Cape Verde Weather

Cape Verde serves up year-round warmth and sunshine, with temperatures rarely dipping below 25°C and rainfall staying minimal most of the time. If you’re after a steady climate that keeps things simple, this Atlantic archipelago doesn’t do half-measures - you’ll find plenty of sunny days and barely a hint of drizzle, even in winter. The islands are a breeze for anyone dodging the UK gloom, with trade winds keeping the air comfortable and humidity levels fairly balanced.

Each island has its own character, but weather-wise, you can count on the same reliable pattern whether you’re relaxing on Sal’s beaches or exploring Boa Vista’s dunes. While the odd shower crops up between August and October, it’s nothing that’ll spoil your jollies. Cape Verde’s climate is a real crowd-pleaser for beach lovers who want fuss-free sunshine without the extremes.

Spring (March - May): Spring in Cape Verde is calm and sunny, with temperatures holding steady between 25°C and 27°C. Rain is virtually non-existent, and you’ll get up to 10 hours of sunshine a day. The sea sits at a comfortable 22°C to 23°C, so it’s perfect for swimming, and humidity stays in the low 70s, making everything feel light and breezy. It’s ideal for those who want plenty of daylight and gentle warmth.

Summer (June - August): Summer ups the ante, with air temperatures climbing from 28°C to 30°C and sea temperatures hitting 24°C to 27°C. Rainfall is still low until August, when things get a touch wetter, but showers are brief and rarely stick around. Humidity creeps up to 77%, so it can feel a bit muggy, but the beaches are lively and the sea is inviting. If you like your holibobs with a side of heat, summer’s your go-to.

Autumn (September - November): Autumn is where Cape Verde gets its highest temperatures, peaking at 31°C in September. The sea warms up to 28°C, and rainfall sees a spike, especially in September. Even so, wet days are the exception, not the rule. Humidity stays high, but there’s still 8 hours of sun most days. If you don’t mind a short shower or two, autumn serves up plenty of beach time.

Winter (December - February): Winter in Cape Verde is mild and bright, with temperatures around 25°C to 26°C and the sea staying warm at 22°C to 24°C. Rain is almost non-existent, and sunshine hours drop slightly, but you still get a solid 7 to 8 hours daily. Humidity stays steady at 72%. It’s a top-tier escape from the UK chill, and the beaches are never crowded.

The best time for a Cape Verde beach holiday is from March to July, when temperatures range from 25°C to 29°C, the sea is comfortably warm, and rain is basically a distant memory. You’ll enjoy up to 10 hours of sunshine a day in May, and conditions are spot-on for swimming and lounging. If you’re after winter sun, December through February is also a safe bet - mild air, warm sea, and minimal rain. Sal and Boa Vista are particularly popular for their endless sandy beaches and reliable sunshine, making them a 10/10 choice for stress-free holibobs.