Cape Verde in April

April weather, activities, events & insider tips

April Weather in Cape Verde

25°C (78°F) High Temp

19°C (67°F) Low Temp

0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season with zero rainfall - perfect for hiking Santo Antão's challenging 1,392m (4,567 ft) Cova crater without muddy trails or cloud cover blocking mountain views
Consistent harmattan winds at 20-25 knots make this the absolute best month for windsurfing and kitesurfing at Sal's Ponta Preta - world-class conditions with minimal rain interruptions
Sea temperatures reach optimal 24°C (75°F) while visibility extends to 30m (98 ft) underwater - ideal for diving around Santiago's Caboverde wrecks before summer algae blooms
Traditional Tabanka festivals peak in April across rural villages, especially on Santiago - witness authentic grogue harvest celebrations that tourists rarely see during other months

Considerations

Harmattan winds bring Saharan dust that reduces air quality and creates hazy conditions - expect reduced visibility for photography and potential respiratory irritation for sensitive individuals
High season pricing peaks in April with accommodation rates 40-60% higher than September-November, particularly on Sal and Caboverde where resort availability drops significantly
Extreme UV exposure with 8+ index rating combined with wind-chill effect masks sun intensity - serious sunburn risk that catches many Europeans off-guard despite moderate temperatures

Best Activities in April

Santo Antão Mountain Hiking Tours

April's bone-dry conditions make this the only month to safely tackle the full Cova-Paul valley descent (6 hours, 1,200m/3,937 ft elevation drop) without dangerous mudslides. Harmattan winds clear clouds from peaks, offering unobstructed views of dramatic volcanic ridges. Morning temperatures of 19°C (67°F) at altitude provide comfortable hiking before afternoon heat builds.

Booking Tip: Book guided treks 2-3 weeks ahead through certified mountain guides - prices range €45-75 per person for full-day hikes. Look for guides certified by Cape Verde Tourism Authority. Ferry from Caboverde required (book return tickets in advance).

Sal Windsurfing and Kitesurfing

April delivers the year's most consistent trade winds at Ponta Preta and Caboverde beaches - perfect 20-25 knot conditions with zero rain interruptions. Water temperature hits sweet spot of 24°C (75°F) requiring only shorty wetsuits. Professional windsurfers flock here in April for training camps, creating electric atmosphere.

Booking Tip: Equipment rental runs €35-50 daily for windsurfing, €40-60 for kitesurfing. Book lessons 1 week ahead - beginner courses typically €180-250 for 3-day packages. Advanced riders should bring own sails for optimal performance.

Santiago Cultural Village Tours

April coincides with post-harvest Tabanka celebrations in rural Santiago communities around Assomada and Tarrafal. These authentic cultural festivals feature traditional batuco drumming, grogue distilling, and cashew fruit processing that visitors can participate in. Dry roads make 4WD access to remote villages reliable.

Booking Tip: Local cultural tours cost €25-40 per person including transport and traditional lunch. Contact community tourism cooperatives directly or through licensed cultural guides. Some villages require advance permission - book 5-7 days ahead.

Boa Vista Desert and Beach Exploration

April's clear skies and minimal wind provide ideal conditions for exploring Viana Desert's dunes and spotting nesting loggerhead turtles at Ervatão Beach. Daytime temperatures stay comfortable for 4WD desert expeditions while evening turtle watching sessions benefit from calm conditions and excellent visibility.

Booking Tip: Desert tours typically €35-50 per person for half-day expeditions. Turtle watching tours (evening) cost €25-35 and require advance booking due to conservation limits. Choose operators with environmental certifications for responsible wildlife viewing.

São Vicente Music and Cultural Scene

Mindelo's legendary music venues hit peak season in April with both local musicians and international artists performing. Cool evening temperatures (19°C/67°F) make outdoor concerts at Laginha Beach comfortable. This is when many famous mornas and coladeras debut before summer festival circuit.

Booking Tip: Live music venues charge €10-25 entry depending on performers. Major concerts at Cultural Center require advance booking. Local bars with traditional music operate nightly - no reservations needed but arrive by 9pm for best spots.

Multi-Island Diving Expeditions

April offers peak underwater visibility (25-30m/82-98 ft) with calm seas ideal for advanced dive sites around Caboverde shipwrecks and Santa Luzia's pristine reefs. Water temperature of 24°C (75°F) requires only 3mm wetsuits while marine life activity peaks before summer temperature spikes.

Booking Tip: Liveaboard diving packages range €120-180 per day including equipment and meals. Single-day diving costs €45-65 for two-tank dives. Book certified PADI operators 2 weeks ahead - April fills quickly due to optimal conditions.

April Events & Festivals

Throughout April

Tabanka Harvest Festivals

Traditional community celebrations across Santiago's rural villages celebrating cashew and sugar cane harvests with authentic batuco drumming, grogue tasting, and communal feasts. These are genuine cultural events, not tourist shows, offering rare insight into rural Cape Verdean traditions.

Every Thursday and Saturday

Mindelo Music Sessions

Informal but legendary weekly gatherings at various venues where established and emerging morna artists perform. These intimate sessions often feature surprise appearances by Cape Verde's most celebrated musicians returning from European tours.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

High-factor reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+) - UV index reaches 8+ and wind-chill masks burn intensity until too late

Dust masks or bandanas - Saharan dust from harmattan winds creates poor air quality and respiratory irritation

Lightweight windbreaker - not for rain but for constant 15-20 knot trade winds that create chill factor

Closed hiking shoes with good grip - volcanic rock terrain becomes treacherous when dusty, even on easy trails

Electrolyte supplements - 70% humidity combined with wind dehydrates faster than expected, locals always carry rehydration salts

UV-blocking sunglasses - essential for desert/beach reflection plus sand particles carried by harmattan winds

Quick-dry clothing in earth tones - bright colors show dust immediately and require constant washing

Waterproof phone case - not for water but for omnipresent fine sand/dust that penetrates standard cases

Cash in euros - ATMs frequently empty during high season, especially on smaller islands

Backup prescription medications - inter-island transport delays common and pharmacies limited outside Praia/Mindelo

Insider Knowledge

Book inter-island flights with TACV at least 21 days ahead in April - routes often sell out and alternatives involve overnight stays. Local residents get priority rebooking during weather delays.

Harmattan dust peaks between 2-6pm daily - schedule outdoor photography and drone flights for early morning (6-9am) when air clarity is optimal and winds lighter.

Rural Santiago village visits require informal 'permission' from local chiefs - your guide should make introductions, never arrive unannounced during harvest season activities.

Grogue (local rum) quality varies dramatically - aged varieties from Santo Antão's Paul Valley distilleries far superior to cheap tourist versions sold at airports and resort shops.

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating sun exposure due to constant wind cooling effect - many visitors suffer severe burns thinking moderate temperatures mean lower UV risk

Packing only for beach activities and missing proper hiking gear for mountain trails that require sturdy footwear and layers for elevation changes

Assuming English widely spoken outside resort areas - basic Portuguese or Kriolu phrases essential for authentic cultural experiences and rural excursions