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Weather in Sal Island
Windsurfing capital and white dunes of Cape Verde
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About Sal Island
Sal Island stretches as Cape Verde's windsurfing capital, its white sand dunes rolling beneath constant Atlantic breezes. The island's salt ponds—once mined extensively—now rest while adventure sports draw adrenaline-seekers.
Best months to visit
January, March, April, May, June, July, December
Language
Portuguese, Cape Verdean Creole
Things to do in Sal Island
Windsurfing the Atlantic
Hike the sand dunes
Snorkel pristine reefs
Visit the salt ponds ruins
Fish offshore waters
Camp on pristine beaches
Weather by month
Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.
Recommended
January
24C
Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.
February
23C
Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
March
24C
Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
April
24C
Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
May
25C
Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
June
26C
Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
July
27C
Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.
August
28C
Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.
September
29C
Warm and pleasant, with occasional showers.
October
29C
Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.
November
28C
Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
December
26C
Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.
Sal is Cape Verde's main beach resort island, with the long white sands of Santa Maria drawing windsurfers, kitesurfers and sun-seekers to its near-constant trade winds and warm Atlantic waters. Flatter and drier than the archipelago's volcanic islands, it's the most package-holiday-oriented destination in Cape Verde, with all-inclusive resorts alongside a still-recognisable fishing-town feel in Santa Maria itself.
Best areas to stay in Sal Island
Santa Maria
The main resort town with a long beach, pier, fish market and the bulk of hotels and restaurants.
Espargos
The island's administrative centre near the airport, more local and less touristy.
Pedra de Lume
A crater with historic salt pans where visitors can float in mineral-rich water.
Buracona
A rocky coastal area known for the 'Blue Eye,' a natural pool that glows blue in sunlight.
Getting to Sal Island
✈
Flights
Amílcar Cabral International Airport (Sal) has direct charter and scheduled flights from the UK and Europe.
⏱
From London
~6 hours direct from London.
🚕
Getting around
Taxis and hotel transfers connect the airport to Santa Maria; tours cover the salt pans and other sights.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Sal?
The island is warm year-round; November to June is driest, while the steady trade winds make it good for watersports throughout much of the year.
Is Sal good for windsurfing and kitesurfing?
Yes — Sal is one of the world's notable kitesurfing and windsurfing destinations thanks to its consistent winds, particularly along Santa Maria beach.
What is Santa Maria like?
A former fishing village turned resort town, with a long pier, a working fish market, and a strip of restaurants, bars and hotels along the beach.
Are there day trips from Sal?
Yes — boat trips to see turtles or for snorkelling, 4x4 tours of the island's salt pans (Pedra de Lume) and Buracona's 'blue eye' rock pool are popular.
Is Sal good for a first visit to Cape Verde?
Yes — its airport has good international connections and resort infrastructure, making it an easy introduction, though other islands offer more dramatic scenery.
Traveler reviews
★★★★★
Perfect winter sun escape — warm, sunny and the beach at Santa Maria was beautiful. Tried kitesurfing for the first time with a local school.
Becca L. · February 2024
★★★★☆
Floating in the salt pool at Pedra de Lume was a fun half-day trip, and the Blue Eye at Buracona was stunning in the midday sun.
Filipe N. · October 2023
★★★★☆
Stayed all-inclusive but walked into Santa Maria most evenings for dinner — good mix of resort comfort and a bit of local town atmosphere.
Charlotte E. · December 2023
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