Cape Verde in July

July weather, activities, events & insider tips

July Weather in Cape Verde

28°C (82°F) High Temp

22°C (72°F) Low Temp

5 mm (0.2 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is July Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect windsurfing conditions on Caboverde - consistent 25-30 km/h (15-19 mph) northeast trade winds create ideal conditions at Ponta Preta and Caboverde beaches
Minimal rainfall with only 5mm (0.2 inches) expected - brief 15-20 minute afternoon showers on just 10 days won't disrupt outdoor plans
Sea turtle nesting season peaks on Caboverde - loggerhead turtles nest nightly between 9pm-2am on beaches like Ervatao and Chaves with 80% success rates
Cooler hiking temperatures on Caboverde and Caboverde - morning temps of 22°C (72°F) make 6am starts comfortable for Pico da Antónia climbs

Considerations

Harmattan dust storms from Sahara occur 3-4 times monthly, reducing visibility to 2-3 km (1.2-1.9 miles) and affecting photography for 24-48 hours
High season pricing with accommodation rates 40-60% higher than September-November, particularly on Caboverde and Caboverde resort areas
Strong UV intensity with index reaching 8 - sunburn possible in just 15 minutes without SPF 50+ protection, especially problematic for water activities

Best Activities in July

Santa Maria Beach Windsurfing and Kitesurfing

July delivers the year's most consistent trade winds at 25-30 km/h (15-19 mph), creating perfect conditions for intermediate to advanced riders. Morning sessions from 8am-11am offer calmer conditions for beginners before winds strengthen. Water temperature stays at comfortable 24°C (75°F).

Booking Tip: Book lessons 7-10 days ahead through certified instructors - expect to pay €45-65 per 2-hour session. Equipment rental typically €35-50 daily. Look for IKO-certified schools with rescue boat support. See current options in booking section below.

Boa Vista Sea Turtle Watching Tours

Peak loggerhead nesting season runs through July with 15-25 turtles coming ashore nightly. Best viewing between 9pm-2am at Ervatao and Chaves beaches. July offers 80% chance of sightings compared to 30% in other months. Cooler evening temperatures make 3-4 hour tours comfortable.

Booking Tip: Reserve with licensed guides only - tours cost €25-40 per person including transport. Maximum 8 people per group to minimize turtle disturbance. Book 5-7 days ahead as spots fill quickly during peak nesting. Current tour options available in booking widget below.

Santo Antão Cova Valley Hiking

July's lower humidity and morning temperatures of 22°C (72°F) create ideal conditions for the challenging Cova Crater to Paul Valley descent. 12 km (7.5 mile) trail takes 4-6 hours with 800m (2,625 ft) elevation change. Agricultural valleys show lush green growth from minimal July rains.

Booking Tip: Start by 6am to avoid midday heat - guides charge €40-60 for full day including transport from Benin. Bring 3+ liters water as refill points are limited. Book certified mountain guides through guesthouses. Check current guided tour availability in booking section.

Santiago Cidade Velha Cultural Tours

July's dry conditions perfect for exploring Africa's oldest European colonial settlement. Morning temperatures ideal for walking cobblestone streets and climbing Forte Real de Caboverde. UV index of 8 requires early starts but provides excellent photography lighting at historic sites.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours from Praia cost €30-45 including transport and guide. Start before 9am to avoid peak sun exposure. Licensed cultural guides provide Portuguese colonial history context. Combine with Caboverde Beach afternoon visit. See available cultural tours in booking widget.

São Vicente Live Music and Nightlife

July coincides with peak music season in Caboverde - nightly live morna and coladeira performances at venues like Café Royal and cultural centers. Comfortable evening temperatures of 25°C (77°F) perfect for outdoor concerts and street performances that run until 2am.

Booking Tip: No advance booking needed for most venues - cover charges €5-15. Dinner shows cost €25-40 including traditional cachupa meal. Ask locals about informal street performances near Mercado Municipal. Music venue tours available through booking section below.

Sal Salinas Salt Flat Photography Tours

July's intense sunlight and minimal rainfall create dramatic contrast opportunities at Pedra de Lume salt crater and Ecuador de Pedra Lume. Morning golden hour at 6:30am and evening light at 6:30pm provide spectacular salt crystal formations and flamingo viewing when present.

Booking Tip: Self-guided visits cost €5 entry fee, guided photography tours €20-35 for 3 hours including equipment tips. Bring polarizing filter for glare reduction. Salt buoyancy experiences included in most tours. Photography tour options shown in booking widget below.

July Events & Festivals

Mid July

Festival de Gamboa

Caboverde's premier music festival celebrating traditional Cape Verdean genres with 3 days of performances by local and international artists. Takes place on Gamboa Beach with food stalls serving traditional cachupa and grogue tastings.

Every Saturday in July

Mindelo Music Nights

Weekly outdoor concerts every Saturday in July at Praça Nova featuring live morna performances. Free events starting 8pm showcasing both established and emerging Cape Verdean musicians with traditional instrument demonstrations.

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 long-sleeve shirts in light colors - provides UV protection during midday activities while staying cool in 28°C (82°F) temperatures

Windproof light jacket - evening temperatures drop to 22°C (72°F) and Atlantic trade winds create 5-8°C wind chill

Dust mask or bandana - Harmattan dust storms from Sahara reduce visibility and affect breathing for 24-48 hours during 3-4 monthly occurrences

Closed-toe water shoes - volcanic rock beaches on Caboverde and Caboverde have sharp surfaces, essential for tide pool exploration

Quick-dry hiking pants - morning dew on mountain trails and occasional 15-minute afternoon showers make waterproof fabric essential

Polarized sunglasses - intense sunlight reflection off salt flats at Pedra de Lume and white sand beaches causes dangerous glare

Electrolyte supplements - high humidity at 70% and outdoor activities in 28°C (82°F) heat increase dehydration risk significantly

Waterproof phone case - windsurfing, turtle watching, and beach activities require protection from salt spray and sand

Insect repellent with DEET - evening turtle watching tours and hiking in agricultural valleys on Caboverde require mosquito protection

Insider Knowledge

Book inter-island flights 3-4 weeks ahead in July - Caboverde Airlines reduces frequency on Caboverde-Caboverde route due to wind conditions, creating bottlenecks

Shop at municipal markets before 9am - vendors offer best selection and prices before tourist crowds arrive, especially in Caboverde's Mercado Municipal for fresh fruit

Avoid Caboverde's resort areas between 11am-3pm during Harmattan dust events - head to indoor cultural sites like Museu da Tabanka or air-conditioned restaurants instead

Negotiate taxi fares before entering vehicle - July tourist season inflates prices 30-50%, establish price for entire journey not per person or per stop

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating sun intensity at higher altitudes - Pico da Antónia summit receives 25% more UV exposure than sea level, causing severe burns even with morning starts

Not carrying cash for small purchases - many turtle tour operators, market vendors, and local transport only accept Cape Verdean escudos, not euros or cards

Scheduling outdoor activities during midday Harmattan events - dust storms are unpredictable but typically last 24-48 hours, plan flexible itineraries with indoor alternatives