This is often the wettest month for the larger, more mountainous islands with occasional heavy showers. Travel deals are easier to find but inter-island transport can be affected by weather.
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 September.
Santo Antão & São Nicolau
September is usually the wettest month in the highlands, with frequent heavy showers and cloud-filled days that make ridge views intermittent. Rivers swell quickly - crossings near Ribeira Grande and Paul become hazardous - though the landscape is at its most verdant and volcanic soils are rich. Hikes are dramatic but technical; local guides and waterproof gear are essential.
urban & cultural coast
September tends to remain unsettled with more frequent showers and cloudier skies; humidity is higher and the sea can be rough. For visitors who enjoy live music, indoor venues in Mindelo stay lively while outdoor shore events may be sporadic. Ferry schedules to Santo Antão and São Nicolau can be affected by swells, so allow flexibility in island-hopping plans.
beaches, dunes and resorts
September keeps the heat and humidity high, with the occasional tropical swell or outer-band storm from the Atlantic hurricane season creating rough seas and disrupted ferry services. Resorts remain active but boat trips to see dolphins or go deep-sea fishing may be cancelled on short notice. For beach days choose sheltered coves or book morning activities when the sea is calmer.
Praia, Cidade Velha & interior hills
September typically holds the most persistent rains of the year for Santiago, with the island’s reservoirs getting their main replenishment and waterfalls in the interior exploding back to life. Cidade Velha’s paths can be muddy and some rural dirt tracks impassable; however, the agricultural landscapes are lush and markets brim with fresh produce. Travel insurance and flexible transport plans are wise this month.
volcanic heights and sheltered southern isles
September is frequently the wettest month here, with intense but usually short-lived storms that rejuvenate spring-fed springs and make waterfalls run on Fogo. Summit paths may be slippery and local tracks liable to washouts; however the island’s small guesthouses are less crowded and landscapes are dramatic. Keep flexible travel plans and respect local advice about volcano access.
There are no major festivals or events in Cape Verde during September to be aware of.
See how September compares with the rest of the year, then read the full guide.