When’s the best time to visit Cape Verde? The best time to visit Cape Verde is between November and June. However, with annual average temperatures ranging from 22 °C (72 °F) to 27 °C (80.6 °F), Cape Verde, is one of the destinations across Africa that appeal to sun lovers all year long. This West African island country is made up of ten volcanic islands in the central Atlantic Ocean just off the west coast. And due to its strategic location, the weather here is nice and warm all year round. You should definitely visit here sometime and enjoy the delightful beaches, lovely landscape and the quiet and peaceful seaside villages. Thinking you should visit? Let’s help with that. Here is a breakdown of what to expect.
January
January is the coldest month in Cape Verde and there’s at least 8 hours of sunshine daily. You can explore the rugged mountains of São Nicolau and Santo Antão.
Average temperatures: 19°C – 25°C
February
This month is great for water sports lovers. There are many festivals and ceremonies that take place during this month including Cape Verde’s famous Carnival. Explore the island of São Vicente to enjoy the daily celebrations in Mindelo.
Average temperatures: 18°C – 25°C
March
This is the last ideal month for lovers of water sports with an average of 10hours of daily sunshine. You can go on excursions or explore other mountainous islands in the country.
Average temperatures: 19°C – 25°C
April
Temperatures are pretty mild this time of the year and there are little to no chances of rain just like in March. You can relax at the beach and take dips in the warm ocean. April is the ideal time for adventurers to visit the islands.
Average temperatures: 19°C – 25°C
May
This month is great for beach lovers. The Gamboa music festival takes place in the middle of the month on the island of Santiago and you can also visit the country’s capital Praia. There’s also the local festival in Assomada and city festival in Santo Antão.
Average temperatures: 20°C – 26°C
June
This marks the beginning of summer in Cape Verde and although sunshine hours are slightly less, temperatures are higher. You can take up accommodation at Murdeira Village in Sal, Colonial House Bed and Breakfast in the beautiful island of Fogo or a number of others around the country. Rainfall is very low in this time, roughly 1mm.
Average temperatures: 21°C – 27°C
July
Temperatures are much higher during the month of July but there are just 7 hours of sunshine. The sea also becomes warmer averaging 26°C. There are also the intermittent dust storms brought about by harmattan winds so it might not be wise to visit the beaches.
Average temperatures: 23°C – 27°C
August
This is both the hottest month and 2nd rainiest month in Cape Verde with temperatures reaching up to 28 °C on days that have little or no rain. You can enjoy swimming in the ocean if you don’t mind the rainfall. There’s an average 6 hours of sunlight daily in this month.
Average temperatures: 24°C – 29°C
September
September is definitely the rainiest month in Cape Verde and also on one the hottest as well. It’s less windy and you can enjoy the music festival in Santa Maria or celebrate the Nationality Day with the Cape Verdeans. There are 6 hours of sunshine daily in the period.
Average temperatures: 24°C – 30°C
October
There’s less rainfall (about 4 days) and the winds diminish significantly. The weather in this period can be unpredictable with 7 hours of daily sunshine and irregular tropical storms. You can visit Santa Luzia, the only uninhabited island which is a fisherman’s paradise, The Dive Center Crioula or even Cine Eden Park in Mindelo, where there’s a popular cinema.
Average temperatures: 24°C – 29°C
November
Days in November are usually hot with balmy evenings so visitors should pack light and cool clothing. November marks the beginning of the winter season. The winds pickup and the waves become larger. So, if you love windsurfing, kite surfing or sailing, this is an ideal time.
Average temperatures: 22°C – 28°C
December
With the weather mostly warm and dry, this is a great time to enjoy the Christmas holidays on the beach. Rain is expected on just 2 days of the month and sunshine is not scarce making it an ideal month for beach lovers and enthusiasts.
Average temperatures: 20°C – 26°C
Explore the Best Surfing Beaches in West Africa.
