Caboverde in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Caboverde
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect wind conditions for Sal and Boa Vista - northeast trade winds average 18-25 knots, ideal for kitesurfing and windsurfing without the December-February intensity
- Post-rainy season crystal clear waters with 25-30m (82-98 ft) visibility for diving around Sal's Buracona and Santiago's Tarrafal Bay
- Morna music festival season begins - intimate performances in Mindelo's cultural centers before peak tourist crowds arrive
- Hiking temperatures ideal on Santo Antão - morning treks in Cova crater start at comfortable 18°C (64°F) before warming to perfect 24°C (75°F) by midday
Considerations
- Accommodation prices increase 40-60% from October as European winter escape bookings surge - book by September for better rates
- Harmattan dust winds from Sahara can reduce visibility and create hazy conditions 3-4 days per month, affecting photography and some outdoor activities
- Some rural Santo Antão hiking trails may still have loose rocks and muddy sections from October rains, requiring extra caution on steep descents
Best Activities in November
Sal Island Kite and Windsurfing
November delivers the sweet spot for wind sports on Sal - consistent 20-knot northeast trades without the intimidating 30+ knot gusts of peak season. Water temperature holds steady at 24°C (75°F). Santa Maria Beach offers perfect learning conditions while Ponta Preta provides advanced reef breaks. Morning sessions (8-11am) offer steadier winds before thermal effects kick in.
Santo Antão Valley Trekking
Post-rainy season reveals Santo Antão at its most spectacular - green terraces, flowing ribeiras, and clear mountain air. November temperatures perfect for challenging hikes: Cova to Paul valley (6-7 hours) starts cool and stays comfortable. Tropical vegetation peaks while trails have dried from October rains. Sunrise departure essential to avoid midday heat in valleys.
Santiago Cultural Heritage Tours
November's cooler mornings ideal for exploring Cidade Velha's cobblestone streets and Ribeira Grande ruins without scorching heat. Comfortable temperatures for walking Praia's Dakar market and climbing to Fortaleza Real de São Filipe. Local harvest season brings fresh produce to markets and traditional cachupa ingredients at peak quality.
Boa Vista Turtle Nesting Observation
November marks late loggerhead nesting season on Boa Vista's beaches - fewer crowds than peak June-September but still active nesting sites. Ervatão and Lacação beaches offer best viewing. Cooler night temperatures (19-22°C/66-72°F) make evening beach walks comfortable. Marine biologists report 70% success rate for sightings in November.
São Vicente Music and Culture Immersion
November launches Mindelo's cultural season - intimate morna and coladeira performances in local venues before December's tourist influx. Comfortable evening temperatures perfect for exploring Rua Lisboa's bars and cultural centers. Traditional November festivals celebrate post-harvest period with authentic music sessions.
Multi-Island Diving Expeditions
November offers peak underwater visibility after rainy season settles - 25-30m (82-98ft) visibility common around Sal's Buracona Blue Eye and Santiago's underwater caves. Water temperature stable at 24°C (75°F), perfect for 2-3 dive days. Reduced wind compared to peak season means more dive sites accessible.
November Events & Festivals
Festival de Música da Baía
Mindelo's intimate music festival featuring traditional morna, funaná, and contemporary Cape Verdean artists. Smaller venues create authentic atmosphere before peak tourist season. Local musicians perform in cultural centers and beachfront stages.
Harvest Festival Celebrations
Rural Santiago and Santo Antão communities celebrate post-harvest season with traditional food festivals, featuring fresh corn, beans, and sugar cane products. Authentic cachupa prepared with seasonal ingredients.