The month the balance starts tipping. Wind eases, whales arrive, carnival crowds go home, and the weather stays as dependable as ever.
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
March brings the same dry, sunny pattern as the two months before it, with a fraction more warmth and a fraction less wind. Rain remains effectively absent on the eastern islands. Days are long enough to do two things without rushing.
What changes is the sea. Humpback whales begin arriving in the waters around Boa Vista, Sal and Maio, building towards the April peak. Water temperature is still near its low, but conditions calm through the month, which makes boat trips and diving more comfortable than in February.
Island by island in March
| Island | Avg high | Daily mean | Night | Sea | Wind | Rain days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sal | 26°C | 22°C | 19°C | 22°C | 28 km/h | 0 |
| Boa Vista | 26°C | 22°C | 19°C | 22°C | 26 km/h | 0 |
| Maio | 26°C | 22°C | 19°C | 22°C | 25 km/h | 0 |
| Santiago | 26°C | 22°C | 19°C | 22°C | 20 km/h | 0 |
| São Vicente | 25°C | 21°C | 18°C | 21°C | 27 km/h | 0 |
| São Nicolau | 25°C | 21°C | 18°C | 21°C | 24 km/h | 0 |
| Santo Antão | 24°C | 20°C | 17°C | 21°C | 22 km/h | 0 |
| Fogo | 25°C | 21°C | 18°C | 22°C | 21 km/h | 0 |
| Brava | 24°C | 20°C | 17°C | 22°C | 22 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.
Whale watching starts
Humpbacks migrate to the waters around Cape Verde to breed and calve. The first reliable sightings are usually in March, with numbers climbing into April. Boa Vista is the main base for trips, with operators also running from Sal.
Sightings are never guaranteed and early in the season they are less frequent. If whales are the reason for your trip, April is the safer bet; if you are coming anyway, a March trip is worth taking and often costs less.
Approach distances matter for the animals and for the quality of the experience. Ask whether the operator follows a code of conduct, how many boats work the same area, and what happens if nothing is seen. Cheap trips that chase and crowd are bad for everyone.
Can you swim in Cape Verde in March?
Yes. The sea is at roughly the same temperature as February but the air is warmer and the wind lighter, so the whole experience feels milder. Snorkelling conditions improve as the swell drops.
This is a good month for the calmer bays — snorkelling over the volcanic reefs is more pleasant without February's chop.
Which beaches are sheltered and which have dangerous currents, island by island: where it is safe to swim in Cape Verde.
Wind and watersports
The trade winds are still there but softening. Kitesurfers will find plenty to work with, especially early in the month; by late March the most reliable days have thinned. Windsurfing and wave riding remain good.
For everyone else, the practical effect is that beach days become noticeably more comfortable than in January and February.
What to pack for March
- Sunscreen and a hat — the sun strengthens through the month
- Light layer for the evenings
- Rash vest for snorkelling and longer swims
- Binoculars if you are whale watching
- Seasickness tablets for boat trips
- Walking shoes for the green islands
Our full Cape Verde packing list goes further, including what is hard to buy once you arrive.
What's on in March
The whale season opens, which is the main draw. Smaller religious festivals take place across the islands and are worth asking about locally rather than planning around.
Turtle nesting is still months away.
Crowds and prices
Quieter than January and February once carnival is over, and prices reflect that. Easter can fall in late March and pushes both crowds and rates up for a week or two.
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 March a good time to visit Cape Verde?
Go in March if
- You want to see humpback whales
- You want reliable sun with less wind than midwinter
- You are hiking and want cool, dry trails
- You want peak-season weather at shoulder-season prices
Pick another month if
- You want warm water — the sea is still near its low
- You need guaranteed whale sightings; April is better
- You want the windiest days for kitesurfing
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 March trip
🏨 Where to stay
Areas compared, with maps and resorts.
🧭 Tours and trips
Prices and availability on GetYourGuide.
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March weather FAQ
Can you see whales in Cape Verde in March?
Yes, humpbacks begin arriving in March and sightings become more frequent as the month goes on. April is the peak month.
Is March a good time to visit Cape Verde?
It is one of the best all-round months: dry, sunny, less windy than midwinter, quieter than carnival season, with whales arriving.
How warm is the sea in March?
Close to its annual low, similar to February. Comfortable for swimming but noticeably cool on entry.
Does it rain in Cape Verde in March?
Effectively no rain on Sal, Boa Vista and Maio. The mountainous islands may see occasional light drizzle.