Cape Verde in February: Weather, Crowds & What to Expect

Season
High Season
Temperature
24-26°C (75-79°F)
Crowds
High
Prices
High
Warm, dry days and reliable trade winds make February popular for visitors. Islands like São Vicente and Sal are lively with cultural events.

Climate Map for February

Cape Verde average temperature in February
-30°-20°-10° 10°20°30°40°

Average temperature across Cape Verde in February.

City Weather in February

City High Low Rain UV Feels
Praia 27° 19° 1 mm very high Mild
Mindelo 24° 19° 1 mm very high Mild
Espargos 24° 17° 1 mm very high Mild
Assomada 23° 16° 2 mm very high Mild
Tarrafal, Cape Verde 24° 19° 1 mm very high Mild
Porto Novo 26° 19° 1 mm very high Mild
Sal Rei very high

High / low are average daily temperatures (°C). “Feels” reflects how hot or cold it feels, allowing for humidity.

Barlavento Highlands (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.

São Vicente & Mindelo (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.

Sal & Boa Vista (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.

Santiago (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.

Fogo & Brava (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.

Events & Festivals in February

Mindelo Carnival
One of the archipelago's biggest carnivals (São Vicente) with parades, music and street parties, usually held in February or early March.