Praia in February

February weather, activities, events & insider tips

February Weather in Praia

26.7°C (80°F) High Temp

20.6°C (69°F) Low Temp

0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season with virtually no rainfall (0.0mm total) - perfect for hiking the interior mountains and exploring remote beaches without mud or flooding concerns
Ideal water visibility for diving and snorkeling - February marks the clearest underwater conditions with 25-30m (82-98ft) visibility at most sites
Comfortable temperatures for all-day activities - 20.6-26.7°C (69-80°F) range means you can explore from sunrise to sunset without extreme heat
Lowest accommodation prices before March tourist influx - February rates typically 30-40% lower than peak season, with best availability for beachfront properties

Considerations

Brief afternoon rain showers on 10 days despite being dry season - these 20-30 minute downpours can interrupt outdoor plans between 2-4pm
Strong harmattan winds from Sahara create occasional dust and reduced air quality, particularly affecting those with respiratory sensitivities
Limited fresh produce variety as it's end of dry season - local markets have fewer tropical fruits and vegetables, affecting restaurant menus and cooking classes

Best Activities in February

Santiago Island Highland Hiking

February's dry conditions make the interior mountain trails accessible without muddy paths. The 70% humidity is perfect for early morning hikes to Pico da Antónia (1,392m/4,567ft). Temperatures stay comfortable even at altitude, and you'll have crystal-clear views of neighboring islands. Local guides report this is the best month for spotting endemic birds in the cloud forests.

Booking Tip: Book mountain guides 5-7 days ahead through licensed operators. Expect to pay 3,500-5,000 CVE for full-day guided hikes including transport. Start at 6am to avoid afternoon rain showers. Check current hiking tour options in the booking section below.

Traditional Music and Dance Experiences

February is prime season for authentic morna and coladeira performances in Praia's cultural venues. The comfortable evening temperatures (21°C/70°F) make outdoor concerts enjoyable, and many local musicians return from European winter tours. Batuku drumming circles happen most frequently during this period as it's between harvest celebrations.

Booking Tip: Cultural experiences typically cost 1,500-2,500 CVE per person. Book through cultural centers rather than hotels for real feels. Many events are spontaneous - ask locals about weekend gatherings. See current cultural tour options in the booking section below.

Inter-Island Ferry Adventures

February offers the calmest seas for island hopping - ferry rides to Caboverde or Brava have minimal seasickness risk. The clear skies provide spectacular views of volcanic landscapes, and you can comfortably spend full days on deck. Ferry schedules are most reliable during this dry period with fewer weather-related cancellations.

Booking Tip: Inter-island ferry tickets cost 2,000-4,500 CVE depending on destination. Book 3-4 days ahead during February as locals travel frequently. Morning departures offer smoothest seas. Check current island-hopping packages in the booking section below.

Salt Flat and Crater Lake Exploration

The dry season creates ideal conditions for exploring Pedra Badejo salt flats and crater formations. February's low humidity (70%) means less equipment fogging for photography, and the stable weather allows access to remote geological sites. Local geology guides are most active during this period between farming seasons.

Booking Tip: Geological tours typically cost 4,000-6,000 CVE including specialized transport for rough terrain. Book 7-10 days ahead with certified geological guides. Bring extra water - volcanic landscapes intensify sun exposure. Current specialized tours available in booking section below.

Traditional Fishing Village Immersion

February's calm seas mean fishing boats operate daily, offering real feels with local fishermen. The comfortable temperatures make dawn departures (5:30am) bearable, and you'll witness traditional fishing methods passed down generations. Many coastal villages host informal markets with the day's catch around 3pm.

Booking Tip: Fishing village experiences cost 2,500-4,000 CVE including boat ride and meal preparation. Book through local cooperatives for most real feels. Respect local customs - ask permission before photographing. Check current community-based tours in booking section below.

Volcanic Beach and Coastal Hiking

February's stable weather provides perfect conditions for exploring Santiago's dramatic black sand beaches and coastal cliffs. The UV index of 8 requires protection, but morning hikes (6-10am) offer comfortable temperatures. Coastal trails are driest and most accessible, with clear views for photography of sea stacks and volcanic formations.

Booking Tip: Coastal hiking guides charge 3,000-4,500 CVE for half-day excursions. Book with guides familiar with tide schedules - some beaches are only accessible at low tide. Include reef-safe sunscreen for swimming stops. Current coastal tour options in booking section below.

February Events & Festivals

Throughout February weekends

Tabanka Cultural Celebrations

Traditional community festivals featuring authentic Cape Verdean music, dance, and local cuisine. These neighborhood celebrations showcase batuku drumming, traditional textile demonstrations, and communal grogue tastings. February marks the season when communities celebrate successful harvests.

Late February

São Sebastião Local Saint Festival

Regional religious celebration combining Catholic traditions with African spiritual practices. Features processions, traditional food preparations, and community music sessions. Less touristy than major festivals but deeply authentic to local culture.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket or poncho - afternoon showers last 20-30 minutes on 10 days, despite being dry season

SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen - UV index reaches 8, intensified by reflection off volcanic surfaces and salt flats

Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support - volcanic terrain and mountain trails require proper footwear for paths up to 1,392m (4,567ft)

Breathable cotton or linen clothing - avoid polyester in 70% humidity, which traps moisture and becomes uncomfortable

Wide-brimmed hat with chin strap - strong harmattan winds from Sahara can blow off regular hats

Dust mask or bandana - occasional Saharan dust affects air quality, particularly for those with respiratory sensitivities

Waterproof phone case - brief but intense rain showers and salt spray from coastal activities

Extra water bottles (2-3 liters capacity) - volcanic landscapes increase dehydration risk, especially during hiking

Quick-dry towel - higher humidity (70%) means regular towels stay damp longer

Insect repellent with DEET - still-water areas after brief rains create temporary mosquito breeding spots

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations by mid-January - February is when Cape Verdean diaspora visits family, creating unexpected demand spikes in certain neighborhoods

Shop for fresh produce before 10am at Sucupira Market - vendors bring the best selection early, and afternoon heat affects quality quickly

Carry small denomination CVE notes (200-500 notes) - many local experiences and transport don't accept large bills or cards

Learn basic Kriolu greetings - locals deeply appreciate efforts to speak the local language, opening doors to real feels tourists miss

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming February is completely dry - those 10 rainy days catch tourists unprepared, especially for mountain hiking where weather changes rapidly

Booking only beach activities - February's comfortable temperatures are perfect for cultural and mountain experiences many visitors skip

Overpacking summer clothes - evenings can cool to 20.6°C (69°F), requiring light layers for comfort