Cape Verde in February

February weather, activities, events & insider tips

February Weather in Cape Verde

25°C (77°F) High Temp

19°C (66°F) Low Temp

2.5 mm (0.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Peak wind season brings consistent 20-25 knot northeast trade winds - ideal for windsurfing, kitesurfing, and sailing with minimal choppy waters
Dry season means only 2-3 rainy days across all islands, with clear skies perfect for hiking Pico do Fogo's 2,829m (9,281ft) summit
Carnaval season peaks in February with São Vicente's Caboverde hosting the largest celebration - street parties, live music, and authentic Cape Verdean culture
Sea temperatures reach optimal 23-24°C (73-75°F) for diving and snorkeling, with 25-30m (82-98ft) visibility around protected marine areas

Considerations

High season pricing means accommodation costs 40-60% more than shoulder months, with beachfront hotels booking out 8-12 weeks ahead
Harmattan winds from Sahara bring occasional dust haze reducing visibility and coating surfaces - challenging for photography and respiratory sensitivities
Tourist crowds at popular spots like Sal's Caboverde Beach and Santiago's Caboverde reach peak levels, especially during Carnaval weeks

Best Activities in February

Sal Island Wind Sports

February delivers Cape Verde's most reliable wind conditions with 20-25 knot northeast trades. Sal's flat-water lagoons and consistent swells create perfect learning conditions for kitesurfing and windsurfing. Water temperatures of 23°C (73°F) mean comfortable sessions without thick wetsuits. Local schools operate optimal morning sessions 8am-12pm before afternoon thermal winds intensify.

Booking Tip: Book wind sport packages 2-3 weeks ahead through certified IKO/RYA instructors. Expect rates of €40-60 per hour for lessons, €200-300 for 3-day courses. Look for schools offering rescue boat support and equipment insurance. Check current availability in booking section below.

Fogo Island Volcano Hiking

February's dry conditions and clear skies provide optimal visibility for ascending Pico do Fogo at 2,829m (9,281ft). Morning temperatures start at 15°C (59°F) at base, perfect for the 4-6 hour trek. Post-eruption landscape changes since 2014 create unique geological formations. Minimal rainfall means stable trail conditions and spectacular sunrise views from the crater rim.

Booking Tip: Book guided volcano treks 10-14 days ahead through licensed mountain guides. Typical costs €45-65 per person for day hikes, €80-120 for overnight crater camping. Verify guide certification and emergency equipment. Group sizes limited to 8 people maximum during peak season.

Santiago Cultural Immersion

February coincides with pre-Carnaval cultural activities in Santiago's interior. Dry weather enables access to remote villages like Rabelados community and traditional pottery workshops in Assomada. Comfortable 22-25°C (72-77°F) temperatures perfect for exploring Caboverde UNESCO site and hiking Serra Malagueta's 1,064m (3,491ft) peaks without extreme heat.

Booking Tip: Arrange cultural village visits through local community guides 1-2 weeks ahead. Day tours typically €35-50 per person including transport and guide. Look for operators supporting community tourism initiatives. Best morning departures 7-8am to avoid midday heat.

São Vicente Music Scene Experience

February brings Carnaval season peak to Caboverde, Cape Verde's cultural capital. Live morna and coladeira performances happen nightly at venues like Centro Cultural do Caboverde. Street rehearsals and spontaneous music sessions occur daily leading up to main Carnaval parade. Comfortable evening temperatures 20-22°C (68-72°F) perfect for outdoor concerts.

Booking Tip: Book Caboverde music tours and cultural experiences 2-3 weeks ahead during Carnaval season. Evening music venue tours cost €25-40 per person. Look for guides with connections to local musicians and cultural centers. Reserve dinner-show packages early as they sell out quickly.

Boa Vista Marine Wildlife Tours

February marks optimal sea conditions for dolphin and whale watching around Caboverde's waters. Calm seas and 25m+ (82ft+) visibility enable encounters with humpback whales migrating through Cape Verde waters. Loggerhead turtle nesting season begins, with guided night tours to protected beaches. Morning boat trips benefit from minimal wind chop.

Booking Tip: Book marine wildlife tours 7-10 days ahead through operators with marine biologist guides. Half-day whale watching costs €40-55 per person, full-day marine safaris €70-90. Verify boats have hydrophones for whale detection and safety certifications for open ocean travel.

Multi-Island Hopping Adventures

February's stable weather conditions make inter-island travel reliable via domestic flights and ferry services. Clear visibility enhances scenic flights between islands showing dramatic volcanic landscapes. Ferry schedules maintain regularity without storm cancellations. Each island offers distinct February advantages - winds in Sal, hiking in Fogo, culture in Santiago.

Booking Tip: Plan island hopping 4-6 weeks ahead booking domestic flights and accommodations together. Inter-island flights cost €80-150 each way, ferries €25-45. Book flexible tickets allowing schedule changes. Consider 7-10 day multi-island packages through local travel agencies for better rates.

February Events & Festivals

Late February

Carnaval de Mindelo

Cape Verde's largest cultural celebration transforms São Vicente's capital into a busy festival of music, dance, and traditional costumes. Street parades feature elaborate floats, live bands playing morna and funana, and participation from local communities. Multiple venues host nightly concerts and dance competitions.

Mid February

Festival de Gamboa

Santiago Island's traditional music festival celebrates Cape Verdean folk culture with performances in natural amphitheater settings. Features local artists performing batuque, tabanka, and other traditional genres alongside contemporary Cape Verdean music. Combines music with local food vendors and artisan crafts.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

UV protection SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 8+ with intense reflection off volcanic rocks and white sand beaches

Lightweight windbreaker or sailing jacket - northeast trade winds reach 25+ knots, especially around coastal areas and during boat trips

Dust mask or bandana - Harmattan winds carry Saharan dust creating hazy conditions 3-5 days per month in February

Reef-safe sunscreen in 23°C (73°F) water temperatures - regular sunscreen damages Cape Verde's protected marine ecosystems

Hiking boots with ankle support for volcanic terrain - sharp lava rocks and loose scoria require proper footwear for trails above 500m (1,640ft)

Quick-dry clothing in natural fabrics - 70% humidity combined with salt air makes synthetic materials uncomfortable and slow-drying

Waterproof phone case and camera protection - boat trips and water sports in optimal conditions mean frequent water exposure

Light rain jacket for brief afternoon showers lasting 20-30 minutes on 2-3 days throughout the month

Comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets in UNESCO heritage sites like Caboverde with uneven volcanic stone paths

Power adapter Type C (European standard) and portable battery pack - some remote areas have limited charging access during day trips

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations on windward islands (Sal, Caboverde) 8-12 weeks ahead for February - wind sports enthusiasts fill beachfront hotels early, but leeward islands (Fogo, Brava) often have availability 2-3 weeks out

Shop for fresh produce at morning markets 6-9am when boats arrive from Santiago - afternoon Harmattan dust can affect quality and vendors close early on windy days

Time outdoor photography for early morning golden hour 6:30-8am - Saharan dust haze typically develops midday reducing visibility and creating flat lighting conditions

Learn basic Kriolu greetings beyond Portuguese - locals respond warmly to visitors attempting Cape Verdean Creole, especially during cultural events and village visits

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating wind conditions for beach days - consistent 20+ knot trades make umbrellas useless and create sandblasting effect, pack windbreakers instead of just swimwear

Planning rigid outdoor schedules during potential dust days - Harmattan winds arrive unpredictably creating hazy conditions, keep indoor cultural activities as backup options

Booking same-day island transfers during high season - domestic flights and ferries reach capacity quickly in February, reserve inter-island travel minimum 1 week ahead