Things to Do in Cabo Verde in February
February weather, activities, events & insider tips
Shoulder Season · Good Value
February Weather in Cabo Verde
Temperature, rainfall and humidity at a glance
77°F (25°C)
High Temp
66°F (19°C)
Low Temp
0.1 inches (3 mm)
Rainfall
70%
Humidity
⚠ Dust walls rise without warning. Visibility drops to two blocks. Carry a dust mask. Asthmatics stay indoors. Storms pass in 2-3 days. Wait it out. Blue returns.
Is February Right for You?
Weigh the advantages and considerations before booking
Advantages
- + February offers the driest weather of the year - you might see rain only 3-4 days during a two-week visit, making it good for island-hopping between Sal and Santiago
- + The Harmattan winds from west Africa bring clear skies and spectacular sunset visibility - photographers get those postcard-perfect shots of Santa Maria's pier at golden hour
- + Whale watching season peaks in February - humpback whales migrate past Boa Vista and Sal, with daily sightings almost guaranteed from licensed boat tours
- + Carnaval preparations begin mid-month with spontaneous music rehearsals in Mindelo's Praçan Estrela - you catch the authentic build-up without the February/March crowds
Considerations
- − Hotel rates spike 40-60% from mid-February through March - book by early January or expect to pay premium prices, on Sal's Santa Maria beach strip
- − The Harmattan brings Sahara dust that can reduce visibility to 2 km (1.2 miles) for 2-3 days - your Instagram shots of Monte Verde's summit views might look like you're shooting through orange fog
- − Ocean temperatures hit their annual low at 21°C (70°F) - fine for quick dips but you'll want a light wetsuit for longer snorkeling sessions at Buracona's natural pool
Best Activities in February
Top things to do during your visit
Cabo Verde in February is all about dry air and constant sun. The heavy summer rains are a world away. You will catch the real rhythm of the islands now. Find it in the backstreets of Mindelo, where nightly drum rehearsals for Carnaval echo from open doorways. The smoky aroma of grilling cachupa stew mingles with the sharp tang of freshly poured grogue. On Santiago, the dry season sun beats down on the UNESCO stones of Cidade Velha. The Atlantic swells that roll into Tarrafal are a clear, cool blue. This is a month of rehearsal and ritual. The islands are tuning up for their grandest celebrations under reliably clear skies.
From Praia: Discover Santiago Island in 1 Day
otherIt moves from the rugged green peaks of Serra Malagueta to the black sand coves of the southern coast. You will see the ochre walls of the oldest colonial fort in the tropics at Cidade Velha. You will also hear the polyrhythmic beats of traditional batuque music in a local village.
It packs the complete cultural and physical landscapes of Cabo Verde's largest island into one journey.
Insider tip: Wear sturdy shoes with good grip. The paths in the mountainous interior can be dusty and loose underfoot in the February dry season.
Serra Malagueta Natural Park Hike & Relaxing Swim at Tarrafal Beach
adventureYou will walk through the cool, misty highlands of Serra Malagueta Natural Park. Your reward is a plunge into the turquoise waters of Tarrafal Beach. You will smell the damp earth and eucalyptus of the mountain forests first. Then you will feel the contrast of the warm, dry breeze and the refreshing Atlantic surf.
It connects the island's lush interior ecosystem directly to one of its most celebrated beaches.
Insider tip: Pack a swimsuit and a thin towel in your daypack. Be ready for the swim without needing to return to the vehicle.
Santiago Island: Best of Praia & Cidade Velha Tour, a World Heritage Site
culturalIt navigates the modern markets and colorful plateau of Praia before descending to the haunting ruins of Cidade Velha. You will see the stark stone skeleton of the Sé Cathedral. You can touch the worn stones of the Pelourinho, the first slave post in the Atlantic.
It traces the arc of Cabo Verdean history from a pivotal World Heritage Site to its contemporary capital.
Santiago Island Experience - Culture, Nature & Tarrafal Beach
guided_experienceIt includes a visit to a local handicraft center where you can smell the dye from hand-woven panu cloth. There is a tasting of potent grogue rum, and time on the golden sands of Tarrafal.
It weaves together the artistic, agricultural, and leisure pillars of Santiago Island life.
Insider tip: At the grogue tasting, ask to try the version infused with local herbs. It carries a more complex, aromatic flavor than the standard white spirit.
Private Tour in Praia, Cape Verde
private_tourIt can cover panoramic views at the Presidential Palace or specific market stalls selling the best pastel com diablo. That is a fried pastry filled with spicy tuna.
It grants the flexibility to pursue personal interests, like photography or finding authentic local flavors.
Insider tip: Request your guide to include a quiet moment at the Fortaleza de São Filipe for a city vista. The light in late afternoon casts long shadows across the red-tiled roofs.
Hiking: Monte Tchota Natural Park - Pico D'Antónia (1394m) - Longueira
adventureIt ascends through the unique cloud forest of Monte Tchota Natural Park to the summit of Pico D'Antónia, the highest peak on Santiago. You will hear the wind in the endemic vegetation. You will feel the cool, thin air at the peak before descending through the agricultural village of Longueira.
It is the definitive trek for serious hikers. The 360-degree views across the entire island of Santiago are outstanding.
Insider tip: Start the hike at dawn. Complete the most strenuous ascent before the full heat of the February sun reaches the exposed upper trails.
Where to Stay in Cabo Verde in February
Hand-picked hotels across price tiers for February travellers.
February Events & Festivals
What's happening during your visit
Early to mid February
Mindelo Carnaval Preparations
The real magic happens in the three weeks before Carnaval proper. Groups rehearse nightly in Mindelo's neighborhoods - you can walk past houses where 30 people are drumming and singing, then get invited in for grogue (sugarcane rum). The rehearsals are more intimate than the actual parade.
Mid February (varies by village)
Tabanca Festival
Santiago's rural villages celebrate their African heritage with drumming circles that last until dawn. In Assomada's market town, locals in traditional panu cloth perform the batuque dance - women in circles clapping while singing call-and-response songs that predate Portuguese arrival.
Packing Checklist
Bookmark this page — your progress is saved between visits
Need the full list with shopping links?
Climate-specific gear, brand recommendations, and what to leave at home.
View Cabo Verde Packing List →Essential Tips
Insider knowledge and common pitfalls to avoid
Insider Knowledge
The best grogue (local rum) isn't sold in tourist shops - look for unlabeled bottles at Mercado de Sucupira in Praia, where farmers sell their homemade batches for half the Santa Maria price
Skip the hotel breakfast and hit Pastelaria Morabeza in Santa Maria at 7am - locals queue for pastel de nata that are still warm from the oven, and coffee costs what you'd pay in Lisbon not London
TACV flights between islands often delay by 2-3 hours in February - book the first morning flight, not afternoon connections, and bring a book for the wait
The real beach party happens Sunday afternoon at Kite Beach (not the touristy one) - follow the sound of drums past Hotel Odjo d'Agua where Cape Verdean families bring coolers and dance until sunset
Avoid These Mistakes
Booking only Sal and missing Santiago - February's dry weather makes the 25-minute flight to Praia essential for seeing real Cape Verdean culture beyond the resort strip
Assuming February means Caribbean-warm water - the Atlantic here is 21°C (70°F), so that sunset swim will be brief unless you're Canadian
Planning island-hopping without buffer days - the inter-island ferry from São Vicente to Santo Antão cancels 30% of crossings in February when winds pick up
Explore More Activities in Cabo Verde
Didn't see anything interesting yet?
Browse Viator's full catalog of tours, day trips, food experiences, and private guides in Cabo Verde.
See All Cabo Verde Tours on Viator