Caboverde in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Caboverde

25°C (77°F) High Temp

20°C (68°F) Low Temp

45mm (1.8 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season with harmattan winds bringing crystal-clear visibility - perfect for hiking Pico Do Fogo at 2,829m (9,281ft) with panoramic views extending to neighboring islands
Ideal wind conditions for water sports - consistent 15-20 knot northeast trades make December prime time for windsurfing and kitesurfing at Sal's Ponta Preta
Morna music festival season peaks in December with live performances in Mindelo's cultural venues, coinciding with cooler evening temperatures perfect for outdoor concerts
Sea temperatures remain warm at 24°C (75°F) while air cools enough for comfortable all-day activities without the oppressive heat of shoulder seasons

Considerations

Peak tourist season means accommodation prices increase 40-60% compared to September, and popular restaurants in Sal require reservations 3-4 days ahead
Harmattan winds carry Saharan dust, reducing air quality 2-3 days per week - problematic for travelers with respiratory conditions
December marks the end of turtle nesting season, with significantly fewer loggerhead sightings on Boavista compared to August-October prime time

Best Activities in December

Pico do Fogo Volcano Hiking

December offers the clearest conditions of the year for tackling Cape Verde's highest peak. Harmattan winds blow away moisture, providing exceptional visibility across the archipelago. Start predawn to avoid afternoon winds that intensify after 2pm. The 6-hour round trip is manageable in cooler December temperatures.

Booking Tip: Book certified mountain guides 7-10 days ahead through hotels or local operators. Expect to pay 4,000-6,000 CVE per person including transport from São Filipe. Look for guides with GPS devices and emergency communications. See current tour options in booking section below.

Sal Island Wind Sports

December delivers Cape Verde's most consistent trade winds, making it peak season for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Ponta Preta and Kite Beach offer ideal conditions for all levels, with reliable 15-25 knot northeast winds. Water temperature at 24°C (75°F) allows for shorty wetsuits or board shorts.

Booking Tip: Equipment rental ranges 3,500-5,000 CVE per day for windsurfing gear, 4,500-6,500 CVE for kitesurfing. Book lessons 5-7 days ahead during December peak season. Look for IKO or VDWS certified instructors. Current options available in booking section below.

Santiago Island Cultural Tours

December's cooler temperatures make exploring Santiago's mountainous interior comfortable. Visit Cidade Velha UNESCO site, hike the Serra da Malagueta, and experience authentic Cape Verdean village life. The dry season ensures reliable road access to remote communities.

Booking Tip: Full-day cultural tours typically cost 6,000-8,500 CVE including lunch and transport. Book through licensed operators with proper insurance. Allow 8-10 hours for complete tours. See current cultural tour options in booking section below.

São Vicente Music and Nightlife

December brings optimal weather for experiencing Mindelo's legendary music scene. Cooler evenings at 20°C (68°F) make outdoor venues comfortable, while the dry season ensures performances aren't cancelled. This is peak season for live morna and coladeira performances.

Booking Tip: Reserve tables at major venues 2-3 days ahead in December. Cover charges range 500-1,500 CVE, with drinks 300-600 CVE. Look for venues with local musicians rather than tourist shows. Current music venue tours available in booking section below.

Boavista Desert and Beach Exploration

December's low humidity and clear skies provide perfect conditions for exploring Boavista's Viana Desert and pristine beaches. The 45km (28-mile) coastline offers optimal weather for beach activities, though turtle season has largely ended by December.

Booking Tip: 4WD desert tours cost 5,500-7,500 CVE for full-day excursions. Book with operators providing GPS navigation and satellite phones for safety. Avoid midday desert tours - morning and late afternoon offer better conditions. See current desert tour options in booking section below.

Deep Sea Fishing Excursions

December marks prime fishing season with calm seas and excellent visibility. Blue marlin, wahoo, and tuna are most active during these cooler months. Seas rarely exceed 1m (3ft) waves, making it ideal for first-time deep-sea fishing enthusiasts.

Booking Tip: Half-day charters typically cost 35,000-50,000 CVE for up to 6 people. Full-day excursions range 65,000-85,000 CVE. Book 10-14 days ahead during December peak season. Ensure boats have safety equipment and fishing licenses. Current fishing charter options in booking section below.

December Events & Festivals

Mid December

Festival de Gamboa

Santiago Island's premier cultural celebration featuring traditional batuko drumming, local crafts, and authentic Cape Verdean cuisine. Held in the historic Gamboa neighborhood with performances by renowned morna musicians.

Late December

Mindelo Cultural Week

São Vicente's celebration of Cape Verdean arts, featuring nightly concerts at Asuncion and outdoor performances in Praça Nova. Local artists showcase morna, funaná, and contemporary Cape Verdean music.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index reaches 9 and reflects strongly off white sand beaches

Lightweight windbreaker - harmattan winds can be surprisingly cool in evenings, dropping to 20°C (68°F)

Dust mask or scarf - Saharan dust arrives 2-3 days weekly, affecting air quality

Sturdy hiking boots for volcanic terrain - Fogo's lava fields require ankle support and grip

Quick-dry clothing - humidity stays around 65% but salt air means clothes dry slowly

Insulated water bottle - staying hydrated is crucial in dry harmattan conditions

Polarized sunglasses - essential for wind sports and reducing glare from white sand beaches

Light cotton long sleeves - protection from sun and wind without overheating

Reef-safe snorkel gear - marine reserves strictly prohibit harmful sunscreens

Portable phone charger - GPS navigation essential for remote island exploration

Insider Knowledge

Local airlines offer 30% discounts on inter-island flights booked 21 days ahead during December peak season - essential for island hopping without paying tourist premiums

Restaurant lunch prices are 40-50% lower than dinner during December tourist season - locals eat main meals at midday to avoid evening tourist pricing

Harmattan dust storms typically last 24-48 hours and arrive Wednesdays-Fridays - plan indoor cultural activities or music venues during these periods

December fish markets in Mindelo and Sal offer the year's best selection as calm seas allow daily fishing - buy fresh catch directly from fishermen between 6-8am for authentic Cape Verdean cooking experiences

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking accommodations less than 6 weeks ahead - December is peak season and mid-range hotels fill up completely, forcing expensive last-minute bookings or poor locations

Scheduling outdoor activities during midday harmattan winds - 11am-3pm brings strong gusty conditions that make hiking dangerous and beach activities unpleasant

Expecting turtle watching opportunities - December marks the end of nesting season with 90% fewer sightings compared to peak August-October period