Caboverde in April

April weather, activities, events & insider tips

April Weather in Caboverde

26°C (79°F) High Temp

20°C (68°F) Low Temp

18mm (0.7 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season with trade winds at 25-35 km/h (15-22 mph) creating perfect conditions for windsurfing and kitesurfing on Sal and Boa Vista
Harmattan winds from the Sahara bring crystal-clear visibility up to 50 km (31 miles) - ideal for whale watching as humpbacks migrate past the islands
Sea temperature peaks at 26°C (79°F) with minimal rainfall making it perfect for diving around steep underwater walls off Santo Antão and São Vicente
Post-Carnival energy continues with live morna and funaná music sessions happening nightly in Mindelo's cultural district

Considerations

Strongest trade winds of the year create choppy seas between islands - inter-island flights often delayed and ferry crossings can be rough with 2-3m (6-10 ft) swells
Peak tourist season means accommodation prices increase 40-60% and popular restaurants in Sal Rei and Santa Maria require reservations 2-3 days ahead
Saharan dust carried by harmattan winds can trigger respiratory issues and creates hazy conditions 3-4 days per week reducing photo quality

Best Activities in April

Sal Island Windsurfing and Kitesurfing

April delivers the most consistent trade winds of the year at Ponta Preta and Santa Maria beaches. Winds average 25-30 knots daily from 11am-6pm with flat water conditions in morning sessions. Water temperature at 26°C (79°F) means you can surf in boardshorts. Local shapers craft boards specifically for Cabo Verde's wind patterns.

Booking Tip: Reserve equipment 7-10 days ahead during April peak season. Full-day packages typically cost €45-65 including board, sail, and wetsuit. Look for centers certified by international sailing associations. Check current options in booking section below.

São Vicente Whale Watching Expeditions

Humpback whale migration peaks in April with 90% success rates for sightings. Crystal-clear harmattan conditions extend visibility to 50 km (31 miles). Boats depart Mindelo harbor at 8am when seas are calmest, returning by 1pm before afternoon winds intensify. Best viewing occurs 5-15 km (3-9 miles) offshore.

Booking Tip: Book 5-7 days ahead through operators with marine biologist guides. Half-day tours typically cost €55-75 per person. Morning departures have highest success rates and calmer seas. See current availability in booking section below.

Santo Antão Mountain Hiking Trails

April's dry conditions make high-altitude trails accessible with zero rainfall expected. Ribeira Grande to Pico da Cruz trail (12 km/7.5 miles) offers 360-degree views in clear harmattan air. Morning temperatures at 18-22°C (64-72°F) are perfect for strenuous climbs before afternoon heat peaks.

Booking Tip: Arrange guides 3-5 days ahead for remote mountain routes. Day hikes typically cost €35-50 including transport and local guide. Start before 7am to avoid afternoon winds and heat. Current guided options available in booking section below.

Boa Vista Turtle Nesting Beach Tours

Loggerhead turtle nesting season begins in April on Praia de Chaves and Curral Velho beaches. Night tours (9pm-midnight) have 70% success rates for witnessing nesting behavior. Cool evening temperatures at 20-22°C (68-72°F) and minimal rainfall create ideal conditions for both turtles and observers.

Booking Tip: Book turtle tours 4-6 days ahead through licensed conservation operators. Night tours cost €40-60 per person with certified guides. Tours limited to 8 people maximum to minimize turtle disturbance. See conservation-approved options in booking section below.

Santiago Cultural Heritage Tours

April's comfortable temperatures make walking tours of Cidade Velha UNESCO site and Praia's Niamey enjoyable all day. Clear skies provide excellent photography conditions for colonial architecture and African-Portuguese fusion sites. Local festivals continue post-Carnival with neighborhood celebrations most weekends.

Booking Tip: Book cultural tours 2-3 days ahead during peak season. Half-day heritage tours typically cost €30-45 including transport and certified guide. Morning tours (9am-1pm) avoid midday heat and crowds. Current cultural experiences in booking section below.

Fogo Volcano Crater Expeditions

Perfect visibility conditions in April allow clear views from Pico Do Fogo summit at 2,829m (9,281 ft). Dry weather ensures safe footing on volcanic slopes and excellent sunrise viewing opportunities. Morning temperatures at crater rim start at 12°C (54°F) warming to 20°C (68°F) by midday.

Booking Tip: Reserve volcano guides 5-7 days ahead for summit attempts. Full-day crater tours typically cost €65-85 including equipment and local guides. Start climbs at 4am for sunrise summit views and cooler temperatures. See current expedition options in booking section below.

April Events & Festivals

Mid April

Festival de Música da Baía das Gatas

Three-day music festival in São Vicente featuring top morna, coladeira, and funaná artists. Takes place on natural amphitheater beach with camping permitted. Features both established Cape Verdean musicians and emerging artists from diaspora communities.

April 23

São Jorge Festival

Traditional religious festival in Chile combining Catholic and African spiritual traditions. Features traditional batuko drumming, grogue rum tastings, and cachupa cooking competitions. Most authentic cultural experience available to visitors.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

UV 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index reaches 9 with reflection off white sand beaches and minimal cloud cover

Lightweight windbreaker rated for 35 km/h (22 mph) winds - essential for boat transfers and coastal activities

Closed-toe hiking shoes with ankle support for volcanic terrain up to 2,829m (9,281 ft) on Fogo

Dust mask or scarf for harmattan dust days - Saharan particles reduce air quality 3-4 days weekly

Quick-dry swim clothes in dark colors - volcanic black sand beaches retain heat and stain light fabrics

Waterproof phone case for boat excursions - spray from 2-3m (6-10 ft) swells common during whale watching

Insulated water bottle - dehydration happens quickly in 65% humidity with constant trade winds

Cash in 500 and 1000 escudo notes - many island vendors don't accept cards or large denominations

Portable phone charger - power outages common on smaller islands during windy periods

Seasickness medication - rough inter-island crossings with 2-3m (6-10 ft) swells standard in April

Insider Knowledge

Inter-island TAP Air Cabo Verde flights are frequently delayed 2-3 hours due to crosswinds - book morning flights and avoid same-day connections

Local aluguer shared taxis stop running at sunset on smaller islands - arrange return transport before starting day trips to remote areas

Grogue rum prices vary dramatically by island - Chile distilleries charge €3-5 per bottle while Sal resort areas charge €15-20 for same quality

Mindelo fish market operates 5am-11am daily - arrive before 9am for best selection and prices 50% lower than restaurant rates

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking accommodation only in resort areas of Sal - you'll miss authentic culture and pay premium prices while experiencing limited local interaction

Attempting inter-island ferry travel without motion sickness preparation - April swells of 2-3m (6-10 ft) make crossings rough for unprepared travelers

Scheduling tight itineraries without wind delays - April trade winds cause frequent flight delays and rough sea conditions affecting all transportation