The April temperatures offer plenty of time to enjoy the outdoors including the wildlife, volcano landscape and plant life on various Cape Verde Islands and the town of Santa Maria. The average temperature during this time is 22°C (about 72°F). It will warm to an average high of 25°C (around 77°F), with lows down to 19°C (about 66°F).
Consider packing a light jacket or sweater for the lower evening temperatures, especially for days when it is windy. During the day, you'll be comfortable in shorts, capris and short-sleeve shirts. With 11 hours of sunshine a day during the month, you'll have plenty of daylight to enjoy all the resort and the surrounding areas have to offer. In fact, you'll want sunscreen with a high SPF, sunglasses and a hat to protect your skin from the sun's rays.
Leave the umbrella, raincoat and poncho at home. Like March, April only sees 1mm of rain over the entire month, with rain falling over three days of the month on average. The chance of rain on any given day is only two percent and the chance of a cloudy day is nine percent. Pretty optimal conditions for hitting the beach or exploring the other areas of the island of Sal and Cape Verde. It's still pretty breezy this time of the year, with the tail end of the trade winds blowing through during this month. The chance of a windy day is 88 percent.
While there, you'll definitely want to go for a swim or at the very least, dip your feet into the very warm ocean water. The average sea temperature for this time of year is 23°C (about 73°F), ideal for swimming, watersports and enjoying time at the beach.
The highest recorded temperature in April was 36°C (about 96°F), with the lowest recorded temperature 11°C (about 52°F).
Where to Stay
Another in the Riu family of resorts, the Hotel Riu Funana boasts five-star accommodations and amenities for couples, families and single travelers. The 24-hour, all-inclusive resort has 10 restaurants and bars, including several pool-side to grab a quick bite to eat before returning to fun in the sun. Other amenities you can enjoy in the warm April temps include two swimming pools, kids pool, whirlpool, sun terrace, game room and playground.
Melia Dunas Beach Resort is only minutes from Santa Maria and provides a true resort experience for all types of travelers. With 1,150 rooms, including suites, villas and family rooms, the hotel is one of the largest on the island. It has seven pools, five for adults and two for kids; YHI Spa; gym and fitness center; six restaurants and 14 bars; and boutiques and shops.
Hotel Djadsal Holiday Club is one of the more colorful hotels in Santa Maria. Its location close to the beach provides plenty of sand and fun to enjoy and there is also a paved walking path nearby. Other amenities include pool, sun terrace, volleyball, mini golf, and beach with various watersports. Two on-site bars, one poolside and one next to the beach, serve drinks to refresh you during your stay.
Eating and Drinking Out
The Tam Tam Bar in Santa Maria is a great place to grab a meal and drink after a fun day enjoying the sun and pleasant weather. Serving a variety of cocktails, as well as a good selection of local beers, the restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The menu includes sandwiches, burgers, pizza and fish, and while there, you can enjoy free Wi-Fi and outdoor seating.
With outstanding views of the ocean and a more formal atmosphere, Atlantis serves up fresh seafood, with a rotating menu that changes depending on that day's fresh catch. Along with seafood, you can also get steak, pasta, burgers and other sandwiches. To wash down your meal, choose a wine from the long list of reds, whites, roses and sparkling choices.
Serving Italian and Mediterranean classics, as well as fresh sushi, La Villa on the Santa Maria beach offers an eclectic menu. Enjoy your meal on the beachside terrace or come inside the dining room for a cozy, intimate time. During the day, visit La Villa for a cup of coffee and snack, or check out their breakfast menu and start your morning on the beach.
Things to Do
In April, the weather's warming and the winds are starting to die down, so it's a great time to check out some outdoor activities. Consider touring the area from a whole other perspective, with a Segway tour from No Limits Adventure. The off-road tour takes you on a trip around Santa Maria and other parts of the island, with the tour guide offering interesting facts and history about the area.
North of Santa Maria, about halfway up the island's east coast, Shark Bay welcomes visitors to view the Lemon sharks that frequent that area. While a shark sighting is not guaranteed, it's one of the best places on the island to catch a glimpse. The beach is also home to a shipwreck, so you can see what's left of a ship that ran aground there. The beach is a combination of sand and rocks, so you might want to bring sturdy shoes when visiting.
Courtesy of Zebrajet, you can tour the blue waters around Santa Maria on a Jet Ski excursion. Open to ages seven and up, the Jet Ski excursions include a guide to help you navigate the area. If you've never ridden a jet ski before, Zebrajet provides instruction and safety tips to make sure you have an enjoyable time. The excursions last anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours.
Dates to Note
Sheetala Ashtami is a Hindu festival held each year in Santa Maria, Cape Verde. According to the Basoda custom, families cook the day before the festival and eat the food the next day to help ward off any disease. By honoring the goddess Sheetala Ashtami, the locals ensure there is no outbreak and the people of the island are healthy. It is always celebrated on the first Monday of the month or Thursday after Holi.
