Cape Verde Weather in April – Weather & Travel Guide

When booking a holiday to Cape Verde in April, you might want to know what the weather in Cape Verde in April is like. Well, you landed on the right article! I will tell you everything you need to know about the Cape Verde weather in April and many more travel tips for your trip to Cape Verde – it’s all here.

Are you ready to discover everything you need to know about the Cape Verde weather in April? Let’s get to it!

Cape Verde Weather In April

Cape Verde is an archipelago of 10 volcanic islands off West Africa’s coast. It’s known for its vibrant mix of Caribbean, African and European cultures, stunning beaches, turquoise waters, diverse landscapes, and amazing resorts and hotels. And therefore a popular tourist destination all year round.

But you might wonder, Is April a good time to go to Cape Verde?

April is a good time to go to Cape Verde as the weather is warm and dry, with fewer crowds than during the peak season. With average temperatures of around 25°C (77°F) and a low chance of rain, and a sea temperature of 22°C (71°F), visitors can enjoy various outdoor activities, from swimming and snorkeling to hiking and exploring the local culture. But the most unique thing you can do in April in Cape Verde is humpback whale spotting (March-May).

Remember that the trade winds can be strong during this time of year, making it windy throughout the day, but also, the sea can be a bit rougher and create larger waves. This is great news for kitesurfers or windsurfers but may not be ideal for swimming or other water activities. However, it can bring a welcome relief from the warm temperatures during the day.

So whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an adventurous getaway, Cape Verde in April has something for everyone.

Average Temperatures In Cape Verde In April

In April, Cape Verde experiences warm and pleasant temperatures, with average temperatures ranging from 20°C (68°F) to 22°C (72°F) and high temperatures of 25°C (78°F) on some islands and hot days.

• Average High Temperature in Cape Verde in April: 25°C (78°F)
• Average Temperature in Cape Verde in April: 22°C (72°F)
• Average Low Temperature In Cape Verde in April: 20°C (68°F)

It’s worth noting that temperatures can vary slightly or even greatly depending on which island you visit and the altitude of your hotel, but overall, April is a good time to experience and enjoy Cape Verde. Here are the average high and low temperatures for the most visited islands in Cape Verde in April:

1. Sal Island:

• Average high temperature in April: 27°C (81°F)
• Average low temperature in April: 22°C (72°F)

2. Boa Vista Island:

• Average high temperature in April: 27°C (81°F)
• Average low temperature in April: 21°C (70°F)

3. Santiago Island:

• Average high temperature in April: 29°C (84°F)
• Average low temperature in April: 22°C (72°F)

4. São Vicente Island:

• Average high temperature in April: 26°C (79°F)
• Average low temperature in April: 21°C (70°F)

It’s worth noting that temperatures can vary depending on the location and time of day, as well as the specific year and weather patterns. However, these averages give a good idea of what to expect in terms of temperature ranges on the most popular islands during the month of April.

Perhaps you also have some other questions about the weather in Cape Verde that I can answer for you immediately:

• What are the hottest months in Cape Verde? July and August are typically the warmest months in Cape Verde, with temperatures reaching up to 30°C (86°F) or higher in some areas.

• What are the coldest months in Cape Verde? The coldest months are January and February in Cape Verde, with average temperatures ranging from 21°C (70°F) to 24°C (75°F). However, Cape Verde is generally warm and pleasant, even in the cooler months, with plenty of sunshine and little rainfall.

• Is Cape Verde cold at night in April? The nights in Cape Verde in April are not cold. The average at night is around 20°C (68°F), but this can differ greatly per island. Islands with high altitudes (Santo Antão, Santiago, Fogo) have colder nights versus islands such as Sal and Boa Vista. And since it’s an archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, you can expect windy days throughout the year. The breeze can make it feel colder, so bringing a sweater is always a wise choice for the Cape Verde Islands.

• Which Cape Verde Island is the hottest? Santiago is the warmest island of Cape Verde.

• Where is the warmest place in Cape Verde? The capital city, Praia, on the island of Santiago, is the warmest place in Cape Verde.

• Which Cape Verde Island is the coldest? São Vicente is the coldest island of Cape Verde.

Sunshine In Cape Verde In April

Cape Verde is known for its abundant sunshine, making it an ideal destination for travelers looking to soak up some rays. If you wonder, how many hours of sunshine does Cape Verde get in April? Here is your answer:

In April, Cape Verde gets an average of 9 hours of sunshine daily.

The exact amount of sunshine can vary depending on the island you visit. Some islands, such as Sal and Boa Vista, tend to have sunnier weather than others, while islands like Santo Antao and Sao Nicolau may experience more cloud cover and a bit more rainfall.

Despite the dry season in April, it’s worth noting that Cape Verde can still experience occasional rainfall and cloudy weather. However, these periods are usually short-lived and do not significantly impact the overall weather conditions.

You might still wonder, can you sunbathe in Cape Verde in April?

You are guaranteed to sunbathe in Cape Verde in April, with 27 sunshine days on average in this month.

As shown in the graph above, you can expect an average of 27 sunshine days in Cape Verde in April, with an average of 9 hours of sunshine per day. Especially in Sal, you’re almost guaranteed to have enough sunshine hours to sunbathe during your Cape Verde holiday in April.

⛱ Cape Verde Travel Tip To Beat The Heat

If you’re done sunbathing or like to avoid the hottest parts of the day, there are fun things to do in Cape Verde. For example, plan water activities like snorkeling in Sal, doing a 4WD Quad adventure in Boa Vista, or spotting humpback whales, one of the most unique things to do in Cape Verde in April.

Rainfall in Cape Verde In April

Does Cape Verde get a lot of rain? This is a typical question on anyone’s mind when traveling to Cape Verde. Especially when visiting Cape Verde in April, you might want to know the answer to the question, Does it rain in Cape Verde in April?

April is a dry month in Cape Verde, with little to no rainfall. Sal, the most visited island, gets 1mm of rainfall on average in April.

On average, Cape Verde receives 1mm of rainfall in April. However, rainfall levels can still vary between the different islands, with some islands receiving more. For example, Sal and Boa Vista are two of the driest islands in Cape Verde, with average rainfall levels in January of 1mm. Other islands, such as Santo Antão, Santiago, and Fogo, may experience slightly higher levels of rainfall in April.

• What’s the average rainfall in Cape Verde in April? 1mm (0,039 inches)
• How many days does it rain in Cape Verde in April? On average, Cape Verde gets 3.3 rainfall days during the month of April, but this varies per island.

What are the rainy months in Cape Verde?

The rainy season in Cape Verde typically occurs between August and October, with the season’s peak usually falling in September. During this time, the islands can experience heavy rainfall and even occasional storms or hurricanes.

The amount of rainfall can vary significantly between the different islands, with some areas receiving much more rainfall than others. The northern islands of Santo Antao and Sao Nicolau tend to receive the most rainfall during the rainy season, while the southern islands of Sal and Boa Vista tend to be much drier.

However, even during the rainy season, Cape Verde generally experiences warm and pleasant weather, with plenty of sunshine between rain showers. And during the rainy season, the valleys and mountains on some Cape Verde islands are at their peak of beauty, green and lush. If you plan to visit Cape Verde during the rainy season, it’s a good idea to pack a rain jacket or umbrella and prepare for some occasional wet weather.

Average Wind Speed In Cape Verde In April

A question on many travelers’ minds when booking a holiday to Cape Verde is, Is Cape Verde too windy in April?

April is a windy month in Cape Verde, with average wind speeds of around 27 km/h (16 mph).

Since Cape Verde is an archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, 500 km out of the coast of West Africa, you can expect windy days all year round in Cape Verde. The islands are known for their strong and consistent winds, making them a popular destination for wind sports like kitesurfing and windsurfing, especially during the peak season from January to March when the conditions for these sports are at their peak. In April the windy peak season is slowing down.

When you’re a watersports enthusiast, Cape Verde can never be too windy, but when you like beach days with no wind during your holiday, April can be a bit windy for you. However it keeps the insects at bay and can bring a welcome relief from the heat. And you can always seek out areas secluded from the wind, such as beach clubs on the beach or areas by the pool at the plenty of luxury resorts in Cap Verde.

• What is the windy season in Cape Verde? The windy season in Cape Verde is from October to mid-July.
• Which is the windiest month in Cape Verde? February is the windiest month in Cape Verde, with average wind speeds of 30 km/h (18 mph).
• Which months are the best for kitesurfing in Cape Verde? The best time to visit Cape Verde for kitesurfing and windsurfing is between December and March, when the wind is the most steady and reliable for these kinds of watersports.

The exact wind speeds can vary depending on the specific island and its location within the island. The trade winds are particularly strong on the Cape Verdean islands of Sal and Boa Vista, making them popular destinations for windsurfing and kiteboarding. The winds create ideal conditions for these sports, with flat water and consistent wind speeds of around 15-20 knots (17-23 mph). Some of the world’s top windsurfers and kiteboarders visit Cape Verde during this time to take advantage of the excellent conditions.

Please know that while the winds in Cape Verde can be strong and consistent, they can also be quite gusty at times, particularly in areas with more variable wind patterns. If you’re new to kitesurfing or windsurfing, it’s a good idea to book Kite surfing lessons from a qualified instructor and to be mindful of local wind and weather conditions.

Sea Temperature In Cape Verde In April

The sea temperature in Cape Verde is generally warm and pleasant throughout the year. On average, sea temperature in Cape Verde is between 22°C (71°F) to 27°C (80°F), making it a great destination to swim, surf, or go on a snorkel trip. But as you might want to plan your trip in April, you might wonder, is the sea warm in Cape Verde in April?

The sea temperature in Cape Verde in April is 22°C (71°F).

It’s worth noting that the sea temperature can be cooler in areas with stronger currents or upwellings, so it’s always a good idea to check local conditions before swimming or engaging in water sports.

Perhaps you might also wonder, can you swim in Cape Verde in April?

The sea temperature of 22°C (71°F) is perfect for swimming in Cape Verde in April. But the winds in can make the sea a bit rougher and create larger waves at certain days.

Especially on the islands of Sal, Boa Vista, São Vicente, and Santiago, where you have the best beaches of Cape Verde, you can go for a nice swim in April. However, the trade winds can also affect the sea conditions, especially on the western and southern coasts of the islands, where the wind can create strong waves and currents.

You might also wonder, in general, can you swim in the sea in Cape Verde?

Not every island is suitable for swimming. Sal, Boa Vista, São Vicente, and Santiago are the best Cape Verde Islands to swim in the sea. Also, almost every Cape Verdean island has a beach or natural pool to take a refreshing dive, but not every island is perfect for swimming. Some islands, like Fogo and Brava, are not recommended for swimming in the sea because of the rough sea conditions. Fortunately, you can find natural pools on Fogo and Brava, which are often suitable for swimming, depending on the tide and day.

Note: it’s important to pay attention to any warning signs or advice from locals when swimming or participating in water sports while on the islands.

Cloudiness In Cape Verde In April

As I’ve mentioned, April is generally a dry and sunny month in Cape Verde, with plenty of sunny days and nice temperatures. The dry season typically brings clear skies with no cloud cover and more hours of sunshine daily. Perhaps you still wonder, is Cape Verde cloudy in April?

Cape Verde’s cloud cover in April is 21%, making April a month with clear skies with the low cloud cover compared to summer and fall months.

But as you can expect it can vary per island. For example, islands with different altitudes, valleys, and mountains (Santiago, Santo Antão, Fogo, São Nicolau) can have more cloud-covering days versus flat islands such as Boa Vista and Sal.

Best Tours In Cape Verde In April

You’ll want to go on some of these Cape Verde Tours to take advantage of what the Cape Verde Islands have to offer. Below, you’ll find some of the best tours at the most popular islands in Cape Verde for your trip in April.

Best Tours In April: Sal, Cape Verde

Best Tours In April: Boa Vista, Cape Verde

Best Tours In April: Santiago, Cape Verde

Best Tours In April: São Vicente, Cape Verde

Best Tours In April: Fogo, Cape Verde

Unique Things To Do In Cape Verde In April

Cape Verde is a diverse and fascinating destination, with plenty of unique things to see and do across its different islands. Here are some ideas for activities and attractions to check out on each of the main islands when you visit Cape Verde in April:

Sal

With its long stretches of sandy beaches and clear blue waters, Sal is a popular destination for sun-seekers and water sports enthusiasts. You can try kitesurfing, windsurfing, snorkeling, admire the “Blue Eye,” one of the seven wonders of the island, and its natural pool, visit the world’s second saltiest water in Pedra de Lume, simply relax on the beach and soak up the sun or swim with sharks as I do as you can see in our Sal travel video below.

Our Travel Guide Video of Sal:

Boa Vista

Boa Vista is known for its stunning white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters—another popular island in Cape Verde for beach-goers and watersport fanatics. You can also explore the island’s unique Viana desert with a 4WD quad, take kitesurfing lessons and visit the famous wreck of the Cabo Santa Maria. But the most unique tour you can book in April on the island is Humpback Whale Tour. As you can see in our travel guide video below.

Our Travel Guide Video of Boa Vista:

Santo Antão

Known for its stunning mountain landscapes and hiking trails, Santo Antao is a great destination for nature lovers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts. If you want to experience Cape Verde off the beaten track, this is the island to go to. You can hike through beautiful valleys, climb towering peaks, and explore traditional villages along the way.

Our Travel Guide Video Of Santo Antão:

São Vicente

This island is home to the cultural capital of Cape Verde, Mindelo, which is known for its vibrant music scene and colorful architecture. You can check out live music performances, explore the city’s markets and museums, and soak up the lively atmosphere of this bustling port town.

Our Travel Guide Video of São Vicente:

Fogo

The island of Fogo is dominated by its eponymous volcano, Pico de Fogo, which last erupted in 2014. You can hike to the summit of the volcano, which offers stunning views over the surrounding landscape, and explore the traditional villages and vineyards that dot the island’s slopes. And enjoy one of the best coffees in the world.

Our Travel Guide Video Of Fogo:

Santiago

As the largest and most populous island in Cape Verde, Santiago offers visitors a range of activities and attractions. Highlights include the historic city of Cidade Velha, the first European settlement in the tropics, and the capital city of Praia, known for its vibrant cultural scene and lively markets. You can do a banana plantation tour, make beautiful hikes through the green valleys of the island, or make a day trip to the smaller and lesser crowded neighboring island of Maio.

Cape Verde Public Holidays, Events & Festivals In April

• March/ April – Easter
• April 13 – Santo Antonio in Prequiça, São Nicolau
• Mid-April – Kriol Jazz Festival in Praia, Santiago
• Last week of April – Festa de São Filipe, Fogo (biggest festival of Fogo with sporting events, traditional rituals & concerts)

Check the Cape Verde Culture Guide for the calendar with all public holidays and national celebrations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Cape Verde located?

Cape Verde is an archipelago of 10 volcanic islands and several islets off the coast of West Africa in the Atlantic Ocean. Located approximately 570 kilometers (350 miles) west of Senegal. The islands are situated between 14°30′ and 17°30′ north latitude and 22°30′ and 25°30′ west longitude.

How to get to Cape Verde?

You can directly fly to Cape Verde’s most popular islands, such as Sal and Boa Vista, from various cities in the UK and other European countries with TUI Airways. Or you can also fly via Lisbon to fly into other major islands such as São Vicente and Santiago islands. Then you can get a domestic ferry to travel to other islands such as Santo Antão, Fogo, Maio, etc.

Is it safe to walk around in Cape Verde?

For the most part, yes. I say mostly because no place on Earth is 100% safe.

Cape Verde is generally a safe and peaceful country; visitors can feel comfortable walking around most areas. Violent crime is rare, and the locals are generally welcome and friendly to tourists. However, as with any destination, you should take some basic precautions to ensure their safety and security. For example, keep sight of your belongings at all times. Leave valuables in a hotel safe if possible, and do not carry large amounts of cash. 

“Crime affects all islands of Cape Verde, but the number of incidents affecting British nationals is generally low.“

Source: gov.uk

We spent 10 weeks visiting 5 different islands, and we had no incidents at all. At the big city market in Praia, Santiago islands, we kept an eye on our belongings a bit more than in other less crowded places. But that is normal. Every major city has more crime issues than smaller remote villages. Common sense and trusting your intuition go a long way and helps you to enjoy your Cape Verdean holiday without any incidents.