Arguably the sweet spot of the year: settled weather, the calmest seas since autumn, whales offshore and far fewer people than in midwinter.
Santa Maria, Sal · long-term monthly averages · reviewed with a Cape Verde-based contact, September 2026 · air data from ERA5 via Open-Meteo, sea temperature from the marine reanalysis. We show the daily mean next to the average high because the two get confused constantly: a site quoting 25°C and one quoting 22°C for the same island are usually both right, and measuring different things.
Sea temperature through the year (Santa Maria, Sal) — tap a month
The short version
April is warm, dry and increasingly still. The trade winds have dropped back from their winter peak, which changes the feel of a beach day completely — the temperature reads much the same as February, but it is a great deal more comfortable to sit in.
This is the peak month for humpback whales in Cape Verdean waters. Combine that with easing crowds and rates that have not yet climbed for summer, and April is a strong candidate for the best month to visit if you are not tied to school holidays.
Island by island in April
| Island | Avg high | Daily mean | Night | Sea | Wind | Rain days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sal | 26°C | 23°C | 19°C | 22°C | 27 km/h | 0 |
| Boa Vista | 26°C | 23°C | 19°C | 22°C | 25 km/h | 0 |
| Maio | 26°C | 23°C | 19°C | 22°C | 24 km/h | 0 |
| Santiago | 26°C | 23°C | 19°C | 22°C | 19 km/h | 0 |
| São Vicente | 25°C | 22°C | 18°C | 21°C | 26 km/h | 0 |
| São Nicolau | 25°C | 22°C | 18°C | 21°C | 23 km/h | 0 |
| Santo Antão | 24°C | 21°C | 17°C | 21°C | 21 km/h | 0 |
| Fogo | 25°C | 22°C | 18°C | 22°C | 20 km/h | 0 |
| Brava | 24°C | 21°C | 17°C | 22°C | 21 km/h | 0 |
The pattern to take from that table: the flat eastern islands run warmer, drier and windier, the mountainous ones cooler and cloudier. Figures measured near sea level say little about the ridges — on Santo Antão it can be several degrees colder and in cloud at altitude while the coast below sits in full sun.
Peak whale watching
April is when humpback numbers are highest around Boa Vista, Sal and Maio. Mothers with calves are regularly seen, and trips have their best strike rate of the season.
Trips typically run in the morning when the sea is calmest. Book a couple of days into your stay rather than the last morning, so a cancelled trip can be rescheduled.
Can you swim in Cape Verde in April?
Yes, and this is where the water starts turning the corner. The sea is beginning to warm from its late-winter low, and with less wind the whole experience is easier than in February or March.
Snorkelling and diving conditions are among the year's best: light wind, small swell and clear water before the summer plankton bloom.
Which beaches are sheltered and which have dangerous currents, island by island: where it is safe to swim in Cape Verde.
Wind, hiking and Easter
Kitesurfing is still viable but no longer reliable day after day. If wind is the point of your trip, the winter months serve you better.
Hiking remains excellent on Santo Antão and Fogo — warm but not yet hot, with dry trails. Easter falls in April in most years and brings processions across the islands, particularly on Santiago and Fogo, along with a short spike in domestic travel.
Cape Verdeans travel between islands for Easter, and domestic flights and ferries fill up. If your itinerary depends on a specific connection that week, book it well ahead.
What to pack for April
- Sunscreen — UV is high and rising
- Binoculars and seasickness tablets for whale trips
- Snorkel gear if you have your own; conditions are good
- Light evening layer
- Walking shoes for the green islands
- Sun hat
Our full Cape Verde packing list goes further, including what is hard to buy once you arrive.
What's on in April
Peak whale season. Easter processions on Santiago and Fogo in most years. The Bandeira de São Filipe celebrations on Fogo fall at the very end of April into early May — worth checking exact dates if you want to be there.
Turtles are not yet nesting.
Crowds and prices
Quieter than the winter peak apart from Easter week. One of the better combinations of weather and price in the calendar.
To compare across the whole year, see the best time to visit Cape Verde. For the choice of resort type, is all-inclusive worth it covers where it pays off.
Is April a good time to visit Cape Verde?
Go in April if
- Whale watching is a priority
- You want calm seas for diving or snorkelling
- You want good weather without midwinter crowds
- You are hiking and want warmth without heat
Pick another month if
- You want the warmest possible sea — wait for autumn
- You are coming specifically for windy days of kitesurfing
- You want to see turtles
Not sure which island suits you regardless of month? Compare all nine, or read the head-to-head on Sal or Boa Vista.
Plan and book your April trip
🏨 Where to stay
Areas compared, with maps and resorts.
🧭 Tours and trips
Prices and availability on GetYourGuide.
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April weather FAQ
Is April the best month for whale watching in Cape Verde?
It is the peak month. Humpback numbers around Boa Vista, Sal and Maio are at their highest and sightings are most reliable.
Is April a good time to visit Cape Verde?
For most travellers, yes. Dry, warm, much less windy than midwinter, with calm seas and whales offshore.
Is the sea warm in April?
It is starting to warm from its winter low but is not yet warm. Comfortable for swimming, cool for long sessions without a rash vest.
How busy is Cape Verde in April?
Quieter than December to February, except around Easter when domestic travel picks up and inter-island transport fills.