Every month works for something here. This is what each one is actually like — temperature, sea, wind, rain and crowds — so you can match the month to the trip you want.
Sea temperature through the year (Santa Maria, Sal) — tap a month
The year in four parts
November to February is the trade-wind season: dry, sunny and breezy, with the coolest sea of the year and the highest prices over Christmas. March to May brings calmer conditions, humpback whales and thinning crowds. June to August is hot and still, with the warmest water so far and loggerhead turtles nesting. September and October are the wettest and quietest months, with the warmest sea, green mountains and the lowest prices.
If you want a single recommendation: November, for dry weather and a sea still warm from the summer, at prices below the December peak.
Every month compared
| Month | Avg high | Sea | Wind | Rain days | Sun hrs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 25°C | 23°C | 28 km/h | 1 | 8 |
| February | 25°C | 22°C | 29 km/h | 0 | 8 |
| March | 26°C | 22°C | 28 km/h | 0 | 8 |
| April | 26°C | 22°C | 27 km/h | 0 | 9 |
| May | 26°C | 23°C | 25 km/h | 0 | 9 |
| June | 27°C | 24°C | 23 km/h | 0 | 9 |
| July | 28°C | 25°C | 22 km/h | 0 | 8 |
| August | 29°C | 26°C | 21 km/h | 1 | 8 |
| September | 29°C | 27°C | 19 km/h | 3 | 7 |
| October | 29°C | 27°C | 20 km/h | 2 | 8 |
| November | 28°C | 26°C | 24 km/h | 1 | 8 |
| December | 26°C | 24°C | 27 km/h | 1 | 8 |
Choosing by what you want to do
- Kitesurfing and windsurfing — December to March, peaking in January and February. See kitesurfing in Cape Verde.
- Humpback whales — March to May, peaking in April. Whale watching.
- Nesting turtles — June to October, peaking in August, with hatchlings from late August into November. Turtle watching.
- Warmest sea — September and October.
- Hiking Santo Antão and Fogo — November to March for cool dry trails, late September and October for green valleys. Hiking guide.
- Lowest prices — September, then May, June and October.
Pick your month
Still deciding between islands rather than months? Compare all nine islands or read Sal or Boa Vista. For the overview, see the best time to visit Cape Verde.