September's warmth without quite as much of September's rain. The sea is at its warmest, the mountains are still green, and the crowds have not come back.
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
October is the transition month. Rainfall tapers off through the month, humidity eases, and by the end of it the islands are heading back into the dry season. The sea stays at its annual peak.
For photographers and hikers this is the window that most visitors miss: Santo Antão, São Nicolau and Santiago are green, the light is good, and the trails are back in reasonable condition as the rain stops.
Island by island in October
| Island | Avg high | Daily mean | Night | Sea | Wind | Rain days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sal | 29°C | 26°C | 24°C | 27°C | 20 km/h | 2 |
| Boa Vista | 29°C | 26°C | 24°C | 27°C | 18 km/h | 2 |
| Maio | 29°C | 26°C | 24°C | 27°C | 17 km/h | 2 |
| Santiago | 29°C | 26°C | 24°C | 27°C | 12 km/h | 4 |
| São Vicente | 28°C | 25°C | 23°C | 26°C | 19 km/h | 3 |
| São Nicolau | 28°C | 25°C | 23°C | 26°C | 16 km/h | 5 |
| Santo Antão | 27°C | 24°C | 22°C | 26°C | 14 km/h | 7 |
| Fogo | 28°C | 25°C | 23°C | 27°C | 13 km/h | 5 |
| Brava | 27°C | 24°C | 22°C | 27°C | 14 km/h | 6 |
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.
Can you swim in Cape Verde in October?
This is the best swimming month of the year. The sea is at its warmest, the wind has not yet returned in force, and conditions on most beaches are settled.
Diving and snorkelling are at their most comfortable. Visibility improves through the month as runoff from the rainy season stops.
Which beaches are sheltered and which have dangerous currents, island by island: where it is safe to swim in Cape Verde.
The green window
Santo Antão's valleys stay green into October and the terraced slopes above Paul and Ribeira Grande are at their most striking. Trails dry out as the month goes on, making this a far better hiking month than August or September.
Fogo's caldera and the vineyards at Chã das Caldeiras also benefit. If you want photographs of Cape Verde that do not look like a desert, this is the fortnight to book.
Mountain roads on Santo Antão and São Nicolau can still be affected by damage from the rainy season in early October. Ask locally about the state of the route before committing to a long transfer, and allow extra time.
The wind starts coming back
Late October is when the northeast trade winds begin to reassert themselves. Kitesurfing schools start reopening their busiest operations, though the reliable season really starts in November.
For beachgoers, the last two weeks of October are close to ideal: warm sea, easing humidity, and only the beginnings of the wind that dominates the winter.
What to pack for October
- Snorkel gear — the water is at its best
- A light rain layer for the first half of the month on the green islands
- Insect repellent
- Walking shoes with grip
- Sunscreen and a hat
- A camera; the light and the greenery are both better than usual
Our full Cape Verde packing list goes further, including what is hard to buy once you arrive.
What's on in October
A quiet month on the events calendar, which is part of its appeal. Turtle hatchlings continue to emerge.
The tabanka and municipal festival season has largely wound down.
Crowds and prices
Still low season, with prices to match, though they begin climbing at the very end of the month as winter-sun bookings start.
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 October a good time to visit Cape Verde?
Go in October if
- You want the warmest sea of the year
- You want to see the islands green
- You want low-season prices with improving weather
- You are hiking and want greenery without August's heat
Pick another month if
- You need completely guaranteed dry weather early in the month
- You want windy days for kitesurfing (wait for November)
- You want a busy resort atmosphere
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 October trip
🏨 Where to stay
Areas compared, with maps and resorts.
🧭 Tours and trips
Prices and availability on GetYourGuide.
Tour links go to GetYourGuide; we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. How this works.
October weather FAQ
Is October a good time to visit Cape Verde?
It is one of the most underrated months: the warmest sea of the year, easing humidity, green mountain scenery and low-season prices.
Does it rain in Cape Verde in October?
Some, particularly in the first half and mainly on the mountainous islands. Sal and Boa Vista see very little.
Is the sea warm in October?
It is at its annual peak, alongside September. The best swimming month of the year.
Is October good for hiking?
Yes, better than August or September. Trails dry through the month and the valleys are still green.