Current time in Santa Maria, Cape Verde

The current time in Santa Maria is 23:27:56

The date is Saturday, February 21st, 2026

Timezone: Atlantic/Cape_Verde (UTC-1)

4 hours after United States

The geographic location is 16° 35.9' N 22° 54.3' W

Sunrise: 06:54, Sunset: 18:36, Day length: 11:42

Moon phase: 15.4% (Waxing crescent)

Santa Maria is located in the northern hemisphere

Current season: Winter

Santa Maria is a coastal city located on the island of Sal in Cape Verde, Africa, with GPS coordinates 16.59796, -22.90509. It is situated in the Atlantic/Cape_Verde timezone, which is two hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-1). The city is renowned for its beautiful sandy beaches and vibrant tourist atmosphere.

Santa Maria is a popular destination for water sports, especially windsurfing and kitesurfing, due to its consistent winds and favorable conditions. Additionally, the city has a lively cultural scene, with numerous restaurants, bars, and local markets that showcase Cape Verdean music and cuisine, contributing to its regional significance as a tourist hub in the archipelago.

Timezone in Santa Maria

Santa Maria operates on the Atlantic Standard Time Zone, specifically Atlantic/Cape_Verde, with a UTC offset of -1 hour. This means that Santa Maria is one hour behind Coordinated Universal Time. Notably, Santa Maria does not observe daylight saving time, remaining on standard time throughout the year.

When considering communication with Santa Maria from the United States, it’s essential to note that the time difference varies significantly. For example, when it is noon in New York City, it is 11:00 AM in Santa Maria, while in Los Angeles, it is 8:00 AM. This discrepancy can affect business hours and availability for contact, making it best to reach out during the late morning to early afternoon in Santa Maria for optimal response times.

In comparison to other major cities in the region, such as Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, Santa Maria shares the same timezone and does not observe daylight saving time. This consistency can facilitate scheduling across the islands, making it easier to coordinate activities and communications between different locations within Cape Verde.

Attractions and Activities in Santa Maria

Santa Maria, located on the island of Sal in Cape Verde, is renowned for its stunning beaches and vibrant tourism scene. The area is particularly famous for its long stretches of white sand and clear turquoise waters, making it a popular destination for sunbathers and water sports enthusiasts. The beach at Santa Maria is ideal for activities like windsurfing and kitesurfing, thanks to the favorable wind conditions.

Culturally, Santa Maria hosts a lively atmosphere with a mix of local Cabo Verdean traditions and international influences, evident in its restaurants, bars, and shops. The town features colorful markets where visitors can sample traditional dishes and purchase local crafts. Additionally, the annual Santa Maria Music Festival showcases the rich musical heritage of the Cape Verdean people, attracting both locals and tourists to celebrate together.

Overall, Santa Maria serves as a gateway to exploring the natural beauty and cultural vibrancy of Sal, making it a significant destination within Cape Verde.

Practical Information for Visitors

Santa Maria is accessible primarily through the Santa Maria Public Airport, which offers regional flights. For those traveling from larger cities, Amtrak provides train services to Santa Maria, allowing for a scenic ride along the coast. Additionally, multiple bus lines connect Santa Maria with nearby towns and cities, making public transport convenient for visitors.

The weather in Santa Maria is characterized by a Mediterranean climate, with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Temperatures in summer can reach the mid-80s Fahrenheit, while winter temperatures typically range from the mid-40s to low 60s. The best time to visit Santa Maria is during the spring and fall months when the weather is pleasant and crowds are fewer.

When visiting, it’s essential to rent a car to explore the surrounding areas, such as the beautiful Santa Maria Valley wine country. Be sure to dress in layers, as temperatures can fluctuate throughout the day. Lastly, take advantage of local farmers’ markets for fresh produce and unique local goods, which offer a taste of the region’s agricultural bounty.

Nearby Cities Worth Visiting

The region surrounding Santa Maria is a treasure trove of diverse cultures and rich histories waiting to be discovered. Each nearby city offers unique experiences, vibrant local life, and stunning landscapes, making exploration not just rewarding but also unforgettable. Embrace the adventure and uncover the magic of this captivating area!

🏙️
Espargos
Close by • 18 km
🏙️
Sal Rei
Close by • 47 km
🏙️
Ribeira Brava
City in the region • 148 km
🏙️
Tarrafal de São Nicolau
City in the region • 155 km
🏙️
Vila do Maio
City in the region • 166 km
🏙️
Tarrafal
City in the region • 172 km
🏙️
Calheta
City in the region • 173 km
🏙️
Pedra Badejo
City in the region • 176 km
🏙️
Santa Cruz
City in the region • 177 km
🏙️
João Teves
City in the region • 185 km
🏙️
Picos
City in the region • 185 km
🏙️
Assomada
City in the region • 186 km
🏙️
São Domingos
City in the region • 189 km
🏙️
Praia
137.868 inhabitants • 196 km
🏙️
Cidade Velha
City in the region • 202 km
🏙️
Mindelo
City in the region • 223 km
🏙️
Igreja
City in the region • 232 km
🏙️
Pombas
City in the region • 233 km
🏙️
Porto Novo
City in the region • 235 km
🏙️
Ribeira Grande
City in the region • 239 km
🏙️
Cova Figueira
City in the region • 241 km
🏙️
Ponta do Sol
City in the region • 242 km
🏙️
São Filipe
City in the region • 255 km
🏙️
Nova Sintra
City in the region • 271 km

Cities in Different Parts of Cape Verde

Explore major cities spread across Cape Verde.

🏛️
Praia
137.868 inhabitants
🏛️
Mindelo
Regional city
🏛️
Espargos
Smaller city
🏛️
Sal Rei
Smaller city
🏛️
São Filipe
Smaller city
🏛️
Vila do Maio
Smaller city
🏛️
🏛️
Nova Sintra
Smaller city

Explore Nearby Countries

Exploring the diverse landscapes and rich cultures of Africa opens up a world of adventure. By visiting multiple countries in the region, you can immerse yourself in unique traditions and breathtaking scenery, creating unforgettable memories. Embrace the spirit of exploration and uncover the wonders that await just beyond the horizon.

Senegal
Explore the country
Gambia
Explore the country
Guinea-Bissau
Explore the country
Guinea
Explore the country
Mauritania
Explore the country
Sierra Leone
Explore the country
Western Sahara
Explore the country
Liberia
Explore the country
Mali
Explore the country
Ivory Coast
Explore the country
Burkina Faso
Explore the country
Morocco
Explore the country
Ghana
Explore the country
Togo
Explore the country
Gibraltar
Explore the country
Portugal
Explore the country
Benin
Explore the country
Niger
Explore the country
Algeria
Explore the country
Nigeria
Explore the country
French Guiana
Explore the country
France
Explore the country
São Tomé & Príncipe
Explore the country
Andorra
Explore the country

Time difference: Compare Santa Maria with world clock in other cities

CityCountryTime differenceLocal time
La Ceiba Honduras5 hours18:27:57
Chinandega Nicaragua5 hours18:27:57
Mandeville Jamaica4 hours19:27:57
Lima Peru4 hours19:27:57
Fig Tree St Kitts and Nevis3 hours20:27:57
Anna Regina Guyana3 hours20:27:57
Santiago Chile2 hours21:27:57
St Peter Port Guernsey+1 hour00:27:57
Neves São Tomé & Príncipe+1 hour00:27:57
Horsens Denmark+2 hours01:27:57
Graz Austria+2 hours01:27:57
Sarajevo Bosnia and Herzegovina+2 hours01:27:57
Vatican Vatican+2 hours01:27:57
San Pawl il-Baħar Malta+2 hours01:27:57
Kelo Chad+2 hours01:27:57
Kitwe Zambia+3 hours02:27:57
Dammam Saudi Arabia+4 hours03:27:57
Kathmandu Nepal+6,8 hours06:12:57
Downtown British Indian Ocean Territory+7 hours06:27:57
Takeo Cambodia+8 hours07:27:57
Chengdu China+9 hours08:27:57
Kolonia Federated s of Micronesia+12 hours11:27:57
Noumea New Caledonia+12 hours11:27:57

Frequently asked questions about time in Santa Maria

Welcome to the FAQ section about time in Santa Maria! Here, you’ll find answers to questions about the local timezone, time differences with other regions, and practical tips to help you plan your activities effectively. Whether you're visiting or living here, we've got you covered!

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