Best months to visit
JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJune
November through June is the prime visiting window — warm, sunny, almost no rain, sea always swimmable. December through March adds steady trade winds for kitesurfing. August-October brings short showers but stays warm.
Best for
Beach
November to June (sea 23-26°C, almost no rain, reliable sunshine)
Hiking
December to March (cooler 22-25°C inland, dry trails on Santo Antão and São Nicolau)
Sightseeing
November to May (dry, sunny, lower humidity than late summer)
Climate notes
- Tropical desert climate (Köppen BWh): year-round warmth 22-28°C with extremely low rainfall — most months see 0-5 mm
- Trade winds blow steadily from the northeast, strongest December-April when they cool the islands and drive Sal/Boa Vista's famous kitesurf and windsurf seasons
- Brief 'rainy season' August through October concentrates almost all annual precipitation (40-60 mm/month) into short tropical showers
- Harmattan haze: Saharan dust events December-March can reduce visibility, raise temperatures slightly, and coat surfaces with fine sand
Temperature (min / max °C)
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Rainy days per month
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Sunshine hours per month
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Regional notes
- Sal and Boa Vista (eastern, low-lying islands) are the driest and windiest — ideal for kitesurfing, harsh for vegetation
- Santo Antão and São Nicolau (mountainous islands) catch more cloud and have far greener interiors with microclimates supporting agriculture
- All monitored regions show effectively the same temperature range (22-28°C) — altitude is the main local variation, not latitude
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Cape Verde?
November to June offers the most reliable weather — warm (22-28°C), almost no rain, and sea temperatures of 23-26°C. December through March is best for kitesurfing thanks to strong, steady trade winds.
Is Cape Verde affected by hurricanes?
Cape Verde is the eastern starting point for many Atlantic hurricane systems but the islands themselves are rarely hit. Storms typically intensify after passing west of the archipelago. Some August-October waves bring rain but full hurricanes making direct landfall are uncommon.
Can you swim in Cape Verde year-round?
Yes. Sea surface temperature stays between 22°C (February-April) and 28°C (September-October) every month. The coolest period is still warmer than peak Mediterranean summer.
Why is Cape Verde so dry?
The islands sit in the Sahara's rain shadow, with cool ocean currents and trade winds suppressing convection. Most regions receive under 200 mm of rain per year — comparable to actual desert. Boa Vista and Sal are the driest islands.
What is harmattan haze?
Saharan dust carried by easterly winds, most common December through March. It can reduce visibility, slightly warm temperatures, and leave fine red dust on surfaces. Episodes typically last 1-3 days; flights are rarely affected.
When is kitesurfing best in Cape Verde?
November through April, peaking January-March. Sal (Santa Maria) and Boa Vista get steady trade winds of 15-25 knots almost daily during this window, with warm sea (22-25°C) and minimal rain.
Is Cape Verde good for hiking?
Yes — particularly Santo Antão, São Nicolau, and Fogo (active volcano). Best months are December-March when inland temperatures are cooler (15-25°C) and trails stay dry. Fogo's caldera (Pico do Fogo, 2,829 m) can be cold and very windy at the summit year-round.
Climate data: Open-Meteo · 2020–2025