Cape Verde in May

May weather, activities, events & insider tips

May Weather in Cape Verde

26°C (79°F) High Temp

21°C (69°F) Low Temp

0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect wind conditions for Caboverde water sports - May brings consistent 15-20 knot (28-37 km/h) trade winds ideal for kitesurfing and windsurfing at Caboverde beach
Dry Harmattan season peaks in May with virtually zero rainfall (0.0 mm) making it perfect for hiking Caboverde volcano's 2,829 m (9,281 ft) peak without muddy trails
Sea temperatures reach optimal 25°C (77°F) for swimming and diving, with visibility at Tarrafal's reefs extending 30+ meters (98+ feet)
Festival season culminates with Maio's traditional music festivals throughout May, when locals celebrate the end of harvest season with authentic funana and coladeira performances

Considerations

Peak tourist season pricing means accommodation costs 40-60% higher than September, with beachfront hotels in Caboverde averaging €150-200 per night
Saharan dust (bruma seca) creates hazy conditions 15-20 days in May, reducing photography quality and potentially aggravating respiratory sensitivities
Trade winds can be overwhelming for beach relaxation - sustained 20+ knot winds make parasols useless and sand becomes projectile at popular Caboverde beach

Best Activities in May

Fogo Island Volcano Trekking

May offers perfect conditions for ascending Caboverde with completely dry trails and clear visibility. Morning temperatures of 18°C (64°F) at base make the 6-hour round trip comfortable. The volcanic landscape is most dramatic in May's clear, dust-free early mornings before trade winds pick up.

Booking Tip: Book certified mountain guides 2-3 weeks ahead through licensed operators. Expect to pay €80-120 per person for guided treks including transport from Caboverde. Start at 6am to avoid afternoon winds and heat.

Sal Island Kitesurfing and Windsurfing

May delivers Cape Verde's most consistent wind conditions with 15-25 knot trade winds at Caboverde and Kite Beach. Water temperature at 25°C (77°F) means you can surf in boardshorts. This is peak season for wind sports with international competitions often scheduled.

Booking Tip: Equipment rental costs €40-60 daily, lessons €60-80 for 2-hour sessions. Book equipment early morning or late afternoon when winds are most stable. Beginners should start at Kite Beach, advanced riders head to Ponta Preta.

São Vicente Music and Culture Tours

May coincides with the end of the music festival season when local venues still host regular live performances. Evening temperatures of 23°C (73°F) make walking tours of Caboverde comfortable. This is when you'll hear the most authentic Cape Verdean music before venues reduce programming for low season.

Booking Tip: Cultural walking tours cost €25-40 per person and should include Cesária Évora Cultural Center and traditional music venues. Book day-of through local guides found at Caboverde's Bratislava. Evening tours start at 7pm when venues come alive.

Santo Antão Valley Hiking

Cova crater and Paul Valley offer spectacular hiking in May with completely dry paths and temperatures perfect for all-day trekking. The 1,392 m (4,567 ft) elevation changes provide dramatic scenery without muddy or slippery conditions that plague rainy months.

Booking Tip: Full-day guided hikes cost €70-90 including aluguer transport. Independent hikers can catch public aluguers for €3-5 between villages. Book accommodation in Paul Valley 1-2 weeks ahead as eco-lodges fill with hiking groups.

Boa Vista Turtle Nesting Tours

Loggerhead turtle nesting season begins in May on Caboverde's beaches, particularly at Ervatão and João Barrosa. Night temperatures of 22°C (72°F) make 3-4 hour beach walks comfortable. May offers the best chance to see nesting without the intense crowds of June-July.

Booking Tip: Night turtle tours cost €45-65 per person and must be booked through licensed operators to avoid disturbing nesting sites. Tours run 9pm-1am. Book 5-7 days ahead as groups are limited to 8 people per guide.

Santiago Cultural Heritage Exploration

May's dry conditions are perfect for exploring Cidade Velha's cobblestone streets and hiking to Serra Malagueta's cloud forests at 1,064 m (3,491 ft). Comfortable temperatures make all-day exploration possible without the exhaustion of hotter months.

Booking Tip: Cidade Velha tours cost €35-50 including transport from Praia. Serra Malagueta hiking requires 4WD transport (€15-25 per person). Combine both in 2-day packages for €90-120. Book through cultural centers in Praia.

May Events & Festivals

Mid to Late May

Maio Music Festival

Authentic celebration of traditional Cape Verdean music featuring local artists performing funana, coladeira, and batuko. Unlike tourist-oriented events, this showcases music as locals experience it, with performances in village squares and community centers.

Late May

Santa Maria Beach Festival

Caboverde's premier beach celebration combining water sports competitions with evening concerts. Features international kitesurfing competitions taking advantage of May's optimal wind conditions, plus traditional food vendors and Kampala.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

High SPF 50+ sunscreen and zinc stick - UV index reaches 8 with reflection off white sand beaches and minimal cloud cover

Windproof jacket for boat trips and elevated areas - trade winds at 15-25 knots create significant wind chill on ferries between islands

Lightweight cotton long sleeves - protect against sun and Saharan dust particles that arrive with harmattan winds

Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support - volcanic terrain on Caboverde and Caboverde includes loose scree and sharp lava rock

Quick-dry clothing for multiple activities - transition from beach to hiking requires versatile layers in 21-26°C (69-79°F) range

Dust mask or bandana - harmattan brings Saharan dust 15-20 days in May, affecting visibility and breathing comfort

Waterproof phone case - not for rain but for beach activities and boat spray in choppy Atlantic conditions

Insulated water bottle - staying hydrated crucial in dry 70% humidity conditions, especially during multi-hour activities

Cash in small denominations - many local guides and transport operators don't accept cards, expect to pay €3-15 for short trips

Insider Knowledge

Book inter-island flights with Caboverde Airlines 6-8 weeks ahead for May travel - routes fill completely and prices triple closer to departure, especially Praia-Caboverde-Caboverde circuit

Eat lunch at local 'casquinha' stands between 11am-2pm when locals eat - tourist restaurants serve lukewarm food during hot midday hours, but local spots serve fresh grilled fish for €3-6

Rent cars on smaller islands (Maio, Brava) instead of using taxis - May tourism demand means taxi prices inflate 200-300%, while car rental stays stable at €35-45 daily

Stay in Caboverde rather than beach resorts if you want authentic culture - May is when local music venues have their best programming before summer quiet season

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating wind strength at beaches - many tourists book beachfront accommodations then can't enjoy them due to constant 20+ knot trade winds blowing sand and making relaxation impossible

Packing only summer clothes without wind protection - temperature feels much cooler in constant trade winds, especially on boats and at elevation above 500 m (1,640 ft)

Booking same-day inter-island transport in May - flights and ferries fill completely during peak season, leaving tourists stranded or paying premium rates for private boats