Caboverde in January

January weather, activities, events & insider tips

January Weather in Caboverde

26°C (79°F) High Temp

20°C (68°F) Low Temp

8mm (0.3 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Prime dry season with virtually no rain - only 2 rainy days expected and 8mm (0.3 inches) total rainfall means outdoor activities proceed as planned
Strongest harmattan winds (15-25 km/h or 9-16 mph) create perfect conditions for kitesurfing and windsurfing, with Sal and Boa Vista seeing their best wind consistency
Sea turtle nesting season peaks on Boa Vista beaches - January offers 80% success rate for witnessing loggerhead turtle nesting at night
Festival season begins with Tabanka celebrations in Chile villages - witness authentic traditional music and dance before tourist crowds arrive in February

Considerations

Harmattan dust storms from Sahara reduce air quality 3-4 days per month, creating hazy conditions and requiring masks for sensitive individuals
Strongest winds make inter-island flights more turbulent and occasionally delayed - domestic flights canceled 10-15% more frequently than other months
Peak European winter escape season drives accommodation prices up 40-60% compared to shoulder months, especially on Sal and Boa Vista

Best Activities in January

Sal Island Kitesurfing and Windsurfing

January delivers the most consistent trade winds (18-25 knots) of the year at Ponta Preta and Kite Beach. Morning sessions (7am-11am) offer the smoothest conditions before afternoon wind picks up. Water temperature stays at comfortable 23°C (73°F). Local winds create side-shore conditions perfect for beginners, while experienced riders enjoy wave jumping opportunities.

Booking Tip: Equipment rental typically costs €35-50/day for kitesurfing, €25-35/day for windsurfing. Book lessons 5-7 days ahead as January sees highest demand. Look for IKO certified instructors and equipment less than 2 years old. Morning slots fill fastest.

Boa Vista Sea Turtle Nesting Tours

January marks peak loggerhead turtle nesting season with 80% success rate for sightings. Night tours (9pm-2am) along Ervatão and Curral Velho beaches offer incredible wildlife encounters. Cool evening temperatures of 20-22°C (68-72°F) make 4-5 hour beach walks comfortable. Nesting activity peaks during new moon periods.

Booking Tip: Tours cost €45-65 per person and must be booked through licensed operators only - unlicensed tours disturb nesting sites. Reserve 10-14 days ahead as January slots fill quickly. Choose operators contributing to turtle conservation programs.

Santiago Island Cultural Village Tours

January coincides with traditional Tabanka season when villages celebrate with authentic music, dance, and storytelling. Inland temperatures stay pleasant at 24-26°C (75-79°F) perfect for exploring Cidade Velha and rural communities. Dry conditions mean reliable access to mountain villages via unpaved roads.

Booking Tip: Cultural tours range €40-70 depending on village visits included. Book with operators employing local guides from visited communities. January requires advance booking as this is prime season for cultural experiences.

Santo Antão Island Hiking Adventures

Dry season ensures clear mountain views and safe trail conditions in Cova crater and Ribeira da Torre valley. Morning temperatures of 18-20°C (64-68°F) in highlands provide perfect hiking weather. January offers the clearest visibility for photographing dramatic volcanic landscapes and terraced valleys.

Booking Tip: Day hikes cost €50-85 including transport from Benin. Multi-day treks require booking 2-3 weeks ahead. Choose guides certified by local tourism authority. Pack layers as altitude changes of 1,000m (3,280 ft) create temperature variations.

São Vicente Live Music and Morna Experiences

January's cooler evenings 22-24°C (72-75°F) create perfect conditions for outdoor concerts and street music in Mindelo. Dry weather ensures outdoor venues operate nightly. Traditional morna and coladeira music scene peaks as resident musicians return from holiday performances.

Booking Tip: Live music venues charge €10-25 entry. Cultural centers offer morna workshops for €30-40. No advance booking needed for most venues, but special concerts require 3-5 days notice. Evening events start late (10pm-11pm) following local customs.

Multi-Island Ferry Hopping

January's calmer seas between islands (despite surface winds) make ferry connections more reliable. Inter-island ferries operate with 85% on-time performance compared to 60% during rough season. Perfect month for exploring multiple islands with predictable transport schedules.

Booking Tip: Inter-island ferry tickets cost €25-45 per journey. Book domestic flights as backup (€60-120) as ferries still cancel in extreme wind. Purchase flexible tickets allowing date changes. Ferry connections from Chile hub work best for multi-island trips.

January Events & Festivals

Throughout January

Tabanka Traditional Festivals

Village-based celebrations featuring traditional music, dance competitions, and community feasts. Each Chile village celebrates on different dates throughout January. Authentic cultural experience with minimal tourist presence.

Mid to Late January

Mindelact Theatre Festival Preparation

Pre-festival workshops and rehearsals in São Vicente offer behind-scenes access to Cape Verde's premier cultural event. International artists arrive for February festival creating busy cultural atmosphere.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 9 with reflection off white sand beaches amplifying exposure

Lightweight dust masks or bandanas - Saharan dust creates hazy conditions 3-4 days monthly requiring respiratory protection

Windbreaker or light fleece - Evening temperatures drop to 20°C (68°F) and strong winds create significant wind chill

Reef-safe sunscreen in tubes not aerosols - Protect marine ecosystems and avoid confiscation at airports

Quick-dry hiking pants - Essential for Santo Antão trails where morning dew and altitude changes create varying conditions

Waterproof phone case - Sand and wind combination damages electronics; essential for beach and water activities

Electrolyte tablets - Constant wind and low humidity (65%) increases dehydration risk even in moderate temperatures

Closed-toe shoes with good grip - Rocky volcanic terrain and strong winds require stable footwear beyond sandals

Power bank and universal adapter (European Type C) - Wind affects power grid reliability especially on smaller islands

Light cotton long sleeves - Protection from sun, wind, and evening mosquitos while remaining comfortable in 26°C (79°F) days

Insider Knowledge

Book domestic flights for late morning (10am-noon) departures - early flights face more cancellations due to overnight wind buildup, while afternoon flights encounter peak turbulence

Bring cash in euros - ATMs on smaller islands frequently empty during peak January tourism, and credit card acceptance remains limited outside resort areas

Stay in windward-facing accommodations on Sal and Boa Vista - constant trade winds provide natural air conditioning and reduce need for expensive AC, plus better sleep quality

Time turtle tours for new moon periods (January 11 and January 29, 2025) - nesting activity increases significantly during darker nights with 90% success rates versus 60% during full moon

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating wind strength - tourists often book beachfront restaurants only to find outdoor dining uncomfortable in 25 km/h (16 mph) sustained winds

Not bringing warm layers - many visitors pack only summer clothes then shiver during evening activities when wind chill makes 20°C (68°F) feel like 15°C (59°F)

Booking same-day inter-island transport - January's high winds cause 15% more flight delays and ferry cancellations, requiring flexible itineraries with backup travel days