It is warm all year round in Cape Verde. However , temperature alone is not enough to decide on a holiday. What matters more is how strong the wind is, how warm the Atlantic is, and whether you are visiting during the season of short but sometimes heavy showers.

In winter, expect plenty of sunshine, dry conditions and more frequent winds. In summer and early autumn, the ocean is warmer and it tends to be less windy, though rain can occur from August to October. This also applies to the popular holiday islands of Sal and Boa Vista.

If you already know when you want to travel, compare package holidays to Cape Verde. When making your choice, also consider the hotel’s location and whether you can swim at its beach.

What is the climate like in Cape Verde?

Cape Verde has a dry tropical climate. On the islands of Sal and Boa Vista, daytime temperatures usually range between 25 and 30 °C throughout the year. Winter evenings are cooler, whilst late summer and early autumn are warmer and more humid.

The flat islands of Sal and Boa Vista are drier than the mountainous islands. And swimming conditions can even vary between two beaches on the same island.

When are the winds strongest in Cape Verde?

The wind is usually at its strongest from December to March, and often continues into April.

This is mainly the north-easterly trade wind. Thanks to it, the sun does not feel quite so harsh, but on an open beach the sand can be uncomfortable and it can feel chilly when you get out of the water. At the same time, it creates good conditions for kitesurfing and windsurfing.

The wind also affects the waves. A sunny day does not automatically mean a calm ocean. If you mainly want to swim, choose a hotel based on a specific beach and, once there, follow the lifeguards’ instructions and heed the warning flags. Do not enter the water if there is a strong current.

Does it rain in Cape Verde? And when is the rainy season?

Yes, it does rain in Cape Verde, but very little. Rainfall is mainly concentrated in the period from August to October.

September usually offers the highest chance of showers. Rainfall varies significantly between the individual islands and from year to year.

The weather on Sal and Boa Vista tends to be drier than in the mountainous parts of the archipelago. In August and September, you should also expect higher humidity and cloud cover.

Sea temperature: when is the Atlantic at its warmest?

The water is at its coldest at the turn of winter and spring. Off the coast of Sal, it is usually around 22–23 °C from February to April. It warms up most in September and October, when it can reach around 25–27 °C. Winter swimming therefore depends on whether you mind the cooler water and the wind once you’ve made your way down to the beach.

When choosing a hotel for a winter break, it’s therefore worth checking whether it has a heated swimming pool. Whenever you go, expect strong sunshine: the wind can significantly dampen the sensation of heat.

Sal or Boa Vista? The weather is similar, but the beaches are not

In terms of the seasons, Sal and Boa Vista are quite similar. Sal offers more amenities around Santa Maria, whilst Boa Vista attracts visitors with its long beaches and a more peaceful stay. However, neither island is a guaranteed windless choice.

You should therefore base your decision on the hotel and beach, rather than on the general forecast for the island. Our guide to where to stay on Sal will help you.

You can then compare specific dates and hotels between holidays to Sal and holidays to Boa Vista.

If you wish to visit several islands during your holiday, bear in mind that adverse sea conditions may affect ferry services. We describe the practical options in the section on transport in Cape Verde.

Temperatures throughout the year

Here’s a breakdown of the weather in Cape Verde month by month throughout the year.

Weather in January

January is the coolest month of the year. However, in terms of temperatures, you can expect at least 25 °C in the shade in January. The sea temperature is a lovely 24 °C. However, you should expect stronger winds and, as a result, larger waves and stronger currents.

Weather in February

February is still a typical month when the shores of Cape Verde are taken over by sports enthusiasts, and you can see windsurfers and kitesurfers out on the beach. Temperatures are similar to those of the surrounding months, typically 25 °C during the day and around 20 °C at night. The sea remains at a stable 24 °C, but will become increasingly rough, with waves reaching up to one metre.

Weather in March

As well as the persistent winds, March brings a rise in temperature of one degree Celsius. In March, Cape Verde sees temperatures of around 26 °C during the day and 21 °C at night. The water temperature in swimming pools and off the coast will be 24 °C.

Weather in April

April marks a turning point, when the strong winds in Cape Verde subside and give way to a gentle breeze. Temperatures in April hover around 26 °C and the sea remains a pleasant 24 °C.

Weather in May

May brings higher temperatures once again. The weather will be sunny with daytime temperatures around 27 °C and a cloudless sky. A gentle breeze will make the hot midday hours more pleasant, and the weather will be absolutely idyllic. The sea begins to warm slightly, but the increase in temperature will only be noticeably felt in the coming months. The water temperature therefore remains at 24 °C.

Weather in June

June marks the arrival of the hot summer. Daytime temperatures easily exceed 27 °C, and the all-day sunshine begins to warm the surrounding sea and ocean. In June, the sea is already 25 °C, rising to 26 °C by the end of the month.

Weather in July

July, as the first month of the summer holidays, offers beautiful sunny days and temperatures above 28 °C. The sea warms up noticeably and, just like the water in the hotel swimming pools, reaches 27 °C.

Weather in August

August is the hottest month of the year. On average, temperatures in Cape Verde during this holiday month reach 30 °C during the day and 24 °C at night. The sea warms to its annual maximum of 28 °C. The ever-present breeze makes for absolutely perfect weather for a seaside holiday.

Weather in September

September is still very warm, with average daytime temperatures also reaching 30 °C. However, cloud cover may be seen in the sky, mainly to the west over the other islands, where rainfall will form around the hills and mountains. You won’t be affected by showers on Sal or Boa Vista, and you’ll enjoy sunny weather. The sea will be a lovely 28 °C.

Weather in October

October is often considered the best month of the year to go on holiday to Cape Verde. I’m not sure why that is. Temperatures are still lovely, just as they are for the rest of the year. The sea is 27 °C and the air a brilliant 29 °C. Towards the end of the month, the breeze starts to pick up.

Weather in November

November is the first month we could class as the windy season. The wind picks up, but that doesn’t mean it will spoil your holiday in any way. Quite the opposite, in fact. With daytime temperatures of 28 °C, you’ll be glad the air isn’t stagnant. The sea is 26 °C.

Weather in December

December typically tempts people to take a seaside holiday over Christmas and New Year. Cape Verde is the perfect destination for such a break. The sea is 26 °C and daytime temperatures reach 26 °C or more