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Sal, Cape Verde · Tropical

Sal in October: go or not?

Mixed period. Sal in October: 6.1/10.

📅 Updated August 2026 🛰️ ERA5 · 10 years 📍 16.73°N · 22.93°W
⚡ This month's verdict
Why not
Sal · October
6.1
25–30°
Temperature
4%
Rain
6h
Sun
🌴 Tropical☀️ High UV🌧️ Monsoon season
Photo : Datingscout via Unsplash
The month in detail

What to expect in October

October is peak dry season in Sal. The air is warm and humidity more bearable than in the rainy season. Rain is virtually absent (4.0% of days) — ideal for planning without a backup. Not the best window, but acceptable if dates are constrained. November (9.0/10) is significantly better if possible.

October ranks 11 out of 12 months in Sal. Compared to September: 19 pts fewer rainy days.

This month's conditions

What it's like in October

UV index
8 · high
sunscreen and hat advised
Feels like
very humid
22°
Sea
28°C
warm, ideal
Daylight
11.6h of daylight
Air quality
fair
AQI 56
Compare

Is October the right month?

The best month in Sal is November (9.0/10), 2.9 pts higher than October.

See November →See all 12 months →
Context

Our verdict

Sal, gateway to Cape Verde: a flat desert island whose appeal lies entirely in the sea. A curious data point: September and October drop to 6.9/10 due to late rains brought by the Intertropical Convergence Zone (rare but striking).

Read Gilles' full review →

Book

Plan your trip

Hotels at their lowest outside peak season, highest on comfortable months. Shoulder seasons offer a good price/climate compromise.

🎟️ Activities & tours · Sal

GetYourGuide selection · free cancellation

See all →
Affiliate link · GetYourGuide
Practical info

What you need to know before you go

Three angles: the country (language, currency, safety, budget), the year-round climate, and the specifics of a tropical stay.

Country · Cape Verde

🗣️LanguagePortuguese
💶CurrencyEscudo cap-verdien ($)
🚗DrivingRight-hand
🛡️Safety Very safe · 1/5
💰Cost of living Cheap · 2/5

🌡️ Climate

🌍Climate typeTropical
📈Climate trend +3.26°F/decade
🔥Hottest monthSeptember · 86°F
❄️Coolest monthFebruary · 75°F
🌧️Rainiest month September · 23%

🏝️ Tropical stay

🌞Dry season May → Sep
🌧️Wet season Dec → Mar
🌀Cyclones Season Nov-Apr
Location

Where is Sal ?

Global position + regional geographic context.

🌍 World
🔍 Geographic context
Cape Verde
Tropical climate with a 9.0 → 5.6 gap between best and worst month. 10 years of ERA5 data to choose by project.
16.73°N · 22.93°W
Questions

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time to visit Sal?
November is the best month with 82°F highs, 73°F lows, 6.3h of sunshine and 5.0% rainy days. The months of November & April offer comparable conditions.
How many hours of sunshine does Sal get in November?
Sal averages 6.3 sunshine hours per day in November. It is the sunniest month with a climate score of 8.6/10.
What is the rainiest month in Sal?
September is the most unfavourable month with September has the lowest climate score of the year and the lowest climate score of the year.
What are the temperatures at night in Sal in November?
In November, overnight lows reach 73°F, while afternoon highs average 82°F.
Is Sal good in winter?
In winter (December-February), Sal scores 8.2/10 on average — Acceptable conditions for cultural visits.. The best month overall remains November with a score of 8.6/10.
When should you avoid Sal?
September is the most difficult month to visit Sal, with September has the lowest climate score of the year. Climate conditions are at their lowest of the year during this period.
Can you swim in Sal in October?
In October, the sea averages 82°F in Sal: warm, ideal. Ideal conditions for swimming and snorkeling.
Do you need sun protection in Sal in October?
The average UV index reaches 8 in October in Sal (high), with about 11.6h of daylight. Sunscreen and hat advised.