Last checked: October 2026
The best time to visit Cabo Verde for most travellers is November to June, when the weather is warm, dry and breezy. The rainy season runs from about August to October, with short, heavy showers and higher humidity. Choose December to April for wind sports, March to May for whales, and August to October for turtles and green mountains.
Safety note: the US State Department rates Cabo Verde Level 1, and the UK government warns that sea conditions can be dangerous, especially on routes to Fogo and Brava. Read the US advisory and the UK travel advice before you book.
How the Weather Works
Cabo Verde is warm all year, and the main changes are wind and rain, not temperature. Published travel guides put January averages around 23°C and July averages around 28°C, with October warmer and more humid. Sal and Boa Vista are flat and dry, while Santo Antão, Fogo and the higher parts of Santiago get more rain and can feel cooler.
Month-by-Month Guide
| Month | What to expect | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| January | Warm and dry, with strong trade winds and some dust haze | Wind sports, hiking |
| February | Dry and breezy; Mindelo Carnival often falls in February or March | Carnival, beaches |
| March | Dry and sunny; whale season starts | Whales, kitesurfing |
| April | Warm and dry; Kriol Jazz Festival is usually held in Praia | Music, whales |
| May | Warm and calm; whales and fewer crowds | Beaches, hiking |
| June | Hot and dry; turtle nesting begins | Beaches, São João festival |
| July | Hotter and more humid; Independence Day is on 5 July | Turtles, low prices |
| August | Rainy season begins; turtle nesting peaks; Baía das Gatas festival | Turtles, music |
| September | Hot and humid with the heaviest showers | Green scenery, low prices |
| October | End of the rainy season; mountains are green | Hiking on Santo Antão |
| November | Rain ends and the dry season returns | Hiking, beaches |
| December | Dry and warm; Christmas and New Year demand is high | Beaches, festive trips |
Treat this as a guide, not a forecast. Rain and wind vary from year to year.
Dry Season: November to June
This is the most popular period. Days are warm, rain is rare, and winds are strongest from about December to March, which suits kitesurfing and windsurfing on Sal and Boa Vista. Dust from the Sahara can create haze in winter, and the UK government lists sandstorms as a risk, so allow spare time if you have a tight connection.
Rainy Season: August to October
The rainy season brings short, heavy showers, higher humidity and green mountains. Prices are lower, and turtle nesting on Boa Vista and Sal peaks around August. Rain can disrupt roads and ferries, so avoid tight schedules between islands. Bring insect repellent.
Wildlife and Festivals
- Turtles: loggerhead nesting runs from about June to October on Sal and Boa Vista, with the peak around August.
- Whales: humpback whales are usually seen from about March to May.
- Mindelo Carnival: held in February or March, and accommodation sells out months ahead.
- Baía das Gatas Festival: a music festival on São Vicente, held around a full-moon weekend in August.
Best Months by Trip Type
- Beaches: November to June.
- Wind sports: December to April, with Sal and Boa Vista the best-known spots.
- Hiking: October to January, when the mountains are green and the air is cooler.
- Turtles: July to October.
- Whales: March to May.
- Lower prices: August to October.
Ramadan and Holiday Effects
Muslims are a small minority in Cabo Verde, so Ramadan has little effect on daily life, shops or transport. Demand rises around Christmas, New Year, Easter and European school holidays, so book early for those weeks. Independence Day on 5 July and local festivals can change opening hours.
What to Pack
- Dry season: sun protection, a windproof layer and a scarf for dust.
- Rainy season: a light rain jacket, quick-dry clothes and insect repellent.
- Hiking: walking shoes with grip, a hat and plenty of water.
Decision Guide
- Choose November to April if you want reliable sun and wind sports.
- Choose March to May if you want whales and calmer crowds.
- Choose August to October if you want turtles, green scenery and lower prices, and can accept some rain.
Common Mistakes
- Assuming the rainy season means constant rain. It’s usually short bursts.
- Booking a ferry connection with no buffer in the rainy season.
- Expecting calm seas on every route all year. Fogo and Brava crossings are often disrupted.
Best Time to Visit Cabo Verde FAQs
What is the hottest month in Cabo Verde?
Late summer and early autumn are the hottest and most humid, with September often the heaviest for showers. Winter days are cooler and breezier.
When is the cheapest time to visit?
August to October is usually the lowest-priced period, according to published guides. Compare your own dates, since prices vary by hotel and airline.
Is Cabo Verde good in winter?
Yes. Winter is dry and warm, although it can be windy and hazy. It’s also a popular time, so flights and hotels cost more around Christmas.
Can I see turtles in winter?
Not nesting adults. Nesting runs from about June to October, and hatchlings are seen into the late season, so plan for late summer or early autumn.