Climate and monthly weather forecastSanta Cruz, Cape Verde
Climate and monthly weather forecast
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 »Published by: Weather Atlas | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Frequently asked questions
Average temperature
Santa Cruz, Cape Verde
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is October (28.4°C).
The months with the lowest average high temperature are February and March (23.7°C).
The months with the highest average low temperature are September and October (25.8°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is February (20.9°C).
Average pressure
Santa Cruz, Cape Verde
- Average pressure in January:
1015.2mbar - Average pressure in February:
1014.7mbar - Average pressure in March:
1014.3mbar - Average pressure in April:
1014mbar - Average pressure in May:
1014.3mbar - Average pressure in June:
1014.8mbar
- Average pressure in July:
1014mbar - Average pressure in August:
1012.7mbar - Average pressure in September:
1012.5mbar - Average pressure in October:
1012.7mbar - Average pressure in November:
1013.2mbar - Average pressure in December:
1014.4mbar
The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is January (1015.2mbar).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is September (1012.5mbar).
Average wind speed
Santa Cruz, Cape Verde
- Average wind speed in January:
25.1km/h - Average wind speed in February:
25.8km/h - Average wind speed in March:
23.8km/h - Average wind speed in April:
23km/h - Average wind speed in May:
22.2km/h - Average wind speed in June:
19km/h
- Average wind speed in July:
14.3km/h - Average wind speed in August:
14km/h - Average wind speed in September:
16.1km/h - Average wind speed in October:
17.5km/h - Average wind speed in November:
20.7km/h - Average wind speed in December:
23.2km/h
The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is February (25.8km/h).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (14km/h).
Average humidity
Santa Cruz, Cape Verde
The months with the highest relative humidity are June, July, August and September (79%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is January (69%).
Average rainfall
Santa Cruz, Cape Verde
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is September (50mm).
The driest months (with the least rainfall) are January, March and May (1mm).
Average rainfall days
Santa Cruz, Cape Verde
- Average rainfall days in January:
0.7 days - Average rainfall days in February:
1.8 days - Average rainfall days in March:
2.1 days - Average rainfall days in April:
3.3 days - Average rainfall days in May:
1.3 days - Average rainfall days in June:
2.3 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
6.2 days - Average rainfall days in August:
12.2 days - Average rainfall days in September:
13.1 days - Average rainfall days in October:
7.1 days - Average rainfall days in November:
2.6 days - Average rainfall days in December:
1.4 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is September (13.1 days).
The month with the least rainy days is January (0.7 days).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Santa Cruz, Cape Verde
- Average daylight in January:
11h and 18min - Average daylight in February:
11h and 42min - Average daylight in March:
12h and 6min - Average daylight in April:
12h and 30min - Average daylight in May:
12h and 48min - Average daylight in June:
13h and 0min
- Average daylight in July:
12h and 54min - Average daylight in August:
12h and 36min - Average daylight in September:
12h and 12min - Average daylight in October:
11h and 48min - Average daylight in November:
11h and 24min - Average daylight in December:
11h and 18min
The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 13h and 0min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 11h and 18min).
- Average sunshine in January:
9h and 30min - Average sunshine in February:
9h and 30min - Average sunshine in March:
9h and 36min - Average sunshine in April:
9h and 42min - Average sunshine in May:
9h and 54min - Average sunshine in June:
9h and 36min
- Average sunshine in July:
8h and 0min - Average sunshine in August:
7h and 0min - Average sunshine in September:
8h and 0min - Average sunshine in October:
8h and 54min - Average sunshine in November:
9h and 12min - Average sunshine in December:
9h and 24min
The month with the most sunshine is May (Average sunshine: 9h and 54min).
The month with the least sunshine is August (Average sunshine: 7h and 0min).
Average sunshine days
Santa Cruz, Cape Verde
- Average sunshine days in January:
29.3 days - Average sunshine days in February:
25.9 days - Average sunshine days in March:
28.8 days - Average sunshine days in April:
26.9 days - Average sunshine days in May:
29.3 days - Average sunshine days in June:
25.5 days
- Average sunshine days in July:
20.1 days - Average sunshine days in August:
13.9 days - Average sunshine days in September:
13.1 days - Average sunshine days in October:
22.3 days - Average sunshine days in November:
25.7 days - Average sunshine days in December:
28.5 days
The months with the most sunshine days are January and May (29.3 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is September (13.1 days).
Average UV index
Santa Cruz, Cape Verde
The months with the highest UV index are August, September, October and November (UV index 7).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, March, April, May, June, July and December (UV index 6).
Average cloud cover
Santa Cruz, Cape Verde
The month with the most cloud cover is August (Cloud cover 52).
The month with the least cloud cover is May (Cloud cover 13).
Average visibility
Santa Cruz, Cape Verde
The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (10km).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (10km).





