Weather in Cape Verde – 14-Day, Monthly Forecast & Island Guide

Cape Verde Weather: 14-Day & 30-Day Forecast, Monthly Averages, Island Guide

Cape Verde sits in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of West Africa, and its weather is a regular concern for travellers planning a holiday there. The archipelago has a warm tropical climate with subtle seasonal shifts, but conditions vary noticeably from one island to the next. Understanding both the short-term forecast and the broader seasonal patterns helps visitors choose the right time and place for their trip.

The islands are shaped by steady trade winds, a long dry season, and remarkably stable temperatures throughout the year. While a 14-day forecast provides useful detail for immediate plans, monthly averages and island-by-island differences are more reliable when deciding which month to book.

Current forecast data indicates temperatures around 21–22°C across much of the archipelago, with the coming weeks expected to stay in the 21–23°C range. One forecast service predicts about 16 days of sunshine over a 26-day window, which offers a practical indicator of what to expect in the near term.

What is the weather in Cape Verde for the next 14 days?

14-Day Forecast

Current and upcoming conditions for Sal, Boa Vista, and Santiago, including temperature, wind, and rain chances.

30-Day Outlook

Long-range temperature trends, possible rain or cloud, and seasonal transition signals for the weeks ahead.

Monthly Averages

Key data for January, February, November, and December: average highs and lows, rainfall, and sunshine hours.

Island Comparison

Quick-reference differences in wind, rainfall, and temperature between Sal, Boa Vista, and Santiago.

Key insights at a glance

Cape Verde enjoys a warm tropical climate year-round with average temperatures between 24°C and 30°C.
The dry season runs from November to June; July to October is the rainy season with sporadic showers.
Sal and Boa Vista are windier, especially from December to March, which makes them popular for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
January and February are the coolest months, averaging 22–26°C, while November and December are warmer and more humid.
Sea temperatures range from 22°C in February to 27°C in October.

Snapshot facts: temperatures, rainfall, and best timing

Location	Average temperature	Annual rainfall	Best time to visit
Cape Verde (overall)	24–30°C	200–500 mm	November – June
Sal	22–28°C	100 mm	November – June
Boa Vista	22–28°C	100 mm	November – June
Praia (Santiago)	23–29°C	400 mm	November – June
January (Sal)	26°C high / 20°C low	2 rain days	Dry season peak
February (Sal)	26°C high / 20°C low	2 rain days	Dry season peak
November (Sal)	28°C high / 23°C low	4 rain days	Start of dry season
December (Sal)	27°C high / 22°C low	3 rain days	Dry season

What is the Cape Verde weather forecast for 30 days?

A dedicated 30-day forecast for Cape Verde is not widely available from most weather providers. Instead, one forecast source offers a 26-day average temperature of 22°C with 16 days of sunshine, which can serve as a practical proxy for a longer short-term outlook. According to holiday and travel weather pages, a monthly round-up is the most reliable way to determine whether you prefer a cooler or hotter period for your trip.

How the 30-day outlook is best used

Long-range forecasts for Cape Verde are most valuable as trend indicators rather than precise daily predictions. The 14-day forecast becomes more accurate the closer it gets to your travel date, so it should be used for immediate trip planning rather than long-range climate expectations. Monthly averages, which are based on decades of data, provide a more stable foundation for choosing between months.

Island variation matters

Because Cape Verde is a multi-island destination, monthly averages can differ by island, elevation, wind exposure, and whether you are on the wetter northern slopes or the drier leeward coasts. A single 30-day figure masks these important local differences.

Current 30-day signals

In the current forecast window, the pattern across Cape Verde is mostly sunny or partly cloudy, with temperatures in the low 20s °C on some forecasts and much warmer high-20s °C to low-30s °C conditions shown for Boa Vista and Sal Rei in other sources. These differences reflect genuine island-to-island variation rather than forecast error.

What is the weather in Cape Verde in January and February?

January and February are the coolest months of the year in Cape Verde, though cool is a relative term. Average daytime temperatures on Sal and Boa Vista reach about 26°C, with overnight lows around 20°C. Sea temperatures are at their annual minimum, approximately 22°C.

January conditions

January falls firmly within the dry season. Rainfall is minimal across the archipelago, and the islands receive abundant sunshine. The trade winds are strongest during this period, particularly on the eastern islands of Sal and Boa Vista, which makes the air feel fresher than the temperature alone might suggest.

February conditions

February closely mirrors January in terms of temperature and rainfall. It remains one of the best months for travellers seeking reliably dry, sunny weather without excessive heat. The winds continue to blow steadily, keeping conditions comfortable for beach activities and water sports.

What to expect on the water

Sea temperatures in February are around 22°C, which is cool enough that some swimmers may prefer a wetsuit. The water warms gradually through the spring, reaching about 24°C by May.

What is the weather in Cape Verde in November and December?

November and December mark the transition from the rainy season to the dry season. These months are warmer and more humid than January and February, with daytime highs on Sal and Boa Vista reaching 27–28°C and overnight lows around 22–23°C.

November conditions

November is the start of the dry season, but the transition can be gradual. Some years see lingering moisture from the rainy season, while others shift quickly to dry, stable conditions. Rainfall is still possible early in the month, but the number of wet days is low.

December conditions

By December, the dry season is well established across most islands. Sunshine is abundant, and the trade winds have returned, bringing a pleasant breeze. December is a popular month for visitors from colder climates seeking winter sun, and the weather is generally reliable.

Short unexpected showers

Weather in Cape Verde can be influenced by the West African monsoon and Saharan dust. Even during the dry season, short unexpected showers are possible, though they rarely last long or disrupt travel plans.

What is the weather like in Sal, Cape Verde?

Sal is one of the driest and sunniest islands in Cape Verde. It receives only about 100 mm of rainfall annually, most of which falls between August and October. The island is known for its consistent trade winds, which blow strongest from December to March.

Average temperatures on Sal range from 22°C in the cooler months to 28°C in the warmer months. The island’s flat terrain and sparse vegetation mean there is little relief from the sun, but the wind provides natural cooling. Forecast data for Sal Rei, the main settlement, shows mostly sunny, humid weather with strong UV levels, consistent with the island’s reputation as a classic beach destination.

Seasonal timeline for Sal

January–February: Coolest and windiest; average high 26°C, low 20°C; minimal rain; excellent for wind sports.
March–May: Temperatures gradually rise; winds remain steady; very low rainfall.
June–July: Transition period; temperatures increase; winds ease slightly; sporadic showers possible.
August–October: Rainy season; highest humidity; possibility of heavier showers but still substantial sunshine.
November–December: Return of dry trade winds; temperatures warm but comfortable; increasingly sunny.

Forecast and travel-weather sources emphasise that Cape Verde’s climate is best understood as oceanic tropical with strong trade winds, rather than uniformly hot and humid everywhere. Sal exemplifies this pattern more than any other island.

What is the weather like in Boa Vista, Cape Verde?

Boa Vista shares many climatic similarities with Sal. It is also very dry, with annual rainfall around 100 mm, and it experiences the same steady trade winds. Temperatures are nearly identical, with average highs of 26–28°C and lows of 20–23°C depending on the season.

The forecast for Sal Rei, Boa Vista highlights humid, sunny, and windy coastal conditions with strong UV, which fits the island’s reputation as a classic beach destination. The island’s long sandy beaches and dunes are best enjoyed during the dry season when the wind is present but not overwhelming.

Established information versus what remains uncertain

Established information	Information that remains unclear
7-day forecasts for Cape Verde are highly reliable (80–90% accuracy).	14-day forecasts have moderate accuracy and become more reliable closer to the travel date.
Seasonal patterns (dry versus rainy season) are very reliable over decades.	30-day outlooks are trends only and cannot predict specific daily conditions.
Month-to-month temperature variations typically stay within ±2°C of the average.	The exact timing of the rainy season onset can shift by a few weeks from year to year.
Sal and Boa Vista are consistently the driest and windiest islands.	Short unexpected showers can occur even in the dry season due to Saharan dust or monsoon influences.

What causes Cape Verde’s climate patterns?

Cape Verde’s climate is classified as tropical dry under the Köppen system, designated BSh. This classification results from the cool Canary Current that flows past the archipelago and the persistent northeast trade winds that dominate for much of the year.

The islands lie between latitudes 15°N and 17°N, a position that ensures stable temperatures year-round. However, the mountainous islands such as Santiago and Santo Antão create relief rainfall, which makes them noticeably greener and wetter than the flat eastern islands. Trade winds from the northeast dominate from November to June, keeping Sal and Boa Vista particularly windy and dry.

During the months of July to October, the Intertropical Convergence Zone shifts northward, bringing moisture and rainfall to the archipelago. This seasonal movement is what defines the rainy season, and its strength varies from year to year. The southern islands, including Santiago and Fogo, receive more rain during this period than the northern islands.

Where does Cape Verde weather data come from?

Several authoritative sources provide weather data for Cape Verde. The UK Met Office publishes a holiday guide for the islands with climate averages and travel advice. BBC Weather offers regularly updated forecasts for Sal Rei and other locations. The AccuWeather service provides detailed information including humidity, wind speed, and UV index for Boa Vista.

“According to the UK Met Office, the average January temperature in Sal is 23°C, with minimal rainfall and steady trade winds.”

UK Met Office holiday guide for Cape Verde

“We visited Boa Vista in February and found it sunny and windy, perfect for kitesurfing.”

Traveler testimonial

The Cape Verde National Institute of Meteorology is the official source for climate data within the country, though its public online presence is limited. For current conditions, the BBC Weather page for Sal Rei and AccuWeather’s Boa Vista forecast provide regularly updated information.

What is the best way to plan a trip around Cape Verde weather?

If your trip is imminent, the 14-day forecast from sources like Holiday Weather or Weather25 gives the most useful day-to-day guidance. If you are choosing travel dates, monthly averages across different islands offer a better basis for decision-making. For the classic Cape Verde beach experience, Sal and Boa Vista are the most reliably sunny options. For culture and hiking, Santiago, São Vicente, Santo Antão, and Fogo provide more varied landscapes and conditions. For further reading, see our Best time to visit Cape Verde guide, or consult the Cape Verde travel guide for broader trip planning advice.

Frequently asked questions about Cape Verde weather

Does Cape Verde have a rainy season?

Yes, the rainy season runs from July to October, with sporadic showers that are typically short. The southern islands receive more rain than the northern ones.

What is the water temperature in Cape Verde?

Sea temperatures range from about 22°C in February to 27°C in October, making swimming comfortable for most of the year.

Is Cape Verde windy?

Yes, especially from December to March. The northeast trade winds blow steadily across the archipelago, most strongly on Sal and Boa Vista.

What is the best month to visit Cape Verde for sun?

December through June offers the most reliable sunshine. January and February are the coolest, while March to June are warmer with minimal rain.

Does it ever get cold in Cape Verde?

No. Even in the coolest months, daytime temperatures rarely drop below 24°C. Nighttime lows can reach 20°C, which is mild rather than cold.

Can I visit Cape Verde during the rainy season?

Yes. The rainy season still offers plenty of sunshine, and showers are usually brief. It is also the warmest time of year for sea temperatures.

Do I need to worry about hurricanes in Cape Verde?

Cape Verde is occasionally affected by tropical systems that form off the coast of Africa, but direct hits are rare. Most storms pass north or west of the islands.