When to go
Since they have a good climate, in theory, you can visit Cape Verde
throughout the year, but it is necessary to make some clarifications.
In
winter, lively breezes often blow, giving a feeling of cool, especially during the days when the temperature is lower, and those who are sensitive to cold could need a jacket; moreover, the brisk wind can make the sea rough. This mainly occurs from January to March, and more often on the Barlavento than on the Sotavento islands. In winter, the Sotavento islands (the southern ones) are therefore preferable.
Although there is often little rain even in the period that is in theory the wettest,
from August (and sometimes July) to October, during which it might not rain for weeks, occasionally, there can be torrential rainfall, though short-lived, so this period can be avoided for safety. In addition, in this period, the sky is often cloudy, especially on the Sotavento islands. In August and September, the Barlavento islands are therefore preferable (also because of the lower risk of hurricanes).
So, all in all, you can choose the months of
May, June, the first half of July, and November.
At noon, the
sun is directly overhead twice a year, in late April and in mid-August, and it remains high in the sky from April to September: care must be taken to avoid sunburn, since cool breezes can prevent you from perceiving the intensity of the sun's rays.
What to pack
In
winter: bring light clothing, but also a light scarf for the wind, a sweatshirt or sweater, and a light jacket for the evening. When going to the mountains, bring sunscreen, hiking shoes, and a sweatshirt and a jacket for the evening; a warm jacket and a beanie for Pico de Fogo.
In
summer: bring summer clothes, a light sweatshirt for the evening, comfortable shoes for excursions, and possibly a light raincoat in August and September. When going to the mountains, bring sunscreen, hiking shoes, and a sweatshirt and a light jacket for Pico de Fogo.
Back to the climate of
Cape Verde