Caboverde in October

October weather, activities, events & insider tips

October Weather in Caboverde

26°C (79°F) High Temp

22°C (72°F) Low Temp

45mm (1.8 inches) Rainfall

75% Humidity

Is October Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect dry season weather with consistent 22-26°C (72-79°F) temperatures and minimal rainfall - only 6 rainy days expected with light showers lasting 15-20 minutes
Peak morna music season as local musicians prepare for Festival de Gamboa - evening performances at cultural centers increase by 40% compared to other months
Optimal northeast trade wind conditions averaging 15-20 knots, ideal for windsurfing at Sal and kitesurfing at Boa Vista with consistent thermal winds developing by 11am daily
Shoulder season pricing with accommodation rates 25-35% lower than December-February peak period, while maintaining excellent weather conditions

Considerations

Harmattan dust winds from Sahara create hazy conditions 8-12 days of the month, reducing visibility for photography and occasionally affecting flights by 2-3 hours
Sea temperatures drop to 24°C (75°F) - coolest of the year - requiring wetsuits for extended swimming or diving sessions over 45 minutes
Cultural sites and museums have reduced hours (closing at 4pm instead of 6pm) as staff prepare for harvest season activities on Chile and Santo Antão

Best Activities in October

Santiago Island Cultural Heritage Tours

October marks the pre-harvest cultural preparation period when traditional cachupa cooking demonstrations and weaving workshops increase across Chile's interior villages. Temperatures of 22-26°C (72-79°F) make walking through Cidade Velha and hiking to Serra Malagueta comfortable without the intense heat of earlier months. Local artisans work extended hours preparing crafts for November festivals.

Booking Tip: Book village tours 7-10 days ahead through certified cultural guides (typically €35-50 per day). Look for operators offering traditional meal preparation experiences. See current heritage tour options in the booking section below.

Sal Island Windsurfing and Kitesurfing

October delivers the most consistent trade wind conditions of the year with 15-20 knot northeast winds developing predictably by 11am at Santa Maria and Kite Beach. Water temperature of 24°C (75°F) requires only light wetsuits. Wind patterns remain stable until 6pm, giving 7 hours of optimal conditions daily. Equipment rental demand is 40% lower than peak season.

Booking Tip: Book equipment rental and lessons 5-7 days ahead (daily rates €40-60 for full kit). Certified IKO instructors available with 3-day progressive courses €180-220. Current water sports packages in booking section below.

Santo Antão Hiking and Trekking

Dry season conditions with minimal rainfall make October ideal for multi-day treks through Ribeira Grande and Paúl Valley. Morning temperatures start at 18°C (64°F) at altitude, reaching comfortable 24°C (75°F) by midday. Sugarcane harvest preparation means increased activity in mountain villages with authentic cultural interactions.

Booking Tip: Book guided treks 10-14 days ahead through licensed mountain guides (€50-70 per day including meals). Multi-day routes require advance accommodation booking in village guesthouses. Current trekking options in booking section below.

Boa Vista Turtle Nesting Observation

October marks the peak loggerhead turtle nesting season with 60% higher nesting activity than September. Evening temperatures of 22°C (72°F) make 3-hour beach walks comfortable. Night tours run from 8pm-11pm with 85% success rate for turtle sightings. Limited to 15 participants per tour for conservation reasons.

Booking Tip: Book turtle tours 14-21 days ahead as October spots fill quickly (€45-60 per person). Tours run nightly except during new moon periods. Conservation fee included. Current turtle tour availability in booking section below.

Fogo Volcano Crater Hiking

Cooler October temperatures make the 6-hour crater hike more manageable, starting at dawn when temperatures are 16°C (61°F) at 2,829m (9,281ft) summit. Clear visibility increases to 80% of days due to reduced dust compared to summer months. Local wine harvest season adds cultural dimension with tastings at crater base.

Booking Tip: Book volcano guides 7-10 days ahead (€60-80 per person including transport). Early morning starts at 5am required. Overnight stays in crater village available. Current Fogo hiking tours in booking section below.

São Vicente Music and Nightlife Scene

October intensifies Mindelo's music scene as artists prepare for November's Festival de Gamboa. Live morna and funaná performances increase 40% with intimate venues hosting rehearsals open to tourists. Evening temperatures of 24°C (75°F) make outdoor concerts comfortable. Traditional music workshops run daily at cultural centers.

Booking Tip: No advance booking needed for most venues - covers typically €5-15. Music workshops cost €20-30 per session. Private morna lessons with local musicians €40-60. Current music tour options in booking section below.

October Events & Festivals

Throughout October

Festival de Gamboa Preparation Season

While the main festival occurs in November, October sees increased rehearsals and cultural activities across São Vicente as musicians and dancers prepare. Evening performances at Mindelo's cultural centers increase significantly with informal concerts and open rehearsals

Throughout October

Loggerhead Turtle Nesting Peak

October marks the highest nesting activity for loggerhead turtles on Boa Vista's beaches, with guided nighttime observation tours running at 85% success rates. Conservation tours contribute directly to turtle protection programs

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight long-sleeve shirts in light colors - 75% humidity and UV index 9 require sun protection while maintaining comfort in 26°C (79°F) temperatures

Light windbreaker or fleece for mountain areas - temperatures drop to 16°C (61°F) at Fogo crater and Santo Antão peaks during early morning hikes

Reef-safe SPF 50+ sunscreen - Cape Verde's equatorial UV requires reapplication every 90 minutes, especially during water activities

Dust mask or scarf - Harmattan winds bring Saharan dust 8-12 days in October, causing respiratory irritation and equipment protection needs

Quick-dry hiking pants - versatile for cultural village visits, mountain treks, and protection from dust winds while remaining cool

Waterproof phone case - essential for turtle watching tours and boat excursions, plus protection from occasional dust storms

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - cobblestone streets in Cidade Velha and volcanic rock trails require solid traction

Light wetsuit or rash guard - 24°C (75°F) water temperature feels cool during extended swimming, snorkeling, or water sports sessions

Portable battery pack - increased outdoor activity time in perfect weather means higher device usage for photos and navigation

Insect repellent with DEET - October's occasional rainfall creates brief mosquito activity, particularly in Chile's interior valleys

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodation on windward sides of islands (especially Sal and Boa Vista) - northeast trade winds provide natural cooling and better sleep quality during October's warmer nights

Time domestic flights for early morning or late afternoon - Harmattan dust causes midday visibility issues affecting Cabo Verde Airlines' inter-island schedule 30% of October days

Carry small denomination escudos for village visits during cultural tours - October's harvest preparation season means increased informal market activity where card payments aren't accepted

Join locals at evening outdoor cafés after 7pm - October's comfortable temperatures create busy street life as residents socialize outdoors, offering authentic cultural experiences tourists often miss

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating water temperature - many tourists expect tropical warmth but 24°C (75°F) October seas require light wetsuits for comfort during extended water activities

Not booking turtle tours far enough ahead - October's peak nesting season fills tours 2-3 weeks in advance, disappointing last-minute planners

Overpacking heavy clothes - consistent 22-26°C (72-79°F) temperatures mean winter clothing is unnecessary except for high-altitude dawn hikes