Cape Verde in May

If you're unsure when to visit Cape Verde, May is undoubtedly one of the best times to discover the archipelago, its natural treasures, and its islands such as Sal, Boa Vista, and Santiago! It's a transitional month between the dry and wet seasons: the beaches are quiet, the landscapes are stunning, and the climate allows you to enjoy the different islands without too much heat or too many crowds

To ensure a smooth trip, this guide explains everything you need to know to prepare for your trip to Cape Verde in May. Climate, activities to do, events, tourist crowds, it's all covered!

The weather in Cape Verde in May is quite dry, mild, and very sunny. It's one of the best times to go if you enjoy moderate temperatures. Highs are around 75°F with lows rarely below 68°F. Plus, there's a pleasant sea breeze! ☀️

You definitely won't need a jacket, but bring a light sweater for the evenings on the breezy islands like Boa Vista and Sal. Humidity is low, and the days are beautifully sunny On average, you can expect temperatures around 73°F, as shown in the graph below:

It's an excellent time to enjoy the beaches and go hiking to the peaks! You can enjoy all the activities on the archipelago: relax on the beaches, go on a boat excursion, hike, or simply explore the traditional villages... To give you an idea, here are my favorite activities to do in May in Cape Verde <-️

No, or very rarely May still falls within the dry season, so precipitation is very low, or even nonexistent, across the entire archipelago. It might rain a little on the more mountainous islands, but that's an exception. Unlike the climate in Cape Verde in September, the dry climate is one of the reasons Cape Verde is popular in May: you can plan your itinerary without having to adjust your days based on the weather!

May is considered a shoulder season. It falls between the peak winter season and the summer vacations. The result: the islands are lively but never overcrowded. It's enjoyable to stroll through towns like Mindelo and Santa Maria, visit markets, and soak up the beaches!

In May, flight and accommodation prices are more affordable than during major holidays or the year-end festivities. It's, therefore, a great time to visit Cape Verde without breaking the bank

Flight tickets from the U.S. are reasonable if you avoid holiday weekends. You can find interesting accommodation deals on certain islands like Fogo or Maio, where homestays are very welcoming and offer excellent value for money!

Book your activities now!

Your trip is approaching, and you still don't know what to do in Cape Verde in May? Don't panic; I have an article dedicated to the best activities in the archipelago ️ Between idyllic beaches and lush natural parks, you'll soon be enchanted by stunning landscapes. Numerous activities are also available, such as surfing lessons, diving sessions, hiking, and many other possibilities! Don't forget to book your activities in advance to ensure you don't miss anything once you arrive

Santo Antão is known for its spectacular landscapes, valleys, volcanic peaks, and villages! Santo Antão is highly regarded for trekking and its impressive rocky scenery. A beautiful hike through the mountains is undoubtedly one of the best ways to explore the island!

In May, the weather is warm but not excessive, the air is dry, and the trails are easily passable Among the activities I recommend, taking a good hike through the Paul Valley is a classic! It traverses terraced fields, palm trees, waterfalls, and sugarcane fields. You'll enjoy breathtaking views of the Cova Natural Park and the Paúl Volcano before savoring some grogue in a distillery!

Sal and Boa Vista are the two most popular islands for a beach vacation! In Sal, Santa Maria beach enchants with its golden sand, turquoise water, and beachfront bars. You can even go on a guided dive to explore the underwater terrain through tropical wildlife and shipwrecks for €38 per person.

Boa Vista, on the other hand, features a wilder landscape! Santa Monica and Chaves beaches are almost deserted during this season. It's the perfect place for those seeking tranquility, disconnection, and postcard-worthy scenery. If you're interested, Boa Vista is a great spot for whale watching in Cape Verde...

On the island of São Vicente, Mindelo is the cultural heart of Cape Verde. This port city thrives on music, from morna to coladeira If you visit Mindelo in May, the weather will be perfect for strolling and enjoying the urban vibe while avoiding the high tourist season! Explore the downtown area for its pastel buildings, markets, and terraces! Laginha beach is ideal for a swimming break!

Evenings are also very lively, filled with impromptu concerts in bars and neighborhood parties. To fully immerse yourself, a visit to the Cesária Évora Museum is a must, as it pays tribute to the native Cape Verdean diva of the city. I recommend other activities like a culinary tour of Mindelo that includes market visits and cooking classes for €55 per person. Afterward, why not snorkel with sea turtles at Sao Pedro beach?

Santiago is the largest island in the archipelago!

It's a must-visit destination to discover the essence of Cape Verde! Start with the capital, Praia, which is manageable in size! It hosts the Sucupira Market and the Assomada Market! The surroundings also feature the Serra Malagueta Natural Park, reaching an altitude of 3,281 feet and offering stunning panoramas...

But the true gem of the island is Tarrafal, located in the north. Its beach, lined with coconut trees, light sand, and calm waters, attracts many for swimming and snorkeling. The village itself is charming, and you can even visit the former colonial concentration camp turned museum. For those interested, I found a day trip excursion to Santiago island: transfers, transportation, guide, and lunch included for €65 per person!

Climbing Pico do Fogo is an experience to savor in Cape Verde. This active volcano peaks at nearly 9,281 feet and dominates the entire island! For the ascent, the weather should be neither too hot nor too windy, and the conditions in May are quite favorable for this activity In addition to the hike, take time to enjoy what's nearby! I'm thinking especially of the village Chã das Caldeiras, which is worth a detour for its wine!

While it is feasible to do everything on your own, I recommend booking this guided hike to volcano Fogo that will take you to the summit of Pico do Fogo in about 6 hours for €44 per person. If you lack the courage, you can still explore the Fogo National Park to admire the volcano and then visit Chã das Caldeiras

Less touristy, Maio island is a quiet gem of Cape Verde. It can be reached by ferry or plane from Praia, but I recommend opting for this day trip that includes transfers, transportation, a guide, and lunch on site. This destination is perfect for relaxing and discovering the archipelago!

You can enjoy Vila do Maio beach and Ponta Preta beach! It's also home to the San José fortress and the Church of Our Lady of Light. The salt pans interpretation center and the towns of Morro, Calheta, and Morrinho for their crafts are also part of the itinerary.