When is the best time to visit Cape Verde?
CAPE Verde is a popular holiday destination for those who want to experience warm weather all year round.
Here’s what to expect when visiting the islands.
Where is Cape Verde?
Cape Verde is a group of islands that are located 385 miles off of the West Coast of Africa.
It was uninhabited until the 15th century when Portuguese explorers discovered and colonized the islands, making the first European settlement in the tropics.
It remained under the Portuguese control until 1975.
Only half a million people live on the islands, with the most inhabited being the capital, Praia, on Santiago.
Cape Verde’s official language is Portuguese.
In 2013, the Cape Verdean government determined that it would use the Portuguese name Cabo Verde for official purposes, including at the United Nations, even when speaking or writing in English.
When is the best time to visit Cape Verde?
The islands experience hot temperatures throughout the year and very little rainfall, so it is all about personal preference.
The best time to go for clear skies and lots of sunlight is between February and June, where the days are longer and brighter.
The flight to Sal, where their main International airport is, will take around six hours from Birmingham, Bristol, Gatwick and Manchester.
How hot is it in Cape Verde?
The hottest month of the year is September with an average daily maximum of 31C and an average low of 25C.
It is also the month with a higher rainfall of 12mm a day.
The coolest month of the year is February with an average daily maximum of 24 C and an average low of 19 C.
What are the best islands to visit?
There are 10 islands in Cape Verde, with nine of those inhabited.
Sal and Boa Vista both have exceptional beaches which are extremely popular with holidaymakers.
Santiago is the most populated of the 10 islands and is where the capital Praia is located.
It holds many festivals throughout the year.
Fogo is renowned for its large volcano, which stands at 2,829 metres tall. It is the highest point of Cape Verde.
The other six islands are:
- Sao Vicente – town of Mindelo is known as the cultural centre of the islands
- Santo Antao – second largest island known for its mountains
- Sao Nicolau – features a two-towered blue church in Ribeira Brava
- Brava – smallest inhabited island has the “most beautiful town” Vila Nova Sintra in the group
- Santa Luzia – uninhabited but accessible via boat ride from Sao Vincente
- Maio