Pico de Antónia

Mountain Highest peak on Santiago island, Cape Verde

Rising above Santiago island, Pico de Antónia is the island’s highest summit; hikers follow volcanic trails for long island views and to see endemic plants in higher, less-populated terrain.

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Pico de Antónia is the highest peak on Santiago island in Cape Verde, reaching an elevation of about 1,394 metres. The mountain is a dominant volcanic landmark on the island and a common target for hikers.

Trails lead to the summit across volcanic terrain and ridgelines, with viewpoints that look over surrounding valleys and, on clear days, out to the coastline. Vegetation changes with altitude, and paths can be steep in places.

The peak is volcanic in origin and forms part of Santiago’s central highlands; its summit has served as a natural landmark for local communities and for navigation around the island.

Pico de Antónia sits in the interior of Santiago island, within the island’s central highlands, and is accessible from nearby rural settlements by unpaved roads and hiking trails.

  • Summit elevation: The summit at 1,394 metres is the highest point on Santiago island, offering broad island views on clear days.
Pico de Antónia
Pico de Antónia, Santiago Island, Cape Verde
15.0510, -23.6358

How to Get to Pico de Antónia #

Pico de Antónia is reached from Praia and Assomada by road. The mountain’s trailheads are best accessed by hired vehicle from these towns; local drivers and guides can arrange drop-offs at the appropriate trailhead.

Tips for Visiting Pico de Antónia #

  • Hire a local guide in Assomada or Praia for the trailhead directions-some routes are poorly signposted.
  • Start early to avoid the midday heat; mountain trails can be exposed.
  • Combine the hike with nearby rural communities to learn about local agricultural practices and catch small markets along the way.

Best Time to Visit Pico de Antónia #

Pico de Antónia is best visited during the dry season (November-June) for clearer trails and better visibility.

Dry season
November-June · 21-28°C
Clear days and manageable heat for hiking in the hills.
Wet season
July-October · 22-30°C
Lush vegetation but occasional heavy showers; trails can be slippery.

Weather & Climate near Pico de Antónia #

Climate

Pico de Antónia's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 13°C to 23°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.

Best Time to Visit
MayJuneNovember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
30°
Warmest Month
19°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 20°C and lows of 14°C. Almost no rain, partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

80 Excellent

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
14° 20°
74%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

5 mm
Rainfall
6.0 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.6
UV Index
Very High
11.2h daylight

February

February is the coolest month with highs of 20°C and lows of 13°C. Almost no rain and partly cloudy skies.

82 Excellent

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
13° 20°
77%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

3 mm
Rainfall
5.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.9
UV Index
Very High
11.5h daylight

March

March is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 13°C. Almost no rain.

84 Excellent

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
13° 21°
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

1 mm
Rainfall
5.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.4
UV Index
Extreme
11.9h daylight

April

April is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 14°C. The driest month with just 0 mm.

84 Excellent

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Cool
18°C
Temperature
14° 22°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

0 mm
Rainfall
5.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.6
UV Index
Extreme
12.4h daylight

May

May is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 14°C. The driest month with just 0 mm.

92 Ideal

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Mild
18°C
Temperature
14° 22°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

0 mm
Rainfall
5.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.5
UV Index
Extreme
12.7h daylight

June

June is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 15°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and partly cloudy skies.

90 Ideal

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
15° 23°
82%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

0 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.3
UV Index
Extreme
12.9h daylight

July

July is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 16°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.

84 Excellent

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
17° 23°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

23 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.2
UV Index
Extreme
12.8h daylight

August

August is mild with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Regular rainfall (89 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

76 Very Good

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
18° 23°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

89 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.3
UV Index
Extreme
12.5h daylight

September

September is the warmest month with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (132 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

78 Very Good

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
18° 23°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

132 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.2
UV Index
Extreme
12.1h daylight

October

October is mild with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Moderate rainfall (41 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

86 Excellent

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
18° 23°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

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

November

November is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 17°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.

90 Ideal

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
17° 22°
77%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

11 mm
Rainfall
4.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.7
UV Index
Very High
11.3h daylight

December

December is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 15°C. Almost no rain and partly cloudy skies.

82 Excellent

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Cool
18°C
Temperature
15° 20°
75%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

5 mm
Rainfall
5.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.5
UV Index
High
11.1h daylight

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