What is the best time to visit Cabo Verde?

Best Time to Visit Cabo Verde

The best time to travel to Cabo Verde is during winter (November to March) and summer (June to August).

Winter in Cabo Verde

Winter in Cabo Verde is characterized by mild temperatures and sunny days. The average temperature is around 24°C (75°F) during the day, and drops to around 20°C (68°F) at night. The sea is usually calm, making it an ideal time for swimming and snorkeling. There are also plenty of attractions and festivals to enjoy during this time, such as the Carnival in Mindelo and the International Music Festival in Praia.

Summer in Cabo Verde

Summer in Cabo Verde is hot and humid, with temperatures averaging around 28°C (82°F) during the day and 24°C (75°F) at night. The sea is usually calm, making it an ideal time for swimming and snorkeling. There are also plenty of attractions and festivals to enjoy during this time, such as the International Music Festival in Praia and the Festival of Santo António in Mindelo.

Month-by-month guide for traveling in Cabo Verde

Cabo Verde in January

Weather

January is the coolest month of the year in Cabo Verde, with temperatures ranging from 18-25°C (64-77°F). The days are sunny and the nights are cool. There is a chance of rain, but it usually does not last for more than a few hours.

Events

• The New Year’s Eve celebration is a popular event in Cabo Verde. People gather in the streets to celebrate the start of a new year with music, dancing, and fireworks.
• The Festival Internacional de Musica de Cabo Verde is held in January. This festival is a celebration of traditional and modern music from Cabo Verde and around the world.
• The Festival de Cultura de Cabo Verde is held in January. This festival celebrates the culture and traditions of Cabo Verde with music, dance, art, and food.
• The Cabo Verde Carnival is held in January. This is a lively celebration with parades, costumes, music, and dancing.
• The Festival de Gastronomia de Cabo Verde is held in January. This festival celebrates the unique cuisine of Cabo Verde with cooking demonstrations, tastings, and competitions.

Cabo Verde in January

Weather

January is the coolest month of the year in Cabo Verde, with temperatures ranging from 19-25°C (66-77°F). The days are sunny and dry, with occasional showers in the afternoon.

Events

• New Year’s Day is celebrated on January 1st with fireworks and traditional music.
• The Festival Internacional de Musica de Cabo Verde (FIMC) is held in January, featuring traditional and modern music from around the world.
• The Dia da Liberdade (Freedom Day) is celebrated on January 13th, commemorating the end of Portuguese rule in 1975.
• The Dia de São Vicente (St. Vincent’s Day) is celebrated on January 22nd, honoring the patron saint of Cabo Verde.
• The Dia de Amilcar Cabral (Amilcar Cabral Day) is celebrated on January 20th, honoring the leader of the independence movement.

Cabo Verde in March

Weather

March is the first month of Cabo Verde’s dry season, with temperatures ranging from the mid-20s to the low-30s Celsius. The days are usually sunny and dry, with the occasional shower. The evenings are cool and breezy, making for a pleasant atmosphere.

Events

• The Carnival of Mindelo is a major event in Cabo Verde, taking place in the city of Mindelo during the first week of March. The event features colorful parades, live music, and traditional dances.
• The International Music Festival of Mindelo is held in the second week of March. This event features performances by both local and international musicians, and is a great opportunity to experience the vibrant music culture of Cabo Verde.
• The Fogo Island Jazz Festival is held in the third week of March. This event showcases the best jazz musicians from around the world, and is a great opportunity to experience the unique musical culture of Cabo Verde.
• The International Festival of Art and Culture is held in the last week of March. This event features performances by local and international artists, and is a great opportunity to experience the vibrant culture of Cabo Verde.
• The International Film Festival of Mindelo is held in the last week of March. This event showcases the best films from around the world, and is a great opportunity to experience the unique cinematic culture of Cabo Verde.

Cabo Verde in April

Weather

April in Cabo Verde is typically hot and dry, with temperatures ranging from 24°C (75°F) to 30°C (86°F). The islands experience very little rainfall during this month, with an average of only 5mm (0.2in) of rain.

Events

• The International Music Festival of Mindelo, an annual music festival that takes place in the city of Mindelo, is held during the month of April. The festival features a variety of musical acts from around the world, and is a great opportunity to experience the diverse culture of Cabo Verde.
• The Sal Rei Carnival is an annual carnival that takes place in the town of Sal Rei. The carnival features traditional music, dancing, and costumes, and is a great way to experience the culture of Cabo Verde.
• The Santiago Island Music Festival is an annual event that takes place in the city of Praia. The festival features a variety of musical acts from around the world, and is a great opportunity to experience the diverse culture of Cabo Verde.
• The Boa Vista Island Music Festival is an annual event that takes place in the city of Sal Rei. The festival features a variety of musical acts from around the world, and is a great opportunity to experience the diverse culture of Cabo Verde.
• The São Vicente Island Music Festival is an annual event that takes place in the city of Mindelo. The festival features a variety of musical acts from around the world, and is a great opportunity to experience the diverse culture of Cabo Verde.

Cabo Verde in May

Weather

May in Cabo Verde is generally sunny and warm, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit. The humidity is usually low, and the ocean water is pleasantly warm.

Events

• The International Music Festival takes place in the city of Mindelo, with performances from local and international artists.
• The Santo António Festival is held in the city of Praia, with traditional music and dance performances, and a parade through the streets of the city.
• The Boa Vista Island Music Festival is a celebration of local music, with performances from local artists and DJs.
• The Fogo Island Music Festival is a celebration of traditional music and dance, with performances from local artists.
• The International Film Festival is held in the city of Praia, with screenings of films from around the world.

Cabo Verde in June

Weather

June is the beginning of the dry season in Cabo Verde. Temperatures are mild, averaging around 24°C (75°F) during the day and 17°C (63°F) at night. The humidity is low and there is very little rainfall.

Events

• The International Music Festival takes place in Mindelo, Sao Vicente. This festival features a variety of genres, from traditional African music to jazz, rock, and reggae.
• The Sao Filipe Festival is held in the town of Sao Filipe, Fogo. This festival celebrates the culture and traditions of the island, with music, dancing, and traditional food.
• The Sal Festival is held in the town of Santa Maria, Sal. This festival celebrates the culture and traditions of the island, with music, dancing, and traditional food.
• The Praia Festival is held in the city of Praia, Santiago. This festival celebrates the culture and traditions of the island, with music, dancing, and traditional food.
• The Boa Vista Festival is held in the town of Sal Rei, Boa Vista. This festival celebrates the culture and traditions of the island, with music, dancing, and traditional food.

Cabo Verde in July

Weather

July is the hottest month of the year in Cabo Verde. Temperatures can reach up to 30°C (86°F) during the day and can drop to around 20°C (68°F) at night. The humidity is usually high, and the islands can be affected by the occasional tropical storm.

Events

• The annual Carnival of Mindelo takes place in July, usually around the middle of the month. The carnival is a week-long celebration with parades, costumes, and music.
• The International Music Festival of Mindelo is held in July. The festival features concerts by local and international artists, as well as workshops and masterclasses.
• The Sal Music Festival is held in July in the town of Santa Maria. The festival features concerts by local and international artists, as well as workshops and masterclasses.
• The International Kite Festival is held in July in the town of Santa Maria. The festival features kite flying competitions, workshops, and other activities.
• The Santiago Marathon is held in July in the capital city of Praia. The marathon is a 42 km race that attracts runners from all over the world.

Cabo Verde in August

Weather

August in Cabo Verde is generally hot and dry, with temperatures ranging from the mid 70s to the mid 80s Fahrenheit (24-30 degrees Celsius). The humidity is low, making it a great time to enjoy the beaches and outdoor activities.

Events

• The Carnival of Mindelo is held in August every year, and is a great opportunity to experience the culture of Cabo Verde. The festivities include parades, music, and dancing.
• The Sal Island Regatta is held in August, and is a great opportunity for sailing enthusiasts to explore the waters of Cabo Verde.
• The Santo Antão Music Festival is held in August, and is a great opportunity to experience the musical culture of Cabo Verde.
• The Sanjoaninas Festival is held in August, and is a great opportunity to experience the traditional culture of Cabo Verde. The festivities include parades, music, and dancing.
• The Praia International Music Festival is held in August, and is a great opportunity to experience the musical culture of Cabo Verde.

Cabo Verde in September

Weather

September is the beginning of the dry season in Cabo Verde. Temperatures are generally mild, ranging from 24-29°C (75-84°F). Sunshine is abundant throughout the month and the humidity is low.

Events

• The Festa de Nossa Senhora de Fátima is a religious festival that takes place in Praia on the 8th of September. The festival is celebrated with traditional music, dancing, and food.
• The Sal Festival, held in Espargos on the 12th of September, is the largest cultural event in Cabo Verde. The festival features traditional music, dance, and art performances.
• The Festa de Nossa Senhora da Piedade is celebrated in the city of Mindelo on the 15th of September. The festival includes traditional music and dance performances, as well as traditional food.
• The Festa do Mar is a cultural festival held in the city of Santa Maria on the 24th of September. The festival celebrates the fishing industry with traditional music, dance, and food.
• The Festa do Divino Espírito Santo is a religious festival held in the city of São Vicente on the 29th of September. The festival includes traditional music, dance, and food.

Cabo Verde in October

Weather

In October, Cabo Verde experiences warm temperatures with an average temperature of 24°C. October is generally a dry month, with an average of 4 days of rainfall. The days are sunny and the nights are cool.

Events

• The Cabo Verde International Music Festival is held in October, bringing together some of the best local and international musicians.
• The Sal International Film Festival is held in October, showcasing the best of Cabo Verde’s film industry.
• The Annual Santa Maria Beach Festival is held in October, featuring a variety of activities, including beach volleyball, surfing competitions, and live music.
• The Annual Carnival of Mindelo is held in October, with colorful costumes, music, and dance.
• The Annual Whale Watching Festival is held in October, offering visitors the chance to observe the majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

Cabo Verde in November

Weather

November is the start of the dry season in Cabo Verde, with temperatures ranging from the mid-20s to the low 30s Celsius. Rainfall is low, and the humidity is moderate.

Events

• The annual Festival Internacional de Musica de Cabo Verde takes place in Praia in November. The festival features traditional and contemporary music from Cabo Verde and around the world.
• The annual Sal Festival is held in November in the city of Espargos on the island of Sal. The festival celebrates the culture of the island with parades, music, and traditional food.
• The annual Festival de Artes de Cabo Verde takes place in Praia in November. The festival features performances of traditional and contemporary music, dance, and theater.
• The annual Festival de Pesca de Cabo Verde takes place in the city of Mindelo in November. The festival celebrates the fishing industry in Cabo Verde with competitions, music, and traditional food.
• The annual Festival de Cultura de Cabo Verde takes place in Praia in November. The festival celebrates the culture of Cabo Verde with performances of traditional music, dance, and theater.

Cabo Verde in December

Weather

December is the beginning of the dry season in Cabo Verde. The average temperature is around 24°C (75°F) and the average humidity is around 75%. The days are usually sunny and the nights are cooler.

Events

• The International Festival of Music and Dance is held in Praia in early December. This festival features traditional music and dance from the islands, as well as performances from international artists.
• The Cabo Verdean National Day is celebrated on December 5th. This day marks the anniversary of the country’s independence from Portugal in 1975.
• The Santa Maria Music Festival is held in the town of Santa Maria in mid-December. This festival celebrates the music and culture of Cabo Verde with performances from local and international artists.
• The Carnival of Mindelo is held in late December. This carnival features parades, music, dancing, and other festivities.
• The New Year’s Eve celebration is held in Praia. This celebration features fireworks, music, and dancing in the streets.