Cape Verde Weather In December: Info & Travel Tips

Wondering if it’s the best time to visit Cape Verde in December? You landed on the right article. I will tell you everything you need to know about visiting Cape Verde in December.

December is one of the busiest months in Cape Verde, as many Europeans like to escape the winter and enjoy some nice sunny beach days during or just before Christmas. From the weather in Cape Verde to the best things to do in Cape Verde in December and even some great travel tips for December – it’s all here.

Are you ready to discover everything you need for your Cape Verde December trip? Let’s get to it!

Weather In Cape Verde In December

December can be a great time to visit Cape Verde. During this time, the weather in Cape Verde is warm and sunny, with average temperatures ranging from 25°C (77°F) to 28°C (82°F). This makes Cape Verde an ideal destination for travelers looking to escape the cold winter weather. If you’re a beach lover, especially the Sal and Boa Vista islands are an excellent choice with amazing 5-star hotels and resorts.

However, it’s important to note that December falls within the dry season in Cape Verde, which means that there is little to no rainfall during this time. This may be ideal for travelers seeking sun and warmth and enjoying the beach, as there are many great beaches in Cape Verde. It may not be the best time to visit if you want to experience lush, green landscapes during your hikes on Cape Verdean islands such as Santo Antao.

Average Temperatures In Cape Verde In December

December is a warm and dry month in Cape Verde, with average temperatures ranging from 25°C (77°F) to 28°C (82°F).

• Average High Temperature in Cape Verde: 25°C (77°F) to 28°C (82°F)
• Average Low Temperature In Cape Verde: 19°C (66°F) to 21°C (70°F)
• What are the hottest months in Cape Verde? July and August are typically the warmest months, 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, 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.

The temperature can vary slightly depending on the specific island you are visiting. Here are the average high and low temperatures for some of the main islands in Cape Verde in December:

• Santiago: Average High Temperature of 28°C (82°F), Average Low Temperature of 21°C (70°F)
• Sal: Average High Temperature of 26°C (79°F), Average Low Temperature of 21°C (70°F)
• Boa Vista: Average High Temperature of 26°C (79°F), Average Low Temperature of 20°C (68°F)
• Sao Vicente: Average High Temperature of 25°C (77°F), Average Low Temperature of 19°C (66°F)
• Which Cape Verde Island is the hottest? Santiago is the warmest island of Cape Verde.
• Which Cape Verde Island is the coldest? São Vicente is the coldest island of Cape Verde.

Sunshine In Cape Verde In December

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 December?

In December, Cape Verde experiences an average of 8 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 rainfall.

Despite the dry season in December, it’s worth noting that Cape Verde can still experience occasional rainfall and cloudy weather, especially toward the end of the month. 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 December?

As shown in the graph above, you can expect an average of 28.6 sunshine days in Cape Verde in December. Especially in Sal, you’re almost guaranteed to have enough sunshine hours to sunbathe during your Cape Verde holiday in December.

And if you’re wondering, how hot is Cape Verde at Christmas?

At Christmas, the average maximum temperature during the day is 27° Celsius (80,6°F) in Cape Verde. The average night temperature is 20°C 68°F. And the water temperature is a nice 22°C (71,6°F)— amazing weather for a nice Christmas under the Cape Verdean sun, right?

⛱ Cape Verde Travel Tips 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 or doing a 4WD Quad adventure in Boa Vista.

Rainfall in Cape Verde In December

Does Cape Verde get a lot of rain? This is a typical question on anyone’s mind when traveling to Cape Verde.

December is generally considered to be a very dry month in Cape Verde, as it falls within the dry season.

On average, Cape Verde receives just 5-10mm of rainfall in December, with some islands receiving even less. For example, Sal and Boa Vista are two of the driest islands in Cape Verde, with average rainfall levels in December of just 1-2mm.

Other islands, such as Santo Antão and Fogo, may experience slightly higher levels of rainfall in December, with averages ranging from 10-20mm. Santo Antao and Sao Nicolau, which are located further north, may also receive slightly more rainfall than other islands.

• What’s the average rainfall in Cape Verde in December? 1mm (0,039 inches)
• How many days does it rain in Cape Verde in December? Just two days during the month of December.

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.

It’s worth noting that 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. 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 December

Is Cape Verde very windy? This is a question on many travelers’ minds when booking a holiday to Cape Verde.

In December, Cape Verde experiences 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, which make them a popular destination for wind sports like kitesurfing and windsurfing.

• 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 most steady and reliable wind for watersports, such as windsurfing and kitesurfing, is from December to March, when kiteboarding season peaks.

The exact wind speeds can vary depending on the specific island and its location within the island. Some areas, such as the beaches of Sal and Boa Vista, are particularly well-known for their consistent winds during the months of December until March.

December is particularly great for kitesurfing in Cape Verde because it falls within the dry season, typically bringing clear skies, warm temperatures, and strong winds. The combination of sunshine, warm water temperatures, and consistent winds make it an ideal time to hit the water and enjoy some kitesurfing or windsurfing.

It’s worth noting 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.

Is the sea warm in Cape Verde in December?

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 snorkel.

• What is the average sea temperature in Cape Verde in December? 24°C (75°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 going for a swim or engaging in water sports.

Also, not every island is suitable for swimming. So when you wonder, can you swim in the sea in Cape Verde? Here is the answer:

Sal, Boa Vista, and Santiago are the best Cape Verde Islands to swim in the sea. Almost every island has a beach or natural pool where you can take a refreshing dive. But on some islands, like Fogo and Brava, it’s not recommended to go swimming in the sea because of the rough sea conditions. Fortunately, you’ll find natural pools on Fogo and Brava which are suitable for swimming.

Is Cape Verde Cloudy in December?

As I’ve mentioned earlier, December is generally a dry and sunny month in Cape Verde, with plenty of clear skies and warm temperatures. The dry season typically brings with it less cloud cover and more hours of sunshine per day. There may be occasional clouds or periods of overcast weather, especially toward the end of the month.

On average, you can expect a cloud cover of 20% in December in Cape Verde. One of the months with the least clouds compared to more cloudy months in the summer.

Best Tours In Cape Verde In December

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

Best Tours In Sal Cape Verde In December

Best Tours In Boa Vista Cape Verde In December

Best Tours In Santiago Cape Verde In December

Best Tours In São Vicente Cape Verde In December

Best Tours In Fogo Cape Verde In December

Unique Things To Do In Cape Verde In December

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:

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, or simply relax on the beach and soak up the sun.

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.

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:

Sao 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 in December: Ultimate Travel Guide & FAQ

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, for the most part, 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 local population is generally welcoming 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 compared to the time we hiked through the small villages and valleys of Santo Antão. Common sense and trusting your intuition go a long way and helps you to enjoy your Cape Verdean holiday without any safety incidents.