Cape Verde has a subtropical and dry climate. On average Cape Verde has year round beautiful weather and the trade wind cools the islands making lying in the sun on one of the beaches more tolerable. With a fairly constant temperature between the islands and averages between 25 and 30 degrees, it make the overall climate of the Cape Verde islands very pleasant. The geographical location of the islands have also a positive effect on the sea temperature. Perfect for watersports! On average the seawater temperature is at 25 degrees.
During the summer (July – September) it is normally the hottest time with the most rain days of the year in Cape Verde. In the summer the temperature is high en there is litte wind. In the periode between October and June it it dry season with also more wind and more pleasant temperatures (cooler evenings).
| Month: | jan | feb | mar | apr | may | jun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperature: | 25 | 25 | 26 | 26 | 27 | 27 |
| Average sea temperature: | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 24 |
| Sunshine hours: | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 8 |
| Days of rain: | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Month: | july | aug | sep | oct | nov | dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperature: | 28 | 29 | 30 | 29 | 28 | 26 |
| Average sea temperature: | 26 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 26 | 25 |
| Sunshine hours: | 7 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 |
| Days of rain: | 3 | 3 | 6 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
When to visit Cape Verde?
Year round you the Cape Verde islands have pleasant weather and a lot of sunshine. For most visitors, with no specific interest in an activity, Cape Verde can be visited all year. The most ideal conditions for windsurfers are in January and February, although also the rest of the year is also fine. Divers have the best underwater visibility from June to December. The islands with mountains are the most enticing for hikers during and just after the period July to December. If you want to experience the nesting turtles? The season runs from June till October. The turtles are born in mid-August to November and leave then towards the sea. The best opportunities to spot whales are at Boavista in March and April. Music and festival lovers can choose for the Sao Vicente Carnival in February. Or for the Sao Vicente Baia das Gates festival in August. Another major festival in May is the Gamboa music festival in Santiago. Year round there are also some smaller festivals you can visit. Cape Verde is not expensive. If your budget is limited then you can find the cheapest accommodation in April to June and in October.
Detailed weather information Cape Verde
Do you want to know more about the climate and weather in Cape Verde? On the following pages you will find more detailed information:
FAQ
The Cape Verde islands have a pleasantly warm temperature all year round and the sun shines regularly. In the months July, August and September there may be some rain and the temperatures are at the highest. There is the most wind in the period from January to March. Perfect conditions for surfers.
Cape Verde has a subtropical dry climate. The average temperature is between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius. The temperature is pleasant due to the constant trade wind.
September is the hottest month with an average temperature of 30 degrees Celsius. The summer months of July to September are, on average, the hottest months. The sea temperature is then also at its highest.
January and February are relatively the coolest months with an average temperature of around 25 degrees Celsius.
Samantha coleman says
Hi, I’m planning a 2 week holiday with my 3 year old and partner during first 2 weeks of august 2019 in Sal. I am now really worried we aren’t going to have nice “pool” weather after reading some reviews and hearing from other travellers. Please put my mind at rest that we will have some lovely sunshine x
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Hello Samantha,
August is a real tropical month: temperatures are high (daily maximum around 30 degrees) and you can expect some tropical rain showers but the change in the beginning of August is pretty low. Thus, in general we do not believe you have to be worried if we follow the average weather conditions in August.
Best,
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org
Alison Musgrave says
Hi, looking at visiting cape verde 1st 2 weeks in April 2019. Family of 5 ages 17,13,12. Will there be plenty of water sports available at that time of year? And plenty of places open to visit?
Thnx
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Hello,
Which island(s) of the Cape Verde archipelago do you want to visit? There are plenty of options to enjoy the lovely waters of Cape in April.
By the way, for some water sport sugesstions you als can check the following pages:
–Surfing
–snorkelling
–diving
–fishing
Thanks,
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org
Alison Musgrave says
Thankyou, looking at Sal & boa Vista. Is everywhere open in April & watersports available. Which one would you recommend for teenagers??
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Hello Alison,
Sal and Boavista are both perfect watersport islands, however in Sal you will find (some) more facilities.
Best,
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org
Lisa Duggan says
Morning can you tell me if boa vista is safe.
Also are there trips to do ?
And what is the weather like in September.
Sorry for all the questions
Regards Lisa
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Hi Lisa,
The page about Boavista is a more fitting place to ask this questions about this specific island.
Best,
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org
Gary says
Hi, we are planning on visiting Cape Verde for a family holiday next year, 2019 – possibly end of August. We are hoping to take the opportunity of an all inclusive Hotel stay and wanted to know whether Hotels in the resort cater for allergies, in our case, nut allergies? I understand that most Hotels offer varied food choices and grills and presume they will have catered for previous guests with such allergies but would be grateful for your guidance on this also. it would be useful for instance to know whether for example peanut oil is commonly used in cooking etc.
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Thank you for your question Gary. In Cape Verde they are in general well aware of allergies. Just like home you have to indicate that there is an allergy and which products should not be taken. We would recommend you to contact the hotel / resort you are planning to stay in advance and discuss your concern with them. It is also useful to write down the description of your allergy in English and Portuguese and show it in the restaurant.
Best,
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org
Cheryl says
Hi we are coming to Cape Verde on 17th August but I am now worried about the amount of daylight hours as apparently in August there is only 6! Please advise.
Regards
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Hi Cheryl,
6 hours of daylight in August? May I ask what your source is?
In August you have around 13 hours of daylight. Sun rise is around 06:00AM and Sun set around 19:00PM.
Best,
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org
Cheryl says
Thank you. I have seen it on many websites when looking at weather in August for Cape Verde.
You have made me happy now! See Cape Verde in 2 weeks!!
Andrew Marsh says
hi could you tell me is it better to visit october or november we are torn… possible rain october more mosquitoes….or november no rain but more wind… can you help please we are backwards and forwards to now end!
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Hello Andrew,
Both months are great to visit Cape Verde. Depending on which island you are going to, there are in general not many mosquitoes. Cape Verde is one of the driest countries in the world. So when it rains, it are more short showers instead of days with rain.
Best,
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org
Shadi Samawi says
Hi, we’re planning a family vacation in Cape Verde (Boa Vista) during Christmas and new year period this year together with our two kids (2 years and 5 years). would the weather be ok for swimming? also are there any kids friendly activities or tours in the island or around the islands (specifically interested in sharks/whales tours or sightings and volcanoes for my 5 year old :) )?
thanks!
Shadi
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Hello Shadi,
In December the weather is nice, although it can be windy. Check out at your accommodation about the places where it’s safe to swim for childern at that specific moment (no waves).
Some pages with information that might be useful are:
–Boavista
–Turtles
–Cape Verde with kids
Best,
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org
steve ellis says
hi i am going to boa vista in october 2019 for my 60th and there are a lot of family and friends coming as well can you tell me if it will be hot at that time of year we are going on the 21st october 2019 for 10 days
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Hello Steve,
On average the warmest months on Boavista are August, September and October. Expect temperatures around 28 (maximum) and 23 (minimum) Celsius degrees.
Best,
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org
steve ellis says
thank you for your reply looks like it will be loverly weather see you next year
colin farmer says
I am going to visit the isalnd of sal for my fiftieth birthday next may. Can you tell me what sort of weather to expect and will it be very windy at that time of the year.
Ian says
Hi, I am planning to visit santa-maria with my family to celebrate my 50th birthday, from 13/02/19-27/02/19,, could you advise me on what sort of temperature’s I should expect and is there plenty of entertainment (bars) for the evenings, or do you you think 14 nights might be too long?? Help!!! ??
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Hi Ian,
Great you are celebrating your birthday with the family in Santa Maria Sal. In February the temperature is around 26 (maximum) and 19 (minimum) celcius degrees. There is very small change of some rain (5%) and as it still surfing season expect a moderate / fresh breeze of around 17 miles per hour.
In Santa Maria town there are several bars, terraces and lovely restaurants. There is also a casino (Hilton Hotel) and some small clubs.
Best,
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org
Christine says
Hi guys we havery booked bioa vista island same time in Feb 2019 worried it will be cold what is the average temperature went to Costa Rica this year in January and was hot 36 so looking for 22 to 26 thanks
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Hello Christine,
In February the average max day temperature is around 25 celcius degrees. In the evening it can be a bit chilly with a temperature around 18 celcius degrees.
Best,
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org