Warm, dry days and reliable trade winds make February popular for visitors. Islands like São Vicente and Sal are lively with cultural events.
NASA's Visible Earth CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons
Average daily low and high (°C) and monthly rainfall. The badge shows how it feels, allowing for humidity.
Average temperature across Cape Verde in February.
Santo Antão & São Nicolau
February’s weather often follows the same cool, windy pattern with the northeast trades keeping daytime temperatures mild and nights chilly at higher elevations. Mindelo’s carnival noise drifts over the water but the highlands stay quieter - good for multi-day hikes along the cliff paths. Short sunny spells make waterfall-fed abysses dramatic; pack waterproof shoes because the narrow paths can stay soggy.
urban & cultural coast
February’s calendar energy builds around Mindelo’s Carnival season: streets are busy, music is loud and accommodations fill early. Weather is typically warm and breezy, ideal for outdoor festas and harbor promenades, though strong gusts off the ocean can make open-water excursions choppy. Pack layers for cool nights and reserve accommodation well in advance if you plan to join carnival events.
beaches, dunes and resorts
February remains one of the busiest months because of reliable sun and wind; Mindelo’s carnival may draw visitors but Sal and Boa Vista are focused on beaches and watersports. Watersports operators run clinics and rental gear is plentiful, though strong gusts can cancel some beginner lessons. Late afternoons cool quickly, so a light layer for evenings on the promenade is useful.
Praia, Cidade Velha & interior hills
February’s carnival and local festas in Praia and Cidade Velha add vibrancy but don’t change the generally dry, breezy weather. The northeast trades keep conditions comfortable for sightseeing, and the beaches near Praia are usable though often wind-swept. Travelers should book ahead around festival dates and expect lively markets and fuller restaurants.
volcanic heights and sheltered southern isles
February continues to be cool on the volcano with clear skies that make summit hikes dramatic but chilly; the high-altitude air is thin and night temperatures remain low. Brava’s small town of Nova Sintra is breezy but milder and floral with more humidity than Sal. Mind the mountain conditions if you plan to climb Pico do Fogo and always check local volcanic advisories.
One of the archipelago's biggest carnivals (São Vicente) with parades, music and street parties, usually held in February or early March.
See how February compares with the rest of the year, then read the full guide.