Ilhéu Branco

Island Uninhabited Cape Verde islet important for seabird colonies

Ilhéu Branco, off São Vicente, is an uninhabited volcanic islet with steep cliffs and seabird colonies; boat trips focus on wildlife watching and coastal photography.

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Ilhéu Branco is a small, uninhabited islet off the coast of São Vicente in Cape Verde, part of the Barlavento archipelago.

The islet’s steep cliffs and rocky shores are typical of small volcanic islands in the region and it is noted for seabird nesting and marine habitats rather than human settlement. Landing is uncommon and the islet is principally of interest for naturalists and boat-based observation.

Ilhéu Branco has no permanent population and has been left largely in its natural state; human activity is limited to occasional visits for research or regulated tourism.

The islet lies off the northern coast of São Vicente in Cape Verde, within the island group’s northern cluster and visible from nearby coastal areas of São Vicente.

  • Uninhabited islet: Uninhabited and of volcanic origin, the islet features steep pale cliffs and is important for coastal bird life.
Ilhéu Branco
Ilhéu Branco, off São Vicente, Cape Verde
16.6586, -24.6706
No formal entry fee; access by private boat from São Vicente

How to Get to Ilhéu Branco #

Reachable by private boat from São Vicente (Mindelo). Charter operators can arrange short excursions; landing is weather-dependent and often restricted to protect nesting birds.

Tips for Visiting Ilhéu Branco #

  • Arrange a private charter from Mindelo (São Vicente) and confirm landing permissions with local authorities.
  • Bring binoculars for seabird watching; Ilhéu Branco is valued for nesting seabirds and marine life.
  • There are no visitor facilities - plan for a day trip and bring all provisions and waste bags.

Best Time to Visit Ilhéu Branco #

Best reached in the dry season when sea conditions are calmer; the islet has no facilities.

Dry season
Nov-Jun · 20-26°C
Calmer seas and more predictable weather for boat landings.

Weather & Climate near Ilhéu Branco #

Climate

Subtropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 19°C to 26°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.

Best Time to Visit
JuneMayJuly
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
29°
Warmest Month
19°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 19°C. Almost no rain, partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

88 Excellent

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
19° 22°
76%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

1 mm
Rainfall
6.7 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.5
UV Index
Very High
11.1h daylight

February

February is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 19°C. Almost no rain and breezy conditions.

82 Excellent

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
19° 22°
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

3 mm
Rainfall
6.6 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.9
UV Index
Very High
11.5h daylight

March

March is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 19°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and breezy conditions.

90 Ideal

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
19° 22°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

0 mm
Rainfall
6.4 m/s
Wind
Breezy
2.3
UV Index
Extreme
11.9h daylight

April

April is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 19°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and breezy conditions.

90 Ideal

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
19° 22°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

0 mm
Rainfall
6.1 m/s
Wind
Breezy
2.6
UV Index
Extreme
12.4h daylight

May

May is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 20°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and breezy conditions.

92 Ideal

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
20° 23°
83%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

0 mm
Rainfall
6.5 m/s
Wind
Breezy
2.6
UV Index
Extreme
12.8h daylight

June

June is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 20°C. The driest month with just 0 mm.

94 Ideal

Comfort

22°
Feels Like Mild
22°C
Temperature
20° 23°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

0 mm
Rainfall
5.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.3
UV Index
Extreme
13.0h daylight

July

July is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 21°C. Almost no rain and partly cloudy skies.

92 Ideal

Comfort

23°
Feels Like Mild
23°C
Temperature
21° 24°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

6 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.2
UV Index
Extreme
12.9h daylight

August

August is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Moderate rainfall (33 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

88 Excellent

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Warm
24°C
Temperature
23° 26°
83%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

33 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.3
UV Index
Extreme
12.6h daylight

September

September is the warmest month with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). The wettest month with 73 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.

84 Excellent

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
23° 26°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

73 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.2
UV Index
Extreme
12.1h daylight

October

October is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.

90 Ideal

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
23° 26°
82%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

18 mm
Rainfall
5.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.0
UV Index
Very High
11.7h daylight

November

November is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 22°C. Almost no rain and partly cloudy skies.

92 Ideal

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Mild
24°C
Temperature
22° 25°
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

8 mm
Rainfall
5.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.6
UV Index
Very High
11.2h daylight

December

December is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 20°C. Almost no rain, partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

90 Ideal

Comfort

22°
Feels Like Mild
22°C
Temperature
21° 23°
77%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

3 mm
Rainfall
6.2 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.4
UV Index
High
11.0h daylight

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