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.
robert smith says
what is the weather like in october, myself and my wife came twice last year and loved it, hoping to stop in the new riu palace next october 2019
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Hello Robert,
The weather conditions depends on the island of course, but in general October is a lovely month. The temperature is nice, there is less wind (if your fanatic surfer other months are better) and the sea temperature is perfect. Hope this helps a bit.
Best,
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org
mandi maillard says
me and my husband just want a realy quiet holiday, which is the best resort thanks
Colin says
Hi
We are planning to visit Cape Verde next May 2019 for a special birthday present. Is May a good time of the year to visit Cape Verde or would we be better waiting till the summer months?
Thanks
Anonymous says
Hi. We have just returned from Sal ( went for a week on 6 April) it was hot, with some cloud and quite a bit of breeze. Would think May would be perfect.
John says
Hello
Can you please tell in what months the beaches are the calmest (no waves) , especially Santa Maria beach in Sal?
Which beach in Sal or Bia Vista is the best foe snorkeling?
Thank you
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Hi John,
Surfing season is between December and March. Avoid these months if do not want to have waves. September and October are nice months with a good temperature.
For nice snorkelling spots, please see the following article: snorkelling. Hope this helps you a bit further.
Best,
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org
Sharon says
Hi we plan to travel to Santa Maria on the 6th September through 13th September is there normally lots of rain in this period ???
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Hi Sharon,
Sal is hardly getting rain, it is a flat island so clouds will not hang around any mountains. In September there is a small change of rainfall, in average a couple of days.
Best,
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org
Babur Absamatov says
Hi! We are planning to have a honeymoon in the beginning of August. Could you please tell us if it’s worth going there in the period of 07.08.18-21.08.18? I read a lot of extreme hot temperatures…
We are young couples who love a lot of activities like hiking, diving, urban activities
Thanks!
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Hello Babur,
Nice that you are considering Cape Verde as your honeymoon destination! Temperatures differ slightly per island, so what island are you considering to visit? In general average highs are around 30 degrees in August. A nice breeze from the ocean will give you also some pleasant cooling.
Best,
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org
Anthony Doherty says
Hi I’m thinking of going to Cape Verde at the end of May, a friend of mine says it can be quite cloudy that time of year.
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Hello Anthony,
Which island(s) are you planning to visit? The weather conditions slightly differ between the different areas / islands. But in general, there is around 25% change that it will be cloudy, especially in the first part of May.
Best,
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org
Theresa says
Hi i am travelling the 8th september to sal
What weather can i expect …i am really worried incase i have rain
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Hello Theresa,
Even if you have some rain, no stress :-). In September there are some showers, however the chance is small you will experience it. The island Sal is flat so in case there are rain clouds these are blown away fast.
Best,
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org
M Cartwright says
Hi I am going to Boa Vista 22/08/18 until 5/09/18 can you tell me if there is normally much rain then please.thanks
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Hello,
The probability of some rain is in the summer months higher compared with other seasons, however Cape Verde (Boavista) is one of the driest countries in the world. It is unlikely you will experience as much as a shower during your stay in August.
Best,
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org
Anonymous says
HI
i will be going to cape verde in July. What will the weather look like at that time 13th to 23rd July. And which land would you recommend?
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Hello,
Expect temperatures around 28 degrees and there will be a change of some short rain showers in July. The best islands to visit depends on your own interests. The following pages might help you to pick the best islands: activities or islands
Best,
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org