The rainy season is winding down in Santa Maria by November, returning the days to sunshine for time spent on the beach or touring around some of the other islands. The average temperature for this month is 25°C (about 77°F), dropping just one degree from the average temperature for October. The temperatures are warm and comfortable to enjoy outdoor activities and a definite contrast from the cold UK at this time of year.
The highs reach up to 27°C (about 81°F), with the lows dropping to a still-nice 22°C (around 72°F). Even at night, the temperatures are comfortable enough to enjoy drinks on an outdoor terrace or walks on the beach. Summer clothes, like short-sleeve shirts and shorts, are still appropriate during the day, with a light sweater or jacket at night.
During the day, you'll get about 10 hours of sunshine, lots of time to get outside and see everything the island of Sal has to offer. The chance of a windy day is 62 percent.
The rainfall chances drop to only 9mm during this month, falling over an average of four days. The chance of rain on any given day is three percent, with a 14 percent chance of a cloudy day. If you forget your umbrella or raincoat, you'll probably be safe with the low risk of rain.
Like in nearby Prainha, the ocean waters are still nice and warm this time of year, averaging around 26°C (about 79°F). The pleasant water temperatures make swimming and watersports a must-do during your visit. At the very least, you'll want to dip your toes in the water and walk along the water's edge.
The highest recorded temperature for this month was a nice and steamy 35°C (about 95°F), with the lowest recorded temperature falling to a chilly 12°C (about 54°F).
Where to Stay
For more privacy, book with the Djadsal Moradias Tropical Resort with apartment-style accommodations. Take advantage of the still-warm November weather and visit the beach, which is only two minutes away. The hotel also has a swimming pool, sun terrace, garden and restaurant. Each apartment has a television, private bathroom with shower, kitchen with fridge and dining area. You'll also get a garden or pool view from your apartment.
Odjo d'Agua offers room styles to fit all types of travelers with double rooms, small suites with a separate room and sofa bed, and large suites with two king beds and a lounge area. The on-site restaurants serve a variety of cuisine and have outdoor eating areas; one of the restaurants is located right on the beach for mid-day snacks. Other amenities include freshwater pool, spa offering on-the-beach massages and fun nightlife activities.
If you need more space or are traveling with a family or large group, the Villa Ressaca is a three-bedroom, three-bathroom villa with its own pool and patio. The home has air conditioning, kitchen, dining room, living area and is only 100 meters from the beach. You can enjoy the beautiful ocean views from the master bedroom balcony. As a guest, you'll also have access to all the amenities of the Melia Tortuga Beach Resort.
Eating and Drinking Out
If want a place to party the night away, visit Pub Calema, a combination restaurant, bar and disco. The party lasts into the early morning hours with the pub's cheap drinks and dance music, including hip hop, pop, R&B and electronica. You can also take the party outside to the outdoor terrace and enjoy a light meal of burgers and sandwiches.
Restaurant Cretcheu has a central location in Santa Maria in-between the pier and promenade. The outdoor dining provides sweeping views of the blue ocean water and sandy beach. Along with a selection of beer, wine and spirits, the menu features local favorites and freshly-caught fish and seafood. After dinner, indulge in the homemade Italian pastries and artisan ice cream.
A good choice for families, the Nautic Club Columbus serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. The extensive menu has everything from seafood to barbeque to burgers, as well as alcoholic beverages and coffees. The outdoor covered deck has seating that overlooks the sand and water of the ocean and is an ideal place to enjoy the warm November weather.
Things to Do
The weather is cooling off in November, making it a great time to take a walking tour of the island and Santa Maria. LLana Tour Services offers four different levels of tours, visiting four different areas of the island. The excursion price includes snacks, sandwich, juice, water and fruit, as well as hotel transfers. The four-hour tour includes plenty of time to stop and enjoy the different sites you'll encounter.
On the northwest corner of the island sits the Buracona Olho Azul, a beautiful natural wonder. At Buracona, you can swim in the natural pool and jump into the water from the lava rocks that surround the pool. On a clear day, when the sun is shining at its highest point into the pool, you can see some of the bluest water you'll ever see. There's a bar and small restaurant nearby if you want a snack during your visit.
If you're looking for the perfect souvenir or want to peruse the artwork and wares of local artists, visit Eliseu. The little shop is located off the main drag in downtown Santa Maria and sells local paintings and artwork depicting island life and Cape Verde citizens. The shop also sells handmade crafts and trinkets.
Dates to Note
Celebrated throughout the world and in Santa Maria, All Saints Day happens each year on November 1st. It is a religious holiday, although the banks close for it as well. The celebration is mainly marked with mass and religious services at churches around the island.
