Cape Verde in January: weather, best islands and what to do

Cape Verde weather in January

In short: expect average daytime highs of about 24–27°C, nights of about 19–21°C, sea temperatures around 23–24°C and very little rain. The north-east trade winds are at their strongest, so beaches feel fresher than the thermometer suggests and evenings can call for a light layer.

The southern island of Santiago runs a little warmer than Sal and São Vicente, but the differences are small. Wind exposure and altitude change how a day feels more than the island does. The mountains of Santo Antão and Fogo are cooler and can be cloudier than the coast.

Sources: air temperature and rainfall from the WMO Climatological Standard Normals 1991–2020 (NOAA NCEI archive; stations 08594 Sal, 08589 Praia, 08583 Mindelo). The Mindelo record has no rainfall normal and its temperatures cover about 20 of the 30 years. Sea temperature from NOAA OISST v2.1 1991–2020 long-term means. Wind from the NASA POWER climatology (MERRA-2 reanalysis), a gridded estimate rather than a beach measurement. Daylight calculated with the NOAA solar calculator method. Local time is Cape Verde Time (UTC−1).

For how January compares with the rest of the year, see Cape Verde weather by month and the best time to visit Cape Verde.

Is January a good time to visit?

For most winter-sun travellers, yes. Rain is rare, days are warm without the heavier heat of late summer, and the breeze makes walking and sightseeing comfortable. The trade-offs are wind on exposed beaches, sea temperatures that are refreshing rather than warm, and higher demand in the first days of the month.

The Christmas and New Year peak runs to roughly 5 January. After that, January is still a busy winter-sun month, so booking ahead is sensible. For the value side of timing, see the cheapest time to visit Cape Verde.

Best islands in January

Every island is visitable in January. The right choice depends on whether you want an easy beach base, wind, culture or mountains.

If you only have a week, choose two or three islands at most. Domestic flights and ferries need planning and some buffer time.

Things to do in January

• Kitesurfing and windsurfing on Sal and Boa Vista, with lessons for beginners and open-ocean spots for experienced riders.
• Beach days on Santa Maria, Sal, or the long, empty beaches of Boa Vista. Choose sheltered stretches on the windiest afternoons.
• Sal excursions such as the Pedra de Lume salt flats, Shark Bay and a catamaran trip.
• Hiking in Santo Antão’s valleys or on Fogo’s volcano, helped by the cooler, breezy weather.
• Live music and food in Mindelo, including morna and local seafood.
• Snorkelling and diving on calmer days. See the diving and snorkelling guide.

Mindelo’s Carnival takes place in February. If you want to see it, read the February weather guide. For more ideas, see things to do in Cape Verde.

Kitesurfing in January: peak wind season

January sits at the heart of Cape Verde’s kitesurfing season. In NASA’s 2001–2025 wind climatology, January and February are the windiest months for Sal and Boa Vista. The average wind there is about 7.5 m/s, roughly 15 knots, blowing from the north-east. Winds ease a little through spring and are weakest from July to September.

• Learners: Kite Beach near Santa Maria on Sal is the usual place to start, with schools, rescue support and flatter-water sections.
• Experienced riders: Ponta Preta on Sal is a well-known wave spot, and Santa Monica on Boa Vista offers space and fewer people.
• Plan for variation: those numbers are monthly averages. Daily wind, gusts and swell vary, so book lessons with a school that adapts to conditions, and leave non-riding days in your plan.

Our Cape Verde kitesurfing guide compares spots, ability levels and how to plan a wind trip.

Suggested 7-day January itinerary

This route balances beach time and wind on Sal with the culture of Mindelo and the mountains of Santo Antão.

1. Day 1Arrive on Sal and settle into Santa Maria. Keep the evening easy: a beach walk and a seafood dinner.
2. Day 2Beach morning, or a first kite lesson at Kite Beach. In the afternoon, visit the Pedra de Lume salt flats and Shark Bay.
3. Day 3Free day on Sal: a catamaran trip, more time on the water, or a slow resort day.
4. Day 4Fly to São Vicente. Spend the evening around Mindelo’s harbour, restaurants and live music.
5. Day 5Take the ferry to Santo Antão. Explore the Paul Valley with a local guide or driver.
6. Day 6Hike in the valleys or around Ribeira Grande and Ponta do Sol, then return to Mindelo or stay a second night.
7. Day 7Travel back for your flight home, leaving a buffer in case a ferry or domestic flight changes.

Prefer a pure beach week? Split it between Sal and Boa Vista instead. For a fuller version of this route, see the 7-day Cape Verde itinerary.

What to pack for January

• Light summer clothes, swimwear and a rash vest for water sports.
• A light windproof jacket or fleece for evenings, boat trips and breezy beaches.
• High-factor, reef-friendly sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat that stays on in the wind.
• Walking shoes and a warm layer if you plan to hike on Santo Antão or Fogo.
• A dry bag for boat trips, and some cash for small cafés, taxis and guesthouses.