Pico do FogoAbout Pico do Fogo
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.
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Very Good | 6° - 14° | 7° | 17 mm | some cloud | 74% | 7.2 m/s | 1.6 very high | 11.3h |
| February | Very Good | 5° - 14° | 6° | 13 mm | some cloud | 77% | 6.6 m/s | 2.0 very high | 11.6h |
| March | Excellent | 5° - 15° | 7° | 10 mm | mostly sunny | 79% | 5.7 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 11.9h |
| April | Excellent | 6° - 16° | 11° | 8 mm | mostly sunny | 80% | 5.3 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 12.3h |
| May | Excellent | 6° - 17° | 11° | 5 mm | mostly sunny | 81% | 4.7 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 12.7h |
| June | Excellent | 7° - 17° | 12° | 5 mm | some cloud | 82% | 3.5 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.8h |
| July | Very Good | 8° - 18° | 13° | 65 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 3.8 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.8h |
| August | Good | 10° - 19° | 14° | 152 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 3.7 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.5h |
| September | Good | 10° - 19° | 14° | 206 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 4.0 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.1h |
| October | Very Good | 9° - 18° | 14° | 72 mm | some cloud | 80% | 4.8 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 11.7h |
| November | Very Good | 8° - 16° | 12° | 28 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 5.3 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.3h |
| December | Good | 7° - 14° | 10° | 17 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 6.5 m/s | 1.5 very high | 11.2h |
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.