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Fogo National Park

National Park

Fogo National Park on Fogo Island, Cape Verde, centers on Pico do Fogo volcano and its crater; visitors hike the volcano, explore lava fields and visit crater villages such as Chã das Caldeiras.

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Fogo National Park essentials

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About Fogo National Park

Fogo National Park is a protected area on the island of Fogo in Cape Verde that encompasses the island’s active stratovolcano and surrounding volcanic landscape, including a central caldera. The park is centred on the island’s highest point, Pico do Fogo.

The park is visited for hiking to the crater rim, observing lava fields and volcanic geology, and for visiting the small agricultural settlement of Chã das Caldeiras inside the caldera. Views along the caldera rim and across the volcanic cones are principal attractions.

The island’s volcanic activity has shaped local settlement patterns and agriculture for centuries; the park was designated to conserve the volcanic landscape, unique ecosystems and cultural practices associated with farming on volcanic soils.

The park occupies much of the interior of Fogo island in the Cape Verde archipelago off the coast of West Africa, with the main harbour town of São Filipe on the island’s western shore serving as the usual access point for visitors.

  • Summit elevation: The island’s summit, Pico do Fogo, reaches approximately 2,829 metres above sea level, making it the highest point in Cape Verde and a dominant feature of the park.
  • Safety and access: Trails into the caldera can be steep and exposed; weather and volcanic conditions change quickly, so guided local knowledge and appropriate equipment are recommended.

What to See#

  • Pico do Fogo: The island’s central volcanic peak and active stratovolcano that rises above surrounding terrain to the highest point on the island and forms the main attraction for hikers and geologists.
  • Chã das Caldeiras: A settlement within the volcanic caldera where residents cultivate terraces for agriculture and maintain traditional stone buildings, often used as a base for guided hikes onto the volcano.
  • Caldera rims and lava fields: The steep caldera rim and surrounding lava fields that display recent flows and the island’s volcanic history, producing stark terrain and scenic viewpoints.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Fogo National Park

Best visited in the drier months (December-May) for clearer skies and safer hiking conditions.

Dry season (Dec-May)
Dec-May · 20-28°C (68-82°F)
Clearer skies and better visibility for volcanic landscapes and coastal views.
Wet season (Jun-Nov)
Jun-Nov · 22-30°C (72-86°F)
Warmer with occasional showers; trails on higher slopes can be muddy.

Weather & Climate near Fogo National Park

Climate

Fogo National Park's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 7°C to 22°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 55 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
MarchAprilMay
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
29°
Warmest Month
19°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Excellent 8° - 17° 12° 10 mm some cloud 74% 6.3 m/s 1.6 very high 11.3h
February Excellent 7° - 17° 12° 7 mm some cloud 77% 6.0 m/s 2.0 very high 11.6h
March Excellent 7° - 18° 13° 4 mm mostly sunny 79% 5.4 m/s 2.4 extreme 11.9h
April Excellent 8° - 19° 13° 2 mm mostly sunny 80% 5.1 m/s 2.6 extreme 12.3h
May Excellent 8° - 19° 14° 1 mm mostly sunny 81% 4.7 m/s 2.6 extreme 12.7h
June Excellent 9° - 20° 15° 2 mm some cloud 82% 3.5 m/s 2.3 extreme 12.8h
July Very Good 10° - 21° 16° 52 mm partly cloudy 80% 3.5 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.8h
August Good 12° - 22° 17° 137 mm partly cloudy 79% 3.3 m/s 2.3 extreme 12.5h
September Good 12° - 22° 17° 190 mm partly cloudy 81% 3.6 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.1h
October Very Good 12° - 21° 16° 62 mm some cloud 80% 4.4 m/s 2.0 extreme 11.7h
November Very Good 10° - 19° 15° 21 mm partly cloudy 77% 4.8 m/s 1.7 very high 11.3h
December Excellent 9° - 17° 13° 11 mm partly cloudy 76% 5.7 m/s 1.5 very high 11.2h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Fogo National Park

Fogo Island is served by São Filipe Airport (SFL) with flights from Sal or Praia; from São Filipe towns there are road connections and guided hikes to park trailheads. Local boat services also connect Fogo with other Cape Verde islands seasonally.

Tips for Visiting Fogo National Park

  • Check local regulations for protected areas on Fogo - some trails cross sensitive volcanic slopes.
  • Hire a local guide to reach higher-altitude viewpoints safely; weather can change rapidly on the volcano.
  • Respect grazing areas and agricultural terraces - local farmers maintain the land and access may be restricted in places.