Cape Verde in February is a good month for winter sun. In Sal it is on average 24.9 °C (77 °F) in the afternoon and 18.8 °C (66 °F) at night, and it hardly rains (0.5 mm (0.02 in)). It is also one of the windiest months: perfect for kitesurfing, a little less so for sunbathing on exposed beaches. The sea is among the coolest of the year.
To compare with other months, see our guide on when to go to Cape Verde.
February is the heart of the dry season and of the European high season. The weather is stable, the wind makes the heat very bearable, and the carnival brightens up Mindelo. Just be aware that February is not the month for a warm, calm sea, and plan ahead for the winter school-holiday period.
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Cape Verde in February: key facts
- Verdict: ✅ dry, sunny, ideal for kitesurfing
- Sal: 24.9 °C (77 °F) in the afternoon, 18.8 °C (66 °F) at night, 0.5 mm (0.02 in) of rain
- Wind: steady trade winds, from December to April
- Sea: among the coolest of the year
- Event: Mindelo carnival, with Shrove Tuesday on 9 February 2027
- To plan for: possible dry haze, winter school-holiday period
Weather in Cape Verde in February: island by island
| Station | Max | Rain | What for? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sal (airport) | 24.9 °C (77 °F) | 0.5 mm (0.02 in) | Beach, kitesurfing |
| Praia (Santiago) | 26.9 °C (80 °F) | 0.4 mm (0.02 in) | Town, Cidade Velha, hiking |
| Mindelo (São Vicente) | 24.0 °C (75 °F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | Carnival, base for Santo Antão |
February is the coolest month in Sal: nights fall below 19 °C (66 °F) and the wind adds to the feeling of cool in the evening. Boa Vista, its flat neighbour, has a climate very close to Sal. From December to March, the harmattan can bring a haze of Saharan dust (bruma seca) that veils the sun and reduces visibility, sometimes for several days. The UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 28 July 2026) notes that such sandstorms can happen between December and February and, when intense, can disrupt air travel, especially on Boa Vista. The following month is covered on our page weather in Cape Verde in March.
Can you swim in Cape Verde in February?
Yes, swimming is possible all year, but February is one of the months when the water is coolest (January to April). On the exposed beaches of Sal and Boa Vista, wind and currents matter as much as temperature: tides and currents around the islands are very strong: use beaches with a lifeguard on duty and respect the warning flags (UK FCDO, GOV.UK, updated 28 July 2026). Prefer sheltered beaches. Cooler sea and windy beaches in Sal and Boa Vista: our page Cape Verde in January compares these conditions with the previous month.
Things to do in Cape Verde in February
- Kitesurfing and windsurfing: the best season (December to April), at Kite Beach and Ponta Preta in Sal, and in Boa Vista.
- Surfing: the swell is there from December to March at Ponta Preta.
- Hiking: November to March is the most comfortable period on Santo Antão and Pico do Fogo (bring warm clothes for the summit).
- Carnival: the best known in the country takes place in Mindelo, before Lent.
- Beach: pleasant for the sun, if you look for coves sheltered from the wind.
Best avoided: a beach-only stay if you are looking for a warm, windless sea. For that, aim for May-June or October-November.
The Mindelo carnival
The carnival takes place in February or March, before Lent. In 2027, Shrove Tuesday falls on 9 February: the Mindelo parades are concentrated around that date, with festivities also in Praia and São Nicolau. Accommodation in Mindelo is then in very high demand. Check the year’s programme with the organisers.
Crowds and prices in February
Heavy crowds and high prices, especially during the winter school holidays. Book flights and accommodation 3 to 5 months ahead: flight availability to the islands is limited. For several islands, also book domestic flights and check ferry timetables. Most travellers arrive at Amílcar Cabral airport in Sal.
What to pack for Cape Verde in February
- A sweater or windbreaker for the evenings
- High-protection sunscreen: the wind hides the feeling of heat
- Sunglasses (sand lifted by the wind)
- Hiking shoes for Santo Antão or Fogo
For visa-free stays, passport validity and pre-arrival registration, see our guide to the entry requirements for Cape Verde.
Our tips for a successful stay in February
- Choose your hotel according to the wind: in Sal and Boa Vista, a sheltered beach or a protected pool makes all the difference for sunbathing.
- Book early for the carnival if you are heading for Mindelo.
- Plan strong sun protection: the wind hides the feeling of heat.
- Combine two islands: Sal or Boa Vista for the beach, Santo Antão for hiking, checking domestic flights and ferries.
- Keep some escudos for shared taxis, markets and small shops; cards are accepted in hotels and larger restaurants. Our currency converter helps you estimate your budget.
- Check the entry formalities: see the entry requirements for Cape Verde.
- Mind the time difference: Cape Verde is on UTC−1 all year, so in February it is 1 hour behind London (GMT) and 4 hours ahead of New York (EST).
Kitesurfing, hiking or beach: which island in February?
Sal is the gateway and the most practical choice for a first stay: Santa Maria beaches, kitesurfing spots, many connections. Boa Vista offers wilder beaches and a very similar climate. Santiago, with Praia and Cidade Velha, is the warmest of the large islands (26.9 °C (80 °F) in February) and the most oriented towards culture. São Vicente and Mindelo come into their own at carnival time, with the ferry to Santo Antão for hiking in the terraced valleys.
Cape Verde in February: who is it for?
February suits kitesurfers, hikers and travellers looking for winter sun. It suits less those who want a warm, calm sea.
If February does not suit you
March is very similar (dry, windy, 25 °C (77 °F)). For warmer water and less wind, aim for May-June (best value for money) or October-November.
Other sunny ideas in February: the weather in Egypt in February, the weather in Marrakech in February, Mauritius or Guadeloupe for a warmer sea. More ideas: where to go in February. To plan your stay: our Cape Verde travel guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is the weather good in Cape Verde in February?
Yes: it hardly rains (0.5 mm (0.02 in) in Sal on average) and the sun dominates. A dry haze can, however, veil the sky on some days.
What is the temperature in Cape Verde in February?
About 25 °C (77 °F) in the afternoon and 19 °C (66 °F) at night in Sal, 27 °C (81 °F) in the afternoon in Praia, according to the 1991-2020 normals.
Can you swim in Cape Verde in February?
Yes, but the water is among the coolest of the year and the wind is strong on the exposed beaches.
Which island should you choose in February?
Sal or Boa Vista for the beach and kitesurfing, São Vicente for the Mindelo carnival, Santo Antão or Fogo for hiking.
Which warm country has a warmer sea in February?
For warmer water, aim for the southern hemisphere or the Caribbean: Mauritius, Guadeloupe.
Our sources
- World Meteorological Organization, 1991-2020 climate normals (NOAA archive): stations of Sal (Amílcar Cabral airport), Praia (Nelson Mandela airport) and Mindelo
- UK FCDO, foreign travel advice for Cape Verde (GOV.UK, updated 28 July 2026, read on 11 November 2026)
- Clock-change rules: GOV.UK, When do the clocks change and NIST, Daylight Saving Time; Cape Verde time zone (UTC−1, no daylight saving time): IANA time zone database, read on 11 November 2026
- Calendars taken from our page on when to go to Cape Verde
- Our methodology
Updated November 2026.