Cape Verde: When to Go

With cold ocean currents that keep temperatures surprisingly mild, Cape Verde is pleasant year-round. Even during the so-called rainy season from mid-August to mid-October, weeks can go by without a downpour. Many come during the festive Carnival season in February/March. If you visit in winter you may need a sweater - especially at higher altitudes - although average daily minimums never fall far below 20°C (68°F). Things do get a little stickier in the southern islands (especially Fogo) during summer.

Weather

Cape Verde is pleasant year-round. Even during the so-called rainy season from mid-August to mid-October, weeks can go by without a downpour. Thanks to cooling ocean currents and offshore winds, Cape Verde has the lowest temperatures of any country in West Africa, and also some of the most moderate, ranging from a minimum night-time average of 19°C (66°F) in February to a maximum daytime average of 29°C (84°F) from May to November.

Summer temperatures, especially in the northern islands, can be cooler than in Europe, though the southern islands, especially Fogo, can get hot and sticky. From December to March you may need a sweater in the evenings, especially at higher altitudes. Winter months are also marked by gusty winds, which blow in dust all the way from the Sahara.