Cape Verde in February: weather, sea, wind and which island to choose

February in Cape Verde means an almost cloudless sky, afternoons around 25 °C and a sea at 22 °C: you can swim, though it lacks the warmth of summer water, and the wind is as much of a factor as the thermometer. The heat is fairly uniform from one island to the next; what changes your trip is the choice between beach and trade winds on Sal or Boa Vista, hiking on Santo Antão and festivities in Mindelo, where the Carnival peaks on Shrove Tuesday, 9 February 2027.

At a glance

• On the coast, expect 24 to 27 °C in the afternoon and 19 to 20 °C at night; it hardly rains at all (2 mm or less over the month, most often fewer than one rainy day).
• The sea stays between 21 and 23 °C: pleasant for swimming if you like cool water, a little chilly for staying in for long without moving.
• The trade winds blow hard on Sal and Boa Vista (20 to 25 knots for kitesurfers): a windbreaker is essential on the beach.
• As soon as you climb, it gets noticeably cooler: about 15 °C during the day and 8 to 10 °C at night in the highlands of Fogo and Santo Antão.
• Mindelo Carnival peaks on Shrove Tuesday, 9 February 2027, with its usual grand parade; rooms sell out months in advance.
• French winter school holidays run from 6 February to 8 March 2027 depending on the zone: book early, especially for Mindelo.

What are the temperatures island by island?

Cape Verde is divided into flat, desert islands (Sal, Boa Vista) and mountainous islands (Santo Antão, Fogo, Santiago). In February, the coastlines of both types look very much alike; the difference lies in altitude and, above all, in the wind.

Praia is the warmest and sunniest: about 8 hours of sunshine a day compared with 6 on Sal, where the air is also more humid (71% versus 63%). If sunshine is your main priority, Santiago has a slight edge, although the sky on Sal is also very clear.

The mountain circuits call for different luggage: a fleece, a windbreaker and proper hiking shoes. Our packing checklist for Cape Verde details what to bring, and the Cape Verde weather page gives the table for the other months.

Sea and wind: can you really swim?

Yes, and without difficulty: the water on Sal hovers around 22 °C, and kitesurfers report 21 to 23 °C from December to March, with a 3 mm long wetsuit allowing hours in the water. For a simple swim, a swimsuit is enough, but getting in is cold, especially when the trade winds are blowing.

This wind is the real issue in February. On the exposed beaches of Sal and Boa Vista, it makes swimming choppier and lounging less comfortable; São Vicente on the city side, Santiago and Santo Antão are more sheltered. On Sal, Kite Beach suits all levels, while Ponta Preta, known for its waves, is for experienced riders. In practice: a hotel with a sheltered pool or a cove on the leeward side will spare you an afternoon battling the sand.

Another feature of the season: from late November to mid-March, air from the Sahara can bring dust and haze the sky. This sometimes produces very colourful sunsets; a few days may be more hazy, which matters little on a relaxing holiday.

Humpback whales visit the archipelago from winter to spring, mainly around Boa Vista and Sal: the season generally runs from February to May, peaking in March and April. In February, boat trips are possible but sightings are less reliable than a month later; treat them as a bonus.

Which island to choose in February?

For the beach and wind sports: Sal or Boa Vista. February is a very good period for kitesurfing and windsurfing, especially for experienced riders. If you want a beach holiday without wind, this is not the best month on these two islands. Our guide to choosing your island compares what they offer, and for Sal, the 5 best hotels on Sal can help you decide.

For walking: Santo Antão, with Fogo as second choice. February falls in the dry season, so trails are passable and the risk of showers is low. The highlands of Santo Antão (up to 1,979 m) stay cool, which makes walking pleasant, but pack warm layers for the morning. On Fogo, climbing Pico do Fogo (2,829 m) is only permitted with a local guide; in the morning at the crater, expect less than 10 °C. You can have a guided hiking itinerary arranged by the local agency if you would rather not organise everything yourself.

For music and celebration: São Vicente (Mindelo), or Santiago for culture and generous sunshine. Mindelo is the only place where February completely transforms the trip, thanks to its Carnival. Santiago, warmer and sunnier, suits those who prefer the history of Cidade Velha, a town founded in 1462 and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or the green landscapes of the interior. Praia also celebrates Carnival, with its own parades.

Mindelo Carnival in February 2027: the usual programme

The Carnival peaks on Shrove Tuesday, which falls on 9 February 2027. The festivities start in mid-January, but the main days cluster around the last weekend and Shrove Tuesday. The detailed 2027 programme has not yet been published; here is the usual schedule, which gives a good idea of the week:

• the Sunday before Shrove Tuesday: parade of the Mandinga, groups covered in black oil and tar in homage to African ancestors, who come out every Sunday from mid-January;
• the Monday evening, the eve of Shrove Tuesday: Samba Tropical parade, non-competitive, with more than a thousand dancers;
• Shrove Tuesday, 9 February 2027: the grand competitive parade of neighbourhood groups, with floats and drummers, as every year;
• Ash Wednesday or shortly after: announcement of the winners.

To watch the floats, the roadside is free, while grandstand seats are paid and can sell out. For a good spot on Avenida Baltazar Lopes, arrive two to three hours early; Avenida Marginal, along the harbour, is more open. Street vendors often accept cash only, so withdraw escudos beforehand; the sun beats down with no shade, and clothing worn close to the Mandinga risks being stained, so wear something you won’t mind losing.

As for accommodation, it is best to book now, ideally near Praça Amílcar Cabral or the marina so you can get around on foot. If you want to book a room in Mindelo with the help of the local agency for Carnival week, now is the time. For flights, the page on airports and flights to Cape Verde explains the connections, and it is wise to leave a margin in case an inter-island flight is rescheduled.

February or January: how to decide?

Both months share the dry season, the trade winds and the same kind of sky; what sets February apart is the Carnival and the start of the French February school holidays. If the event doesn’t appeal to you, you can compare with our page on Cape Verde in January. And if you are still torn between two islands, you can request a personalised quote from the local agency: it only takes a few minutes.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

• Sal, Cape Verde (Climate data) (accessed 2026-11)
• Praia (Climate data) (accessed 2026-11)
• Mindelo (Climate data) (accessed 2026-11)
• Fogo, Cape Verde (Climate) (accessed 2026-11)
• Santo Antão, Cape Verde (Climate) (accessed 2026-11)
• Santiago, Cape Verde (accessed 2026-11)
• Boa Vista, Cape Verde (accessed 2026-11)
• Harmattan (accessed 2026-11)
• Humpback whale (accessed 2026-11)
• Mindelo Carnival, Cape Verde (dates 2027) (accessed 2026-11)
• Festivals and Music, Cape Verde (accessed 2026-11)
• Cape Verde in February, weather (accessed 2026-11)
• Kitesurfing in Cape Verde: best time (accessed 2026-11)
• Cape Verde: climate and when to go (accessed 2026-11)
• Going to Cape Verde in February (accessed 2026-11)
• French school holiday calendar 2026-2027 (accessed 2026-11)

Written by Adilson Gomes Garcia

Founder of Casa di CV and Gomia-Voyage, I was born in Santiago and I am committed to showcasing African territories, starting with Cape Verde. Through my platforms, I help travelers and curious minds better understand these destinations, their cultures and their realities, so they can plan authentic and respectful trips. My goal: to offer a clear, local and useful perspective for discovering Africa as it really is, with its riches and its identity.