Cape Verde weather in April is settled and dry: Sal averages about 25 °C by day and 20 °C at night, and the sea warms to around 23 °C. The wind is still strong, the humpback whales are at their most reliable off Boa Vista, and Praia hosts the Kriol Jazz Festival. Here is the detail; the full-year overview is in our guide to the Cape Verde climate.
| Month | Day | Night | Sea | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 25 °C | 20 °C | 24 °C | 0 mm |
| February | 24 °C | 20 °C | 23 °C | 10 mm |
| March | 24 °C | 20 °C | 22 °C | 0 mm |
| April | 25 °C | 20 °C | 23 °C | 0 mm |
| May | 25 °C | 21 °C | 24 °C | 0 mm |
| June | 26 °C | 22 °C | 24 °C | 0 mm |
| July | 27 °C | 23 °C | 26 °C | 5 mm |
| August | 29 °C | 24 °C | 27 °C | 30 mm |
| September | 29 °C | 25 °C | 28 °C | 35 mm |
| October | 29 °C | 25 °C | 28 °C | 15 mm |
| November | 28 °C | 23 °C | 26 °C | 5 mm |
| December | 26 °C | 22 °C | 25 °C | 5 mm |
On Sal April brings an average high of about 25 °C, a low of about 20 °C and a rainfall average of zero; Boa Vista is the same flat, dry story. It is a degree warmer than March, and on calm afternoons the sun feels properly strong, so shade and sunscreen matter. Evenings are still fresh in the breeze.
On the mountainous islands April is late dry season. Santiago's interior and the slopes of Fogo are parched, which suits walkers who dislike mud but not anyone hoping for green valleys; for those, the months after the rains are better. Saharan haze becomes rarer as spring goes on, and the views from the ridges of Santo Antão are often clearer than in winter.
The sea around Sal averages about 23 °C in April, a little up on March. The trade winds keep blowing, as they do from roughly December to May, so April is still a good kitesurf and windsurf month on Sal and Boa Vista, while swimmers head for the sheltered bay of Santa Maria. Snorkelling in calm conditions is possible on the west coast; compare spots in our beach guide.
April is one of the two best months for humpback whales around Boa Vista, along with March, and boats leave mainly from Sal Rei. Whale watching here is about patience: the local population is small, so pick an operator that respects distance and does not promise sightings. More in whale watching and our tours guide.
In Praia on Santiago the Kriol Jazz Festival brings musicians from Cape Verde, Africa and the diaspora to the capital over three nights in April; in 2026 it ran from 9 to 11 April, preceded by the Atlantic Music Expo, a music industry gathering. Check the festival's announcements for next year's dates and see our guide to Praia for where to stay.
With dry paths and moderate temperatures, April is also a strong month for hiking on Santo Antão and climbing Pico do Fogo.
Easter holidays fill flights and hotels for about two weeks; in 2027 Easter Sunday is 28 March, so the busiest period runs from late March into early April. After that, late April is a quiet, good-value spell before the May bank holidays. See the best time to visit to weigh April against other months.
Dry, sunny and breezy. On Sal the average high is about 25 °C, nights are around 20 °C and the sea is about 23 °C.
Yes, March and April are usually the best months for humpback whales around Boa Vista. Sightings are likely on a good day but never guaranteed.
It is held in Praia, on Santiago, in April; the 2026 edition ran from 9 to 11 April. Dates for the next edition are announced by the organisers.
Suits first-time visitors who want an overview of Sal with a certified local guide rather than planning each stop. The tour takes about seven hours, so allow most of the day.
from €35 per person
Check availabilityvia GetYourGuide
A guided drive around Sal for travellers who prefer an open vehicle to a coach. A local guide covers the island's landscapes, natural sights and everyday culture in Cape Verde.
from €29.99 per person
Check availabilityvia Viator
A compact option for travellers who want the main natural sights of Sal without giving up a whole day. The tour lasts about four hours and is listed as all-inclusive.
from €45 per person
Check availabilityvia GetYourGuide
Cross Boa Vista on a cobbled track to a nature reserve with a beach and a huge old baobab, then visit a lighthouse and colourful villages. Drive of about 1 hour each way, with photo stops; minimum 3 people.
from €40 per person
Check availabilityvia Viator
A good fit for travellers hoping to see whales from the water without a long day out. The outing lasts about three hours; the season for sightings is limited, so check the months before booking.
from €80 per person
Check availabilityvia GetYourGuide
A coastal walk between volcanic rock and ocean, with a village viewpoint at Fontainhas and a picnic at Praia das Aranhas. Swimming there depends on sea conditions.
from €78 per person
Check availabilityvia Viator
Minibus day trip with hotel pickup at 9:00, suited to those wanting an easy overview of Sal. Stops include Terra Boa, a viewpoint, Espargos with a free hour for lunch, and a float in the Pedra de Lume salt pools.
from €30 per person
Check availabilityvia Viator
Guided visit combining Cabo Verde's capital with Cidade Velha, the first European-built town in the tropics. A good fit for a short stay on Santiago and an introduction to the island's history.
from €49 per person
Check availabilityvia Viator
Prices are indicative and may change. The final price is shown by the booking platform. Prices checked: October 22, 2026.
