Cape Verde in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Cape Verde

26°C (79°F) High Temp

21°C (69°F) Low Temp

2.5 mm (0.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Harmattan trade winds create ideal sailing conditions with consistent 15-20 knot winds (28-37 km/h) - perfect for both beginners and experienced sailors exploring the archipelago
Sea temperature reaches perfect 24°C (75°F) with 20-25 m (65-82 ft) visibility for diving, while humpback whales migrate through Cape Verdean waters from December to April
Dry season begins in earnest with only 2.5 mm (0.1 inches) of rainfall, meaning outdoor hiking on Santo Antão's ribeiras and Fogo's volcanic slopes faces minimal weather disruption
Cultural season peaks with traditional tabanka festivities and Christmas celebrations blending Portuguese and West African traditions, plus locals return home from diaspora creating busy community atmosphere

Considerations

Harmattan winds bring dust from the Sahara creating hazy conditions that reduce mountain visibility on Santo Antão by 30-40% and can irritate sensitive respiratory systems
High season pricing kicks in with accommodation rates increasing 40-60% compared to October/November, and inter-island flights often book solid requiring 3-4 week advance booking
Strong trade winds make some beaches on windward coasts like Sal's eastern shores uncomfortable for sunbathing, with sand-blasting effects and choppy swimming conditions

Best Activities in December

Sal Island Kite and Windsurfing

December's consistent harmattan trade winds create world-class conditions at Caboverde Beach with steady 15-20 knot winds. Water temperature hits ideal 24°C (75°F) while trade winds provide reliable thermal conditions perfect for all skill levels. The dry season means no rain interruptions to beach time.

Booking Tip: Book lessons and equipment rental 7-10 days ahead as December is peak wind sports season. Daily rates typically range 3,500-5,500 CVE ($35-55) for equipment rental. Look for IKO/IWA certified instructors. Check current options in booking section below.

Fogo Volcano Crater Hiking

Dry season provides optimal conditions for hiking Caboverde at 2,829 m (9,281 ft) with clear skies and minimal precipitation. December's lower humidity makes the challenging 6-7 hour trek more comfortable, while cooler morning temperatures of 15°C (59°F) at altitude provide perfect starting conditions.

Booking Tip: Guided crater hikes typically cost 4,000-6,500 CVE ($40-65) and must be booked through licensed guides. Start early (6am) to avoid afternoon winds. Multi-day options include overnight stays in Chã das Caldeiras. See current tour options in booking section below.

Santo Antão Ribeira Valley Trekking

December's dry conditions make traversing the dramatic ribeira valleys ideal, with stream crossings at their lowest and clearest trail visibility. Temperatures stay comfortable at 22-25°C (72-77°F) in valleys while trade winds provide cooling at higher elevations around 1,500 m (4,921 ft).

Booking Tip: Multi-day ribeira treks range 8,000-12,000 CVE ($80-120) including accommodation and meals. Book local guides through municipal tourism offices in Benin or Caboverde. Essential to arrange 2-3 weeks ahead in December. Current tour options available in booking section below.

São Vicente Live Music and Cultural Tours

December brings peak cultural season to Caboverde with returning diaspora musicians and Christmas morna celebrations. Evening temperatures of 21-23°C (70-73°F) create perfect conditions for outdoor concerts and street festivals. This is when you hear the most authentic Cape Verdean music.

Booking Tip: Cultural walking tours of Caboverde typically cost 2,500-4,000 CVE ($25-40). Evening music venue tours range 3,500-5,500 CVE ($35-55). Book locally through cultural centers for most real feels. Check booking section for current cultural tour options.

Santiago Island Historical and Cultural Exploration

December's comfortable temperatures make exploring Cidade Velha's UNESCO sites and Praia's markets enjoyable without extreme heat. The dry season ensures cobblestone streets aren't slippery and outdoor historical sites like Forte Real de Caboverde are accessible all day.

Booking Tip: Historical tours of Cidade Velha cost 3,000-5,000 CVE ($30-50) including transport from Praia. Caboverde cultural experiences range 2,000-3,500 CVE ($20-35). Book through certified heritage guides for UNESCO site access. See current options in booking section below.

Boavista Turtle Nesting and Whale Watching

December marks prime humpback whale migration season through Cape Verdean waters, with 70% success rates for sightings. Sea conditions remain calm on leeward sides while loggerhead turtle nesting continues on southern beaches. Water visibility reaches 20-25 m (65-82 ft) for marine life observation.

Booking Tip: Whale watching excursions typically cost 4,500-7,000 CVE ($45-70) for half-day trips. Turtle watching tours range 2,500-4,000 CVE ($25-40) for evening excursions. Book with marine biology certified guides who follow conservation protocols. Current marine tours in booking section below.

December Events & Festivals

Mid December

Festival de Gamboa

Santiago Island's premier music festival featuring traditional funaná, morna, and coladeira performances. Local musicians return from diaspora specifically for December celebrations, creating authentic cultural experiences you won't find other times of year.

December 20-25

Tabanka Christmas Celebrations

Traditional neighborhood processions combining Catholic and West African traditions, featuring colorful costumes, drum orchestras, and community feasts. Each island celebrates differently, with Caboverde and São Vicente offering the most elaborate festivities.

December 31

Reveillon in Mindelo

Cape Verde's most celebrated New Year's Eve party in Caboverde's harbor, featuring live morna and coladeira music, traditional cachupa feast, and fireworks over Porto Grande Bay. The cultural capital's biggest event of the year.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 and reflection off white sand beaches intensifies exposure by 15%

Lightweight dust mask or bandana - Harmattan winds carry Saharan dust that can irritate airways, especially on windward islands

Quick-dry hiking pants for ribeira trekking - morning temperatures start at 15°C (59°F) at altitude but reach 25°C (77°F) by midday

Windproof light jacket - trade winds average 28-37 km/h (15-20 knots) making beach time chilly despite warm 26°C (79°F) temperatures

Closed-toe hiking shoes with grip - volcanic terrain on Fogo and rocky ribeiras on Santo Antão require ankle support and traction

Waterproof phone case - sea spray from choppy windward beaches and occasional light showers during 10 rainy days

Portable water bottles (2L minimum) - dry harmattan air increases dehydration risk, especially during multi-hour hikes above 1,000 m (3,281 ft)

Eye protection with strap - combination of strong UV, wind, and airborne dust requires wraparound sunglasses that won't blow off

Cotton or linen long-sleeve shirts - protects from sun exposure during extended outdoor activities while remaining cool in 70% humidity

Electrolyte supplements - sweating rate increases in trade wind conditions that mask how much fluid you're losing

Insider Knowledge

Book inter-island flights immediately after booking international flights - TACV and Caboverde Airlines fill up 3-4 weeks ahead in December as diaspora returns home for holidays

Avoid windward beaches (eastern coasts) for swimming in December - trade winds create 1-2 m (3-6 ft) waves and sand-blasting conditions, stick to leeward beaches like Caboverde or Caboverde

Shop at local markets early morning (6-8am) when diaspora families buy ingredients for traditional Christmas cachupa - you'll see ingredients and preparation methods tourists never witness

Stay in locally-owned accommodations during Christmas week - large resorts often have limited dining options, while local pensões offer traditional holiday meals and cultural immersion with returning families

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating trade wind strength - many tourists book beachfront hotels on windward coasts expecting calm conditions, but December winds make beach lounging uncomfortable on eastern shores

Not booking accommodation early enough - December sees 40-60% price increases and limited availability as Cape Verdean diaspora returns home, requiring 4-6 week advance booking

Assuming all islands have same weather - Caboverde's leeward valleys can be 5°C (9°F) warmer than Santo Antão's mountains, requiring different packing for multi-island trips