Discover the Best Time to Visit Cape Verde!

So, you’re wondering about the best time to visit Cape Verde. Unfortunately, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer.

But not to worry! In this blog post, I’ve done all the research for you so you can get straight onto the exciting part of booking the perfect Cape Verde family holiday.

Several factors need to be considered before we can conclusively decide on the best time to visit Cape Verde: school holidays, holiday price fluctuations, the weather, sea conditions, tourism levels, and local events or celebrations. You see, each of these factors changes with the months of the year.

In the first half of this post, we’ll look at each factor so you can quickly decide on the best time to visit Cape Verde for your family. Then the second half of the post will give you a summary of Cape Verde by month. Just so you can remind yourself of all the important things going on during your Cape Verde holiday.

Enjoy! And please let us know in the comments which month you’ll be jetting off to the paradise islands of Cabo Verde.

Choosing the Best Time to Visit Cape Verde

OK, let’s look at each factor you need to consider when visiting Cape Verde for your family holiday.

1. Local School Holidays

Navigating school holidays is the first puzzle piece to solve if you have little ones in tow. In the UK, taking your kids out of school during term time requires permission from the headteacher. Convincing them for a family holiday might be a tough cookie to crack, even if you make a compelling case for educational or financial benefits.

The UK government’s website keeps you in the loop with these rules.

Now, before diving into the next sections, you’ll want to check your child’s term dates. In the UK, school holidays generally fall around:

• End of October (1 week)
• End of December (2 weeks)
• Mid-February (1 week)
• Early April (2 weeks)
• End of May (1 week)
• End of July (6 weeks)

For those with non-school-aged or home-educated kids, rejoice! You hold the golden ticket to flexibility. You might even consider steering clear of school holidays – during term time, holiday destinations tend to be a bit easier on the pocket and quieter. We’ll delve into this in the following sections.

And if you’re not a UK citizen, no worries! Just hop onto your country’s government website to double-check your child’s term dates.

Once you’ve made a note of the school holidays, we can move on to the all-important question of cost.

2. Cost of Visiting Cape Verde with a Family

When planning a family getaway, cost is a major player in the decision-making game. The more members in your travel crew, the faster the expenses tally up. But the time you decide to visit Cape Verde can save you some pretty pennies. You see, some months are budget-friendly, while others can hit your pocket a bit harder.

But which months are we talking about?

When I delved into the research, finding a straight answer to the cheapest time to visit Cape Verde proved difficult. So, like a determined explorer, I got down to business. I meticulously logged the monthly lowest, highest, and average costs for family holidays at hotels on Sal Island and Boa Vista.

The findings? Let’s uncover the cheapest times to visit Cape Verde here.

Experiment: The Cost of Family Holidays in Cape Verde by Month

To gather the data, I scoured the TUI website, analyzing the average cost of every holiday package available for the selected resorts. Not stopping there, I also documented both the lowest and highest prices for each month. The culmination of these figures is presented on the two graphs below.

My focus? The RIU Palace resorts in both Santa Maria (Sal Island) and Boa Vista. By choosing resorts on different islands, I set out to determine whether the price fluctuations were dependent on the island. Spoiler alert! The trends were surprisingly parallel.

My search was the same for both resorts: A 7-day all-inclusive trip for a family of four to the RIU Palace resorts, staying in a large double room (sleeps up to 4) with a balcony.

On average, January, May, September, and November are the most wallet-friendly months to visit Cape Verde. In contrast, the prices increase at Christmas, Easter, and during the school holidays (no surprises there).

Bargain hunters, take note! There were some great deals to be had in early July and early December.

For those with the freedom to travel outside school schedules, you may wish to start your quest with these cheaper months.

However, if you’re tethered to school holidays, fear not! Here are some tried-and-true tips for snagging a better deal:

• Book Early: Secure your spot well in advance, especially during school holidays. Think 9-12 months ahead for the juiciest deals.
• Check TUI Discount Codes: Before finalizing your booking, scout for TUI Discount Codes. Pro tip: Scroll down the page for deals exclusive to those booking through the app.
• NHS Worker Discounts: NHS heroes, you’re entitled to a £100 discount on TUI package holidays.
• Student Discounts: If there are students in your family, keep an eye out for special discounts on TUI holidays.
• Black Friday Deals: TUI unveils exclusive deals on Black Friday. Always worth a check for savvy savings.

We covered our pick of the four best Cape Verde resorts for families in this blog post.

3. Cape Verde Weather

Spending on a family holiday in Cape Verde calls for assurance in the weather department. While there are no guarantees when it comes to weather, Cape Verde has a warm tropical climate year-round.

To pinpoint the best times to visit, let’s get granular. We’ll dissect the weather in Cape Verde, examining average temperatures, humidity, rainfall, and wind speed month by month.

Looking at the tables above, you’ll notice Sal and Boa Vista islands have their own weather quirks – different temperatures, humidity, rainfall, and windspeeds. However, they do follow the same weather trends throughout the year.

The hottest days tend to show up in August, September, October, and November. But so does the rainy season, with the most rain falling in August, September, and October. Talk about timing!

The windy season takes the spotlight from December to June. And humidity levels are typically lower following the rainy season (from November to February).

So, if you’re looking to dodge the wind and rain, July or November would be the best months to visit Cape Verde.

When we visited Cape Verde in December 2022, every day was a comfy 26°C. There was no rain. Just a strong breeze on the beach that I’d call more of a friendly strong hug than an uncomfortable gust. From experience, I’d also recommend early December for decent Cape Verde weather.

4. Sea Conditions in Cape Verde

Ah, the joy of taking a plunge into the sea on a vacation is something we all look forward to. But here’s the thing – the Cape Verde Sea doesn’t always play along for a perfect swim.

For all the details, check out my blog post: “Can you swim in the Cape Verde Sea?”

In a nutshell, there are specific locations and times of the year that make for better swimming conditions.

The Atlantic Ocean around the Cabo Verde islands gets a bit wild during the windy season (December to June).

You can find a detailed breakdown of sea temperatures month by month in the blog post I mentioned above. But to keep it simple, the sea tends to warm up between July and December. This matches closely with the average air temperature.

So, the best months for optimal Cape Verde Sea conditions are July, August, September, October, and November.

5. Crowds and Tourist Activity

Many holiday destinations witness a surge in tourism levels at certain times of the year and this may not always align with the tranquility families seek. Keeping tabs on everyone becomes trickier. And mealtimes in packed-out resorts become stressful to say the least.  So, let’s dissect the ebb and flow of tourism on Sal Island and Boa Vista (Cape Verde’s most popular islands).

Cape Verde’s tourism scene is on a steady rise, attracting more holidaymakers each year. Despite this, the industry is still in its early stages. Even during peak periods, the hustle doesn’t feel overwhelming.

6. Cape Verde National Holidays and Celebrations

When planning a trip to Cape Verde, knowing about the national events can make your visit even more enjoyable. Keep in mind that local shops and attractions might take a breather on national holidays. The streets may be alive with crowds and celebrations during other times.

Knowing when these things happen can help you plan ahead. You could choose to chill in your resort during the livelier moments, or maybe, you’ll be tempted to dive headfirst into the festivities!

For those who thrive on festivals, why not sync your holiday with one of Cape Verde’s vibrant events? There’s the Sao Vicente Festival in February, where the streets of Mindelo come alive with Brazilian Carnival-inspired parades. Or the magical Full Moon Festival in August at Baia das Gatas, also in Sao Vicente.

Festivals and music events are held across all the beautiful islands of Cape Verde throughout the year. Here are some dates for you to keep in mind.

Still wondering what month is best to visit Cape Verde? Well, our research unveiled three standout months that might surprise you, going against common advice scattered across holiday sites. Forget the generic November to June window – we want specifics!

Here’s what our findings reveal as the best times to visit Cape Verde:

Now, let’s dive into why these months steal the spotlight:

• Bargain Prices: These three periods offer some great deals on family holidays compared to other months.
• Sweet Spot Weather: July and November mark the beginning and end of the hottest stretch of the year. Plus, they neatly sandwich the rainy season, shielding you from unexpected tropical downpours. With low wind speeds, the sea conditions tend to be calmer.
• December Delight: In early December the higher lingers, and rain takes a back seat. While the wind starts to pick up a bit, it’s not yet in full swing. It was snowing in the UK when we visited Cape Verde in early December! A holiday at this time of year is perfect for escaping the cold weather back home.

The Best Times to Visit Cape Verde During School Holidays

Now, here’s the thing. Our best times to visit Cape Verde fall during term time which is perfect if you don’t have children in school, but not so much if you do. But don’t worry! Our research has also highlighted the best times to travel to Cape Verde during school holidays. They are:

1. End of July
2. Late December
3. May

Now, let’s break down the compromises and perks outside the school term calendar:

• Price Quandary: Yes, visiting outside school term times might mean missing out on the bargain deals. But fear not, check out my tips in “Cost of Visiting Cape Verde with a Family” for some savvy savings.
• July Bliss: Experience the perks of high temperatures without the hassle of wind and rain at the end of July.
• December Delight: Late December brings continued warmth, albeit with a bit more wind. But brace yourself to pay a premium close to Christmas.
• May Marvels: While not the cheapest, May half-term holidays strike a balance. Holidays in May are also not the most expensive. The temperature is on the rise, and it’s dry. But the wind is at its peak, making the sea a bit rough. Don’t worry; I’ve got plenty of alternatives to swimming in sea in my other blogs:

Top 15 Things to Do in Sal Cape Verde: The Ultimate Family Fun Guide

Can You Swim in The Cape Verde Sea?

Visiting Cape Verde Month by Month

So, we now know the very best times to visit Cape Verde both in and out of term time. But does that mean we should visit Cape Verde at other times of the year? Absolutely not! Cape Verde is a great year-round holiday destination.

Let’s break it down so you know exactly what the deal is month by month.

Cape Verde in January

January is a budget-friendly choice for a Cape Verde getaway, offering lower average holiday prices. However, bear in mind that costs might spike around New Year celebrations at the beginning of the month.

Cape Verde weather in January: While still warm, temperatures ease down a bit in January. Expect around 22.7°C in Sal and 24°C in Boa Vista with approx. 9.4 hours of sunshine each day. Sal enjoys a rain-free month in January, but in Boa Vista there’s a slight chance of light and fleeting showers. Average wind speeds of 26 km/h are common on both islands which is perfect for kite surfing enthusiasts.

There are two Cape Verdean national holidays in January – Democracy Day on the 13th and Hero’s Day on the 20th. This could offer a chance to learn about Cape Verdean history and culture.

Cape Verde in February

While average package holiday prices see a slight uptick from January, they still linger on the budget-friendly side compared to peak times. It’s worth noting that the higher prices this month align with February school holidays.

Cape Verde weather in February: As temperatures hover around 21.7°C in Sal and 24°C in Boa Vista, February provides a delightful winter getaway. There’s a small chance of light rain, and the winds maintain their vigor. With wind speeds reaching 28 km/h in Sal and 30 km/h in Boa Vista, brace for rough sea conditions. You can expect an average of 9.1 hours of daily sunshine.

February brings forth the Carnival celebrations. This lively event graces both islands, offering a vibrant spectacle of local culture, music, and traditions.

Cape Verde in March

Cape Verde weather in March: March weather echoes the charm of the previous month. Anticipate average temperatures of 21.6°C in Sal and 25°C in Boa Vista and an average of 8.9 hours of daily sunshine. The chance of rain remains very low. Sea conditions, however, retain their vigor with rough waters owing to high wind speeds. Expect winds around 28 km/h in Sal and 26 km/h in Boa Vista.

Cape Verde in April

As Easter festivities and school holidays approach, anticipate a notable rise in package holiday prices. However, savvy travelers can still snag bargains either side of the Easter rush.

Cape Verde weather in April: Temperatures hover around 21.8°C in Sal and 25°C in Boa Vista in April and the islands offer an average daily sunshine of 9.2 hours. You’ll be pleased to know that April showers are a rarity in Cape Verde. Kite surfers can enjoy the thrill of wind speeds reaching 26 km/h in Sal and 28 km/h in Boa Vista in April.

Cape Verde in May

Cape Verde weather in May: May marks the beginning of summer in Cape Verde and average temperatures are now around 22.5°C in Sal and 25°C in Boa Vista. There is an abundance of daily sunshine lasting 9.9 hours. As part of the dry season, May promises rain-free days. However, the remnants of the windy season persist, with high wind speeds of 28 km/h in both Sal and Boa Vista.

May is adorned with cultural celebrations. Labor Day on May 1st marks the beginning, followed by the vibrant Santa Cruz Festival on the 3rd, celebrated on both islands. The month concludes with Cruz D’Nho Lol in Estancia de Baixo, Boa Vista, on the 28th.

Cape Verde in June

Cape Verde weather in June: As summer takes hold, average temperatures rise to around 23°C in Sal and 26°C in Boa Vista. You can look forward to a generous 10.6 hours of daily sunlight in June. Standing firm in the dry season, June promises rain-free days. While wind speeds linger at 25 km/h in Sal and 26 km/h in Boa Vista, there’s a significant drop on the horizon, paving the way for calmer sea conditions in the upcoming months.

June 1st brings Youth Day, a celebration honoring the vital role played by the younger generation in shaping the nation’s future. It’s a time to acknowledge and appreciate their contributions.

At the end of the month, on the 24th of June, Festas de S. Joao Baptiste unfolds in Joao Galego, Boa Vista.

Cape Verde in July

Our research highlights early July as one of the best times to visit Cape Verde. Before the summer school break, family holiday prices are lower. But even as the month progresses and prices rise, July remains an excellent option for families seeking a summer holiday retreat.

Cape Verde weather in July: July ushers in warmer temperatures, reaching approximately 23.9°C in Sal and 27°C in Boa Vista. Sunshine lasts for around 7.6 hours per day which is a drop from 10.6 hours in June. As the last month before the rainy season, July presents an ideal opportunity to get some sun before the rain sets in. What sets this month apart from the previous months is the significant drop in wind speeds marking a transition to calmer sea conditions. In July, winds subside to 20 km/h in both Sal and Boa Vista.

The streets of Sal Rei, Boa Vista, come alive on July 4th as celebrations for Saint Isabel, the patron saint of the island, paint the town in vibrant hues. Additionally, July 5th marks Independence Day, a national holiday celebrated with pride across the archipelago.

Cape Verde in August

Cape Verde weather in August: August marks the commencement of autumn in Cape Verde, bringing with it the promise of refreshing rains. Despite being termed the “rainy season,” precipitation is modest, with 35mm in Sal and 37mm in Boa Vista. This pales in comparison to the UK’s driest month, May, which sees an average of 58.4mm of rainfall.

Temperatures continue to rise, reaching approximately 25.8°C in Sal and 28°C in Boa Vista. You can expect to see 7 hours of daily sunshine in August.

Lower wind speeds continue through August, at 20 km/h in Sal and 18 km/h in Boa Vista, which results in calmer sea conditions.

The Nossa Senhora da Piedade (Our Lady of Pity) Festival takes place in Sal on August 15th. And as the month concludes, the Festival of Praia d’Cruz graces the beach in Boa Vista.

Cape Verde in September

Cape Verde weather in September: September features average temperatures of 25.8°C in Sal and a whopping 29°C in Boa Vista. And you can expect to bask in 8.1 hours of daily sunshine.

While the rain starts to ease off a little in Sal to around 28 mm, it ramps up to 67 mm in Boa Vista this month. Wind speeds remain on the lower end at 20 km/h on both islands which contributes to calmer sea conditions.

The Santa Maria Music Festival on Santa Maria Beach in Sal on September 15^th is not to be missed!

Cape Verde in October

Cape Verde weather in October: October continues to provide the heat, with temperatures reaching 26.7°C in Sal and 29°C in Boa Vista. The islands revel in an average of 8.8 sunshine hours per day.

October marks the conclusion of the rainy season in Cape Verde, with precipitation reducing to a mere 11mm in Sal and 26mm in Boa Vista. And the waning rain leaves a lush landscape in its wake.

While Sal experiences a slight uptick in wind speed to 22 km/h, this remains lower than the peak windy season, ensuring a pleasant and comfortable environment for beachgoers.

Cape Verde in November

Our research highlighted November as one of the best months to visit Cape Verde. November features a dip in average prices for package family holidays most likely due to the absence of school holidays during this period.

Cape Verde weather in November: November bids adieu to the rainy season while maintaining inviting temperatures. Averages reach 25.5°C in Sal and 27°C in Boa Vista and there are approximately 7.1 hours of daily sunshine.

Wind speeds haven’t yet started to ramp up and hover around 22 km/h on both Sal and Boa Vista.

November 1st marks All Saints Day. This is a national holiday where Cape Verdeans commemorate the saints and loved ones who have passed on.

Cape Verde in December

Early December stole third place in our pick of the best time to visit Cape Verde. If you have the flexibility to book a family holiday in early December there are some good deals to be had. But expect to pay a premium to closer you get to Christmas.

Cape Verde weather in December: Warm temperatures persist in December, with averages of 24.1°C in Sal and 25°C in Boa Vista. And you can expect to bask in approximately 8.3 hours of daily sunshine. Rain is unlikely during December. While wind speeds increase to 24 km/hr, creating slightly rougher sea conditions, they’re not yet as high as the winds that intensify in the Spring months.

Resorts adorned with festive decorations at this time of year give you that Christmassy feeling whilst soaking up the warmth of the sun. There’s something you couldn’t do back home!

The Best Time to Visit Cape Verde: Key Takeaways

For this blog post, we did hours of research to help you decide when to visit Cape Verde. Hopefully we helped you more than the generic advice that tells you the best time to visit is sometime between November and June.

Here’s your go-to guide for the best times to visit Cape Verde:

Our Top Three Picks: Early July, November, Early December

1. Bargain Holidays: Secure unbeatable deals during these periods, making family holidays a wallet-friendly delight.
2. Great Weather: July and November conveniently sandwich the rainy season while maintaining high temperatures. With gentle winds and calm seas, you can make the most of the pristine white sands and crystal-clear waters that Cape Verde offers.
3. December Delights: Embrace the warmth in early December while soaking up the Christmas festivities in the resort!

Navigating School Holiday Hurdles? Fear not; we’ve got you covered with the best times to visit Cape Verde during school holidays:

Top Three Picks for School Holidays: End of July, Late December, May

1. Price vs. Pleasure: While bargains may elude you outside school term times, don’t let this put you off going to Cape Verde. You can still potentially save some money with my top tips.
2. July Bliss: Revel in high temperatures without the wind and rain at the end of July – the perfect way to kick off the summer holidays.
3. December Delight: If you’re OK with the premium prices, late December in Cape Verde is the perfect way to celebrate Christmas and New Year in style.
4. May Marvels: Strike a balance with May half-term holidays – not the cheapest, but certainly not the priciest. Rising temperatures and dry days, although still a bit windy for swimming in the sea.

We hope you make as many incredible family memories on your Cape Verde holiday as we did on ours!

More Cape Verde Blog Posts

• Top 15 Things To Do in Sal Cape Verde (For The Whole Family!)
• No Fluff Guide: The Best Cape Verde Resorts For Families
• Uncover the Best Cape Verde Beaches For Families
• Everything You Need to Know about Swimming In The Cape Verde Sea
• Cape Verdean Cuisine for Kids: Easy Recipes Inside!
• Your Dream Holiday to Cape Verde From the UK (The Logistics!)
• Experience the Vibrant Soul of Cape Verde Culture: Family Memories in the Making!
• What You Need To Know Before Packing Your Bags: Cape Verde With Kids
• Boa Vista or Sal for Families (Which One Reigns Supreme?)