Weather in Sal in December

How December compares

December is the 6th warmest month of the year in Sal and ranks 43rd of 134 destinations we compare for December - see where else is hot in December. Within Cape Verde it is 2nd of 2 (Cape Verde in December). Against London's average high of 7.7°C in December, Sal is 16.0°C warmer by day and 19.8°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in December

The typical December day in Sal peaks at 23.7°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 25.3°C or more. Roughly 1 in 7 days top 25°C. Nights average 22.5°C; one night in ten drops to 21.0°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest December day here reached 29.8°C (2018-12-08) and the coldest night 17.7°C (2020-12-25).

Rain in December

Dry (3 rainy days or fewer): about 1 days with 1 mm or more, 3 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest December was 2013 with 38 mm, the driest 1997 with 0 mm. Humidity averages 74%.

Sea temperature in December

The sea averages 24.1°C - warm enough to swim (22°c+). Depending on the year it ranges from 23.3°C to 24.9°C. For the warmest sea here, come in September (26.6°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 5.5 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 11.0 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 06:52 and sets about 18:01 local time in mid-December. Average cloud cover is 50%.

Is December a good time to visit Sal?

It is a reasonable choice: warm days. The best months for Sal on our scoring are July, October, November; months averaging 25°C or more: Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov.

Warm enough for light clothes, rarely hot

December feels markedly warmer than London, with daytime highs averaging 16.0°C higher. Light clothing is a sensible starting point, and the small gap between average daytime and night-time temperatures means evenings usually stay warm too. A light layer is still useful if you feel the cold when sitting outside. The important distinction is between warm and hot: only 14% of days reach 25°C, so this is not the month to choose if strong heat is the main reason for travelling. Humidity averages 74%, which may make conditions feel a little sticky, but the moderate temperatures should suit travellers who find hotter weather tiring.

Dry weather supports outdoor plans, but allow for cloud

Rain is unlikely to dictate your holiday, with about 1 rainy day in December. That makes outdoor plans a sensible default, although dry weather does not mean uninterrupted sunshine. Expect about 5.5 hours of sunshine within 11.0 hours of daylight, so leave room for cloudy spells rather than assuming every afternoon will be sunny. Put swimming and other daylight-dependent plans ahead of a late start. The sea averages 24.1°C, warm enough for swimming by the usual temperature measure, though personal comfort varies. Pack swimwear and sun protection, and keep plans flexible enough to take advantage of brighter periods rather than relying on a fixed sunbathing routine.