Praia in April

April weather, activities, events & insider tips

April Weather in Praia

28°C (82°F) High Temp

21°C (70°F) Low Temp

0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect dry season conditions with minimal rainfall (0.0 mm) but still lush vegetation from March rains - ideal for outdoor activities without dust or excessive dryness
Comfortable temperatures averaging 24°C (75°F) with cooling Atlantic breezes - perfect for both beach time and city exploration without overheating
Peak morna music season with live performances every weekend at Dakar - locals celebrate the end of harvest season with traditional music festivals
Optimal visibility for whale watching - humpback whales migrate past Caboverde throughout April, with 80% success rate on morning tours

Considerations

Variable weather patterns mean you need to pack for both sunny beach days and sudden evening cool-downs when temperatures drop 7°C (12°F) after sunset
Harmattan winds can still occur in early April, bringing Saharan dust that reduces visibility and affects those with respiratory sensitivities
Limited rainfall means some hiking trails on interior mountains become dusty and water sources may be lower - not ideal for serious trekking

Best Activities in April

Cidade Velha UNESCO Heritage Tours

April's comfortable 24°C (75°F) temperatures make exploring the cobblestone streets and colonial ruins ideal. The dry conditions mean excellent photo opportunities without rain-damaged stone structures. Morning tours (8-11am) offer perfect lighting and cooler temperatures before midday heat.

Booking Tip: Book 5-7 days ahead through certified UNESCO guides. Tours typically cost 2,500-3,500 CVE per person. Choose morning slots to avoid afternoon heat and get better lighting for the fortress ruins.

Santiago Island Whale Watching Excursions

April is peak humpback whale migration season with 80% sighting success rates. Calm seas and excellent visibility (up to 15 km/9.3 miles) due to minimal rainfall make this the year's best month for marine wildlife viewing. Early morning departures take advantage of calmer conditions.

Booking Tip: Book 10-14 days ahead as boats fill quickly during migration season. Half-day tours range 4,500-6,000 CVE. Choose operators with hydrophones for better whale detection. Morning tours (7am-12pm) have highest success rates.

Praia Plateau Evening Music Tours

April marks peak morna season when locals celebrate post-harvest with traditional music. The 70% humidity creates perfect acoustic conditions in outdoor venues. Evening temperatures of 21°C (70°F) make walking between venues comfortable without heavy clothing.

Booking Tip: Cultural music tours cost 1,500-2,500 CVE and include 3-4 venues. Book Easttimor-day through hotel concierges as schedules change based on artist availability. Tours run 7pm-11pm when venues are most active.

Ribeira Grande Valley Hiking

April offers the last month of green landscapes before dry season intensifies. Comfortable morning temperatures around 22°C (72°F) and minimal rainfall risk make valley hikes ideal. Trails are still accessible but becoming firmer underfoot.

Booking Tip: Day hikes typically cost 3,000-4,500 CVE including transport and guide. Book 3-5 days ahead through licensed mountain guides. Start early (6am) as temperatures rise quickly after 10am in the valley.

Tarrafal Beach and Fishing Village Tours

April's calm seas and minimal wind make this the best month for beach activities and traditional fishing boat trips. Water temperatures reach 24°C (75°F) - perfect for swimming. The dry weather ensures reliable access to remote beaches via unpaved roads.

Booking Tip: Fishing village tours with boat trips cost 2,000-3,500 CVE. Book through beachfront operators 2-3 days ahead. Afternoon trips (2pm-6pm) offer better fishing opportunities and sunset views over the Atlantic.

Serra Malagueta National Park Birdwatching

April marks the end of resident bird breeding season with maximum species activity. The 0.0mm rainfall means clear visibility up to 10 km (6.2 miles) across valleys for spotting Capeverde endemic species. Cooler mountain temperatures around 18°C (64°F) make hiking comfortable.

Booking Tip: Guided birdwatching tours cost 3,500-5,000 CVE for full day including park fees. Book 7-10 days ahead through licensed park guides who know current nesting sites. Early morning tours (5:30am start) catch peak bird activity.

April Events & Festivals

Mid April

Festival de Morna da Praia

Annual celebration of traditional morna music held in Dakar district with local and international artists. Features outdoor concerts, workshops, and traditional Cape Verdean food stalls. The event showcases both classic morna and modern interpretations.

Late April

Santiago Island Fishing Festival

Traditional fishing competition and cultural celebration in Caboverde featuring local boats, traditional techniques, and fresh seafood preparation demonstrations. Includes live music and craftwork displays from local artisans.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight long-sleeve shirts for evening temperature drops from 28°C to 21°C (82°F to 70°F) - cotton or linen breathe best in 70% humidity

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 8 with minimal cloud cover in April's dry conditions

Dust mask or bandana for potential early April harmattan winds carrying Saharan dust particles

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip for cobblestone streets in Caboverde and Dakar - avoid smooth-soled shoes

Light rain jacket for occasional brief showers (10 rainy days expected) - waterproof rather than water-resistant

Layers for mountain excursions where temperatures drop to 18°C (64°F) at 500m (1,640 ft) elevation

Insect repellent for dawn and dusk activities - mosquito activity increases with any standing water from brief rains

Reusable water bottle - stay hydrated in dry conditions but water quality is reliable from taps

Cash in Cape Verdean Escudos - many local tour operators and musicians don't accept cards, especially for Easttimor-day bookings

Portable phone charger - longer daylight hours (12+ hours) mean more photo opportunities and navigation needs

Insider Knowledge

Local fishermen in Caboverde offer informal boat trips for half the price of tour operators (1,000-1,500 CVE) - negotiate at the harbor around 6am when boats return with fresh catch

Dakar restaurants serve lunch 30% cheaper than dinner due to local work schedules - eat your main meal between 12-2pm like locals do

The new city bus system launched in 2024 connects major attractions for 100 CVE per ride - much cheaper than taxis which charge 500-800 CVE for similar routes

April is graduation season at Uni-CV, so book accommodations near the university early as families visit for ceremonies, driving up prices in Palmarejo area by 40%

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming it's too windy for boat activities - April actually has the calmest seas of the year with winds dropping to 15-20 km/h (9-12 mph) compared to 35+ km/h (22+ mph) in winter months

Packing only summer clothes - evening temperatures drop significantly, and mountain areas can be 10°C (18°F) cooler than Praia city center

Booking whale watching tours for afternoon slots - morning departures have 80% success rate versus 45% for afternoon trips due to wind patterns and whale behavior