Climate and wind on Sal Island: what to expect month by month
When people talk about the climate on Sal, most say the same thing: “the weather is always good”. And while that’s not entirely wrong, it doesn’t explain what really matters when you travel.
The real question isn’t whether it will be sunny, but how the climate feels day to day and what you can expect depending on the month you visit.
Let’s put it into context, without technical language or unrealistic promises.
Before talking about months: one key idea
Sal has a very stable climate throughout the year. Changes exist, but they are mild compared to many other destinations.
This means:
- there are no “bad” months to visit,
- you don’t need to plan your trip around the weather,
- but it’s useful to understand the role of the wind.
On Sal, the climate rarely ruins plans — it simply reshapes them.
Temperatures: what you actually notice
Temperatures on Sal usually stay within a comfortable range. There are no sharp extremes and no sudden month-to-month changes.
In practical terms:
- days are warm without being overwhelming,
- nights are mild,
- heat is felt more from the sun than from the air temperature itself.
The perceived temperature depends far more on the wind than on the thermometer.
Wind: the factor that shapes the experience most
This is the detail that surprises many first-time visitors.
The wind:
- is present during much of the year,
- keeps the air fresh,
- sets the rhythm of beaches and activities,
- and becomes more noticeable in certain months.
It’s not a problem, but it is something worth understanding before you travel, especially if you have a very specific idea of “perfect weather”.
On Sal, the wind isn’t an enemy — it’s part of the landscape.
From November to June: windier and very stable months
For much of the year, especially between November and June, wind is more present. This doesn’t mean bad weather, but a different overall feel than many people expect.
During this period you can expect:
- bright, sunny days,
- pleasant temperatures,
- regular wind, especially in open areas,
- a drier atmosphere.
It’s a popular season for activities like kitesurfing and windsurfing, but it also works perfectly well for beach time and walks — as long as you accept the wind as part of daily life.
July to October: calmer days, less wind
Between July and October, wind usually decreases noticeably. The general feeling is calmer and slightly more humid, without reaching uncomfortable levels.
In these months:
- the sea is often calmer,
- evenings feel softer,
- wind is less intrusive,
- heat is a bit more noticeable.
This is the period that most closely matches the classic idea of “summer”, while still being Sal: nothing extreme, nothing constantly oppressive.
On Sal, there’s no perfect climate — only climates that suit different people better.
What about rain?
Rain does exist, but it rarely defines the trip.
When it appears, it is usually:
- brief,
- not an all-day event,
- unlikely to affect several days in a row.
It’s not something you need to plan your trip around.
The most common mistake when checking the weather forecast
A frequent mistake is reading the forecast with a European mindset and worrying about every wind icon or cloud symbol.
On Sal:
- a “so-so” forecast often means a perfectly usable day,
- wind does not equal bad weather,
- clouds rarely cover the entire day.
The climate makes more sense when you experience it than when you track it in an app.
Final recommendation
If there’s one thing worth understanding before travelling to Sal, it’s that the climate isn’t lived through weather reports, but through daily life.
Temperatures are stable year-round. Sunshine is frequent. And wind, more or less present depending on the month, is part of the island’s character.
The practical advice is clear:
Don’t choose your travel dates chasing the “perfect month”.
Choose based on availability and adapt your expectations to Sal’s real rhythm.
If you prefer less wind and a calmer feel, summer months tend to suit you better.
If wind doesn’t bother you and you enjoy a drier, more active atmosphere, the rest of the year works perfectly.
In any case, the climate rarely ruins a trip to Sal.
What usually does is arriving with expectations that don’t match what the island actually offers.
With that clear, travelling becomes much easier… and much more enjoyable.
