Cape Verde Weather In February: Weather & Travel Guide

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

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

Cape Verde Weather In February

Cape Verde has a tropical climate with relatively consistent temperatures throughout the year. February is a great month to visit Cape Verde as the weather is sunny and dry, making it a popular destination for winter sun-seekers who want to relax on the beach, snorkel and go wind or kite surfing.

In February, the average high temperature in Cape Verde is around 21°C (70°F), with lows of 20-22°C (68-72°F), making it one of the coldest months in Cape Verde. However, you can expect around 25 sunny days during this month, with an average of around 9 hours of sunshine a day. The sea temperature is also pleasant, hovering around 22°C (71°F). And rainfall is at its lowest during this time of the year, with only a few scattered showers on some islands.

You can expect strong winds in Cape Verde from around 30 km/h (18mph/h) in February. The islands are known for their consistent trade winds, which are prevalent across all Cape Verde islands, especially in the month of February, when the windy season is at its peak. These winds blow from the northeast, and their strength can vary depending on the location and time of day. The winds can be strong, especially in Sal and Boa Vista, making these islands a popular destination for kitesurfers and windsurfers.

Besides these adrenaline-filled sports, you can enjoy lounging on the beach, swimming in the warm waters, and going snorkeling. February is also a good time for hiking, with lower temperatures making exploring the islands’ stunning mountain landscapes easier. But since the rainy season ends in October, you can expect the valleys to be less green and lush than during or just after the rainy season.

Another amazing reason to visit Cape Verde in February is the opportunity to experience the country’s unique culture. The archipelago has a rich history and a blend of African, Portuguese, and Brazilian influences, which is reflected in its music, dance, and cuisine. The annual Carnival of Mindelo, held in February/ March, is one of the most important and famous cultural events in Cape Verde. It features colorful parades, lively music, and traditional costumes, providing a glimpse into the country’s vibrant culture. And we can tell from experience that this is a unique and once-in-a-lifetime experience, as you can see in our Carnival of Mindelo video below.

In summary, if you’re looking for a sunny destination with a range of activities to enjoy, Cape Verde in February is an excellent choice. The comfortable temperatures, dry weather, unique cultural events, and water sports opportunities make Cape Verde an ideal destination for travelers seeking to escape the cold winter.

Average Temperatures In Cape Verde In February

February is a dry and cool month in Cape Verde, with average temperatures ranging from 21°C (70°F) to 24°C (75°F).

• Average High Temperature in Cape Verde in February: 21°C (70°F) to 24°C (75°F)
• Average Low Temperature In Cape Verde in February: 19°C (66°F) to 21°C (70°F)

Perhaps you also have some other questions about the weather in Cape Verde where I can assist you:

• 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.
• Does it get cold at night in Cape Verde? January and February are the coolest months in Cape Verde. At night you can expect an average of 18°C (64°F). But this can differ per region, for example in mountainous areas, you can expect some colder nights during these months.

It’s worth noting that temperatures can vary slightly depending on which island you visit, but overall, February is a great time to experience and enjoy Cape Verde. Here are the average high and low temperatures for the biggest islands in Cape Verde in February:

• Santiago: Average High Temperature of 23°C (73°F), Average Low Temperature of 20°C (68°F)
• Sal: Average High Temperature of 21°C (71°F), Average Low Temperature of 20°C (69°F)
• Boa Vista: Average High Temperature of 24°C (75°F), Average Low Temperature of 18°C (64°F)
• Sao Vicente: Average High Temperature of 21°C (71°F), Average Low Temperature of 19°C (66°F)

• 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 February

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 February? Here is your answer:

In February, Cape Verde experiences 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 February, 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 February?

You are guaranteed to sunbathe in Cape Verde in February as the islands has 25 sunshine days on average in the month of February.

As shown in the graph above, you can expect an average of 25 sunshine days in Cape Verde in February, 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 February.

⛱ 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 or doing a 4WD Quad adventure in Boa Vista.

Rainfall in Cape Verde In February

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

February is generally considered to be a very dry month in Cape Verde, as it falls within the dry season. There is little to no rainfall.

On average, Cape Verde receives 2mm of rainfall in February. 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 February of just 2mm. Other islands, such as Santo Antão and Fogo, may experience slightly higher levels of rainfall in February.

• What’s the average rainfall in Cape Verde in February? 2mm (0,07 inches)
• How many days does it rain in Cape Verde in February? On average, Cape Verde gets 1 rainy day during the month of February. (Note: differs 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.

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 February

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

In February, Cape Verde experiences its windiest month, with average wind speeds of around 30 km/h (18 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 February when the conditions for these sports are ideal.

When you’re a watersports enthusiast, Cape Verde can never be too windy in February. And when you like beach days with no wind during your holiday, then February is perhaps not the best month to visit Cape Verde. However, you can always seek out areas on the beach, such as beach clubs or luxury resorts with pools that provide wind protection.

• 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. 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.

Despite the wind, the consistent trade winds in February can also bring a welcome relief from the heat, making the weather feel more comfortable and less humid. The winds can also help to keep insects at bay, which can be a concern during the warmer and more humid months.

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 February

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 February you might wonder, is the sea warm in Cape Verde in February?

The sea temperature in Cape Verde in February 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 that is why you might also wonder, can you swim in Cape Verde in February?

The sea temperature of 22°C (71°F) is perfect for a swim in the ocean in Cape Verde in February.

Espcially on the islands Sal, Boa Vista. São Vicente, and Santiago where you have the best beaches of Cape Verde you can go for a nice swim in February. 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, 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, it’s not recommended to go 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 during your time on the islands.

Cloudiness In Cape Verde In February

As I’ve mentioned, February is generally a dry and sunny month in Cape Verde, with plenty of sunny days and nice 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. Still, you might question, is Cape Verde cloudy in February?

In February, Cape Verde experiences a cloud cover of 20%, which makes February one of the clearest sky months in the year with least amount of clouds.

But 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 February

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 for your trip in February.

Best Tours In Sal Cape Verde In February

Best Tours In Boa Vista Cape Verde In February

Best Tours In Santiago Cape Verde In February

Best Tours In São Vicente Cape Verde In February

Best Tours In Fogo Cape Verde In February

Unique Things To Do In Cape Verde In February

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 February:

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 because February is the kitesyrfing season at its peak, 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:

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. But the most famous cultural event is the Carnival of Mindelo with colorful parades, lively music, and traditional costumes that is absolutely worth to experience once in life.

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 February

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

Cape Verde in February: 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, 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 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 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.