Cape Verde weather in July is warm, humid and much calmer than in spring: Sal averages about 27 °C by day and 23 °C at night, and the sea rises to around 26 °C. Rain is still rare, the loggerhead turtles are nesting and the summer holidays begin. Here is what to expect on each island; the full-year overview is in our guide to average temperatures in Cape Verde.
| 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 the average high in July is about 27 °C and the low about 23 °C. The rainfall average is only about 5 mm, so a shower is possible but unusual. What changes most is the feel of the air: the trade winds drop and humidity rises, so afternoons feel hotter than the figures suggest. Boa Vista follows the same pattern. Read more in the Sal weather guide.
Santiago, Fogo, Santo Antão, São Nicolau and Brava are in the last weeks of the dry season, and clouds start to build over the peaks. The wet season proper begins around August, but the heights can see their first showers earlier. Hiking is still possible on Santo Antão and Fogo, though early starts and plenty of water are essential in the heat.
At about 26 °C the sea is properly warm, and with lighter winds the water on many beaches is calmer and clearer than in winter: a good month for snorkelling, diving and boat trips. Kitesurfers still find some wind on Sal, but July is outside the main season of roughly December to May. On Boa Vista and parts of Sal currents remain strong on exposed beaches, so check our beach guide.
July is the heart of the turtle nesting season, which runs from about mid-June to October. Sal and Boa Vista are among the most important nesting sites for loggerheads in the Atlantic, and guided night walks with licensed conservation projects give the best chance of seeing a female lay her eggs. The rules are strict and for good reason: no torches or flash, stay behind the guide and keep your distance. Details and booking advice in turtle watching.
Independence Day on 5 July, the anniversary of independence from Portugal in 1975, is a public holiday marked with official ceremonies and concerts, particularly in Praia on Santiago. Other summer options include Shark Bay on Sal and boat trips; see our tours.
The first half of July is still relatively quiet. From the second half, when British schools break up, family demand pushes package prices up, and many Cape Verdeans living abroad come home for the summer, filling flights to Praia and Mindelo. Book early if your dates are fixed, and compare the months in the best time to visit.
On Sal the average high is about 27 °C and the low about 23 °C, with the sea around 26 °C. Higher humidity and lighter wind make it feel hotter than in spring.
Very little: Sal averages about 5 mm in July. Showers become more likely from August, especially on the mountainous islands such as Santiago, Fogo and Santo Antão.
Yes, July is one of the best months for nesting loggerhead turtles on Sal and Boa Vista. Join a licensed guided night walk rather than going onto the beaches alone.
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 nature outing on Sal for people interested in sea turtle nesting. It is a wildlife trip, so patience is needed, as sightings cannot be guaranteed. Observe quietly and from a respectful distance.
from €30 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
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 short outing from Santa Maria for travellers curious about sea turtles on Sal. It takes about three hours, so it fits easily into a day.
from €30 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 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
Prices are indicative and may change. The final price is shown by the booking platform. Prices checked: October 22, 2026.
