Cape Verde Weather in January: Weather And Travel Guide
When you want to book a holiday to Cape Verde in January, you might want to know what the weather in Cape Verde in January is like. Well, you landed on the right article! I will tell you everything you need to know about the Cape Verde weather in January 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 January? Let’s get to it!
Cape Verde Weather In January
Cape Verde is an archipelago of 10 volcanic islands located off the northwest coast of Africa, in the Atlantic Ocean. The climate in Cape Verde is generally warm and dry throughout the year, with very little rainfall. The islands experience two main seasons: a dry season from November to June, and a rainy season from July to October.
January falls within the dry season in Cape Verde, which means that the islands generally experience warm and sunny weather with very little rainfall. The average temperature in Cape Verde during the day in January is around 25°C (77°F), with nighttime temperatures averaging around 20°C (68°F), which makes January one of the coldest months in Cape Verde. Still, these temperatures are quite comfortable and make for a pleasant holiday destination. As well as the 29 days of sunshine Cape Verde usually gets in this month.
Remember that the trade winds can be stronger during this time of year, making the sea a bit rougher and creating larger waves. This is great news for kitesurfers or windsurfers but may not be ideal for swimming or other water activities.
January is also a good time for hiking, with lower temperatures making exploring the islands’ stunning mountain landscapes easier. The rainy season ends in October, so you can expect the valleys to still be quite green and lush for ultimate landscape scenery pictures.
Perhaps you still might wonder, Is January a good time to go to Cape Verde?
January is generally considered a good time to visit Cape Verde. As I mentioned earlier, January falls within the dry season, so that you can expect warm and sunny weather with very little rainfall. The comfortable and consistent temperatures make it a great time to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, sightseeing, and beach-going.
Additionally, January is a popular time for festivals and cultural events in Cape Verde. For example, the island of Santiago celebrates the traditional festival of Nho Santo Amaro, which includes music, dancing, and a procession to honor the island’s patron saint. The town of São Filipe on the island of Fogo also hosts a carnival celebration in January, with colorful parades and live music. And there are many other national celebrations throughout the month of January, which I will mention later in this article.
Overall, if you’re looking for warm weather in winter, sunny beach days, fun outdoor activities, and cultural events, January is a great time to visit Cape Verde. Just be aware that the trade winds may be stronger during this time of year, affecting some water activities.
Average Temperatures In Cape Verde In January
January 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 January: 21°C (70°F) to 24°C (75°F)
- Average Low Temperature In Cape Verde in January: 19°C (66°F) to 21°C (70°F)
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 January? 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 January.
It’s worth noting that temperatures can vary slightly depending on which island you visit, but overall, January 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 January:
- Sal in January: Average High Temperature of 23°C (73°F), Average Low Temperature of 20°C (69°F)
- Boa Vista in January: Average High Temperature of 24°C (75°F), Average Low Temperature of 19°C (66°F)
- Santiago in January: Average High Temperature of 24°C (75°F), Average Low Temperature of 21°C (71°F)
- Sao Vicente in January: Average High Temperature of 22°C (71°F), Average Low Temperature of 20°C (68°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 January
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 January? Here is your answer:
In January, Cape Verde has 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 January, 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 January?
You are guaranteed to sunbathe in Cape Verde in January as the islands have 29 sunshine days on average in January.
As shown in the graph above, you can expect an average of 29 sunshine days in Cape Verde in January, 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 January.
⛱ 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 January
Does Cape Verde get a lot of rain? This is a typical question on anyone’s mind when traveling to Cape Verde. Especially when you want to visit Cape Verde in January, you might want to know the answer to the question, Does it rain in Cape Verde in January?
January is the driest month in Cape Verde, with little to no rainfall. Sal, the most visited island, gets 0mm of rainfall on average in January.
On average, Cape Verde receives 0mm-2mm of rainfall in January. 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 0mm. Other islands, such as Santo Antão, Santiago, and Fogo, may experience slightly higher levels of rainfall in january.
- What’s the average rainfall in Cape Verde in January? 0mm (0,00 inches)
- How many days does it rain in Cape Verde in January? On average, Cape Verde gets 1 rainy day during the month of January. (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 January
Is Cape Verde too windy in January? This is a question on many travelers’ minds when booking a holiday to Cape Verde.
January is one of the windiest months in Cape Verde, with average wind speeds of around 29 km/h (18 mph).
When you’re a watersports enthusiast, Cape Verde can never be too windy in January. But when you like beach days with no wind during your holiday, then January is perhaps not the best month to visit Cape Verde. However, 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.
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 January when the conditions for these sports are at their peak.
- 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.
Despite the wind, the consistent trade winds in January 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 January
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 January, you might wonder, is the sea warm in Cape Verde in January?
The sea temperature in Cape Verde in January 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 January?
The sea temperature of 22°C (71°F) is perfect for swimming in Cape Verde in January. But the strong winds in January can make the sea a bit rougher and create larger waves.
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 January. 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 January
As I’ve mentioned, January 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. There may be occasional clouds or periods of overcast weather, so you might question, is Cape Verde cloudy in January?
Cape Verde’s cloud cover in January is 18%, making January the month with the clearest skies out of the year with the least clouds compared to all the other months.
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 January
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 January.
Best Tours In Sal Cape Verde In January
Best Tours In Boa Vista Cape Verde In January
Best Tours In Santiago Cape Verde In January
Best Tours In São Vicente Cape Verde In January
Best Tours In Fogo Cape Verde In January
Unique Things To Do In Cape Verde In January
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 january:
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.
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 January
- 1 January – New Year (Public holiday)
- January 6 – Various islands: Epiphany
- January 13 – Day of Democracy (Public holiday)
- January 15 – Santiago Island: Santo Amro Festival
- January 17th – Santo Antao: Municipal festival in Ribeira Grande
- January 20 – National Day of Heroes (Public holiday)
- January 22 – Sao Vicente Island: city festivities of the town of Mindelo
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.
Cape Verde Travel Planning Guide
🚑 Should I buy travel insurance for Cape Verde?
100% YES! — With basic coverage averaging just $2 USD per day, enjoy peace of mind with a plan from Safety Wing, one of the biggest names in travel insurance.
💧Can you drink tap water in Cape Verde?
No — It is generally recommended to drink bottled water in Cape Verde. While tap water is generally safe for showering and brushing teeth, it may not be suitable for drinking. Bottled water is readily available and affordable throughout the country. Or you can buy a Water-To-Go Bottle, which filters your drinking water.
🚗 Is it safe to rent a car in Cape Verde?
Yes — Renting a car in Cape Verde is one of the best ways to see the islands. I always rent with Rentalcars, which checks international and local Cape Verdean companies, so you get the best rates.
🏩 What’s the best way to book places to stay in Cape Verde?
For Cape Verde hotels, Booking.com is the best site. If you’re considering an (all-inclusive) resort, I recommend TUI since they have the best resorts on the islands.
🛫 What’s the best site to buy Cape Verde flights?
For direct flights from the UK and Europe, I recommend TUI Airways. For finding alternative flights to Cape Verde, I recommend Skyscanner.
⛵️ Where to book the best tours in Cape Verde?
For the best tours in Cape Verde, I highly recommend booking your trips at Get Your Guide.
🛂 Do I need a visa for Cape Verde?
Likely Not — U.S. and most European Passport holders don’t need a visa for Cape Verde. Most travelers will receive a 30-day tourist visa upon arrival.
😃 Which is the safest island of Cape Verde?
Santo Antão – Although all islands are safe to travel to, Santo Antão is the safest island of Cape Verde. It is known for “Morabeza,” a Creole word meaning very friendly Cape Verdean hospitality. In the capital Praia on the island of Santiago, you must be somewhat careful but not need paranoia.
🗣 Do they speak English in Cape Verde?
Yes – Most staff speak English, and some are multi-lingual. The official language of Cape Verde is Portuguese. The mother tongue of virtually all Cape Verdeans is Cape Verdean Creole. (Read more)
⭐️ What is the best time to visit Cape Verde?
The best time to visit Cape Verde is between November and June. The average day temperature is around 24°C (75°F), the sea temperature is 25°C, and there is almost no rain. Perfect for a white-sandy beach holiday. However, Cape Verde has many attractions and activities throughout the year:
- The best time to visit Cape Verde for Hiking: November & December
- The best time to visit Cape Verde for Snorkeling and Diving: July – December
- The best time to visit Cape Verde for Kitesurfing: December – March
- The best time to visit Cape Verde for Whale Watching: March-May
- The best time to visit Cape Verde for Turtle Spotting: Mid-July – October
- The best time to visit Cape Verde for Carnival: February/ March