Cape Verde is considered to be the driest archipelago in Macraronesia. For this reason, many African flora and fauna run throughout the different islands. Santa Maria, on the island of Sal, is the third largest city in the island chains and more urban than some of the other islands in the chain.
The average temperature in May is a very pleasant 23°C (about 73°F), up a degree from the average temperature for April. The highs during this time go up to 25°C (around 77°F) on average. The lows drop down to 20°C (about 68°F), still very nice and warm for this time of year, especially compared to many areas in the UK.
Throw a light jacket or sweater in your suitcase for the evenings. During the day, typically summer clothing like short-sleeves and shorts are appropriate. While there, you'll enjoy 11 hours of sunshine a day on average, giving you ample time to get outside and explore the island or visit the beach. The chance of a sunny day is 21 percent, so be sure to bring your sunscreen, sunglasses and hat to protect yourself.
Yet again for this dry period of the year, only 1mm of rain falls on average during May and it falls over the course of four days. The chance of a cloudy day is 10 percent. With the low risk of rain, feel free to leave the umbrella at home. Do expect some wind, however, with a 92 percent chance of a windy day.
The ocean is warming up too as summer approaches. The average sea temperature during this month is 23°C (about 73°F), plenty warm to enjoy the ocean and beach all day long.
For this month, the highest recorded temperature was a very steamy 32°C (about 90°F), with the lowest recorded temperature at a chilly 11°C (about 51°F).
Where to Stay
With a prime location only minutes from the restaurants, bars and attractions of Santa Maria, Hotel Pontao offers clean and affordable accommodations. When staying at the hotel, you're also only a short walk from the beach. Amenities include free hot breakfast with fresh-made omelets each morning, an on-site restaurant and a swimming pool to enjoy in the warm May weather.
Hotel Les Alizes has 10 rooms with ocean views, private bathrooms, television, telephone, refrigerator, private balcony and free Wi-Fi. Other amenities you'll enjoy during your stay include laundry, airport transfers and a concierge to help you plan your time in Santa Maria. Each morning, wake up to breakfast served on the outdoor terrace overlooking the ocean. The hotel sits in the town area of Santa Maria, giving you easy access to shopping, dining and entertainment.
The four-star Crioula Clubhotel and Resort is surrounded by a lush park on one side and the beautiful Atlantic Ocean on the other. The 242 guest rooms are all ground and first-floor, single-story apartments. The ground floor rooms have verandas, while the first-floor rooms have balconies. The resort also has 20 bungalows for those wanting extra privacy and space. Hotel amenities include swimming pool, boutiques, on-site restaurants, theater, disco club, tennis court and beach volleyball.
Eating and Drinking Out
Mixing Thai, Japanese and French cuisine, the menu at Le Prive offers fusion dishes made by a French chef. With a beachside location, the restaurant is an ideal place to enjoy a romantic dinner. The menu varies depending on what's available locally and seasonally. Specialties include smoked fish like tuna and barracuda, and the wine list includes local Fogo wines, as well as many international choices.
In a prime beach location near the town square, Barracuda Restaurant and Pub serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in an intimate dining room or outside on the beach patio. Menu specialties include locally-caught lobster, seafood paella, tuna, stewed octopus, baked rockfish and roasted suckling pig. The restaurant also has an extensive drink list with cocktails, beers and wines.
Mexico in CV is a traditional Mexican restaurant with a menu full of homemade and freshly made dishes. Try a lemon or strawberry margarita or sip on some tequila while you listen to the Mexican music played throughout the restaurant. After your meal, dress up in Mexican ponchos and hats and take some photos to take home as souvenirs.
Things to Do
The Cabo Verde Fishing Center takes guests on deep-sea fishing adventure to some of the hot fishing spots around the island. Depending on the time of year, you can catch blue marlin, sailfish, yellowfin tuna, wahoo and dorado. The company operates three boats, which take you on a half-day or full-day excursion. The full-day excursion includes lunch and both tours include all fishing equipment.
If you're feeling extra adventurous, take a side trip to the island of Fogo, which is home to a still-active volcano. The island is a 70-minute flight from Sal and Santa Maria and you can expect to spend most of the day exploring the island. The island is called the Island of Fire because of the active volcano, which last erupted in 2014.
Not just for kids, paintballing can be a fun and exciting way to spend a May afternoon in Santa Maria. Sal Paintball sells packages that include 200 paintballs, mask and padded jacket, and you can add on transportation to and from your hotel, paintball gloves, larger paintball gun and extra ammunition. The company also hosts bimonthly paintball tournaments.
Dates to Note
Each May, the Gamboa Festival comes to the nearby island of Santiago. The event takes place over three days and is a celebration of local musicians, featuring music and dancing from a variety of genres. Thousands of local and visitors alike come to party, sing and dance the weekend away.
