Things to Do in Cabo Verde in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Cabo Verde
Temperature, rainfall and humidity at a glance
Is March Right for You?
Weigh the advantages and considerations before booking
- + March delivers the last of Cabo Verde's dry season - you'll get 10 hours of daily sunshine with ocean visibility at 30 m (98 ft) for diving
- + Whale watching peaks in March as humpbacks migrate past Sal and Boa Vista - locals report sightings on 80% of boat trips
- + Hotel rates drop 30-40% from February peak while temperatures stay good for beach days at 24-27°C (75-81°F)
- + The harmattan winds ease this month, making the 3-hour hike up Pico do Fogo on Fogo Island enjoyable rather than a sandblasting experience
- − March marks the start of transition weather - that 'variable' forecast means occasional surprise storms that can cancel boat trips for 2-3 days straight
- − The ocean gets choppier as trade winds shift, so swimming at Santa Maria Beach requires checking daily conditions rather than assuming calm water
- − Popular restaurants in Sal fill up with package tourists on charter flights - you'll need reservations at beachfront spots by 6 PM
Best Activities in March
Top things to do during your visit
March is THE month for whale watching in Cabo Verde - humpbacks migrate so close to Sal's shores you can sometimes spot them from Santa Maria pier. The ocean's still calm enough for comfortable boat trips, and operators guarantee sightings or offer second trips free.
With harmattan winds dying down, March offers clear views from Cabo Verde's highest peak at 2,829 m (9,281 ft). The 3-hour ascent through black lava fields feels like walking on the moon, and you'll see coffee plantations in the crater that survived the 2014 eruption.
March's mild weather makes exploring Cidade Velha - Cabo Verde's original capital and UNESCO site - comfortable for hours. Walk the ribeiras (valleys) where runaway slaves once hid, and visit Tarrafal's fishing village where locals still build boats by hand.
The wind's perfect in March - steady enough for kitesurfing lessons but not the brutal gusts that arrive in April. Santa Maria's 2 km (1.2 mile) white sand beach offers protected areas for beginners and reef breaks for experienced surfers.
March Events & Festivals
What's happening during your visit
Cabo Verde's carnival happens in February/March depending on Easter - Mindelo on São Vicente hosts the biggest parade with 48 hours of non-stop music. Locals spend months crafting elaborate costumes that reference everything from politics to pop culture.
Packing Checklist
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Essential Tips
Insider knowledge and common pitfalls to avoid
Book Experiences in Cabo Verde
Top-rated things to do in Cabo Verde this March
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