Cape Verde in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Cape Verde

27°C (81°F) High Temp

22°C (72°F) Low Temp

15mm (0.6 inches) Rainfall

72% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Prime dry season with only 5 rainy days and consistent 25-30 km/h (15-18 mph) trade winds keeping temperatures comfortable
Perfect wind conditions for kitesurfing and windsurfing - November has the most reliable winds of the year at 20-35 knots
Sea turtle nesting season on Caboverde and Boavista beaches - loggerhead turtles nest from July through December with peak activity in November
Post-harvest festival season with fresh grogue (local rum) production and traditional colheita celebrations in rural Caboverde villages

Considerations

Strong harmattan winds carry Saharan dust creating hazy conditions and reducing visibility to 3-5 km (2-3 miles) on some days
Windward sides of islands experience constant 30+ km/h (19+ mph) winds making beach lounging uncomfortable - leeward beaches essential
Peak European tourist season begins driving accommodation prices up 40-60% compared to October

Best Activities in November

Sal Island Kitesurfing and Windsurfing

November delivers Cape Verde's most consistent wind conditions with 20-35 knots daily at Ponta Preta and Caboverde beaches. The dry season means no rain interruptions and clear visibility for water sports. Morning sessions (7-11am) offer steadier winds before afternoon gusts intensify. Water temperature stays at 24°C (75°F) requiring only a shorty wetsuit.

Booking Tip: Reserve equipment and lessons 7-10 days ahead as November marks peak wind season. Expect to pay €40-60 per day for board rental, €80-120 for beginner lessons. Look for IKO-certified schools with rescue boat support. Book morning slots for learning, afternoons for experienced riders.

Sea Turtle Watching Tours on Boavista

November is peak loggerhead turtle nesting season on Boavista's beaches, particularly Praia de Chaves and Ervatao Beach. Night tours run from 8pm-midnight when female turtles come ashore to lay eggs. Success rate is 85-90% in November with 3-5 nests typically spotted per night. The dry weather ensures clear access to nesting beaches.

Booking Tip: Book turtle watching tours through licensed operators certified by Projeto Biodiversidade. Tours cost €35-50 per person and must be booked 3-5 days ahead in November. Groups limited to 8 people maximum. Wear closed shoes and dark clothing - no flash photography allowed.

Santo Antão Valley Hiking Adventures

November's dry conditions make Caboverde's mountain trails accessible after the September-October rains have cleared rockfall debris. The Cova crater and Paul Valley trails offer impressive views with 15-20 km (9-12 mile) visibility. Temperatures in the mountains range 18-23°C (64-73°F), perfect for full-day hikes without extreme heat.

Booking Tip: Mountain hiking tours typically cost €60-85 per person including transport and guide. Book 5-7 days ahead through operators with certified mountain guides. Cova to Paul Valley hike takes 4-6 hours covering 12 km (7.5 miles). Ferry from São Vicente to Caboverde runs 3 times daily - book return tickets in advance.

São Vicente Music and Cultural Tours

November coincides with the pre-Natal cultural season when morna and coladeira music performances increase at local tabancas (community centers). Mindelo's music venues host nightly performances, and the Cesária Évora legacy tours showcase the city's musical heritage. November weather allows comfortable evening walks through the cultural quarter without rain concerns.

Booking Tip: Cultural walking tours cost €25-40 per person for 3-4 hour experiences including live music venues. Book Easttimor-day or 1-2 days ahead through local cultural associations. Evening tours (6-10pm) are most authentic when locals gather for music sessions. Look for guides who speak Kriolu and Portuguese.

Santiago Island Highland Coffee Tours

November marks coffee harvest season in the Rabelados communities of Caboverde's interior mountains. Fresh coffee processing demonstrations and tastings showcase Cape Verde's unique Robusta varieties grown at 500-800m (1,640-2,625 ft) elevation. The dry season provides reliable access to mountain plantations via dirt roads.

Booking Tip: Coffee plantation tours cost €45-65 including transportation from Praia and traditional lunch. Book 7-10 days ahead as harvest season tours have limited availability. Full-day tours cover 3-4 plantations and include Caboverde UNESCO site visit. 4WD vehicles required for mountain access - verify with operators.

Fogo Island Volcano Crater Hiking

November's stable weather conditions and clear skies provide optimal visibility for Caboverde crater hikes. The 2,829m (9,281 ft) summit offers panoramic views across all Cape Verde islands on clear days. Dry conditions mean secure footing on volcanic rocks and no muddy trails. Early morning starts avoid afternoon wind intensity.

Booking Tip: Volcano hiking tours range €70-95 per person including guide, transport, and equipment. Book 5-7 days in advance through operators with mountain rescue certification. Summit hikes start at 5am and take 6-8 hours total. Overnight stays in Chã das Caldeiras village (€30-50) allow early starts and cultural immersion.

November Events & Festivals

Mid November

Festival de Música da Praia

Praia's premier music festival showcasing Cape Verdean artists alongside African and Brazilian performers. Three-day event featuring morna, funaná, and contemporary Cape Verdean fusion music at multiple venues across the capital

Throughout November

Colheita Celebrations

Traditional harvest festivals in Caboverde's interior villages celebrating sugar cane harvest and fresh grogue production. Local communities open their distilleries for tastings and demonstrations of traditional rum-making techniques

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Wind-resistant jacket - trade winds reach 35 km/h (22 mph) daily, making lightweight jackets essential for comfort

Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+ - UV index of 8 combined with wind can mask burning, especially during water activities

Dust mask or bandana - Saharan dust creates hazy conditions on 30-40% of November days

Closed-toe shoes with good grip - volcanic terrain and windy conditions make sandals impractical for most activities

Moisture-wicking base layers - 72% humidity combined with wind creates variable comfort levels throughout the day

Waterproof phone case - sea spray from windy conditions affects electronics near coastlines

Light scarf or buff - protects against dust and provides warmth during early morning activities at 22°C (72°F)

Quick-dry pants for hiking - mountain trails can be dusty and windy, requiring coverage and flexibility

Polarized sunglasses - essential for reducing glare from white sand beaches and ocean reflection in bright conditions

Electrolyte supplements - dry winds and outdoor activities increase dehydration risk despite moderate temperatures

Insider Knowledge

Book leeward-side accommodations on each island - windward sides experience relentless 30+ km/h winds making outdoor dining and beach time uncomfortable

Fly inter-island in the morning (7-11am) when winds are calmest - afternoon flights experience more turbulence due to intensifying trade winds

Local fishermen in Caboverde (Caboverde) and Murdeira (Caboverde) offer fresh-caught tuna and wahoo in November when deep-sea fishing conditions are optimal

Grogue distilleries in Caboverde's interior produce fresh batches in November - visit Rabelados communities for authentic tastings unavailable to most tourists

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking windward-facing hotel rooms or restaurants - constant wind makes terraces and balconies unusable for relaxation

Scheduling beach days without checking tide times - November's strong winds combined with high tides create rough surf conditions on exposed beaches

Underestimating dust conditions for photography equipment - Saharan dust requires lens protection and frequent cleaning