Weather in Sal in August

How August compares

August is the 3rd warmest month of the year in Sal and ranks 116th of 134 destinations we compare for August - see where else is hot in August. Within Cape Verde it is 2nd of 2 (Cape Verde in August). Against London's average high of 21.4°C in August, Sal is 4.9°C warmer by day and 11.3°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in August

The typical August day in Sal peaks at 26.3°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 28.3°C or more. About 88% of days top 25°C and 1 in 34 pass 30°C. Nights average 24.8°C; one night in ten drops to 23.7°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest August day here reached 31.7°C (2017-08-18) and the coldest night 20.4°C (2018-08-14).

Rain in August

Dry (3 rainy days or fewer): about 3 days with 1 mm or more, 16 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest August was 2015 with 65 mm, the driest 1992 with 0 mm. Humidity averages 82%.

Sea temperature in August

The sea averages 25.9°C - warm enough to swim (22°c+). Depending on the year it ranges from 25.1°C to 26.6°C. For the warmest sea here, come in September (26.6°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 6.4 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 12.6 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 06:16 and sets about 18:57 local time in mid-August. Average cloud cover is 49%.

Is August a good time to visit Sal?

Yes - it is one of the better months: hot days, little rain. The best months for Sal on our scoring are July, October, November; months averaging 25°C or more: Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov.

Warm days, with little relief overnight

Sal is reliably warm in August: 88% of days reach 25°C, while just 3% reach 30°C. That makes it a sensible choice if you want warmth without frequent very hot afternoons, although the humidity still matters. Keep strenuous activity away from midday and choose loose, breathable clothing rather than packing for cooler summer weather at home. Overnight temperatures stay close to daytime levels, so do not expect evenings to provide much of a cool-down. Air conditioning is worth prioritising if you struggle to sleep in warm conditions. August is among Sal's warmer months, but the main challenge is the persistent, humid warmth rather than extreme daytime heat.

Good swimming weather, but not constant sunshine

The sea averages 26°C, making August a good fit if swimming is central to your holiday. Rain is usually a limited interruption, with about 2 rainy days, so there is little reason to plan the trip around wet-weather alternatives. Still, dry does not mean continuously sunny: expect about 6.4 hours of sunshine within 12.6 hours of daylight. Leave room for less sunny spells rather than assuming clear skies throughout the day. Light clothing, sun protection and a flexible pace are more useful priorities than heavy rainwear. If your main aim is warm water and time outdoors, the balance is favourable, provided humid evenings do not bother you.