Cape Verde in September

September weather, activities, events & insider tips

September Weather in Cape Verde

29°C (85°F) High Temp

24°C (76°F) Low Temp

41 mm (1.6 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is September Right for You?

Advantages

Peak windsurfing season begins - trade winds strengthen to 15-25 knots (28-46 km/h) making Sal's Ponta Preta Beach world-class for water sports
Post-rainy season freshness - landscapes are greener than usual and dust levels drop significantly, improving air quality and hiking visibility
Shoulder season pricing - accommodation costs drop 20-30% from August peaks while weather remains excellent for most activities
Sea turtle nesting season on Caboverde - loggerhead turtles nest nightly on southern beaches with 80% success rate during September

Considerations

Higher humidity at 70% makes midday heat feel more intense - outdoor activities best scheduled for early morning (6-9am) or late afternoon (4-7pm)
Harmattan dust storms possible - 2-3 days per month can reduce visibility to 500m (0.3 miles) and affect flights between islands
Rainy season tail end - while only 10 rainy days average, afternoon showers can last 45-60 minutes and interrupt beach time

Best Activities in September

Sal Island Windsurfing and Kitesurfing

September marks the beginning of Cape Verde's legendary wind season. Trade winds consistently hit 15-25 knots (28-46 km/h), creating perfect conditions for both beginners and pros. Water temperature stays warm at 26°C (79°F) while winds provide natural cooling. This is when European windsurfing pros arrive for winter training.

Booking Tip: Book lessons 5-7 days ahead through certified schools. Equipment rental typically costs €25-40/day, lessons €45-65. Look for IKO-certified instructors and schools with rescue boat support. See current options in booking section below.

Santo Antão Hiking and Trekking

Post-rainy season September offers the year's best hiking conditions. Valleys are green, waterfalls flow, and temperatures peak at comfortable 27°C (81°F) at altitude. Caboverde valley showcases sugarcane and tropical fruits while Cova crater rim offers 360-degree views without summer haze.

Booking Tip: Book guided treks 10-14 days ahead, especially for multi-day routes. Day hikes cost €35-55 per person with guide and transport. Multi-day treks run €85-120/day including meals and accommodation. Look for local ADECO-certified guides.

Boa Vista Sea Turtle Watching

September is prime loggerhead turtle nesting season. Beach patrols report 15-25 nesting females nightly on Ervatão and João Barrosa beaches. Success rate for witnessing nesting reaches 80% on guided evening tours. Baby turtle releases happen at dawn from July nesting sites.

Booking Tip: Book turtle tours through licensed operators only - unauthorized guides disturb nesting. Evening tours cost €25-35 including transport. Book 3-5 days ahead as group sizes limited to 8 people per guide for conservation reasons.

São Vicente Cultural and Music Tours

September coincides with pre-carnival season preparation in Mindelo. Local coladeira and morna musicians practice nightly in Rua Lisboa bars. The cooler evening temperatures make walking tours comfortable, and local festivals like Festival de Gamboa typically occur mid-month.

Booking Tip: Cultural walking tours cost €20-30 for 3-4 hours including live music venues. Book Easttimor-day or 1-2 days ahead. Look for guides who speak Creole and can translate song lyrics. Evening music tours run €25-40 with drink included.

Santiago Island Cultural Heritage

September's moderate humidity makes exploring Cidade Velha's cobblestone streets more comfortable than peak summer. The UNESCO World Heritage site showcases Africa's first European colonial city. Inland Assomada market is busy with post-harvest produce and traditional crafts.

Booking Tip: Day trips from Praia cost €40-60 including transport and guide. Cidade Velha tours run 4-6 hours. Book 2-3 days ahead for English-speaking guides. Combine with Caboverde Beach for full-day experiences costing €55-75 total.

Fogo Island Volcano Hiking

September offers ideal conditions for ascending Caboverde at 2,829m (9,281ft). Morning temperatures start at cool 18°C (64°F), reaching pleasant 24°C (75°F) at summit. Post-rainy season means less dust and clearer views across the archipelago. Caldeira floor reveals green vegetation impossible in dry season.

Booking Tip: Volcano hikes require mandatory local guides costing €35-50 per group plus €10 park entrance. Book 1-2 days ahead in Chã das Caldeiras village. Full day hikes last 6-8 hours. Transport from Caboverde adds €40-60 for groups up to 4 people.

September Events & Festivals

Mid September

Festival de Gamboa

Mindelo's celebration of traditional morna and coladeira music featuring local and international Cape Verdean artists. Street performances, workshops, and evening concerts showcase the islands' musical heritage in intimate venues around the cultural capital.

Late September

Santa Cruz Harvest Festival

Caboverde's interior celebrates the sugarcane and corn harvest with traditional grogue distillation demonstrations, folk dancing, and local food preparation. Authentic cultural experience away from tourist areas.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket or poncho - September afternoon showers last 45-60 minutes and can be intense at 41mm (1.6 inches) total monthly rainfall

Breathable cotton or linen clothing - avoid polyester and synthetic fabrics in 70% humidity as they trap moisture and become uncomfortable

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index reaches dangerous level 8 and reflects strongly off white sand beaches and volcanic surfaces

Dust mask or bandana - harmattan winds bring Saharan dust 2-3 times monthly, reducing visibility and affecting breathing

Sturdy hiking boots for volcanic terrain - Caboverde's sharp volcanic rock and Santo Antão's loose stone paths require ankle support

Quick-dry swimwear and UV rash guard - for multiple daily water activities and protection during long surf sessions

Electrolyte tablets or powder - combination of heat, humidity, and physical activity increases dehydration risk significantly

Waterproof phone case - essential for boat trips, water sports, and unexpected afternoon downpours that can damage electronics

Light layers for altitude changes - temperatures drop 6°C (11°F) per 1000m (3,281ft) gained when hiking volcanic peaks

Insect repellent with DEET - post-rainy season increases mosquito activity, especially around Santo Antão's valleys and water sources

Insider Knowledge

Local grogue production peaks in September after sugarcane harvest - visit Santiago and Santo Antão distilleries for fresh ponche and free tastings unavailable other months

Inter-island flights get delayed 2-3 times weekly due to dust storms - book morning flights (8-11am) which have 90% on-time rate versus 60% for afternoon departures

Mindelo's electricity grid upgrades completed in early 2025 mean reliable power for first time - air conditioning now works consistently in budget accommodations

Cape Verde introduced digital nomad visas in 2024 - September applicants avoid peak processing times and get 2-week approval versus 4-6 weeks in winter months

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking accommodation in Sal's Caboverde during windsurfing season without confirming noise levels - beachfront hotels get 24/7 wind and activity noise

Attempting Santo Antão hikes without local guides - paths unmarked and weather changes rapidly in valleys, with rescue services limited to main roads only

Flying between islands without backup plans for dust storm delays - always book accommodation flexibility and avoid tight connection schedules