Cape Verde in October

October weather, activities, events & insider tips

October Weather in Cape Verde

29°C (85°F) High Temp

23°C (74°F) Low Temp

18 mm (0.7 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is October Right for You?

Advantages

Optimal swimming conditions - sea temperature reaches 26°C (79°F) with minimal Atlantic swells, perfect for beginners learning to swim or surf at Caboverde Beach
Harvest season brings fresh produce and traditional festivals - cashew fruits ripen in October, and local markets overflow with fresh vegetables at 30% lower prices than tourist season
Shoulder season pricing saves 25-40% on accommodations while weather remains excellent - hotels drop rates before European winter holiday bookings surge in November
Strongest and most consistent trade winds of the year make October prime time for windsurfing and kitesurfing, with 15-25 knot winds daily at Sal's Ponta Preta

Considerations

Brief afternoon showers occur 10 days in October - typically lasting 20-30 minutes between 2-4 PM, which can interrupt outdoor lunch plans or beach time
Higher humidity at 70% makes hiking feel more strenuous than dry season - trails on Caboverde require earlier morning starts (before 7 AM) to avoid heat exhaustion
Some smaller guesthouses and family restaurants close for maintenance during this shoulder period - particularly on less touristy islands like Brava and Caboverde

Best Activities in October

Sal Island Wind Sports

October delivers the year's most consistent trade winds at 15-25 knots, making it peak season for windsurfing and kitesurfing. The combination of warm water at 26°C (79°F) and reliable afternoon winds creates ideal learning conditions. Morning sessions offer gentler 10-15 knot breezes perfect for beginners, while afternoons satisfy advanced riders.

Booking Tip: Reserve equipment and lessons 2-3 weeks ahead as October is peak wind season. Daily equipment rental runs €40-60, lessons €70-90 per session. Book multi-day packages for 20% savings. Look for certified instructors with IKO or VDWS credentials.

Santiago Island Cultural Tours

October coincides with post-harvest celebrations when local communities are most active. Comfortable temperatures of 23-29°C (74-85°F) make exploring Cidade Velha's cobblestone streets and hiking to remote villages enjoyable all day. Reduced tourist crowds mean more authentic interactions with locals and better photo opportunities at historical sites.

Booking Tip: Half-day cultural tours typically cost €45-65 per person. Book through certified local guides 7-10 days ahead. October tours often include harvest festival participation. Look for UNESCO World Heritage site specialists for Cidade Velha visits.

Fogo Island Volcano Hiking

October offers the best hiking conditions on Caboverde with clear morning visibility and manageable temperatures. The 2,829 m (9,281 ft) Caboverde crater hike requires early starts due to afternoon cloud buildup, but October's stable weather patterns provide 85% success rates for summit attempts. Post-harvest wine tastings in Cha das Caldeiras villages add cultural depth.

Booking Tip: Crater hikes cost €80-120 including guide and transport. Book 10-14 days ahead as October has highest demand. Choose operators providing pre-dawn pickup (4:30 AM) to reach summit before afternoon clouds. Ensure guides carry emergency communication equipment.

Boa Vista Turtle Conservation Tours

October marks the end of loggerhead turtle nesting season, offering final opportunities to witness hatchlings emerging on moonlit beaches. Comfortable evening temperatures around 25°C (77°F) make 3-4 hour beach walks pleasant. Tourist numbers drop 60% from peak season, creating more intimate wildlife experiences.

Booking Tip: Evening turtle tours run €35-50 per person. Book with certified conservation organizations only - look for partnerships with Caboverde Natura 2000. Tours operate 8 PM-midnight. October success rates drop to 40% as season ends, but hatchling sightings increase.

São Vicente Music and Nightlife

October brings cooler evening temperatures perfect for Mindelo's famous live music scene. Local venues restart regular programming after summer break, and reduced tourist crowds mean better table availability and more interaction with musicians. The month often features smaller, intimate concerts preparing for November's music festival season.

Booking Tip: Live music venues charge €10-25 entry. No advance booking needed in October due to lower crowds. Tuesday and Thursday nights offer the best local talent. Start evening tours around 9 PM when temperatures drop to comfortable 24°C (75°F).

Multi-Island Ferry Hopping

October's calmer seas with 1-1.5 m (3-5 ft) swells make inter-island ferry travel more comfortable than choppy winter months. Reduced passenger loads mean easier cabin bookings and deck space. The month offers ideal conditions for visiting multiple islands without seasickness concerns affecting 30% of travelers in rougher seasons.

Booking Tip: Inter-island ferries cost €35-85 per route. Book deck passages 5-7 days ahead, cabins 10-14 days for popular routes like Praia-Mindelo. October weather allows more reliable scheduling with 90% on-time performance versus 70% in winter months.

October Events & Festivals

Throughout October

Cashew Harvest Festival (Festival da Castanha)

Local communities across Caboverde and other islands celebrate the cashew harvest with traditional music, dancing, and cashew-based foods. Visitors can participate in fruit picking, taste fresh cashew juice, and learn about traditional preservation methods. Each village celebrates on different weekends throughout the month.

Mid to Late October

Santiago Island Corn Harvest Celebrations

Rural communities hold traditional corn grinding ceremonies and communal meals featuring fresh cornbread and cachupa made with new harvest corn. These intimate village celebrations offer authentic cultural experiences with traditional music and storytelling.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight quick-dry rain jacket - brief afternoon showers last 20-30 minutes and occur on 10 days, but intensity varies from drizzle to moderate downpours

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brim hat - UV index reaches 8 with minimal cloud cover during peak hours 11 AM-3 PM

Breathable cotton or linen clothing - avoid polyester which traps moisture in 70% humidity conditions, making you feel significantly hotter

Closed-toe hiking shoes with good grip - volcanic rock trails become slippery when wet, especially on Caboverde and Santo Antão's steep paths

Light layers for 6°C (11°F) temperature swings - morning starts at 23°C (74°F) but afternoon peaks reach 29°C (85°F)

Waterproof phone case and dry bag - sudden showers can damage electronics, and boat trips involve spray even in calm conditions

Electrolyte supplements - higher humidity increases sweat rates during hiking and outdoor activities, leading to faster dehydration

Reef-safe sunscreen specifically - Cape Verde's coral ecosystems are fragile, and regular sunscreens cause bleaching damage

Cash in small denominations - many local vendors during harvest festivals and rural experiences don't accept cards or provide change for large bills

Portuguese phrasebook or translation app - October's authentic cultural experiences involve more local interaction where English is limited

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations by mid-September - October's shoulder season pricing ends abruptly when European booking surge begins in early November for winter escapes

Time outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon - the 2-4 PM period brings both peak heat and highest shower probability, making it ideal for indoor cultural sites or afternoon naps

Harvest season means locally grown produce floods markets at bargain prices - mangoes, papayas, and vegetables cost 30-40% less than imported alternatives, perfect for self-catering travelers

Ferry schedules become more reliable in October's calmer weather - connections that cancel 20-30% of time during rough season achieve 90% reliability, making multi-island itineraries more feasible

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only summer clothes - October mornings can feel cool at 23°C (74°F) with trade winds, especially on ferry decks and early morning hikes requiring light layers

Scheduling important outdoor events for 2-4 PM - this coincides with both peak heat and highest shower probability, better to plan indoor activities or rest during this window

Assuming all tourist facilities operate normal hours - some smaller restaurants and tour operators take maintenance breaks during October's shoulder season, always confirm availability 24-48 hours ahead