Praia in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Praia

28°C (82°F) High Temp

21°C (69°F) Low Temp

0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Dry season arrival - March marks the end of harmattan winds, bringing clearer skies and stable weather perfect for beach activities and outdoor exploration
Perfect temperature balance - Daytime highs of 28°C (82°F) are ideal for sightseeing without the intense heat of later months, while evenings at 21°C (69°F) are comfortable for dining outdoors
Morna season begins - Local musicians return to outdoor venues as the weather improves, with live Cape Verdean music performances increasing significantly throughout the city
Optimal surfing conditions - March brings consistent Atlantic swells of 1.5-2m (5-6.5 ft) without the strong winds of February, creating ideal conditions for both beginners and experienced surfers

Considerations

Unpredictable rainfall - Despite being dry season, March can still have 10 scattered rainy days with sudden 20-30 minute downpours that can disrupt outdoor plans
Rising accommodation prices - March marks the beginning of peak tourist season, with hotel rates increasing 25-40% compared to February
Limited shade downtown - The strengthening sun combined with Praia's concrete urban landscape creates intense heat reflection during midday hours from 12-3pm

Best Activities in March

Cidade Velha Historical Tours

March's mild temperatures make exploring Cape Verde's UNESCO World Heritage first colonial city comfortable. The 28°C (82°F) highs are perfect for walking the cobblestone streets and climbing to the Royal Fort ruins without the scorching heat of April-May. Morning tours (8-11am) offer the best conditions with soft lighting for photography.

Booking Tip: Book cultural walking tours 7-10 days ahead through certified heritage guides. Tours typically cost 2,500-3,500 CVE and include fort entrance fees. Look for guides certified by Instituto do Património Cultural. Reference booking widget for current tour options.

Santiago Island Beach Hopping

March delivers perfect beach weather with minimal wind and calm seas. Quebra Antarctica and Prainha beaches have water temperatures around 23°C (73°F) and gentle waves ideal for swimming. The reduced harmattan dust creates crystal-clear visibility for photography and snorkeling.

Booking Tip: Rent vehicles or book beach tours 5-7 days ahead. Daily car rentals range 4,000-6,000 CVE. Avoid midday beach visits (12-3pm) due to UV index 8 exposure. Book through licensed rental agencies with insurance coverage.

Serra Malagueta Hiking Adventures

March offers ideal hiking conditions in Santiago's mountains with clear visibility and comfortable temperatures. Early morning hikes (6-9am) provide impressive views across the island without afternoon heat buildup. The landscape is still green from winter rains but trails are dry and accessible.

Booking Tip: Book guided mountain tours 10-14 days ahead during March as this is peak hiking season. Full-day tours cost 4,500-6,500 CVE including transport and lunch. Ensure guides are mountain-certified and carry emergency communication devices.

Traditional Music and Dance Experiences

March marks the return of outdoor batuku and funaná performances as venues reopen their courtyards. The comfortable evening temperatures of 21°C (69°F) create perfect conditions for authentic cultural experiences. Local musicians prepare for Easter celebrations, making March exceptionally rich for cultural immersion.

Booking Tip: Cultural evening experiences cost 1,500-2,500 CVE and should be booked 3-5 days ahead. Look for authentic venues in Achada Saotomeandprincipe or Várzea neighborhoods. Many experiences include traditional cachupa dinners. Check current cultural programs in booking section.

Local Market and Cooking Classes

March brings seasonal produce like breadfruit and fresh catch from calmer seas, making it ideal for culinary experiences. Morning market visits (7-10am) avoid midday heat while showcasing the best selection. The improved weather means more street food vendors operate, offering authentic tastes of Cape Verdean cuisine.

Booking Tip: Half-day market and cooking experiences range 3,000-4,500 CVE per person. Book 5-7 days ahead as March is popular for food tourism. Look for experiences that start at Sucupira Market and include transportation. Verify ingredients accommodate dietary restrictions.

March Events & Festivals

Throughout March

Baía das Gatas Music Preparation

Musicians and bands begin intensive rehearsals and outdoor practice sessions throughout Praia in preparation for the August festival. These informal sessions offer authentic glimpses into Cape Verdean music culture, with many taking place in neighborhood squares during comfortable March evenings.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight breathable fabrics like linen or cotton - synthetic materials become uncomfortable in 70% humidity with limited air circulation

SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 with reflection off concrete surfaces increasing exposure by 15-20%

Light rain jacket or packable poncho - March's 10 rainy days bring sudden 20-30 minute downpours without warning

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - cobblestone streets in Caboverde and Praia centro can be slippery when wet

Wide-brimmed hat or cap - limited shade in downtown Praia during 12-3pm peak sun hours requires personal protection

Reusable water bottle - staying hydrated is crucial with 28°C (82°F) highs and high humidity, especially when walking between attractions

Light evening layer - temperatures drop to 21°C (69°F) after sunset, requiring a light cardigan or long-sleeve shirt for outdoor dining

Insect repellent with DEET - occasional March showers create temporary breeding grounds for mosquitoes in urban areas

Waterproof phone case - sudden rain showers and beach activities require electronics protection

Cash in small denominations - many local experiences and transport options don't accept cards, especially for amounts under 1,000 CVE

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations by mid-February - March marks the start of peak season pricing with rates jumping 25-40% and availability decreasing significantly after February 15th

Shop at Sucupira Market between 7-9am - vendors offer the best selection and prices before the day heats up, plus you'll avoid the midday crowds when produce quality declines

Use shared taxis (aluguers) during off-peak hours - running 6-8am and 6-8pm, they cost 150-200 CVE compared to 1,500-2,000 CVE for private taxis during tourist hours

Eat lunch at local tascas between 12-2pm - family-run restaurants serve fresh cachupa and grilled fish during siesta hours when tourist restaurants close, offering authentic meals for 800-1,200 CVE

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities during 12-3pm peak heat hours - the combination of 28°C (82°F) temperatures and concrete heat reflection makes midday sightseeing uncomfortable and potentially dangerous

Not carrying cash for local transport and small vendors - many real feels, aluguers, and market purchases require CVE cash with limited ATM access in tourist areas

Booking accommodation after February 15th - March is when peak season pricing kicks in and popular guesthouses fill up, leaving only expensive resort options for last-minute bookers