Praia in August

August weather, activities, events & insider tips

August Weather in Praia

30°C (86°F) High Temp

24°C (76°F) Low Temp

53mm (2.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is August Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect beach weather with consistent 30°C (86°F) highs and minimal rainfall - only 53mm (2.1 inches) across 10 days means mostly brief afternoon showers
Peak season for turtle watching at Praia's beaches - August is prime nesting season with guided night tours available most evenings
Festival de Gamboa music festival transforms the city mid-August with three days of live morna and batuko performances in Platô district
Optimal wind conditions for kitesurfing and windsurfing at Caboverde Beach - trade winds consistently 15-20 knots from northeast

Considerations

European vacation season drives accommodation prices up 40-60% compared to shoulder months, with beachfront hotels booking solid by June
70% humidity combined with 30°C (86°F) temperatures makes midday walking tours uncomfortable - most outdoor activities best before 11am or after 4pm
Harmattan dust from Sahara creates hazy conditions 3-4 days per week, reducing visibility for photography and航空delays occasional

Best Activities in August

Sea Turtle Nesting Tours at Praia Beaches

August is peak loggerhead turtle nesting season along Praia's coastline. Night tours run 8pm-11pm when females come ashore to lay eggs. The experience is magical and only available June through September, with August offering the highest success rates for sightings. Tours maintain respectful 10m (33ft) distances and use red-filtered lights to avoid disturbing nesting mothers.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through certified eco-guides. Tours typically cost 2,500-3,500 CVE and include transportation from city center. Look for guides certified by the National Institute for Fisheries Development. Weather rarely affects these tours as turtles nest regardless of brief showers.

Santiago Island Highland Hiking

August's dry conditions make mountain trails accessible while morning temperatures stay comfortable at 22°C (72°F) at 500m (1,640ft) elevation. The Serra Malagueta Natural Park offers the best hiking with endemic flora visible during August's brief growing season after July rains. Views extend 15km (9.3 miles) to neighboring islands on clear days.

Booking Tip: Self-guided trails are well-marked, but guided tours (1,800-2,800 CVE) provide botanical expertise and cultural insights about highland villages. Start early - 7am departures beat afternoon heat and catch morning light. See current options in booking section below.

Traditional Music and Dance Experiences

August brings the Festival de Gamboa plus numerous smaller morna performances in Platô's cultural centers. The cooler evening temperatures make outdoor concerts comfortable, and many venues offer workshops teaching batuko drumming and coladeira dance steps. This is when local musicians are most active before the September-October quiet season.

Booking Tip: Festival passes cost 1,500-4,000 CVE depending on access level. For intimate experiences, book cultural center workshops (500-800 CVE) which often include traditional Cape Verdean dinner. Many events are walk-up friendly, but popular concerts sell out.

Cidade Velha UNESCO Site Tours

August's reliable weather patterns make this 15km (9.3 miles) drive to Africa's first European colonial settlement ideal for day trips. Morning tours at the historic Caboverde avoid afternoon heat while providing optimal lighting for the fortress ruins and slave trade monuments. The site is far less crowded than mainland African UNESCO sites.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours typically run 2,800-4,200 CVE including transportation and guide. Book through licensed cultural heritage guides for historical accuracy. Afternoon tours possible but hot - morning departures 8am-9am recommended. Current tour options available in booking widget below.

Tarrafal Beach and Northern Coast Exploration

August's northeast trade winds create perfect conditions at Tarrafal Beach, 75km (46.6 miles) north of Praia. The former concentration camp memorial provides sobering historical context, while the beach offers excellent swimming in 26°C (79°F) water. Local fishing boats return with fresh catches around 4pm daily.

Booking Tip: Day tours cost 3,500-5,500 CVE including lunch and transportation in Toyota Hiace minibuses (most common vehicle for this route). Independent travel possible via aluguer (shared taxi) for 300-500 CVE each way. Tours include both historical site and beach time.

Local Market and Cooking Experiences

August brings seasonal fruits like mangoes and papayas to Sucupira Market, Praia's largest traditional market. Morning market tours (7am-10am) showcase Cape Verdean ingredients before the heat, followed by hands-on cooking classes featuring cachupa stew and fresh grilled fish. The experience provides authentic cultural immersion while staying cool indoors during afternoon hours.

Booking Tip: Combined market and cooking experiences typically cost 2,200-3,800 CVE per person including ingredients and lunch. Book with local cultural centers or through accommodations. Classes usually run 9am-2pm to avoid peak heat. See current cooking tour options below.

August Events & Festivals

Mid August

Festival de Gamboa

Three-day celebration of Cape Verdean music featuring top morna and funana artists performing in Platô district's historic squares. Local food vendors set up traditional cachupa and grogue (sugar cane liquor) stands. Evening concerts run 8pm-midnight when temperatures drop to comfortable 25°C (77°F)

Late August

Festa de Nossa Senhora da Graça

Religious festival honoring Praia's patron saint with processions through the Platô historic center followed by traditional music and dance performances. Local families prepare special foods and open their homes to visitors. The celebration combines Catholic traditions with African cultural elements unique to Capeverde

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket or umbrella - afternoon showers last 15-30 minutes but can be intense, occurring on 10 days during the month

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 8 daily with minimal cloud cover during morning hours

Breathable cotton or linen clothing - avoid synthetic fabrics in 70% humidity as they trap heat and moisture uncomfortably

Comfortable walking sandals with good grip - Praia's cobblestone streets in Platô district become slippery when wet

Light sweater for evening events - temperatures drop to 24°C (76°F) after sunset and ocean breezes can feel cool

Insect repellent with DEET - mosquitoes are most active during brief rainy periods and around standing water

Dust mask or scarf for Harmattan days - Saharan dust creates hazy conditions 3-4 days weekly, irritating sensitive throats

Waterproof phone case and camera protection - essential for beach activities and unexpected afternoon showers

Comfortable closed-toe shoes for highland hiking - trails can be rocky and morning dew makes surfaces slippery

Reusable water bottle - stay hydrated in warm, humid conditions and reduce plastic waste on the islands

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations by May - European vacation season fills beachfront hotels by mid-summer, with prices jumping 60% in late July

Eat lunch between 11am-1pm at local restaurants - many close 2pm-6pm during hottest hours, and morning-caught fish is freshest

Take aluguer (shared taxis) for authentic local transport - they follow set routes for 100-150 CVE compared to 800-1,200 CVE for private taxis

Visit Sucupira Market before 10am - vendors offer best selection and prices before heat drives away both sellers and quality produce

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling walking tours during midday heat - 70% humidity makes 30°C (86°F) feel like 35°C (95°F) between noon and 4pm

Assuming brief showers ruin beach days - most August rain lasts under 30 minutes and often provides welcome cooling relief

Overpacking formal clothes - Capeverde culture is relaxed and beach-appropriate clothing works for most restaurants and events