Weather, Safety & Travel Guide
Weather
In Cabo Verde, you can swim, hike, and enjoy the sun almost all year round — with around 340 days of sunshine annually.
• Winter (Jan–Apr): Expect mild temperatures with some wind. Daytime highs reach around 25°C, with cooler nights at 20°C. Sea temperatures are between 22–23°C.
• Spring (May–Jul) and Autumn (Nov–Jan): These are the most moderate seasons, with daytime temperatures around 28°C and nights around 22°C. The sea stays warm at 23–24°C.
• Summer (Aug–Oct): This is the hottest season, with real-feel temperatures up to 38°C, and occasional rain (around 3 to 15 days). The ocean is at its warmest, between 26–27°C.
• Winter (Jan–Apr): Expect mild temperatures with some wind. Daytime highs reach around 25°C, with cooler nights at 20°C. Sea temperatures are between 22–23°C.
• Spring (May–Jul) and Autumn (Nov–Jan): These are the most moderate seasons, with daytime temperatures around 28°C and nights around 22°C. The sea stays warm at 23–24°C.
• Summer (Aug–Oct): This is the hottest season, with real-feel temperatures up to 38°C, and occasional rain (around 3 to 15 days). The ocean is at its warmest, between 26–27°C.
Safety
• Cabo Verde is generally a safe destination. However, as in any capital city, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings in Praia and Mindelo, especially when it comes to pickpockets. At night, we recommend taking taxis instead of walking, and avoiding empty or poorly lit streets. Keep your passport and money safe, ideally at your hotel or guesthouse.
• Tarrafal on Santiago Island is known for being a peaceful town. Still, if walking at night through quiet areas, it's best to go in a group. For hikes, we recommend to always go with a certified guide. for your safety and for better orientation. Feel free to contact us for advice or to arrange a trusted guide.
• Emergency numbers: Police: 112 or 132
• Tarrafal on Santiago Island is known for being a peaceful town. Still, if walking at night through quiet areas, it's best to go in a group. For hikes, we recommend to always go with a certified guide. for your safety and for better orientation. Feel free to contact us for advice or to arrange a trusted guide.
• Emergency numbers: Police: 112 or 132
Travel Guide
• Tourist Visa: For a smooth arrival, arrange your tourist visa online in advance via: ease.gov.cv
• Private Taxi or Transfer: The drive from Praia to Tarrafal is about 1 h 15 min (roughly 71 km). For added comfort and reliability—especially if you arrive late—we recommend booking a private transfer. You can easily arrange one on our Transfers page.
• Aluguers (Shared Minibuses): These depart from Sucupira Market (Praia) during daytime hours. They leave when full and can take up to about 3 hours to Tarrafal. Make sure the bus you board goes all the way to Tarrafal (not just to Assomada, which is midway).
• Ferries: Inter‑island ferry service is offered by CV InterIlhas via: https://www.cvinterilhas.cv/home
• Money: In Cabo Verde, ATMs that accept Visa and Mastercard can be found in larger towns and villages. Euros are accepted as cash, and US dollars can be exchanged at banks.
Power plug type: Electricity sockets are European style (Type C/F). The standard voltage on Santiago Island is 220‑230 volts at 50 Hz.
• Private Taxi or Transfer: The drive from Praia to Tarrafal is about 1 h 15 min (roughly 71 km). For added comfort and reliability—especially if you arrive late—we recommend booking a private transfer. You can easily arrange one on our Transfers page.
• Aluguers (Shared Minibuses): These depart from Sucupira Market (Praia) during daytime hours. They leave when full and can take up to about 3 hours to Tarrafal. Make sure the bus you board goes all the way to Tarrafal (not just to Assomada, which is midway).
• Ferries: Inter‑island ferry service is offered by CV InterIlhas via: https://www.cvinterilhas.cv/home
• Money: In Cabo Verde, ATMs that accept Visa and Mastercard can be found in larger towns and villages. Euros are accepted as cash, and US dollars can be exchanged at banks.
Power plug type: Electricity sockets are European style (Type C/F). The standard voltage on Santiago Island is 220‑230 volts at 50 Hz.
