27.6°C (81.7°F) at the high end, and from 22.4°C (72.3°F) to 25.1°C (77.2°F) at the low end. Rainfall begins to rise, soaring from 3mm (0.12") in June to a whopping 31mm (1.22") in August. Correspondingly, the number of wet days jump to a notable 12.2 days in August. Despite this rise in precipitation, the daylight remains abundant, from 13 hours to 12.6 hours with sunshine duration mildly decreasing from 9.6 hours to 8 hours.
Autumn weather in Alcatraz
Autumn months in
Alcatraz mark the end of the rainy season, with rainfall levels dropping from 50mm (1.97") in
September to 10mm (0.39") in
November. Likewise, the occurrences of rainy days fall to 2.6 days in November. Temperatures remain elevated, with highs navigating from 28.4°C (83.1°F) to 27°C (80.6°F) and lows between 25.8°C (78.4°F) and 24.5°C (76.1°F). In terms of solar conditions, daylight hours decrease from 12.2 hours to 11.4 hours, yet sunshine hours gain the momentum back, edging up from 8 hours to 9.2 hours.
Winter weather in Alcatraz
Wandering into winter months,
December through
February,
Alcatraz exhibits a decline in temperature, with highs from 25.5°C (77.9°F) falling to 24.3°C (75.7°F), and lows descending from 23°C (73.4°F) to 21.8°C (71.2°F). Rainfall decreases to a scant amount of 1mm (0.04") to 3mm (0.12"), whilst the number of rainy days dwindles to 1.4 days in February. The daylight hours continue their decline to a yearly low of 11.2 hours in December, whereas sunshine hours seesaw between 9.4 hours and 9.5 hours, providing plenty of sunny moments during these mild winter months.
Weather in January
January in
Alcatraz,
Cape Verde, commences the year with moderate and soothing weather. The atmosphere remains mildly moist exhibiting a noteworthy relative humidity of around 69%. The city has fleeting rainfall during this month.
Weather in January » Weather in February
As the calendar moves to
February,
Alcatraz witnesses a slight increase in humidity from
January's levels. Despite the humidity, the weather remains relatively dry and sunny, with temperatures marginally lower than the previous month.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March in
Alcatraz is somewhat similar to
February in terms of the atmospheric conditions. Human comfort levels are maintained as the temperature remains steady. Rainfall, though infrequent, brings a touch of refreshing relief. The month experiences plenty of invigorating sunshine, making it the ideal time for sunbathing and beach activities.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
As
Alcatraz residents bid goodbye to
March, they prepare to receive more rainfall in
April. The sunlight clocks around 12.5 hours daily, illuminating the vibrant cityscape. The average temperatures show a slight increase from the previous month, hinting at the arrival of the warm season.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May heralds the arrival of the warm season in
Alcatraz, with the city experiencing a subtle rise in both temperature and humidity. Despite receiving slightly less rainfall than
April, the city radiates under the sunshine. The longer daylight hours provide residents and tourists with numerous opportunities for outdoor activities.
Weather in May » Weather in June
Alcatraz, in
June, is the epitome of tropical warmth, with an average high temperature peaking at 25°C (77°F). The skies remain mostly clear with reduced occurrence of rainfall. June is characterized by long and sunny days, well suitable for a beach vacation.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
The climax of
Alcatraz’s warm season is in
July, as the temperature climbs up further. The robust sun displays its majesty with an average of 8 hours of sunshine daily. The month distinguishes itself from others with a remarkable amount of rainfall, recording an average of 4mm (0.16").
Weather in July »Weather in August
August in
Alcatraz is laden with charm as the city embraces a prominent shift in weather. The daylight hours show a slight decrease, with the sun shining approximately 12.6 hours a day. However, the city experiences a significant increase in rainfall, recording a hefty 31mm (1.22").
Weather in August » Weather in September
September marks a definitive transition in weather as
Alcatraz makes its way from the warm season to mildly cooler months. Rainfall reaches its peak with an whopping of 50mm (1.97"), the highest in the year. Nevertheless, temperatures remain uniformly high providing a warm ambiance throughout the city.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings a change in
Alcatraz's mood as the month experiences a distinct reduction in rainfall from
September's substantial showers. The sun still reigns with an average of 8.9 hours of illuminating sunshine. The decrease in rainfall does not signal a drop in temperatures as the city continues to bask in its tropical warmth.
Weather in October » Weather in November
With
November comes the onset of a noticeable drop in temperature in
Alcatraz. The rainfall reduces quite significantly from the previous month, settling at an average of 10mm (0.39"). Despite the minor adjustments in temperature and rainfall, sunshine, averaging at 9.2 hours daily, remains consistent giving the city its beamy appeal.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December in
Alcatraz concludes the calendar year with a reduction in both temperature and rainfall from
November. The city revels in clear skies with a decreased cloud% down to 20%. Despite this, the city does not entirely lose out on its tropical charm, courtesy of the enduring sunshine.
Weather in December » [Resources]