Cape Verde Weather Radar

Cape Verde climate

Cape Verde is a volcanic archipelago of ten islands located 570 kilometers off the West African coast in the Atlantic Ocean, with a warm, arid climate classified as tropical dry. The islands experience a brief rainy season from August to October and a long dry season for the remaining months, with total annual rainfall often less than 260mm on the flatter islands. The northeast trade winds provide steady breezes that moderate temperatures, keeping the climate comfortable year-round with averages between 22°C and 28°C.

The islands sit in the path of Saharan dust plumes carried westward by the trade winds, which can reduce visibility significantly and create hazy skies, particularly from December to February. Cape Verde is also located in the main development region for Atlantic hurricanes, with tropical waves passing through regularly during the hurricane season; occasionally these systems intensify near or over the islands. The mountainous islands of Santo Antao and Fogo receive more rainfall at higher elevations, supporting microclimates with lush vegetation in contrast to the arid lowlands.

Praia on Santiago Island has a hot semi-arid climate with temperatures around 25°C year-round and minimal rainfall concentrated in September and October. Sal and Boa Vista are the driest and flattest islands, known for stunning beaches, persistent wind, and almost no rain in some years. Mindelo on Sao Vicente has a slightly cooler and more pleasant climate due to ocean exposure. Fogo's volcanic peak at 2,829 meters creates dramatic altitude-driven climate zones, from tropical at the base to cool and sometimes frosty at the summit.