Caboverde in June

June weather, activities, events & insider tips

June Weather in Caboverde

29°C (84°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

18mm (0.7 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is June Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season with minimal rainfall (only 18mm/0.7 inches) and constant cooling trade winds averaging 25-30 km/h (15-18 mph)
Perfect ocean conditions for water sports - seas are calmest with 1-2m (3-6 ft) waves, ideal for surfing at Ponta Preta and kitesurfing at Sal Rei
Festa de São João celebrations across all islands in late June bring authentic cultural experiences with traditional coladeira music and cachupa festivals
Optimal turtle nesting season on Sal and Boa Vista - loggerhead turtles nest nightly with 80% success rate, best viewing between 9pm-2am

Considerations

Peak tourist season means accommodation prices increase 40-60% compared to September, book minimum 8 weeks ahead or face limited availability
Harmattan winds can bring occasional dust from Sahara creating hazy conditions lasting 2-3 days, reducing visibility for photography
Intense UV exposure - sun reflects off white sand beaches doubling radiation exposure, sunburn possible in 15 minutes without SPF 50+

Best Activities in June

Sal Island Kitesurfing and Windsurfing

June offers the strongest and most consistent trade winds (25-35 km/h or 15-22 mph) making it prime season for wind sports. Santa Maria Beach has perfect side-shore winds and flat water conditions inside the reef. Water temperature stays comfortable at 24°C (75°F). Beginners can learn in protected lagoons while experts tackle open ocean swells.

Booking Tip: Reserve equipment and lessons 2-3 weeks ahead during peak season. Daily rates typically €40-60 for equipment, lessons €80-120. Look for IKO certified instructors and shops offering rescue boat backup. See current options in booking section below.

Santiago Island Cultural Heritage Tours

June's dry weather makes mountain roads to interior villages easily accessible. Festa de São João celebrations in late June offer authentic cultural immersion in Cidade Velha and Assomada. Traditional music sessions happen spontaneously in town squares. Cooler morning temperatures (24°C/75°F) ideal for hiking Pico da Antónia at 1,392m (4,567 ft).

Booking Tip: Book cultural tours including Festa de São João events 3-4 weeks ahead as local guides have limited availability during festival season. Full day tours typically €60-90 per person. Ensure tours include São Domingos market and traditional lunch experiences.

Boa Vista Turtle Watching Expeditions

Peak loggerhead nesting season with nightly turtle arrivals at Curral Velho and Ervatão beaches. June has highest success rates (80% chance of sightings) between 9pm-2am. Clear skies and minimal rainfall ensure tours run nightly. Baby turtle releases happen at dawn creating unforgettable wildlife encounters.

Booking Tip: Turtle tours book out completely during peak nesting season. Reserve minimum 2 weeks ahead, prices €35-50 per person for 4-hour expeditions. Only book with TAMAR-certified guides who follow conservation protocols. Night tours include transportation from hotels.

Santo Antão Hiking and Canyoning

Dry season makes treacherous mountain paths safe and accessible. June's clear skies offer impressive views across Paul Valley and Cova crater. Morning temperatures around 22°C (72°F) perfect for strenuous hikes. Ribeira Grande to Coculi trail (14km/8.7 miles) showcases terraced agriculture and waterfalls still flowing from earlier rains.

Booking Tip: Mountain guides essential for canyoning routes - book 10-14 days ahead through certified operators. Day hikes €45-65, multi-day treks €120-180. Ensure guides provide safety equipment for Via Ferrata sections and canyon descents. Ferry booking to Santo Antão requires advance reservation in June.

São Vicente Music and Nightlife Experiences

June coincides with pre-Baía das Gatas festival preparations in Mindelo, bringing intensified morna and funaná performances nightly. Cultural center concerts happen 4-5 times weekly. Cesária Évora Festival preparations create spontaneous street performances. Cool evening breezes make outdoor venues comfortable until 2am.

Booking Tip: Music venue tickets rarely advance sold but arrive early (8pm) for prime seating. Concert tickets typically €15-25, bar crawl tours €30-45. Book accommodation near Mindelo's cultural quarter 6+ weeks ahead as musicians and festival workers fill hotels during preparation season.

Fogo Island Volcano Hiking and Wine Tasting

Dry conditions make the challenging 6-hour trek to Pico Do Fogo summit (2,829m/9,281 ft) safest time of year. Clear skies provide unobstructed views across all islands. June harvest season in Chã das Caldeiras offers wine tastings of unique volcanic soil varietals. Morning starts at 6am beat afternoon heat.

Booking Tip: Volcano summit hikes require advance booking due to guide limitations - reserve 2-3 weeks ahead. Full day tours €70-95 including transport and wine tastings. Ensure operators provide proper hiking equipment and emergency communication devices. Weather can change rapidly at altitude.

June Events & Festivals

Late June (typically June 23-24)

Festa de São João (Saint John Festival)

Traditional celebrations across all islands with bonfire jumping, traditional coladeira music performances, and community cachupa cooking competitions. Most authentic cultural experience available to visitors with locals welcoming tourists to join festivities

Throughout June

Baía das Gatas Festival Preparation Season

Pre-festival rehearsals and performances in Mindelo create nightly music scene with morna and funaná artists preparing for August festival. Spontaneous street concerts and cultural center performances happen throughout June

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen (minimum 200ml tube) - UV index 8 with sand reflection doubles exposure risk

Lightweight long-sleeve rash guard for water activities - prevents sunburn during 6+ hour ocean excursions

Quick-dry hiking pants for volcano and mountain treks - shorts inadequate for rocky terrain above 1,500m (4,921 ft)

Closed-toe water shoes with thick soles - essential for rocky beaches and turtle watching walks on volcanic sand

Dust mask or bandana for Harmattan wind days - Saharan dust can trigger respiratory irritation

Lightweight rain jacket despite dry season - sudden weather changes possible in mountains above 800m (2,625 ft)

High-capacity power bank (20,000+ mAh) - limited charging opportunities during island day trips and turtle watching tours

Insect repellent with DEET - mosquitoes active in valleys and near water sources despite dry conditions

Reusable water bottle (minimum 1.5L capacity) - dehydration risk high during outdoor activities with constant sun exposure

Cash in euros (€500+ recommended) - many local operators, restaurants, and transportation options don't accept cards outside main tourist areas

Insider Knowledge

Afternoon flights between islands often cancelled due to strong crosswinds - always book morning inter-island connections and build buffer days into itinerary

Local aluguer (shared taxis) stop running by 6pm on smaller islands - arrange private transport back from remote beaches or hiking trails in advance

Municipal markets in Praia and Mindelo have best exchange rates for euros to escudos - banks charge 3-5% higher fees and often run out of local currency

Turtle watching tours advertised as 'guaranteed sightings' actually have 60-80% success rate - book 2-3 nights to increase chances of successful viewing

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating sun exposure intensity - many tourists get severe sunburn on first day assuming Atlantic location means milder sun than Mediterranean

Booking same-day inter-island flights in June - high winds cause frequent cancellations, always build 1-2 buffer days between island connections

Expecting lush green landscapes - June is peak dry season with brown vegetation except in higher altitude areas above 800m (2,625 ft)