Caboverde in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Caboverde

26°C (79°F) High Temp

20°C (68°F) Low Temp

12mm (0.5 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season with trade winds averaging 25-30 km/h (15-18 mph) - ideal for windsurfing and kitesurfing with consistent Harmattan winds from the Sahara
Crystal clear visibility up to 40m (131 ft) underwater - March offers the year's best diving conditions before Atlantic swells increase
Perfect hiking weather with temperatures rarely exceeding 26°C (79°F) and minimal rainfall - ideal for conquering Pico do Fogo's 2,829m (9,281 ft) summit
Blooming season for endemic plants after brief winter rains - dragontrees and other unique flora are at their most photogenic

Considerations

Harmattan dust from Sahara reduces air quality some days and creates hazy sunsets - not ideal for those with respiratory sensitivities
Strong trade winds make smaller island ferry crossings rough, with 2-3m (6-10 ft) swells common between islands
Driest month means hiking trails are dusty and water sources scarce - requires carrying more water than other months

Best Activities in March

Sal Island Windsurfing and Kitesurfing

March delivers Cape Verde's most consistent wind conditions with 25-30 km/h (15-18 mph) trade winds. Pontão and Kite Beach offer perfect flat-water conditions for beginners, while Santa Maria's reef breaks challenge advanced riders. Water temperature stays comfortable at 23°C (73°F) without wetsuit needs. The combination of reliable winds and minimal rainfall makes this the premier month for wind sports.

Booking Tip: Equipment rental typically costs €35-50/day for windsurfing, €40-60/day for kitesurfing. Book lessons 5-7 days ahead during March as European wind sport enthusiasts flock here. Look for IKO-certified instructors with liability insurance. Many operators offer week-long packages with 20-30% savings.

Fogo Island Volcano Hiking

March offers ideal conditions for ascending Pico do Fogo with cool morning temperatures around 15°C (59°F) and minimal chance of summit clouds. The 6-hour round trip to 2,829m (9,281 ft) becomes grueling in hotter months, but March's dry, stable weather creates perfect visibility across the archipelago. Endemic vegetation is at its most busy after winter rains.

Booking Tip: Guided hikes cost €40-60 per person including transport from São Filipe. Book mandatory guides 3-5 days ahead through official park services only - unlicensed guides risk hefty fines. Start at 6am to avoid afternoon winds that can reach 40 km/h (25 mph) at summit. Bring 3-4 liters of water per person.

Santiago Island Cultural Immersion

March coincides with post-Carnaval cultural authenticity as communities settle back into traditional rhythms. Cidade Velha's UNESCO sites shine under perfect lighting conditions, while interior villages like Rui Vaz offer genuine batuku and funana performances. Comfortable walking temperatures make exploring Praia's Dakar and Sucupira Market enjoyable for hours.

Booking Tip: Cultural tours range €25-45 per person for full-day experiences including traditional lunch. Book through community-based tourism initiatives for real feels. March requires less crowded scheduling than peak season, but still reserve 4-6 days ahead for English-speaking guides. Look for operators supporting local artisan cooperatives.

São Vicente Music and Nightlife Scene

March weather creates perfect conditions for Mindelo's legendary street music culture. Comfortable evening temperatures around 22°C (72°F) mean outdoor concerts and spontaneous mornas sessions extend well past midnight. The city's cultural calendar intensifies post-Carnaval with intimate venue performances by established and emerging artists.

Booking Tip: Live music venues charge €5-15 entry depending on artist caliber. No advance booking needed for most bars and clubs, but special concerts at Cultural Center or Teatro require 2-3 days notice. Evening food tours combining music venues cost €35-55 and offer excellent value. Start evenings after 9pm when locals emerge.

Diving and Snorkeling Adventures

March delivers Cape Verde's peak underwater visibility reaching 35-40m (115-131 ft) with calm seas and water temperature of 23°C (73°F). Nurse sharks, devil rays, and sea turtles are most active before summer warming. Sites around Santa Maria, Tarrafal, and Murdeira offer diverse experiences from beginner-friendly reefs to advanced wall dives.

Booking Tip: Two-tank boat dives cost €55-75 including equipment. PADI Open Water courses run €350-450 over 3-4 days. Book dive operators 5-7 days ahead as March attracts serious divers seeking optimal visibility. Verify PADI/SSI certification and equipment maintenance standards. Nitrox certification opens access to deeper sites.

Island-Hopping Ferry Routes

March represents the last month of reliable inter-island ferry services before Atlantic swells intensify. Routes between Chile-Fogo-Brava and São Vicente-Santo Antão operate most consistently. Despite some rough crossings due to trade winds, March offers the best compromise between weather stability and service frequency before summer schedule reductions.

Booking Tip: Ferry tickets cost €25-45 depending on route and class. Book 5-10 days ahead as March sees increased inter-island tourism. Choose morning departures when possible as afternoon trade winds create rougher conditions. Consider motion sickness medication for 2-3 hour crossings. Flights cost €80-120 but guarantee schedule reliability.

March Events & Festivals

Throughout March

Baía das Gatas Music Festival Preparation

While the main festival occurs in August, March sees intense preparation and warm-up concerts across São Vicente. Local bands rehearse publicly, and smaller venues host preview performances. This offers visitors authentic insight into Cape Verde's music scene without festival crowds.

Throughout March

Artisanal Fishing Season Peak

March marks prime fishing season for traditional fishermen, with early morning fish markets at their most busy. Santa Maria, Mindelo, and Tarrafal markets offer spectacular displays of fresh tuna, wahoo, and lobster. Many operators offer fishing excursions during this optimal period.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 9 with minimal cloud cover and high altitude exposure on volcanic peaks

Lightweight windbreaker - trade winds average 25-30 km/h (15-18 mph) and feel stronger at coastal viewpoints and mountain ridges

Dust mask or bandana - Harmattan winds carry Saharan dust that reduces air quality on 40% of March days

Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support - volcanic terrain on Fogo and Santo Antão includes loose scree and sharp lava rock

Quick-dry clothing in earth tones - dust shows prominently on dark colors and washing facilities are limited on smaller islands

Electrolyte tablets or powder - low humidity and constant winds increase dehydration risk during outdoor activities

Reef-safe sunscreen for water activities - temperatures of 23°C (73°F) mean no wetsuit needed but sun protection essential

Portable water filtration system - carrying capacity becomes critical for multi-day hiking with limited water sources

Power bank and universal adapter - Type C and F plugs used, and power outages more common during windy periods

Cash in escudos - ATMs limited outside Praia and Mindelo, and credit cards rarely accepted for activities and local transport

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations in Mindelo's Niamey by February - Cape Verdean diaspora return in March for family visits, creating unexpected occupancy spikes

Carry small denominations (100-500 CVE notes) - taxi drivers and market vendors rarely have change for 2000+ CVE notes, especially outside main cities

Time flights to arrive mid-week - weekend arrivals coincide with limited ground transport options and higher taxi rates from airports

Download offline maps before arrival - internet connectivity drops significantly outside Praia, Mindelo, and Santa Maria tourist zones

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating water needs for hiking - March's dry conditions and constant winds require 50% more hydration than expected, with sources scarce above 1000m (3,281 ft)

Booking only Chile and Sal - missing São Vicente's authentic music culture and Santo Antão's dramatic landscapes, which are at their most accessible in March's stable weather

Assuming beach weather means swimming focus - March's strong winds make windsurfing and kitesurfing the primary water activities, not lounging or casual swimming