01 / SAL
Santa Maria & South Beach
Sal’s compact beach town combines long sandy stretches and easy access to the sea.
CV · WINTER BY THE SEA
Sal & Boa Vista.
Winter by the sea.
Not the summer.
Trade winds, wide beaches and warm Atlantic water in winter.
Explore when to visitBEST TIME TO VISITNovember–February
winter beach days
SEASONAL CLIMATEusually 25–27 °C
Local conditions may differ from averages
SEA TEMPERATUREaround 23–25 °C
Consider waves and local sea conditions
HOLIDAY STYLENature & culture
Trade winds, wide beaches and warm Atlantic water in winter.
YOUR HOLIDAY. COMFORTABLY DIFFERENT.
A gentler journey.
More time to discover.
Sal and Boa Vista bring broad Atlantic beaches, trade-wind air and swimmable water to the European winter. November through February is the most convincing coolcation window, not the hotter late summer.
Sal and Boa Vista bring broad Atlantic beaches, trade-wind air and swimmable water to the European winter. November through February is the most convincing coolcation window, not the hotter late summer.
Surf and currents can be powerful even in warm seas. Choose sheltered beaches and check local warnings; summer is not the cooler season. Allow time for changing plans, rather than treating every stop as a checklist.
Which region does this guide cover?
This guide includes Sal and Boa Vista in Cape Verde, focusing on Santa Maria, Sal Rei and the surrounding beaches. Other Cape Verde islands require separate travel plans.
PLACES THAT STAY WITH YOU
Places worth lingering.
Not just ticking off.
Three ways to discover Sal & Boa Vista—with time for the unexpected.
02 / BOA VISTA
Sal Rei & Praia de Chaves
Boa Vista offers broad beaches and a spacious, relaxed feel; currents deserve respect.
03 / SAL
Salt pans & Volcanic Coast
Sal’s salt crater and lava landscapes add variety between beach days.
Viana Desert, Boa Vista
A dune landscape to explore in the cooler morning or late afternoon.
Buracona, Sal
Lava formations beside the sea; stay at safe viewpoints during heavy surf.
Kitesurfing & Sailing
Trade winds attract water sports; sheltered bays are better for an easy swim.
THE RIGHT TIME FOR YOU
How does
your travel month feel?
Choose your month: climate, travel experience and activities at a glance.
January
Dry-season sunshine, warm sea and trade winds make this an excellent winter month.
Visitor numbersBusier
Seasonal price levelHigher
Daytime average25 °CDaily maximum
2021–2025 Ø 25.8 °C +0.8 °C
Night-time average19.2 °CDaily minimum
Rainfall2.8 mmper month
WaterPleasanteditorial assessment
Heat riskModeratequalitative assessment
Humidity discomfortElevatedqualitative assessment
Sea & coast5/5
Mountains & lakes1/5
Nature4/5
Cities & culture2/5
Long-term monthly averages for the stated climate-reference location. Local altitude, coastal exposure and microclimates can differ. These are climate averages, not weather forecasts. Sources & context
Winter by the sea.
Summer brings the heat.
November–February · winter beach days. Surf and currents can be powerful even in warm seas. Choose sheltered beaches and check local warnings; summer is not the cooler season. The summer months are not recommended as a coolcation.
1991–2020 · Average daily maximum
2021–2025 warmer
2021–2025 cooler
25°+0.8°Jan
24.9°+0.4°Feb
25.2°0°Mar
25.5°+0.3°Apr
26.1°+0.4°May
27°+0.4°Jun
28.1°+0.2°Jul
29.6°+0.5°Aug
30.1°+0.5°Sep
29.6°+0.5°Oct
28.1°+0.5°Nov
26.1°+0.4°Dec
Temperature comparison: The bars show the 1991–2020 climate normal. The coloured line shows how the five most recent complete years, 2021–2025, differ: red = warmer, green = cooler. These five years form a recent comparison period, not a new climate normal.
Compare climate data across the year
| Month | Day | Night | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 25 °C | 19.2 °C | 2.8 mm |
| February | 24.9 °C | 18.8 °C | 0.5 mm |
| March | 25.2 °C | 18.9 °C | 0.5 mm |
| April | 25.5 °C | 19.6 °C | 1 mm |
| May | 26.1 °C | 20.6 °C | 0.5 mm |
| June | 27 °C | 21.6 °C | 0 mm |
| July | 28.1 °C | 22.8 °C | 2.4 mm |
| August | 29.6 °C | 24.2 °C | 12.8 mm |
| September | 30.1 °C | 24.8 °C | 34.5 mm |
| October | 29.6 °C | 24.1 °C | 15.6 mm |
| November | 28.1 °C | 22.5 °C | 1.3 mm |
| December | 26.1 °C | 20.5 °C | 3.4 mm |
Temperature and precipitation: Meteostat Point Climate Normals (1991–2020). Heat and humidity follow the same Coolcation methodology for all destinations. Coastal sea temperatures, where available, use NOAA OISST 1991–2020.
Which activities suit each month?
Editorial suitability: 0 unsuitable · 1 very limited · 2 limited · 3 good · 4 very good · 5 excellent. Overall suitability rates a varied sightseeing trip. Winter sports and swimming are assessed separately.
| Holiday preference | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall travel suitability | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| Sea & coast | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Mountains & lakes | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Nature | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Cities & culture | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Walking | 4 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 4 |
| Cycling | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Sea swimming | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Wildlife watching | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Winter sports | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Suitability ratings are editorial guidance, not guarantees of safety or weather. Choose activities based on current conditions, access rules, your experience and local advice. Swimming suitability never overrides sea warnings.
All months, visitor numbers & seasonal prices
| Month | Visitor numbers | Prices | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Busier | Higher | Dry-season sunshine, warm sea and trade winds make this an excellent winter month. |
| February | Busier | Higher | Beaches are quieter and the sea remains warm, with refreshing wind. |
| March | Moderate | Mid-range | Pleasant conditions continue, though the days gradually become warmer. |
| April | Moderate | Mid-range | Often sunny and good for swimming, but less cool than midwinter. |
| May | Moderate | Mid-range | Warm and dry; this is no longer the core coolcation season. |
| June | Busier | Higher | Summer heat increases, with strong sun and trade winds. |
| July | Busier | Higher | Summer is warm; this is not a classic coolcation period. |
| August | Busier | Higher | One of the warmest months, sometimes more humid or rainy. |
| September | Moderate | Mid-range | Warm and occasionally humid: more beach holiday than heat escape. |
| October | Moderate | Mid-range | A transition back toward more comfortable winter conditions. |
| November | Busier | Higher | Warm sea, trade winds and dry weather make this a good winter alternative. |
| December | Busier | Higher | Winter sunshine and inviting Atlantic water, with wind to temper the warmth. |
YOUR PREFERENCES. YOUR HOLIDAY.
For travellers who
prefer their own pace.
Sal and Boa Vista bring broad Atlantic beaches, trade-wind air and swimmable water to the European winter.
A great fit for you.
- You enjoy trade winds, wide beaches and warm atlantic water in winter.
- You like a mix of interesting places and time to slow down.
- You plan trips around the season rather than expecting perfect weather.
- You prefer thoughtful excursions to trying to see everything at once.
What you should know.
- Surf and currents can be powerful even in warm seas. Choose sheltered beaches and check local warnings; summer is not the cooler season.
- Check seasonal opening hours, local access restrictions and transport timetables before travelling.
- Popular days can be busy; reserve essential travel and accommodation in advance.
- Pick activities that suit the season, actual conditions and your experience.
Compare travel styles in detail
Sea & coast5/5
Sal & Boa Vista: Trade winds, wide beaches and warm Atlantic water in winter. Choose this activity according to conditions, mobility and season.
Nature & tranquillity4/5
Sal & Boa Vista: Trade winds, wide beaches and warm Atlantic water in winter. Choose this activity according to conditions, mobility and season.
Active & adventurous4/5
Sal & Boa Vista: Trade winds, wide beaches and warm Atlantic water in winter. Choose this activity according to conditions, mobility and season.
Cities & culture2/5
Sal & Boa Vista: Trade winds, wide beaches and warm Atlantic water in winter. Choose this activity according to conditions, mobility and season.
Beaches & swimming5/5
Sal & Boa Vista: Trade winds, wide beaches and warm Atlantic water in winter. Choose this activity according to conditions, mobility and season.
Editorial suitability, not a rating of individual accommodation or providers. 0 = unsuitable, 5 = excellent. Season, current conditions and personal mobility remain essential.
SAL
The details.
And the wider view.
FROM WANDERLUST TO A PLAN
One good base.
Plenty of choices.
A flexible itinerary rather than a fixed schedule: let the weather and your energy set the pace.
Sal
Stay around Santa Maria, make time for the beach and Sal’s salt pans or lava coast.
Boa Vista
Explore Sal Rei, Praia de Chaves and a short dune excursion.
Lieblingsinsel
Stay longer on your favourite island instead of trying to fill every day.
Surf and currents can be powerful even in warm seas. Choose sheltered beaches and check local warnings; summer is not the cooler season. Check current opening hours, transport timetables, access permits and official warnings before travelling.
GETTING THERE
Plan your arrival
Choose your arrival airport, station or road connection before booking the last transfer.
Check seasonal connections, transfers and opening times.
Official visitor informationON THE GROUND
Keep plans flexible
Surf and currents can be powerful even in warm seas. Choose sheltered beaches and check local warnings; summer is not the cooler season.
Respect protected areas, road closures and local advice.
Official visitor informationWHAT TO BRING
Pack for the real weather
Pack layers, weather protection, water and sun protection as needed.
For remote or marine activities, obtain suitable equipment and guidance.
Official visitor informationSTORIES & TRAVEL IDEAS
Discover even more.
In the Coolcation Blog.
Seasonal tips and fresh perspectives on this destination.
Winter beach holidays without extreme heat: five mild to warm destinations
Discover five winter sun options for swimming without midsummer heat: South Tenerife, Madeira, Sal and Boa Vista, Sharm el-Sheikh and Dahab, and Muscat.
Read articleGOOD TO KNOW, HONESTLY
A little planning.
Lots to look forward to.
When is the best time to visit?
November–February · winter beach days. Surf and currents can be powerful even in warm seas. Choose sheltered beaches and check local warnings; summer is not the cooler season.
Can I swim there?
Conditions vary with the place and season. Surf and currents can be powerful even in warm seas. Choose sheltered beaches and check local warnings; summer is not the cooler season. Follow local beach rules, warnings and protected-area regulations.
Which island should I visit?
Choose a base that fits your time and interests, rather than rushing between every stop. Sal and Boa Vista bring broad Atlantic beaches, trade-wind air and swimmable water to the European winter.
Is it windy?
Often, depending on the season and location. Check wind forecasts and choose sheltered swimming areas on rougher days.
YOUR HOLIDAY BEGINS WITH A GOOD FEELING
Ready for fresh perspectives?
Find destinations that suit your travel dates, your favourite places
and your preferred climate.
Sources, climate notes & photo credits
So you can put the information in context.
Editorial information updated: 29. September 2026. Suitability, routes, price levels, humidity discomfort and heat risk are editorial assessments. Prices are not current offers. Climate averages do not replace a weather forecast.
Long-term monthly averages for the stated climate-reference location. Local altitude, coastal exposure and microclimates can differ. These are climate averages, not weather forecasts.
- Visit Cabo Verde
- Klimamodell Sal
- Wassertemperatur Kap Verde
- Climate data · WMO Climate Normals / NOAA NCEI – SAL 08594
- Sea temperature · NOAA OISST v2.1 · 1991–2020
- ERA5-Land · Open-Meteo Historical Weather API · Comparing 1991–2020 with 2021–2025; the anomaly is applied to the verified Coolcation climate normal.
Photography
- Daniel Åhs Karlsson · Sal Cape Verde beach · CC BY-SA 3.0. Resized; responsive image crop.
- Miguel Discart & Kiri Karma · Boa Vista Cape Verde beach · CC BY-SA 2.0. Resized; responsive image crop.
- Daniel Åhs Karlsson · Santa Maria Sal Cape Verde · CC BY-SA 3.0. Resized; responsive image crop.
