Best Travel Time & Climate
Climate Overview
Cape Verde is located in the Sahel zone of the Atlantic at the latitude of the Caribbean (14–17° North). The climate is tropical-dry with two seasons: a long dry season and a short rainy season. The difference between the flat eastern islands (Sal, Boa Vista) and the mountainous western islands (Santo Antão, Fogo) is crucial:
| Island Group | Dry Season (Nov–Jun) | Rainy Season (Jul–Oct) | Special Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sal & Boa Vista | 22–28°C, hardly any rain | 25–32°C, rare rain | Desert climate, extremely dry, lots of wind |
| Santiago | 22–28°C, dry | 25–32°C, occasional rain | More rain than Sal, greener mountains |
| Santo Antão | 20–26°C, little rain | 22–30°C, heavier rain | Northeast side significantly wetter than southwest side |
| Fogo | 18–26°C, dry | 20–30°C, rain in the heights | At the volcano summit, it can drop below 5°C at night |
| São Vicente | 21–27°C, very dry | 24–30°C, minimal rain | Windy port city Mindelo |
Water Temperatures: The sea is pleasantly warm year-round — 22°C in winter, 27°C in summer. The cool Canary Current ensures it never gets unbearably hot. The trade winds from the northeast blow year-round, making the heat bearable — they are also responsible for the world-class conditions for wind and kitesurfing.
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.
Tipp
The absolute best time for Cape Verde is from November to May: perfect beach weather, best wind for surfing, ideal hiking conditions, and dry volcano climbing on Fogo. Those wanting to see turtles should come in August/September.
Best Travel Time by Activity
| Activity | Best Time | Island |
|---|---|---|
| Beach Holiday | Nov–Jun | Sal, Boa Vista |
| Windsurfing/Kitesurfing | Nov–Jun (strongest wind: Jan–Apr) | Sal (Kite Beach, Ponta Preta) |
| Hiking | Nov–May | Santo Antão, Santiago, Fogo |
| Volcano Climbing Fogo | Nov–May | Fogo |
| Turtle Watching | Jul–Oct (laying), Sep–Nov (hatching) | Sal, Boa Vista |
| Diving | Year-round (best visibility: May–Nov) | Sal, Boa Vista, Santiago |
| Whale Watching (Humpback Whales) | Mar–May | Sal, Boa Vista |
| Carnival in Mindelo | February/March | São Vicente |
| Music Festivals | Year-round (peak season: Dec–Mar) | São Vicente, Santiago |
| Fishing | Jun–Oct (Marlin season) | São Vicente, Sal |
Conclusion: Cape Verde is a true year-round destination. The dry season (November–June) is the best all-round travel time for beach, wind, and hiking. The rainy season (July–October) attracts with green landscapes, turtles, and lower prices. Those who are flexible choose November or May — the transition period with the best price-experience ratio.
War dieses Kapitel hilfreich?
