When to go · Cape Verde
Cape Verde, month by month
The best months for Cape Verde: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Nov, Dec.
Month by month
- JanuaryGreatDry, breezy and warm; peak European winter-sun season on Sal and Boa Vista.Flat eastern islands: best weather · Mountain islands: best weather · São Vicente and Mindelo: fineCrowds: High · 3 festivals or holidays
- FebruaryGreatCarnival in Mindelo (February or March); strong trade winds for kitesurfing.Flat eastern islands: best weather · Mountain islands: best weather · São Vicente and Mindelo: fineCrowds: High · 1 festival or holiday
- MarchGreatHumpback whales start appearing off Boa Vista; dust haze possible.Flat eastern islands: best weather · Mountain islands: best weather · São Vicente and Mindelo: best weatherCrowds: Medium · 2 festivals or holidays
- AprilGreatWarm, calmer wind; Easter pushes prices up for a week.Flat eastern islands: best weather · Mountain islands: best weather · São Vicente and Mindelo: best weatherCrowds: Medium · 1 festival or holiday
- MayGreatGood hiking and beach weather; Gamboa music festival in Praia (check).Flat eastern islands: best weather · Mountain islands: best weather · São Vicente and Mindelo: best weatherCrowds: Low · 1 festival or holiday
- JuneGreatHot, dry and quiet; good value.Flat eastern islands: best weather · Mountain islands: fine · São Vicente and Mindelo: best weatherCrowds: Low · 1 festival or holiday
- JulyGoodTurtle nesting begins; 5 July Independence Day; European summer holidays.Flat eastern islands: fine · Mountain islands: fine · São Vicente and Mindelo: fineCrowds: Medium · 1 festival or holiday
- AugustMixedHumid; first rains on the mountain islands; Baía das Gatas festival.Flat eastern islands: fine · Mountain islands: rainy · São Vicente and Mindelo: fineCrowds: Medium · 2 festivals or holidays
- SeptemberMixedWettest month; occasional tropical storms and rough ferry crossings.Flat eastern islands: rainy · Mountain islands: rainy · São Vicente and Mindelo: rainyCrowds: Low · 1 festival or holiday
- OctoberMixedRains fade; valleys green; turtle hatchlings on Boa Vista.Flat eastern islands: fine · Mountain islands: rainy · São Vicente and Mindelo: fineCrowds: Low
- NovemberGreatDry season returns; ideal hiking on Santo Antão.Flat eastern islands: best weather · Mountain islands: best weather · São Vicente and Mindelo: best weatherCrowds: Medium · 1 festival or holiday
- DecemberGreatChristmas and New Year peak on the beach islands; book early.Flat eastern islands: best weather · Mountain islands: best weather · São Vicente and Mindelo: fineCrowds: High · 2 festivals or holidays
Weather by region
How each climate zone rates each month.
| Region | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flat eastern islandsSal, Boa Vista, Maio | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | OK | OK | Wet | OK | Best | Best |
| Mountain islandsSanto Antão, Fogo, Santiago interior, São Nicolau, Brava | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | OK | OK | Wet | Wet | Wet | Best | Best |
| São Vicente and MindeloSão Vicente | OK | OK | Best | Best | Best | Best | OK | OK | Wet | OK | Best | OK |