Cape Verde Weather in October: Weather & Travel Guide

When booking a holiday to Cape Verde in October, you might want to know what the weather in Cape Verde is like in that month. Well, you’ve come to the right place! I will tell you everything you need to know about the Cape Verde weather in October 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 October? Let’s get to it!

Cape Verde Weather In October

Cape Verde is a group of ten volcanic islands located in the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of West Africa. The islands are known for their beautiful beaches, turquoise waters, diverse landscape and vibrant mix of Caribbean, European and African cultures, and diverse wildlife.

The islands were uninhabited until the 15th century when Portuguese explorers discovered them and established a colony there. Today, the islands are an independent nation with tourism as one of the main industries in Cape Verde. Visitors enjoy the islands’ natural beauty, rich history, and year-round warm weather.

This all sounds nice, but you might wonder, Is October a good time to go to Cape Verde?

October can be a great time to visit Cape Verde for many travelers, but there are some important factors to consider when planning a trip during this time of year.

In general, October is still considered to be the last month of the rainy season in Cape Verde, which runs from August to October. While the islands do not typically experience heavy rainfall during this time, you should still be prepared for some occasional showers and thunderstorms, particularly in the earlier part of the month.

October is one of the warmest months in Cape Verde. You can expect average temperatures of 26°C (77°F). However, it’s worth noting that the heat can feel more intense due to high humidity levels.

October can be a great time to experience the islands’ unique culture and outdoor activities. For example, October is considered one of the best months for diving and snorkeling because the visibility underwater is at its best. Also, the mountains and valleys on some islands are green and lush due to the rainy season, making them beautiful destinations for hiking. Plus, in October, you can go on a Turtle spotting tour.

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

Average Temperatures In Cape Verde In October

In October, Cape Verde experiences warm temperatures, with average temperatures of 26°C (79°F).

• Average High Temperature in Cape Verde in October: 29°C (84°F)
• Average Temperature in Cape Verde in October: 26°C (79°F)
• Average Low Temperature In Cape Verde in October: 24°C (75°F)

These temperatures are fairly consistent throughout the month, with only minor variations from day to day.

But it’s worth noting that temperatures can vary slightly or even greatly depending on which island you visit and the altitude of your hotel. So to give you a better perspective, here are the average high and low temperatures for the most visited islands in Cape Verde in October:

1. Sal Island:

• Average high temperature in October: 30°C (86°F)
• Average low temperature in October: 25°C (77°F)

2. Boa Vista Island:

• Average high temperature in October: 29°C (84°F)
• Average low temperature in October: 24°C (75°F)

3. Santiago Island (Praia):

• Average high temperature in October: 29°C (84°F)
• Average low temperature in October: 24°C (75°F)

4. São Vicente Island (Mindelo):

• Average high temperature in October: 28°C (82°F)
• Average low temperature in October: 24°C (75°F)

Temperatures can vary slightly depending on the location within each island, and you should also be prepared for occasional rain and high humidity levels.

You might 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 October? The nights in Cape Verde in October are not cold. The average at night is around 24°C (75°F), but this can differ per island. Islands with high altitudes (Santo Antão, Santiago, Fogo) have colder nights versus islands such as Sal and Boa Vista.

• 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.

• Is there a hurricane season in Cape Verde? Hurricanes only occur occasionally in Cape Verde. On average, they happen about two times a year, usually between early June to late November.

Sunshine In Cape Verde In October

Cape Verde is known for its abundant sunshine, making it an ideal destination for travelers looking to soak up some rays. If you wonder, Is Cape Verde sunny in October?

In October, Cape Verde gets 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 a bit more rainfall.

Perhaps you might still wonder, can you sunbathe in Cape Verde in October?

You can easily sunbathe in Cape Verde in October, with 27 sunshine days and 8 hours of sunshine per day on average in this month.

As shown in the graph above, you can expect an average of 27 sunshine days in Cape Verde in October, with an average of 8 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 October.

⛱ 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 going on a Turtle Spotting Tour, one of the most unique things to do in Cape Verde in October.

Rainfall in Cape Verde In October

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 October, you might want to know the answer to the question, Does it rain a lot in Cape Verde in October?

October is the last month of the rainy season, with an average of 11mm (0,43 inches) of rainfall.

On average, Cape Verde receives 11mm (0,43 inches) of rainfall in October. 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. 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 October? 11mm (0,43 inches)
• How many days does it rain in Cape Verde in October? On average, Cape Verde gets 2.8 rainfall days during the month of October, 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, being very 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, especially when you visit the mountainous islands.

Average Wind Speed In Cape Verde In October

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

October is considered not a windy month in Cape Verde, with average wind speeds of around 22 km/h (13 mph), making October less windy than other months.

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. October is one of the less windy months of the year.

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.

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 Cape 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. 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 October

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

The sea warm is nice and warm in October with an average temperature of 26°C (78°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 October?

The sea temperature of 26°C (78°F) is perfect for swimming in Cape Verde in October, but not all Cape Verde islands have suitable swimming beaches.

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 October. 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 October

As I’ve mentioned, October is the last month of the rainy season, and therefore you might wonder, is Cape Verde cloudy in October?

Cape Verde’s cloud cover in October is 25%, making October a month with more cloudy skies compared to the months of December until June.

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 October

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 October: Sal, Cape Verde

Best Tours In October: Boa Vista, Cape Verde

Best Tours In October: Santiago, Cape Verde

Best Tours In October: São Vicente, Cape Verde

Best Tours In October: Fogo, Cape Verde

Unique Things To Do In Cape Verde In October

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.

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. Or go turtle spotting.

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

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.