Cabo Verde is a stunning archipelago of ten volcanic islands off the coast of West Africa, offering pristine beaches, vibrant Creole culture, and year-round sunshine. From the windswept dunes of Boa Vista to the lush mountains of Santo Antão, this island nation combines African and Portuguese influences with world-class water sports and authentic island hospitality.
Cabo Verde has a warm, semi-arid tropical climate influenced by its position in the subtropical Atlantic and the Saharan harmattan winds. Temperatures are warm year-round (22-32°C) with minimal seasonal variation, but there are distinct wet and dry seasons. The archipelago receives very little rainfall overall, with the brief rainy season (August-October) bringing occasional tropical downpours mainly to Santiago and Santo Antão while Sal and Boa Vista remain essentially desert-dry year-round.
Best time to visit
Best: March to June (dry season, optimal weather)
Peak Season: March to June (dry season, optimal weather)
Shoulder Season: November to February (windy season, great for surfing)
Avoid: August to October (rainy season, lower prices)
Best Reason:
Avoid Reason:
Month-by-month weather
Typical conditions throughout the year.
January
22C/72F
Dry, sunny, and pleasant. Trade winds strong - great for kitesurfing. European visitors arrive in numbers.
February
22C/72F
Dry and warm. Mindelo Carnival is the highlight of the cultural calendar - massive crowds on São Vicente.
March
23C/73F
Ideal conditions. Whale watching peaks. Clear skies, moderate winds, warm seas.
April
24C/75F
Excellent weather. Kriol Jazz Festival in Praia. Peak whale watching season ends.
May
25C/77F
Warm and consistently sunny. Gamboa Festival on Santiago. Trade winds remain strong for water sports.
June
27C/81F
Getting hotter. Fewer crowds. Good value period before high season prices. Santa Maria Music Festival.
July
29C/84F
Hot and sunny. Peak season begins. Turtle nesting starts on Boa Vista. Baía das Gatas festival.
August
30C/86F
Hottest month. Highest tourist numbers. Baía das Gatas Music Festival (full moon weekend). Occasional harmattan dust.
September
29C/84F
Peak turtle nesting on Boa Vista and Sal. Brief rainy season on Santiago. Quieter and better value.
October
27C/81F
Rainy season ends. Santo Antão and Santiago lush and green. Santo Antão Hiking Festival. Fewer tourists.
November
25C/77F
Very pleasant. Trade winds return. Shoulder season pricing. Good for water sports and hiking.
December
23C/73F
Warm and dry. Christmas holiday crowds arrive. New Year celebrations spectacular on all islands.
The seasons
What to expect in each part of the year.
Spring
Months: Mar-May
The best season for Cabo Verde - dry, warm, and consistently sunny with temperatures of 24-28°C and moderate trade winds ideal for kitesurfing and hiking. Whale watching peaks in March-April. Landscapes at their most pleasant before summer heat arrives.
Summer
Months: Jun-Aug
Hot and sunny with temperatures reaching 30-35°C on Sal and Boa Vista. Saharan harmattan dust occasionally reduces visibility. Peak tourist season with highest prices and full resorts. Turtle nesting begins on Boa Vista beaches from July.
Fall
Months: Sep-Nov
The rainy season (August-October) brings occasional rain particularly to Santiago and Santo Antão, creating the greenest landscapes of the year. Temperatures moderate to 26-30°C. Fewer tourists mean better prices and more authentic experiences.
Winter
Months: Dec-Feb
Pleasant and warm at 22-26°C with very dry conditions across all islands. Trade winds intensify creating excellent conditions for kitesurfing and windsurfing. European holiday crowds arrive December-January. Mindelo Carnival (February) draws major crowds.
Crowds & peak times
When to expect tourists and when to avoid them.
- High Season
- Dec-Apr (European winter escape), Jul-Aug (summer holiday)
- Shoulder Season
- May-Jun, Oct-Nov
- Low Season
- Sep (transition period, rainy season on some islands)
Major events & festivals
Time your visit around what matters.
Mindelo Carnival
Cabo Verde's biggest festival and one of Africa's best carnivals. Week-long celebration in Mindelo with elaborate costumes, samba parades, live music, street parties, and Brazilian-influenced festivities. Massive cultural event attracting visitors from across Cabo Verde and internationally.
São Vicente Baía das Gatas Music Festival
Major music festival on São Vicente's Baía das Gatas beach featuring Cabo Verdean artists, African musicians, and international acts. Three days of concerts, camping on beach, and celebration of morna, funaná, and coladeira music. Draws huge crowds.
Gamboa Festival
Santiago Island's major cultural festival in Praia celebrating Cabo Verdean music, dance, food, and traditions. Multiple stages, street parties, and cultural performances across several days.
Santa Maria Music Festival
Beach music festival in Sal featuring Cabo Verdean and international artists. Beachfront stages, reggae, African music, and local performers. Growing annual event.
Kriol Jazz Festival
International jazz festival in Praia bringing together jazz musicians from Cabo Verde, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. Multiple venues across Santiago Island with concerts, workshops, and jam sessions.
Turtle Nesting Season
Loggerhead turtle nesting season on Boa Vista and Sal beaches. Organized nighttime tours allow respectful observation of turtles laying eggs. Peak July-September. Important ecotourism experience.
Humpback Whale Season
Humpback whales migrate to Cabo Verdean waters to breed and calve. Whale watching tours from Boa Vista and Sal offer sightings of mothers with calves, breaching, and singing. Peak March-April.
Santo Antão Hiking Festival
Organized hiking event showcasing Santo Antão's spectacular trails. Guided group hikes through Paul Valley, Cova Crater, coastal paths. Local guides, traditional meals, and cultural experiences included.
Atlantic Music Expo
International music industry conference and showcase in Praia featuring Cabo Verdean artists and African musicians. Networking, concerts, and promotion of Lusophone African music.
New Year's Eve
Major celebrations in Santa Maria, Mindelo, and Praia with beach parties, fireworks, live music, and street celebrations. Hotels and restaurants offer special gala dinners. Peak tourist season.