When is the best time to visit Cape Verde beaches?
Temperatures, winds, turtles and rain: a month-by-month guide to picking the right season on Sal, Boa Vista, Santiago and Santo Antão.
Cape Verde enjoys sunshine almost year-round, with average temperatures between 24 °C and 30 °C. But «going to the beach» means different things depending on the island, the month and what you want: calm swimming, kitesurfing, turtle nesting or mountain trekking. This guide crosses calendar, climate and real experiences to help you plan.
From November to June, the flat islands — SalBoa VistaSanta Maria BeachChaves Beach
Between January and April, trade winds strengthen on the east coast. Kite Beach
Serg Alesenko / Pexels
July to October marks Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) nesting season. Boa Vista leads in Atlantic nest counts, but Sal, Maio and remote beaches like Santa Mónicasea turtle protection guide
August and September bring the short rainy season to the mountainous islands. On SantiagoSanto AntãoTarrafal Bay
For urban beach and culture combined, São VicenteLaginha Beach
Months to avoid? Rarely because of weather. What changes is the type of experience: August may bring more humidity in the mountains; in February wind on Sal is perfect for sport but less comfortable for lounging with a book. See our [[eco|responsible ecotourism]] section to travel positively in any season.
In short: classic beach and resorts, November–June; kite and wind, January–April; ethical turtle watching, July–October; greenery and trails, August–September on the high islands. There is no bad season — only the right one for what you want. Use our [[quiz|beach quiz]] if you are still undecided between islands.
