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

Barlavento Highlands (Santo Antão & São Nicolau)

Mornings in March are bright and breezy; the sun warms steep terraces quickly and hiking becomes comfortable. Santo Antão’s punchy microclimates mean you may move from fog to sun within an hour on the ridge routes to Cova. Expect clearer skies that suit long treks and photography - a light fleece for the ridge tops is still useful.

São Vicente & Mindelo (urban & cultural coast)

March brings settled, sunny days and steady winds that sailors and windsurfers welcome; temperatures climb slightly into the mid-20s. Cultural venues in Mindelo are active with music nights and the city is lively without the carnival crush. For travelers this is a comfortable month for walking the seafront and taking short island ferries - don’t forget sunscreen and a windbreaker.

Sal & Boa Vista (beaches, dunes and resorts)

March is warm and blustery with long sunny days and low humidity; water temperatures are comfortably cool. Sal’s long beaches and Boa Vista’s sand dunes are at their most walkable, and turtle-nesting season is about to start appearing on schedules - tours run at night to see nesting emergences later in the year. Expect steady trade winds that suit experienced sailors but can be blustering for beach lounging.

Santiago (Praia, Cidade Velha & interior hills)

March brings warmer afternoons and clearer skies; inland hills like Serra da Malagueta start showing spring growth in any wetter years. Daytime temperatures climb into the mid-20s and the sea warms for swimming nearer to Cidade Velha. If you’re planning hill walks or coffee-plantation tours, mornings are best before inland heat builds and the trade winds freshen the coast in the afternoon.

Fogo & Brava (volcanic heights and sheltered southern isles)

March warms up somewhat on Fogo’s slopes; days are pleasant for vineyard and village walks around Cha das Caldeiras, while nights remain cool. Brava enjoys sheltered, garden-like microclimates that begin showing more spring flowers. Travelers will find lower visitor numbers and comfortable hiking conditions, but sturdy footwear is advisable on volcanic scree.