The temperatures stay steady during the month of September, but the rainfall drastically increases, as this month is Santa Maria's wettest of the year. Still, the average temperature hovers around 27°C (about 80°F) which is nice and warm to enjoy the outside when it isn't raining. You'll also get to enjoy around 9 hours of sunshine each day.
However, compared to August, the average rainfall increases to 77mm, falling over seven days. If you didn't bring your own umbrella or poncho, many of the local stores sell them so you can stay dry during your visit.
Nonetheless, the high temperatures reach up to 29°C (around 84°F) which makes it the warmest month of the year too. The lows go down to 24°C (about 75°F), still a very nice temperature to enjoy the outdoors in the evenings, especially closer to the shores where a gentle breeze blows.
The chance of rain on any given day is 14 percent and you'll have an 11 percent chance of a cloudy day while there this month. The chance of a windy day is 54 percent, so if it's not raining, it'll be a nice day overall.
During the day, you can expect to wear typical summer clothing like short-sleeved shirts, shorts and capris. A tank top might even be appropriate during the peak afternoon hours. At night, you might want a light jacket or sweater, but most people will be comfortable in their daytime wear.
The sea temperature reaches its peak for the year at this resort in Cape Verde, averaging a very warm and pleasant 27°C (about 81°F). Those temperatures are definitely warm enough to enough a swim or watersports like surfing, body boarding and kite-surfing.
This month has seen some extreme temperatures, with the highest recorded temperature reaching 34°C (about 93°F) and the lowest recorded temperature reading 11°C (about 52°F).
Where to Stay
Just 10 minutes from town, the Residencial Cabo Verde Palace welcomes guests to enjoy spacious accommodations in a beautiful setting. With only seven guest rooms, you're sure to get personalized service and attention. The rooms all have a private bath with shower, kitchen area and some of the rooms have balconies with ocean views. Wander around the manicured grounds or grab a lounge chair to soak in the sun.
With 88 rooms and 33 suites, Hotel Morabeza treats guests to beautiful ocean or garden views from each room. All rooms also come with a terrace or balcony, television with satellite channels, air conditioning, ceiling fan and wireless Internet. Hotel amenities include three fresh water swimming pools, tennis and volleyball courts, fitness course and gym. Several on-site restaurants offer breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks.
Eating and Drinking Out
Another hot spot for after dinner drinks, the One Love Reggae Bar offers a chilled out atmosphere with a cool vibe. The rooftop terrace is the perfect place to enjoy your cocktail, beer or wine under the September Santa Maria stars. Along with bringing in local reggae acts, the bar also has an open-mic night each week for amateurs to play while you dance the night away.
The Leonardo Café is the place to go for Italian classics and fresh seafood. The menu includes specialties like antipasti, spaghetti, ravioli, tagliatelle, fusilli, jumbo prawns, duck breast and Brazilian beef filet. The wine list includes red, white and sparkling varieties. Be sure to save room to pick something off the dessert menu, which includes sorbet and tiramisu. If you want to be sure to get a table, make reservations earlier in the day.
Bailey's Café Bar serves a variety of meals ranging from English to Chinese and burgers to curry, so you're sure to find something you're craving. With free Wi-Fi and televisions to watch a football or rugby match, this place is a great place to spend time while you are enjoying time on the island. The bar also serves a variety of cocktails, as well as wine and beer.
Things to Do
Art-lovers will appreciate the quaint Djunta Mo Art store with local artists' work for sale. The shop also sells unique souvenirs, including many handmade and local wares. From coffee table books to postcard, you're sure to find a fun reminder of your time on the island. The shop owners are friendly and happy to answer any questions you have about the products.
If you've been hitting the watersports hard, take some time to relax and recover with some yoga, such as the classes from Yoga Cabo Verde. These classes are open to all experience levels and promote flexibility, relaxation and fun. Most classes take place at the yoga studio in Santa Maria, but occasionally the company offers yoga on the beach.
Another way to relax and spoil yourself while on the island is with a day of spa treatments at the Nativa Spa. The spa offers massages, body treatments and facials in private treatment rooms, and also has an outdoor private hut so you can listen to the crashing waves as you get pampered by the staff. Part of the Hotel Salinas Sea, the spa is also open to the public.
Dates to Note
Every year on September 11 and 12, the locals celebrate Santa Maria Festival and Municipality Day with various live acts, food and drink vendors and lots of other fun activities. The Festival of Music brings in live musicians from all over the island to entertain visitors with a variety of genres. All ages can get in on the fun with beach parties for kids that include performances and arts and crafts stalls.
