Climate Insights for Santa Cruz
Madeira, Portugal
Climate Overview
The climate in Santa Cruz is warm and mild. The average annual temperature is 18°C and approximately 439 mm of precipitation falls per year. December is the wettest month, receiving around 59 mm of rainfall. Santa Cruz is in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer begins at the end of June and lasts through September. The summer months are: August, September, July. The coldest months are March, February, April, when temperatures can drop to 15°C.The climate in Santa Cruz is warm and mild. The average annual temperature is 65°F and approximately 17.3 in of precipitation falls per year. December is the wettest month, receiving around 2.3 in of rainfall. Santa Cruz is in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer begins at the end of June and lasts through September. The summer months are: August, September, July. The coldest months are March, February, April, when temperatures can drop to 58°F.
Temperature
Santa Cruz has relatively stable temperatures year-round, staying within a 8°C range. August is the warmest month, though highs remain moderate at 23°C with a mean of 22°C. March is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 15°C and an average of 16°C. Daily temperature variation is modest, with an average difference of 2°C between highs and lows. The sharpest temperature change occurs between October and November, with a 2°C shift in average temperatures.Santa Cruz has relatively stable temperatures year-round, staying within a 16°F range. August is the warmest month, though highs remain moderate at 74°F with a mean of 71°F. March is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 58°F and an average of 60°F. Daily temperature variation is modest, with an average difference of 4°F between highs and lows. The sharpest temperature change occurs between October and November, with a 4°F shift in average temperatures.
Precipitation
Santa Cruz is a relatively dry area, receiving approximately 439 mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 37 mm per month. The wettest month is December, averaging 59 mm of rainfall. February and November also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is July, with just 8 mm. That's 51 mm less than December, the wettest month. Rainfall is heavily concentrated in certain months, creating a distinct wet and dry season. Visitors should plan around these patterns, as the difference between peak and low months is dramatic.Santa Cruz is a relatively dry area, receiving approximately 17.3 in of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 1.5 in per month. The wettest month is December, averaging 2.3 in of rainfall. February and November also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is July, with just 0.3 in. That's 2 in less than December, the wettest month. Rainfall is heavily concentrated in certain months, creating a distinct wet and dry season. Visitors should plan around these patterns, as the difference between peak and low months is dramatic.
Wind
Santa Cruz is mildly breezy, with an average annual wind speed of 16km/h. For context, sustained winds below 12km/h are generally light, while anything above 25km/h is considered strong. The windiest month is July, averaging 17km/h, though still comfortable for most outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in October, with average winds dropping to 13km/h, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. Wind conditions are fairly consistent throughout the year, varying by only 4km/h between the calmest and windiest months.Santa Cruz is moderately windy, with an average annual wind speed of 10mph. For context, sustained winds below 7mph are generally light, while anything above 16mph is considered strong. The windiest month is July, averaging 11mph, noticeable enough to affect lighter outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in October, with average winds dropping to 8mph, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. Wind conditions are fairly consistent throughout the year, varying by only 3mph between the calmest and windiest months.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Santa Cruz is during January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 18°C with modest rainfall averaging 37 mm per month. A light rain jacket is recommended, though showers are generally brief and shouldn't disrupt your plans.The best time to visit Santa Cruz is during January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 65°F with modest rainfall averaging 1.5 in per month. A light rain jacket is recommended, though showers are generally brief and shouldn't disrupt your plans.
Monthly Climate Data
The table below shows monthly climate averages for Santa Cruz based on historical weather data. Min and max temperatures represent typical overnight lows and afternoon highs for each month, shown in degrees Celsius (°C). Precipitation is measured in millimetres (mm) and indicates the average total rainfall per month. Wind speed is the average sustained speed in kilometres per hour (km/h). All values are based on averages from over 10 years of historical weather data. The current month is highlighted for quick reference.The table below shows monthly climate averages for Santa Cruz based on historical weather data. Min and max temperatures represent typical overnight lows and afternoon highs for each month, shown in degrees Fahrenheit (°F). Precipitation is measured in millimetres (mm) and indicates the average total rainfall per month. Wind speed is the average sustained speed in miles per hour (mph). All values are based on averages from over 10 years of historical weather data. The current month is highlighted for quick reference.