Climate and monthly weather forecast
Cape Verde

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Flag of Cape Verde
Flag of Cape Verde

The climate of Cape Verde

Cape Verde, an archipelago off the northwest coast of Africa, is composed of ten islands and several islets. It is found in the Atlantic Ocean, about 500 kilometers west of Senegal. Its geographical location plays a significant role in its climate, characterized predominantly as a hot desert climate. Throughout the year, Cape Verde experiences high temperatures that can range from 20°C (68°F) to 30°C (86°F), owing to the 'h' classification for hot climates. Given the 'B' and 'W' classifications, Cape Verde's weather exhibits arid conditions, marked by very low annual rainfall. In fact, average precipitation levels do not exceed 300mm (11.81") per annum. Despite these predominantly dry conditions, the islands are frequently breezy due to the Harmattan wind from the Sahara Desert, which brings dust and dry air, but also a respite from the high heat.

The best time to visit Cape Verde

Given its equatorial location, Cape Verde does not experience drastic changes in climate throughout the year. However, the most pleasant time to visit is generally between November and June. During these months, the temperatures remain relatively constant, ranging from 20°C (68°F) to 25°C (77°F), offering comfortable weather for exploring the islands. While rainfall is infrequent, these months see the least amount, contributing to the overall agreeable conditions. Furthermore, the Atlantic Ocean surrounding the islands provides a cooling effect, offering relief from the hot, desert climate.

The worst time to visit Cape Verde

Although Cape Verde's temperatures are fairly consistent year-round, the period from August to October is often considered less desirable for visitors. This is the country's rainy season, although the term must be used lightly given the desert climate. Rainfall during these months can go up to 130mm (5.12"), a substantial increase compared to the rest of the year. These sporadic rain showers, while still infrequent, can disrupt travel plans and outdoor activities. Moreover, humidity levels rise during this time, which might cause discomfort to some visitors.

Spring weather in Cape Verde

Springtime in Cape Verde, from March to May, maintains stable temperatures, with averages between 23°C (73.4°F) to 25°C (77°F). This is a dry season, with monthly rainfall averaging 2mm (0.08") to 6mm (0.24"), which makes it a good time to explore the outdoors. As the islands move towards the hotter months, the Harmattan wind becomes less pronounced, leading to calmer, clearer days.

Summer weather in Cape Verde

During the summer months, from June to August, temperatures can reach up to 30°C (86°F), marking the hottest period in Cape Verde. Nevertheless, the heat is often tempered by the Atlantic breezes, making it bearable. July and August initiate the start of the rainy season, but the rainfall remains low, with averages around 30mm (1.18") to 60mm (2.36") per month. These rains, although not heavy, add some humidity to the air.

Autumn weather in Cape Verde

Autumn, from September to November, sees the continuation of the rainy season. September generally experiences the highest rainfall of the year, with levels reaching up to 130mm (5.12"). Temperatures during this time drop slightly, ranging from 25°C (77°F) to 28°C (82.4°F). Despite the rain, the weather remains warm, and the humidity levels are high.

Winter weather in Cape Verde

Winter in Cape Verde, from December to February, is warm and dry. The temperatures hover between 20°C (68°F) to 25°C (77°F), providing a warm winter getaway for many visitors. The Harmattan wind from the Sahara picks up during these months, bringing drier air and dust but cooling down the islands. Rainfall is minimal in these months, averaging about 2mm (0.08") to 3mm (0.12"), offering clear skies and sunny days.

Weather in January

January in Cape Verde marks the midst of winter, but unlike the colder climes typically associated with this season, the island country experiences pleasantly warm weather. Average temperatures in January range from 20°C (68°F) to 25°C (77°F), with coastal cities like Praia and Mindelo on the cooler end of this spectrum due to the moderating influence of the Atlantic Ocean. January stands out as one of the driest months in Cape Verde, with rainfall averaging 2mm (0.08"), a substantial decrease compared to the previous months. Weather in January »

Weather in February

February in Cape Verde continues the trend of warm, dry winter weather established in January. Average temperatures for this month usually sit between 20°C (68°F) to 25°C (77°F). Coastal cities, such as Praia and Mindelo, generally enjoy slightly lower temperatures due to the Atlantic's cooling influence, making the weather particularly comfortable. Following the pattern set in January, February remains predominantly dry with a low average rainfall of about 3mm (0.12"), marginally more than the previous month but still considerably low. Weather in February »

Weather in March

As Cape Verde progresses into March, the archipelago begins to transition from the cooler winter months to warmer spring conditions. During this period, temperatures start to climb slightly compared to February, with averages ranging from 22°C (71.6°F) to 27°C (80.6°F). Weather in March »

Weather in April

April sees the continuation of spring in Cape Verde, and it's marked by further warming. Average temperatures during this month range from 23°C (73.4°F) to 28°C (82.4°F). The coastal cities of Praia and Mindelo, moderated by the surrounding Atlantic Ocean, typically register temperatures on the lower end of this range, offering a more comfortable climate. April is a particularly dry month in Cape Verde, akin to the previous months. Weather in April »

Weather in May

May signals the end of spring and the beginning of summer in Cape Verde. During this month, temperatures continue to rise, with averages ranging between 24°C (75.2°F) and 29°C (84.2°F). The Atlantic Ocean's cooling effect ensures that coastal cities such as Praia and Mindelo typically experience slightly lower temperatures, making these locations particularly comfortable. In terms of precipitation, May remains predominantly dry, with the average rainfall slightly higher than in April, around 12mm (0.47"). Weather in May »

Weather in June

June marks the official start of summer in Cape Verde and with it, an increase in temperatures. During this month, averages can range from 25°C (77°F) to 30°C (86°F), with the cooler end of the spectrum typically observed in the coastal cities of Praia and Mindelo due to the Atlantic Ocean's moderating influence. While June maintains the trend of arid conditions seen throughout the year, there is a noticeable increase in rainfall. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July in Cape Verde is characterised by warm summer temperatures with averages ranging from 26°C (78.8°F) to 31°C (87.8°F). The Atlantic Ocean continues to exercise a moderating effect on the coastal cities such as Praia and Mindelo, maintaining temperatures at slightly lower levels than the rest of the country and providing some respite from the summer heat. While Cape Verde's dry season persists in July, the average precipitation level does increase to approximately 30mm (1.18"). Weather in July »

Weather in August

August in Cape Verde is characterised by peak summer temperatures, with averages fluctuating between 27°C (80.6°F) to 32°C (89.6°F). This month is typically the hottest period in the year for the archipelago. The coastal cities of Praia and Mindelo, due to the Atlantic Ocean's moderating influence, experience slightly cooler temperatures, providing some relief from the intense heat. August also marks the onset of the wetter season in Cape Verde, with average precipitation levels rising to approximately 60mm (2.36"). Weather in August »

Weather in September

September in Cape Verde is characterized by a gradual cooling trend as summer transitions into autumn. During this month, temperatures average between 26°C (78.8°F) to 31°C (87.8°F), which, while still warm, represents a slight decrease from the peak temperatures of August. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October in Cape Verde continues the autumn season, further cooling from the summer's heat. During this month, temperatures typically range between 25°C (77°F) to 30°C (86°F). The Atlantic Ocean's influence on the coastal cities, such as Praia and Mindelo, persists, ensuring temperatures in these areas stay on the cooler side of this spectrum. As for precipitation, October witnesses a decline from September's peak levels, with the average rainfall amount falling to about 40mm (1.57"). Weather in October »

Weather in November

In Cape Verde, November is characterized by the continuation of autumn and a further drop in temperatures. This month sees average temperatures fluctuating between 24°C (75.2°F) to 29°C (84.2°F). As has been the trend throughout the year, the coastal cities of Praia and Mindelo, owing to the Atlantic Ocean's cooling effect, usually experience temperatures on the lower end of this spectrum. In terms of precipitation, November signifies a return to Cape Verde's arid climate, with average rainfall levels decreasing further to about 15mm (0.59"). Weather in November »

Weather in December

December in Cape Verde marks the start of winter, bringing with it cooler temperatures. The averages for this month range between 22°C (71.6°F) to 27°C (80.6°F). The influence of the Atlantic Ocean continues to be felt in the coastal cities of Praia and Mindelo, where temperatures are generally at the cooler end of this range. Precipitation in December continues to decrease, aligning with Cape Verde's typically arid climate. Weather in December »
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Cape Verde

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