Pico do Fogo
Building Active Cape Verde volcano featuring a dramatic central caldera
On Fogo island, Pico do Fogo rises from a volcanic caldera; hikers climb to the crater rim to inspect black lava fields. Nearby Chã das Caldeiras cultivates vineyards, producing local wines on volcanic soils.
Pico do Fogo is the active stratovolcano that forms the dominant central feature of Fogo Island in Cape Verde and rises to about 2,829 metres, the highest point in the country. The volcano has a large caldera with an inhabited basin inside it.
The caldera area, known as Chã das Caldeiras, contains small villages, farmland and trails used by visitors and residents; eruptions have periodically impacted these settlements and agriculture. The volcano and caldera are within a protected natural park on the island.
Pico do Fogo has produced historic eruptions in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, including events in 1995 and the 2014-2015 eruption that caused local damage and temporary evacuations. The volcanic cone and its slopes are a focus for hiking and geological interest.
Geographically it occupies the central part of Fogo Island in the Cape Verde archipelago, rising steeply from the surrounding Atlantic and dominating the island’s topography.
- Summit elevation: Summit elevation is about 2,829 metres, making it the highest point in Cape Verde.
- Recent eruptions: Recent eruptions include notable activity in 1995 and again in 2014-2015, which affected settlements in the caldera basin.
What to See #
- Summit cone: The central summit cone rises to the island's highest point and forms a steep volcanic peak visible from much of Fogo Island.
- Chã das Caldeiras (caldera basin): Chã das Caldeiras is the inhabited caldera basin at the volcano's foot, containing small settlements and agricultural land within the caldera enclosure.
How to Get to Pico do Fogo #
Fogo Island is reached by inter-island flight from Santiago (Praia) or São Vicente, or by ferry services from nearby islands (schedules vary seasonally). Ferries land at São Filipe; from there local transport and guides can be arranged to reach the caldera and trailheads.
Tips for Visiting Pico do Fogo #
- Hire a local guide on Fogo Island-routes to the crater require local knowledge of recent lava flows and paths.
- Ascend early to avoid afternoon heat and to see the changing light on the black basalt slopes.
- Bring cash and supplies-services near the volcano are limited and changeable.
Best Time to Visit Pico do Fogo #
Best visited in the dry months for more reliable trails and clearer views; early starts recommended year-round.
Weather & Climate near Pico do Fogo #
Pico do Fogo's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 5°C to 19°C. Moderate rainfall (598 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Light rainfall and breezy conditions.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. Light rainfall and breezy conditions.
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March
March is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 5°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 6°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 6°C. The driest month with just 5 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 7°C. The driest month with just 5 mm.
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July
July is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cool with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Significant rainfall (152 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (206 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cool with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Moderate rainfall (72 mm).
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November
November is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. Light rainfall, partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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