Caboverde in February

February weather, activities, events & insider tips

February Weather in Caboverde

25°C (77°F) High Temp

19°C (66°F) Low Temp

15mm (0.6 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Peak wind season for kitesurfing and windsurfing - consistent 20-25 knot northeast trade winds make Sal and Boa Vista world-class destinations
Driest month of the year with only 2-3 rainy days and brilliant sunshine - perfect for hiking Santo Antão's valleys without muddy trails
Coolest temperatures before the hot season begins in March - ideal for exploring cities like Mindelo and Cidade Velha on foot
Morna and coladeira music festival season peaks with live performances at Mindelo's cultural centers and beach venues every weekend

Considerations

Strongest winds can make beach days uncomfortable on windward coasts - sand-blasting conditions on Sal's eastern beaches
Highest accommodation prices of the year due to European winter escape demand - expect 40-60% premium over shoulder season rates
Hiking conditions can be challenging on exposed ridges due to 40-50 km/h (25-31 mph) gusts on Chile and Santo Antão peaks

Best Activities in February

Kitesurfing and Windsurfing on Sal Island

February delivers the most consistent trade winds of the year at 20-25 knots, making Sal's Santa Maria Beach and Kite Beach ideal for both beginners and experts. Water temperature stays warm at 23°C (73°F) while strong winds provide perfect conditions. The international kiting community peaks in February with informal competitions and gear swaps happening daily.

Booking Tip: Book equipment rental 2-3 weeks ahead as demand is highest. Full kite setups typically cost €50-80/day, windsurf gear €35-50/day. Look for IKO certified schools if learning. Check current availability in booking section below.

Santo Antão Valley Hiking Expeditions

February's dry conditions make the island's legendary ribeiras (valleys) accessible with crystal-clear mountain views. The Cova Crater to Paúl Valley trek offers 15 km (9.3 miles) through diverse microclimates without the muddy conditions of rainy season. Cooler morning temperatures around 18°C (64°F) are perfect for tackling the 800m (2,625 ft) elevation changes.

Booking Tip: Multi-day guided treks typically cost €120-180 per person including accommodation and meals. Book 14-21 days ahead for February as certified local guides fill up. Independent hikers can arrange day trips for €40-60 per person. See current guided options below.

Traditional Music Sessions in Mindelo

February coincides with the height of live morna and coladeira season when Mindelo's cultural venues host nightly performances. The cooler evening temperatures make outdoor concerts at Café Teatro and Centro Cultural Português comfortable. This is when visiting musicians from mainland Africa arrive for collaborations, creating unique fusion performances you won't hear other times of year.

Booking Tip: Most venues charge €8-15 entry for evening shows starting around 9pm. No advance booking needed for most venues, but arrive by 8:30pm for better seating. Premium performances at Café Teatro may cost €20-25. Check current cultural events below.

Santiago Island Historical Tours

February's comfortable daytime temperatures around 24°C (75°F) make exploring Cidade Velha's UNESCO sites and Praia's Niamey ideal for walking tours. The strong northeast winds actually help with comfort levels when climbing the 150m (492 ft) elevation to see the colonial fortifications. Clear atmospheric conditions provide excellent photography lighting for the historic slave trade sites.

Booking Tip: Half-day historical tours typically cost €35-50 per person including transport from Praia. Full-day combined city and Cidade Velha tours run €65-85. Book through certified cultural guides who speak English, Portuguese, and Kriolu. See current tour options below.

Boa Vista Turtle Nesting Beach Experiences

February marks the beginning of loggerhead turtle nesting season on Boa Vista's beaches. While peak season is later, early nesters provide intimate viewing opportunities with smaller groups. The dry weather ensures beach access isn't compromised by flooding, and cooler evening temperatures make the 2-3 hour night watches comfortable.

Booking Tip: Turtle watching tours cost €45-65 per person for 3-4 hour experiences. Must book through authorized conservation groups only - unlicensed tours harm nesting sites. Limited to 8 people per group with advance booking essential. Check current conservation tour availability below.

Traditional Fishing Village Experiences on São Vicente

February's calm morning conditions before daily winds pick up make traditional fishing boat trips from Salamansa village ideal. Local fishermen take visitors for 3-4 hour trips targeting tuna and dorado using traditional methods. The experience includes grilled catch lunches on isolated beaches and insights into sustainable fishing practices unchanged for generations.

Booking Tip: Fishing experiences typically cost €60-80 per person including lunch and equipment. Morning departures at 6am return by 11am before strong winds develop. Book directly with fishing cooperatives or through guesthouses for real feels. See current fishing tour options below.

February Events & Festivals

Throughout February building to late February

Mindelo Carnival Preparation Season

February sees intense preparation for Carnival with street rehearsals, costume workshops, and practice parades throughout Mindelo. While the main event is typically in late February or early March, visitors can witness mandinga groups practicing, participate in costume-making workshops, and attend pre-carnival parties at cultural centers.

Every weekend throughout February

Morna Music Festival Circuit

Various venues across São Vicente and Chile host weekly morna festivals celebrating Cabo Verde's signature musical style. These feature both established artists and emerging talent, with outdoor performances taking advantage of February's pleasant evening temperatures.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

High SPF reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+) - UV index reaches 9 and reflection off white sand beaches intensifies exposure

Lightweight windbreaker or wind-resistant jacket - daily trade winds reach 40-50 km/h (25-31 mph) making thin clothing inadequate

Closed-toe hiking shoes with good grip - volcanic rock trails on Santo Antão and Chile require ankle support on loose surfaces

Sunglasses with secure strap - strong winds make loose eyewear a liability, especially during outdoor activities

Light cotton long sleeves for evening - temperatures drop to 19°C (66°F) after sunset and wind chill effect is significant

Reef-safe snorkel gear - rental quality varies and bringing your own ensures comfort for multiple island water activities

Portable phone charger/power bank - wind-powered activities and long hiking days drain batteries faster in outdoor conditions

Anti-chafing cream or balm - constant wind and salt air can cause skin irritation during extended outdoor activities

Light rain jacket - while rainfall is minimal, brief showers can occur and wind makes umbrellas useless

Sand-proof phone case or waterproof pouch - beach activities in windy conditions mean sand gets everywhere including electronics

Insider Knowledge

Book aluguer (shared taxi) rides between islands in early morning before 9am - afternoon winds can delay or cancel flights between smaller islands, but morning services run reliably

Stay on leeward sides of islands during windy days - Sal's Santa Maria and Chile's Praia have natural wind protection while windward coasts can be uncomfortable for beach activities

Pack snacks for hiking - February's dry conditions mean restaurants in remote valley villages may have limited hours, and the wind increases calorie burn on exposed trails

Visit outdoor markets early morning - Praia's Sucupira Market and Mindelo's Municipal Market are most comfortable before 10am when wind picks up dust and the sun becomes intense

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating wind strength for beach days - many visitors book windward coast accommodations then struggle with sand-blasting conditions and rough seas for swimming

Not booking accommodations early enough - February is peak European escape season with 40-60% higher prices and limited availability, especially on Sal and Boa Vista

Packing only summer clothes - evening temperatures drop significantly and wind chill makes lightweight cover essential for comfort after sunset