The Two Seasons

Dry Season "Tempo das Brisas" (November–June): Peak Season

The dry season is the best travel time for most visitors. Bright blue skies, hardly a drop of rain, pleasant temperatures from 22–28°C, and the constant trade winds. Especially December to April is ideal: European winter escapees enjoy pure sunshine while it's gray and cold at home. The wind blows strongest during this time — perfect for windsurfers and kitesurfers on Sal and Boa Vista.

The landscape of the flat islands is barren and desert-like during the dry season — golden brown and dusty. On the mountainous islands (Santo Antão, Santiago), the higher elevations remain greener thanks to the trade clouds. The dry season is also the best time for the ascent of Pico do Fogo: clear views, stable weather, no rain.

Rainy Season "Tempo das Chuvas/Azáguas" (July–October): Off-Season

The rainy season brings sporadic, sometimes heavy showers — but no continuous rainy days like in Asia. It rains briefly and intensely, often at night, and then the sun shines again. Temperatures rise to 28–32°C, humidity is higher, and the islands transform: The barren mountains become vividly green, flowers bloom, and dry riverbeds suddenly carry water.

The rainy season has its own charm: The landscape on Santo Antão and Santiago is dramatically greener and lusher, there are fewer tourists, prices are lower, and the turtle season falls exactly in this period (July–October). Downside: Some hiking trails on Santo Antão can become impassable due to rain, and ferry connections between the islands can be less reliable.