Caboverde in July

July weather, activities, events & insider tips

July Weather in Caboverde

26°C (79°F) High Temp

22°C (72°F) Low Temp

45mm (1.8 inches) Rainfall

75% Humidity

Is July Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season with minimal rainfall - only 8 rainy days typically lasting 15-20 minutes each, perfect for beach activities and hiking
Consistent northeast trade winds at 15-20 km/h (9-12 mph) create ideal conditions for windsurfing and kitesurfing, especially at Sal's Ponta Preta
Sea temperature reaches optimal 24°C (75°F) with excellent visibility up to 30m (98 ft) for diving around shipwrecks and coral reefs
Festival season peaks with local music events and cultural celebrations, while European winter drives lower accommodation rates compared to December-March

Considerations

Harmattan winds can bring Saharan dust reducing air quality and visibility for 3-5 days, particularly affecting Chile and Fogo islands
Peak wind season makes smaller boat transfers to less accessible islands uncomfortable and sometimes cancelled
Limited vegetation due to dry conditions - landscapes appear more barren compared to post-rainy season months

Best Activities in July

Sal Island Wind Sports

July's consistent 15-20 km/h (9-12 mph) northeast trade winds create world-class conditions for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Ponta Preta breaks rank among top 10 global windsurfing spots. Water temperature at comfortable 24°C (75°F) means 3mm wetsuit maximum. Wind is most reliable 11am-6pm daily.

Booking Tip: Book equipment rental 5-7 days ahead during July peak season. Daily rates typically €35-50 for windsurfing, €40-60 for kitesurfing. Look for IKO/VDWS certified schools offering insurance coverage. Many operators offer 3-day packages with 20% savings.

Fogo Volcano Crater Hiking

July's dry conditions provide safest access to Pico Do Fogo crater at 2,829m (9,281 ft). Clear skies offer impressive views across archipelago. Temperatures at summit drop to 10°C (50°F) before sunrise. Volcanic activity creates unique microclimate with zero rainfall inside crater during July.

Booking Tip: Mandatory guide requirement - book certified mountain guides 10-14 days ahead. Full-day hikes cost €80-120 including transport from São Filipe. Start 4am to avoid afternoon heat. Verify guide certification and emergency communication equipment.

Santiago Island Cultural Villages

July coincides with local harvest festivals in interior villages like Rui Vaz and São Domingos. Dry roads make 4WD access easier to remote communities. Experience traditional cachupa cooking and witness grogue (local rum) distillation. Cooler mountain temperatures 18-22°C (64-72°F) ideal for walking tours.

Booking Tip: Community-based tourism operators charge €25-40 per person for half-day village experiences. Book through Chile municipal tourism offices or certified cultural guides. Include traditional lunch for real feel. Transport typically adds €30-50 for groups up to 4 people.

São Vicente Music and Nightlife

July marks peak season for live morna and coladeira performances in Mindelo's cultural venues. Cooler evening temperatures 22-24°C (72-75°F) perfect for outdoor concerts at Praça Nova. Local musicians return from European tours during Capeverde summer, increasing quality of performances.

Booking Tip: Most venues don't require advance booking except for major festivals. Cover charges range €5-15 for live music venues. Traditional music starts after 10pm. Combine with local restaurants for dinner-show packages typically €35-50 per person including meals.

Boa Vista Turtle Watching

Peak loggerhead turtle nesting season occurs June-August with highest activity in July. Ervatão and Lacacao beaches host 60% of archipelago's nesting population. Night tours between 9pm-2am offer 85% success rate for turtle encounters. Dry weather ensures reliable access to nesting beaches.

Booking Tip: Licensed turtle-watching operators required by law - tours cost €30-45 per person. Book 3-5 days ahead as groups limited to 8 people per guide. Verify operator has official authorization from INDP (National Fisheries Development Institute). Red-light flashlights mandatory.

Santo Antão Valley Trekking

July's dry conditions make Ribeira Grande and Paul Valley trails accessible with minimal mud. Dramatic landscapes enhanced by clear skies and 25km+ (15+ mile) visibility. Temperatures in valleys stay comfortable 20-25°C (68-77°F). Local guides report 95% trail completion rate during July versus 60% in rainy months.

Booking Tip: Multi-day treks require advance booking 2-3 weeks ahead. Day hikes cost €40-65 including guide and transport. Overnight mountain lodge stays add €25-40 per night. Verify guides carry GPS devices and first-aid certification. Water stops every 2km (1.2 miles) essential.

July Events & Festivals

Mid July

Festival de Baía das Gatas

São Vicente's premier music festival featuring top Cape Verdean and African artists. Three-day event transforms natural bay into concert venue with stages built on tidal pools. Combines traditional morna, funaná, and contemporary African beats.

Early July

Festival de Santa Isabel

Sal Island's patron saint festival blends religious processions with street parties. Traditional music, local food vendors, and cultural performances throughout Espargos and Santa Maria. Peak celebration includes midnight mass and dawn beach ceremonies.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

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

Lightweight windbreaker - constant trade winds at 15-20 km/h (9-12 mph) create wind chill especially on boat transfers

Closed-toe hiking shoes with ankle support - volcanic terrain is sharp and loose, essential for any inland exploration

Quick-dry clothing in light colors - humidity at 75% combined with strong sun makes cotton uncomfortable and slow-drying

Dust mask or bandana - Harmattan winds carry Saharan dust creating hazy conditions 3-5 days during July

Insulated water bottle - temperatures vary 15°C (27°F) between coast and mountains, staying hydrated crucial at altitude

Waterproof phone case - sea spray from boat trips and occasional light showers can damage electronics

Cash in euros - ATMs limited outside main towns, local operators prefer cash payments with 5-10% discounts

Red LED headlamp - essential for turtle watching tours and early morning volcano hikes, white lights prohibited on beaches

Reef-safe toiletries - environmental protection laws strictly enforced, chemical sunscreens face €200+ fines

Insider Knowledge

Local 'aluguer' shared taxis cost 80% less than tourist transfers - flag down blue pickup trucks on main roads for authentic transport at €1-3 per ride

Shop at municipal markets before 9am for freshest local produce and fish - prices triple after 11am when resort buyers arrive

Book inter-island flights directly with Cabo Verde Airlines using local phone numbers for 30-40% savings versus international booking sites

Many restaurants close 2-6pm during July heat - locals eat large lunch at 11:30am then light dinner after 8pm following Portuguese colonial schedule

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking ground-floor accommodations - trade winds are stronger at elevation providing natural cooling and fewer mosquitoes

Planning beach days during 11am-3pm peak UV hours - locals avoid sun during these times, optimal beach hours are 7-10am and 4-7pm

Bringing only summer clothes - mountain temperatures drop to 10°C (50°F) at volcano summits and air conditioning can be aggressive in restaurants