Things to Do in Cape Verde in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
Shoulder Season · Good Value
March Weather in Cape Verde
Long-run averages for March in Praia
78°F (25°C)
High Temp
66°F (19°C)
Low Temp
0.0 inches (0 mm)
Rainfall
68%
Humidity
12
Sunny-Day UV
⚠ Extreme UV radiation - sun protection is non-negotiable.
Making the most of March in Cape Verde? Browse tours and activities in Cape Verde on GetYourGuide.
Is March Right for You?
Weigh the advantages and considerations before booking
Advantages
- + March delivers your best odds for dry days across all ten islands. Praia's average rainfall is zero. Trails in Serra Malagueta on Santiago stay dust-dry underfoot. The trade winds keep air fresh, never stagnant.
- + Ocean temperatures hover around 24°C (75°F). Warm enough for swimming without a wetsuit. Cool enough to refresh after morning hikes up Fogo's volcanic calderas.
- + The Harmattan winds from the Sahara blanket the islands in fine haze from December through February. By mid-March, they clear out. You get sharp visibility for photographing black lava fields against turquoise coves on Sal.
- + It's the sweet spot. Peak tourist arrivals have passed. The hotter, muggier summer months haven't arrived. Morna musicians in Mindelo's bars feel more relaxed. Tables at O Poeta in Praia are easier to secure.
Considerations
- − That UV index of 12 is brutal. Unshielded skin burns in under twenty minutes. The Atlantic breeze feels deceptively cool. Visitors skip sunscreen reapplication. Don't.
- − March isn't peak season. But visitor numbers rise noticeably from January. Sal and Boa Vista see all-inclusive resorts filling up. Book inter-island flights at least a month out. Sold-out schedules happen fast.
- − The sea is swimmable, not yet at its warmest. Bath-like water is what you want? The Atlantic feels brisk. Windward shores hit harder where upwelling is stronger.
Short on time in March? See day trips around Cape Verde on GetYourGuide.
Best Activities in March
Top things to do during your visit
March in Cape Verde delivers zero rainfall. That is the headline. The islands sit at 78 degrees Fahrenheit by day, cooling to 66 at night, with trade winds you can set your watch to. The dry season ends here. The light stays sharp, the air stays clear, and locals move through unhurried rhythms before the year's shift begins. The pace feels settled. For travelers, March offers clarity. Volcanic peaks and golden dunes stand in sharp relief under bright sun. The sea keeps winter's refreshing cool, inviting but not yet warm. Dry conditions open the interior for ambitious exploration on foot or by road. You'll find authentic tempo, complex history, and raw natural beauty without peak crowds or building humidity. Visiting Cape Verde in March means embracing light, wind, and ocean at a moment of serene stability.
From Praia: Discover Santiago Island in 1 Day
otherThis full-day expedition moves beyond the capital, traversing the dramatic interior of Santiago Island. You'll see terraced hillsides clinging to mountainsides, feel the cooler air of the Serra Malagueta range, and hear stories of the island's important role in Atlantic history. The tour typically culminates with fresh grilled fish at a coastal village, the smoky scent carried on ocean breeze.
It is the most efficient way to grasp the sheer geographic and cultural scale of Cape Verde's largest island, from its rugged heart to quiet fishing coves.
Insider tip: Wear sturdy shoes with grip. Paths at some viewpoints are uneven and can be dusty in the dry March conditions.
Santiago Island: Best of Praia & Cidade Velha Tour, a World Heritage Site
culturalThis tour contrasts the modern capital with the profound historical weight of Cidade Velha. In Praia, you'll see the colorful Mercado de Sucupira, a labyrinth of stalls smelling of dried fish and spices, and hear the rhythmic Creole chatter of vendors. The journey to Cidade Velha reveals the somber stones of the Pelourinho pillory and the echoing ruins of the Sé Catedral, where you can feel the coarse texture of centuries-old volcanic rock.
It directly connects the living commerce of today's Cape Verde with the tangible origins of its post-colonial identity.
Insider tip: At Cidade Velha, walk down to the black-sand beach to see the Forte Real de São Filipe from below, its imposing silhouette framed against the bright March sky.
Santiago Island Experience - Culture, Nature & Tarrafal Beach
guided_experienceThis complete journey weaves together key threads of life on Santiago. You'll feel the humid, earthy air of the Assomada market, see brilliant piles of scarlet piri-piri peppers and green oranges, and perhaps taste potent grogue rum. The route climbs into the island's agricultural spine before descending to the north coast and the sight of Tarrafal's curved bay, where salt scent and distinctive white sand provide a serene conclusion.
It captures the essential trilogy of Santiago, busy local commerce, lush mountainous terrain, and an impressive beach escape, all in one carefully plotted circuit.
Insider tip: Bring a small amount of local currency for the market in Assomada. The experience is more engaging if you can purchase a handful of fruit or a bag of peanuts directly from a farmer.
Hiking: Monte Tchota Natural Park - Pico D'Antónia (1394m) - Longueira
adventureThis is a serious trek for those seeking the summit of Santiago Island. The climb through Monte Tchota reveals wind in native acacia trees and the occasional kestrel call, with air growing noticeably cooler as you ascend. Reaching the rocky pinnacle of Pico D'Antónia rewards you with a panoramic view where you can see the island's entire spine and the deep blue ocean encircling it. The descent through Longueira offers crisp mountain water from a natural spring.
It is the definitive physical challenge on Santiago, offering a profound sense of accomplishment and a peerless perspective on Cape Verde's topography.
Insider tip: Start at dawn. The March sun is intense, and early light on the landscape is spectacular, while cooler morning hours make the strenuous ascent more manageable.
Ribeira da Barca: Boat Trip to the Cave, Snorkeling and BBQ on the beach
adventureThis excursion focuses on the marine pleasures of Santiago's west coast. The boat ride offers views of dramatic cliffs and the chance to hear waves crashing inside a vast sea cave. Snorkeling in the clear March water reveals darting schools of silver fish, and the trip concludes with charcoal-grilled lobster and octopus wafting from a beachside barbecue, tangy flavor complemented by local music.
It combines coastal adventure with a classic Cape Verdean seaside lunch, creating a perfect sunny day by the water.
Insider tip: The ocean can be choppy on this exposed coast. If you are prone to seasickness, take preventative measures beforehand to fully enjoy the boat journey to the cave.
Where to Stay in Cape Verde in March
Hand-picked hotels across price tiers for March travellers.
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Insider knowledge and common pitfalls to avoid
Insider Knowledge
For the best cachupa, hunt family-run spots. Look for the soot-blackened pot. This national stew combines corn, beans, and fish or meat. Saturday brings cachupa rica. More ingredients. A weekend ritual.
Inter-island flights are Cape Verde's arteries. Book direct with the national carrier's website immediately after confirming international flights. Small turboprops fill fast. Early birds win.
Skip the Plateau for dinner in Praia. Head to Sucupira market after dark. Grilling piri-piri chicken scents the air. Dominoes slam on tables. This is where the city eats.
Negotiate taxi day tours by vehicle, not per person. Lock in itinerary and duration upfront. Most drivers double as informal guides. Clarity now prevents disputes later.
Avoid These Mistakes
Never underestimate inter-island distances and travel times. Three islands in one week traps you in airports and harbors. Pick two. Maybe three. Explore them properly.
Leave resort-only packing behind. Cape Verde outside all-inclusive gates runs modest. Smaller towns and Santiago demand coverage. Markets, churches, and municipal buildings reject revealing beach attire.
Forget lush tropics. This is Sahelian terrain. Beauty lives in arid drama. Wind-sculpted dunes command attention. Volcanic rock dominates. Hardy acacia trees survive. Come for raw geology and Atlantic light. Rainforests live elsewhere.
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