Caboverde in May

May weather, activities, events & insider tips

May Weather in Caboverde

29°C (84°F) High Temp

22°C (72°F) Low Temp

45mm (1.8 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect wind conditions for kitesurfing and windsurfing - harmattan trade winds blow consistently at 20-25 knots (37-46 km/h) from northeast, creating ideal conditions at Sal and Boa Vista beaches
Driest month of the year with only 4 rain days and 45mm (1.8 inches) total rainfall - outdoor activities rarely get interrupted and hiking trails on Santo Antão are in excellent condition
Sea turtle nesting season peaks on Boa Vista beaches - loggerhead turtles nest nightly from 9pm-2am with 80% success rate for sightings with local guides
Clearest visibility for diving and snorkeling around all islands - Atlantic waters reach 24°C (75°F) with 25-30m (82-98 ft) visibility, perfect for exploring shipwrecks off Chile

Considerations

Harmattan winds carry Saharan dust creating hazy conditions 60% of days - reduces photo quality for landscapes and can irritate sensitive eyes and respiratory systems
Strongest UV exposure of the year with index reaching 10+ - sunburn occurs in just 10-15 minutes without SPF 50+ protection, especially dangerous on reflective volcanic rocks
Peak European vacation season drives accommodation prices up 40-60% compared to September-November, with beachfront properties on Sal booking out 8-10 weeks in advance

Best Activities in May

Sal Island Kitesurfing and Windsurfing

May delivers the most consistent trade winds of the year on Sal Island, with 20-25 knot (37-46 km/h) northeast winds creating perfect conditions at Ponta Preta and Santa Maria beaches. Water temperature hits ideal 24°C (75°F) while air stays at comfortable 29°C (84°F). Advanced kiters love the wave conditions while beginners benefit from steady, predictable winds and flat water areas.

Booking Tip: Book lessons 2-3 weeks ahead through certified IKO schools. Equipment rental typically costs €40-60 per day, lessons €80-120 for 2 hours. Look for schools with rescue boat support and insurance coverage. Check current options in the booking section below.

Santo Antão Mountain Hiking

May's dry conditions make this the absolute best month for Santo Antão's legendary hiking trails. The Cova to Paul crater descent (8 km/5 miles, 1,200m/3,937ft elevation change) offers perfect weather with no mud, clear mountain views, and comfortable temperatures of 18-25°C (64-77°F) at altitude. Ribeira Grande valley trails showcase green sugarcane fields irrigated year-round.

Booking Tip: Multi-day guided treks cost €180-250 per person including ferry transfers from Mindelo. Book 3-4 weeks ahead as quality guides fill up quickly in May. Look for guides certified by local tourism board with emergency communication equipment.

Boa Vista Turtle Watching

Peak loggerhead turtle nesting season coincides perfectly with May's calm weather and minimal rainfall. Ervatão and Curral Velho beaches see 15-25 nesting females per night between 9pm-2am. Success rate for sightings exceeds 80% with authorized guides. Cooler evening temperatures of 22°C (72°F) make 3-4 hour beach walks comfortable.

Booking Tip: Turtle watching permits required through certified eco-guides only, typically €35-45 per person for 4-hour experiences. Book minimum 1 week ahead as group sizes limited to 8 people per guide for conservation reasons. Tours include transportation from Sal Rei.

Santiago Island Cultural Tours

May's pleasant temperatures make exploring Cidade Velha and interior villages comfortable during midday hours. The old capital's cobblestone streets and fort ruins are best experienced when rainfall is minimal. Tarrafal market operates at full capacity with mango season producing exceptional local varieties. Traditional batuku music performances happen spontaneously in evening squares.

Booking Tip: Full-day cultural tours cost €75-95 per person including lunch and site entries. Private guides charge €120-150 for personalized experiences. Book through licensed cultural tourism operators with official guide certification. Transportation in shared vans typical for group tours.

São Vicente Music Scene

May marks the pre-festival season in Mindelo with intimate venue performances before summer crowds arrive. The legendary Café Royal and smaller quintal (backyard) venues host live morna and coladeira sessions 4-5 nights per week. Comfortable evening temperatures of 23-25°C (73-77°F) make outdoor venue hopping ideal from 9pm onward.

Booking Tip: Music venue cover charges range €8-15 per venue. Montenegro crawl experiences cost €35-50 including 3-4 venues with local guide. Book music-focused tours through cultural tourism operators 1-2 weeks ahead for guaranteed authentic venue access.

Multi-Island Diving Expeditions

May delivers optimal diving conditions with 25-30m (82-98 ft) underwater visibility and calm seas between islands. Water temperature reaches perfect 24°C (75°F) eliminating need for thick wetsuits. Advanced wreck diving around Chile includes the Kwarcit cargo ship at 32m (105 ft) depth, while beginners enjoy colorful reef fish around Sal's Buracona cave system.

Booking Tip: PADI-certified dive operators charge €45-65 for 2-tank boat dives, €380-450 for PADI Open Water certification including 4 days training. Multi-island diving packages cost €200-280 for 3 days. Book 2 weeks ahead for guaranteed boat space during peak season.

May Events & Festivals

Throughout May

Gamboa Festival Preparation Season

Local communities on Chile begin intensive preparation for the upcoming Gamboa music festival with weekly practice sessions in neighborhoods. Visitors can observe traditional instrument making, dance rehearsals, and costume preparation in Cidade Velha workshops from 6-9pm most evenings.

Mid to Late May

Mango Harvest Celebrations

Chile's interior valleys celebrate peak mango season with impromptu community gatherings featuring fresh fruit tastings, traditional grogue (sugarcane rum) distilling demonstrations, and folk music. Most active in Assomada and São Domingos regions during weekend afternoons.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen and zinc stick - UV index hits 10+ daily, sunburn occurs in 10-15 minutes on reflective volcanic surfaces

Lightweight dust mask or bandana - harmattan winds carry Saharan dust 60% of days, can irritate respiratory systems during outdoor activities

Quick-dry hiking pants in neutral colors - protects from UV on mountain trails while hiding inevitable volcanic dust accumulation

Reef-safe snorkel gear - rental quality varies significantly, bring your own mask for proper fit during 24°C (75°F) water activities

Lightweight wind jacket - trade winds at 20-25 knots (37-46 km/h) create significant wind chill during boat transfers between islands

Closed-toe water shoes with good grip - essential for volcanic rock tide pools and black sand beaches that heat to 45°C (113°F) midday

High-quality sunglasses with UV400 protection - intense glare off white sand beaches and ocean surface, especially during 10am-3pm peak hours

Portable phone battery pack - increased photo opportunities with clear weather but limited charging options during full-day island excursions

Lightweight long-sleeve shirts in light colors - protects from sun and wind during extended outdoor activities, easier than constant sunscreen reapplication

Wide-brimmed hat with chin strap - essential for windy conditions on boats and exposed hiking trails, prevents loss during kite/windsurf sessions

Insider Knowledge

Book inter-island flights with TACV Cabo Verde Airlines exactly 45 days before travel for 30-40% lower fares - they release discounted inventory at this specific window during peak season

Time diving and snorkeling for 9-11am when harmattan dust hasn't yet reduced underwater visibility - afternoon sessions often drop from 30m to 15m (98ft to 49ft) clarity

Local fishermen in Santa Maria village (not the resort area) sell fresh-caught tuna and wahoo at 6:30am daily for €8-12 per kg - restaurants charge triple for same fish caught hours earlier

Taxi drivers on Sal overcharge tourists 200-300% in May due to high demand - use shared aluguer mini-buses (€1-2 per ride) that run fixed routes between major points every 20 minutes

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating sun exposure intensity - tourists consistently burn within 30 minutes thinking Atlantic latitude means gentler UV, but 10+ index requires constant protection

Not booking accommodations early enough - quality beachfront properties on Sal and Boa Vista book completely solid 8-10 weeks ahead for May, leaving only expensive last-minute options

Scheduling outdoor activities during midday harmattan dust periods - visibility drops significantly 1-4pm most days, better to plan beach/hiking activities for early morning or late afternoon