Cape Verde in February: climate, Mindelo Carnival 2027 and things to do
Travelling to Cape Verde in February means days of 24-27 °C, a sea temperature of 22-24 °C and almost rain-free skies, right in the middle of the dry season. It's also carnival month in Mindelo, with the grand parade taking place on Tuesday 9 February 2027. The winning combination: the party on São Vicente, hiking on Santo Antão and whale watching on Boa Vista.
February is one of the driest and sunniest months in the archipelago. The trade winds blow steadily, which keeps the heat very comfortable for walking and delights kitesurfers on Sal and Boa Vista. It's also high season, so you need to plan ahead, especially for the carnival.
In this guide, our local team in Mindelo and Praia gives you the weather island by island, the 2027 carnival programme, the activities not to miss and our booking tips. Travelling earlier in the season? Read our guide to Cape Verde in November too.
The essentials in 30 seconds
Weather: 24 to 27 °C by day, 20 °C at night, virtually no rain.
Sea: 22 to 24 °C, fine for swimming on beaches sheltered from the wind.
Mindelo Carnival: 7 to 10 February 2027, with the grand parade on Tuesday 9 February.
Best islands: São Vicente and Santo Antão; Boa Vista and Sal for the sea and the whales.
Booking: 4 to 6 months ahead, even earlier for the carnival.
What is the weather like in Cape Verde in February?
In February, the weather is sunny and mild everywhere: 24 to 27 °C in the afternoon, around 20 °C at night, and practically no rain. It's the heart of the dry season.
Island (town) | Air min / max | Sea | Rain | Sunshine |
Santiago (Praia) | 20 / 27 °C | 23 °C | 0 mm | 8 hrs/day |
São Vicente (Mindelo) | 20 / 24 °C | 22 °C | 0 mm | 8 hrs/day |
Sal | 19 / 25 °C | 22 °C | 0 mm | 6 hrs/day |
February averages, according to Climats et Voyages. On Boa Vista, conditions are similar to those on Sal.
The trade winds. The north-easterly wind blows steadily from November to May. It cools the air, makes walking pleasant and turns Sal and Boa Vista into renowned kitesurfing spots. On exposed beaches, it can also whip up the sand.
The sea. The water is around 22-24 °C depending on the beach (Cabaigne). It feels a little cool on the first dip, but it's perfectly fine for swimming. Choose beaches sheltered from the wind, such as Santa Maria on Sal or Tarrafal on Santiago.
Dry haze. On some days, the harmattan brings dust from the Sahara. The sky turns milky and visibility drops, which can delay an inter-island flight.
At altitude, it's a different story. On the ridges of Santo Antão or in the Fogo caldera, mornings are cool and the wind can be brisk. Pack a fleece and a windproof jacket in your bag. To compare with other months, see our guide When to visit Cape Verde.
The averages for each island, month by month, are also on our Cape Verde climate page.
Mindelo Carnival 2027: the key dates
The grand parade of the Mindelo Carnival takes place on Tuesday 9 February 2027, Shrove Tuesday. The festivities start as early as Sunday 7 February and end on Wednesday 10 February with the prize-giving.
Date | Highlight | What you need to know |
Sunday 7 February | Children's groups and Mandingas | The Mandingas, their bodies painted black, parade on the Sundays leading up to carnival. This Sunday is the last one. |
Monday 8 February (evening) | Samba Tropical parade | A non-competitive parade, all about costumes and choreography. |
Tuesday 9 February | Official groups' parade | The high point of the carnival: floats, hundreds of dancers and batucada drummers, from the afternoon into the evening. |
Wednesday 10 February | Results | The winning group is announced and the city celebrates late into the night. |
This calendar follows the carnival's usual schedule. The detailed 2027 programme is still to be confirmed by the organisers.
The official groups, such as Flores do Mindelo or Cruzeiros do Norte in 2026, spend months preparing their costumes and floats. Their rivalry is what gives the parade its flavour. For the history and traditions of the festival, read our article Mindelo Carnival: the most spectacular festival in Cape Verde.
Our tips for enjoying the carnival:
Book your accommodation in Mindelo several months in advance: the city is fully booked well before February.
Stay in the centre, within walking distance of the parades.
Arrive at least the day before: inter-island flights can be rescheduled in high season.
Bring water, a hat and sunscreen: the Tuesday parade goes on for hours.
Between parades, explore the city with our guide Mindelo and São Vicente: what to see and do. For the archipelago's other major celebrations, read Festivals and traditions in Cape Verde.
Want everything organised for you? Our Mindelo Carnival trip puts you right at the heart of the festivities. Our Mindelo Carnival and Santo Antão tour extends it with hikes on the neighbouring island.
What is there to do in Cape Verde in February?
February lends itself to everything: partying in Mindelo, hiking under dry skies, whale watching on Boa Vista and beach time on Sal. Here are our must-dos for the month.
Hiking on Santo Antão
The dry season keeps the trails in good condition and the heat stays moderate. From Mindelo, it's just an hour by ferry to Porto Novo. On the menu: the Cova crater, the Paul valley and the coastal path from Ponta do Sol to Fontainhas. Go for the day with our Cova crater and Paul valley excursion, or read our guide Hiking on Santo Antão.
Fancy several days on foot? Our Santo Antão crossing tour takes you from one end of the island to the other, and The Enchanted Islands combines São Vicente and Santo Antão. All our day trips are on the Santo Antão page.
Climbing Pico do Fogo
The volcano rises to 2,829 m, the highest point in Cape Verde. In February, you can make the climb without the oppressive summer heat, but the summit is cool and windy early in the morning. All our advice is in Pico do Fogo: climbing the volcano.
Whale watching on Boa Vista
Humpback whales frequent the waters off Boa Vista from February to May. Sal Rei bay is even considered their main breeding ground in the archipelago. Our whale-watching trip leaves from Sal Rei, lasts 5 hours and starts at €120.
Enjoying Sal and kitesurfing
Sal combines white sandy beaches, a turquoise sea and steady wind, ideal for kitesurfing. To discover the island beyond Santa Maria, take the Sal island tour or a buggy excursion.
Experiencing another carnival on São Nicolau
Mindelo doesn't have a monopoly: São Nicolau also has its own carnival, in Ribeira Brava, with a more intimate atmosphere. Extend your stay with the São Nicolau island tour or the Monte Gordo hike.
Discovering Santiago and Cidade Velha
Praia and Cidade Velha, the first European colonial town in the tropics, are ideal to explore in winter. Follow our itineraries in Things to do in Praia, Cape Verde.
Which Cape Verde islands are best in February?
In February, the winning duo is São Vicente for the carnival and Santo Antão for hiking. For the sea and the whales, go for Boa Vista and Sal.
Island | Best for | Why in February | Combine with |
Party and music lovers | Mindelo Carnival from 7 to 10 February 2027 | Santo Antão | |
Hikers | Dry trails, moderate heat | São Vicente | |
Nature lovers | Humpback whales, dunes and deserted beaches | Sal | |
Beach lovers and kitesurfers | Steady wind, sheltered beaches at Santa Maria | Boa Vista | |
History buffs | Cidade Velha, markets, Tarrafal beach | Fogo | |
Keen hikers | Pico do Fogo without the summer heat | Santiago |
Our favourite combination for February 2027: three nights in Mindelo for the carnival, then four nights on Santo Antão for walking. Still undecided? Our guide Which island to choose in Cape Verde? will help you make up your mind.
Our tips for booking a February trip to Cape Verde
February is peak high season: book flights and accommodation four to six months in advance, and even earlier for the carnival.
Choose your arrival airport carefully. For the carnival, aim for São Vicente (Cesária Évora airport in Mindelo), or fly into Sal or Praia and take a domestic flight. All the options are in How to get to Cape Verde.
Leave a margin between islands. Allow 24 to 48 hours between an inter-island flight and your flight home: schedules often change in high season. We can book your inter-island flights and transport.
Be prepared for the crossing to Santo Antão. With the trade winds, the sea can be rough between Mindelo and Porto Novo. Seasickness tablets won't go amiss. More information in our transport guide.
Check your entry requirements. Passport, visa exemption and online registration: everything is summarised on our Entry requirements page.
Pack a "two-season" bag. Swimsuit and sunscreen for the coast, a fleece and windproof jacket for higher ground, and a scarf against the wind and dust.
How many days do you need in February?
8 days: the carnival in Mindelo (3 nights), then hiking on Santo Antão (4 nights).
12 days: add Santiago and Cidade Velha, or Boa Vista for the whales.
15 days: combine São Vicente, Santo Antão, Santiago and Fogo.
Our detailed itineraries are in How many days in Cape Verde?, and prices in our guide How much does a trip to Cape Verde cost?
Why book through a local agency in February?
In high season, places go quickly and a single rescheduled flight can upset an entire tour. With our offices in Mindelo and Praia, we book accommodation, ferries and guides directly, and we reorganise your trip on the spot if needed. Contact us to build your tailor-made February trip.
FAQ: Cape Verde in February
Is the weather good in Cape Verde in February?
Yes. February is right in the dry season: 24 to 27 °C during the day, around 20 °C at night, virtually no rain and 6 to 8 hours of sunshine a day. The trade winds cool the air. At altitude, on Santo Antão or Fogo, bring a fleece.
Is the sea warm enough to swim in Cape Verde in February?
Yes. The sea temperature is around 22 to 24 °C: a little cool on the first dip, but fine for swimming. Choose beaches sheltered from the wind, such as Santa Maria on Sal or Tarrafal on Santiago.
When is the Mindelo Carnival in 2027?
The grand parade of the official groups takes place on Tuesday 9 February 2027, Shrove Tuesday. The festivities begin on Sunday 7 February with the Mandingas, and the results are announced on Wednesday 10 February. The detailed programme is still to be confirmed by the organisers.
Which island should you choose in Cape Verde in February?
São Vicente for the Mindelo Carnival and Santo Antão for hiking make the best pair. For beaches and humpback whales, choose Boa Vista and Sal. For history, go for Santiago and Cidade Velha.
Is February a good month for hiking in Cape Verde?
Yes, it's one of the best. The trails are dry, the heat stays moderate and visibility is often good, except during spells of dry haze. Santo Antão and Pico do Fogo are the two great classics.
Do you need to book early for the Mindelo Carnival?
Yes. Accommodation in Mindelo is fully booked several months before the carnival. Book flights and accommodation four to six months in advance, and arrive at least the day before the parade.
Article written by the Actour Cabo Verde team, a local travel agency based in Mindelo and Praia. Last updated: November 2026.
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