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.
MaueM says
Hi
I am coming to cake Verde 14 the Feb til 28th what weather can I exoect??
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Hi MaueM,
Currently it is partly cloudy and party sunny, but it depends to which island of the archipel you are going :-).
Best,
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org
Anna says
When’s the best time to visit Cape Verde for warm weather and minimal rain. Thanks
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Hello Anna,
It does rain irregularly between August and October, but most islands do not receive much rain. You can expect the highest temperatures between June and October, however year around the temperature is nice.
Best,
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org
Martin ferriday says
Hi
Coming to cape Verdi ( Santa maria ) from 2nd may for a week can you tell me what sort weather we can expect ? Also is there places of interest nearby or festivals at this time?.
Thanks
Martin
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Hello Martin,
Expect 27 degrees of max temperature with on average 8 hours of sunshine per day in Cape Verde in May. It is a dry month with a minimal rain expecated. Depending on the wind some dust clouds / winds can come over the island, but when relevant this is temporarily.
For festival information please check our following article about events
Best,
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org
Anonymous says
Hi we are hoping to visit Sal Cape Verde from 26.12.18 – 5.1.19. What weather conditions can we expect?
Regards
Claire
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Hello Claire,
It depends a bit of which island(s) you will visit. In general the temperature is around the 26 degrees and the rain probability is minimal. It can be quite windy, great if you enjoy water sports.
Regards,
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org
Stacey Heycock says
What’s weather like in Nov Oct time?
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Hi Stacey,
In general the weather in October / November is very nice. The temperature is mild (around 27 degrees) and there is a litte nice sea breeze.
with mild temperatures,. In the beginning of October there can be some rain. Furthermore, the sea temperature is perfect and around 27 degrees.
Hope this helps a bit.
Best,
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org
Sue connelly says
Arriving on 20th Feb. Will we get to see any whales, a little early maybe. Looking forward to a relaxing time at Boavista. Will bring cardie for evenings.
Andrea says
I so much want to visit the Cape Verdean Island so that I can learn my mother and Grandfathers culture. When is the best time to visit and best Island to begin exploring?
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Hello Andrea,
You can visit the Cape verde islands all year round. In August – September it is “rainy” season (if the rain also arrives), so in this time of the year the humidity can be a bit higher.
If you want to explore the culture we would recommend you to visit several islands. The islands are small and the connection between them are pretty good. Every island is different and unique. In most cases you will arrive on Sal, Boavista, Santiago or Sao Vicente as they have an international airport.
Best,
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org
Darren fry says
We are heading for cape varde just after new year for a break as it my birthday so looking for a warm week and hopefully see some turtles what are the chances.being very cold here in the uk will be nice to get some sunny days relaxing by pool or beach and looking round the island Boa Vista as she always takes to much clothing are the evenings still warm this time of year
Regards Darren
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Hello Darren,
December – March is surfing season meaning there will be wind and it therefore can be chilly during the evening. Of course how people experience this depends per person. We would recommend to prepare for some chilly evenings. Better safe than sorry.
Regards,
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org
Cathy says
Hi, we’re thinking about visiting late August – where is the best place for snorkelling please? and best place to see sea turtles?
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Hi Cathly,
You can spot several species of turtles, the carreta carreta (loggerhead) is the most common one. 90% of the nest can be found on the island Boavista, but you also can spot them on the islands of Sal and Maio. The nest season takes place mainly between June and October.
Some good snorkel spots can be found on the islands Sal, Boavista, Sao Vicente and Santiago.
Best,
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org
Daniell says
Can you still spot some whales in July or August? If so, which island do you recommend for whale spotting? Thanks!
CapeVerdeIslands.org says
Hi Daniell,
It is almost unlikely to spot whales in July or August. In the first part of the year – the peak around March to May – they are near the Cape Verde Islands with their calves. Whales migrate every year, so there is a big change that the whales are not here around August. If you want to spot dolphins or turtles, you can see them in the summer months.
Best,
Team CapeVerdeIslands.org