When you visit Cape Verde in March, the moderate temperatures and little-to-no rainfall ensure you can get a wonderful suntan before returning to the UK and its dreary weather. This resort is a great choice for a late-winter or early-spring holiday.
The average temperature for this time of year in Santa Maria sits around a very pleasant 22°C (about 71°F). Even at night, the temperatures stay relatively warm, with lows dropping to an average of 18°C (around 64°F). The average high is 25°C (about 77°F); not too hot and perfect for being outdoors.
While there, you'll enjoy one more hour of sunshine per day over February, with 11 hours each day on average. This marks the start of 4 months with peak annual sunshine. Bring short-sleeved shirts, shorts and capris along for daytime activities, and possibly a light jacket or sweater to wear at night when it cools down. Definitely bring the sunscreen, hat and sunglasses to protect your skin and eyes from the suns' rays.
March is the start of the driest annual weather and only 1mm of rain falls during this month so you won't need an umbrella, raincoat or poncho. It falls over an average of four days, making for some very light drizzle when it actually does rain. The chance of rain on any given day is only two percent and the chance of a cloudy day is eight percent.
On the island of Sal, plenty of activities revolve around the sea, which is why the 23°C (about 73°F) temperatures make for a perfect time in the water. It'll probably be breezy though, with an 86 percent chance of a windy day, but nothing too strong to thwart your day at the beach.
For March, the highest recorded temperature was 33°C (about 91°F), which is extremely hot. The lowest recorded temperature was a very cold 9°C (about 47°F).
Where to Stay
Providing luxurious five-star accommodations, Melia Tortuga Beach Resort gives guest an all-inclusive holiday away during the month of March. The 286 rooms range from spacious hotel suites to villas and apartments for more space and privacy. The hotel boasts two large swimming pools, numerous restaurants including fine dining, casual and buffet options, and several bars to enjoy a cocktail during the day at the pool or at night near the beach. You can also pamper yourself in the spa or enjoy a variety of daytime and nighttime activities, many complimentary.
Agua Hotels Sal Vila Verde offers guests lots of amenities in a tropical setting. The hotel has a pool, snack bar, restaurant, tennis court, playground and on-site shopping. Your room will have a private bathroom with bath or shower, television, air conditioning, kitchenette, washing machine and dryer. The rooms also have garden views from the balcony. Other amenities include Wi-Fi and free parking.
Catering to the active traveler, the Surfactivity Guesthouse provides a comfortable and affordable place to stay while enjoying all the island has to offer. Several types of accommodations fit the needs of different types of travelers. The Turtle House has six apartments perfect for two guests, as well as a penthouse with five beds for larger groups.
Eating and Drinking Out
If you're craving pizza, OCaranguejo is a great choice for a slice of pie. The restaurant also serves other pasta dishes like spaghetti and linguine and traditional Italian starters and appetizers such as fried prawns and fresh salads. If you want a drink with your meal, you can choose from the beer and wine menu and if you want to stay connected, you can hook up to the free Wi-Fi.
The Hideaway serves American classics like burgers, fries and chicken wings on its rooftop terrace, providing sweeping views of the town. Throughout the week, the restaurant sponsors special events like movie nights on Wednesdays and trivia nights on Thursdays. The establishment is affordable; during the lunch hours, you can get a hamburger, fries, coleslaw and drink for only five euros.
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as brunch on the weekends, Londres Café Bistro serves mainly tapas and small plates. The dishes come from a variety of cuisines including those of Cape Verde, Britain, Spain, Portugal, Italy and Brazil. The menu also includes a selection of hot and cold drinks, cocktails, beers and ciders, as well as several vegetarian options.
Things to Do
Another popular shopping spot on the island, L'Alambic Cabo Verde sells a variety of goods and products. Featuring many local artisans and handmade items, the store also sells beverages, rents bikes and the store owners offer helpful advice on what do to in the area.
March is still primetime to catch the trade winds that blow through the area and try your hand and windsurfing. The Surf Zone school is located in the beach club of the Morabeza Hotel and takes students to surf in the the Bay of Santa Maria. The school offers classes for all skill levels and only does private and semi-private courses, assuring that you get the specialized attention you want. You also get plenty of time to practice your new skills.
Thanks to the crystal clear waters surrounding the island, Santa Maria and Sal are popular spots for scuba diving. Cabo Verde Diving has over a dozen dive sites in and around the bay of Santa Maria. Some of these sites include shipwrecks and coral reefs. Class offerings are available for beginners to advanced divers, and the company even has a course just for kids to learn the basics of scuba.
Dates to Note
In March, locals celebrate the Catholic Festival of Sao Jose or Saint Joseph. The celebrations include a feast, procession and Mass at the local churches. The churches celebrate St. Joseph, telling stories from the Bible of his life and the role he played as Jesus Christ's earthly father.
