Whether you want to walk along the main street to see the different shops and eat at local restaurants or enjoy a boat cruise to see the other islands in the Cape Verde chain, the lovely June weather makes is possible. The average temperature in Santa Maria during this month is a very comfortable 24°C (about 75°F).
The highs reach up to 26°C (around 79°F), getting hot but not too hot to head outside and enjoy the beautiful area. The evenings get slightly cooler, with lows dropping to 21°C (about 70°F). Check the local forecast before you head out to be sure you're dressed appropriately.
Expect around 11 hours of sunshine a day while there this month. When packing, bring short-sleeve shirts, capris, shorts and skirts for the daytime and a light jacket or sweater for the evening. Some people might even want tank tops for the daytime, especially when out in the sun, so bring along sunglasses and maybe a hat to protect your eyes.
Like May, the average rainfall is only 1mm, falling over four days in the month. The actual chance of rain on any given day is only one percent, giving you pretty ideal weather conditions for visiting on holiday. Although it never gets very wet in Santa Maria, June is the last of the very dry months. There is an 11 percent chance of a cloudy day, so breakout the sunscreen with a high SPF and slather up before heading outside.
The sea temperatures continue to rise, averaging 24°C (about 75°F) at this time. These warm conditions are a great time to try your hand at some watersports or just float around in the waves. The breezes start to die down this month, but there's still an 83 percent chance of a windy day.
In June, the record temperature reached a sweltering 40°C (about 104°F), with the lowest recorded temperature hitting 15°C (about 58°F), very chilly for that area for this time.
Where to Stay
Located near the center of the island, away from the hustle and bustle of Santa Maria, the Murdeira Village Resort features 40 suites. The rooms have private bathrooms, air conditioning, telephones, satellite televisions, wireless internet and safes. Each room also offers a balcony or terrace. Hotel amenities include on-site restaurant and bar, snack bar on the beach, room service, game room, cinema, playground and salt water pool.
Part of the Riu family of hotels and resorts, Hotel Riu Garopa also provides five-star and all-inclusive service for guests. Choose from a standard double room with air conditioning, satellite television and balcony or terrace, or upgrade to a suite with separate living room and tub with jets. The hotel spoils guests with two swimming pools, Jacuzzi, sauna, solarium and the Renova Spa.
The budget-friendly Pensao Nha Terra is only 100 meters from the Santa Maria beach, so you can take advantage of the warm sea temps of June. It is also within walking distance of numerous restaurants, bars, shops and attractions. The rooms have air conditioning, cable television, private bathrooms and balconies. Hotel amenities include swimming pool and free breakfast.
Eating and Drinking Out
Ristorante Mediterraneo dishes up Italian classics to visitors and locals. The restaurant makes you feel like you're on an authentic Italian street full of quaint cafes. Included on the menu are appetizers, pastas, pizzas, sandwiches and entrees, including fresh fish and lobster everyday. The restaurant is also a great place to stop for a yummy dessert and coffee before heading out for the night.
Found on a side street, not far from the main street in Santa Maria, The Hungry Frog gives patrons a taste of the national dish, cachupa. Cachupa contains fish, beans, cassava and a mixture of vegetables. Open from breakfast to late night, this is a great spot to come when you need a break from sightseeing in the town. If you want to enjoy the warm June weather, grab a seat on the outdoor patio.
Churrascaria Pirata, one of the only themed restaurants in Santa Maria, thrills guests with a pirate motif. Once inside, you feel like you're on a pirate ship and the wait staff dresses up as pirates to complete the theme. The restaurant is a traditional Brazilian churrascaria, serving a variety of freshly carved meats. Additionally, the menu includes pizza and pasta dishes.
Things to Do
If you want to take in some of the history of the island, visit Santa Maria Church of the Nazarene, one of the older buildings in the city that was built sometime in the early 1900s. The bright blue exterior is hard to miss and makes a great backdrop for pictures.
A truly unique way to see the Atlantic Ocean waters surrounding Santa Maria, the Seabob allows you to go on top of and underneath the water. The water is plenty warm in June and the perfect time to try this experience. Rented from C-Riders, the Seabobs have handles on the side to hang onto and a top speed of 16km on the surface and 12km under the water.
With its arid and dry topography, a 4x4 pickup is a great way to see the island of Sal. Llana Tour Services sponsors 4x4 pickup tours that explore the little seen areas of Santa Maria. During the tour, you'll stop and visit a natural swimming pool, the salt mines and a beach for snorkeling, swimming and sunbathing. The excursions include lunch and you're encouraged to bring your camera and snorkeling mask.
For a peaceful beach experience during this lovely month try Fontona, an isolated beach and cove on the western shore of Sal. Popular with locals as a place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the towns, it's a great place to take scenic pictures and relax. Take a picnic with you as there are no restaurants, bars or other amenities nearby.
Dates to Note
Actually starting in May and wrapping up in July, the Festival of the People's Saints celebrates three saintst. John, St. Anthony, and St. Peter. The celebrations include church services, processions, special foods and drumming in the towns around the island of Sal.
