Cape Verde in March

Nestled off the coast of Senegal, Cape Verde is a volcanic archipelago made up of 10 islands, lost in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. If you want to disconnect, its golden beaches with turquoise waters offer the perfect escape you need. Majestic mountains provide a stunning backdrop, ideal for hiking, with slopes adorned with greenery.

Its dreamlike landscape is not Cape Verde's only asset. Its islands and charming towns are just waiting to be discovered. An enchanted journey unfolds to the rhythm of morna, at the heart of a captivating Creole culture and legendary Cape Verdean hospitality. If you're planning to visit Cape Verde in March, here are some key points to keep in mind

Cape Verde enjoys a tropical climate with a dry season and a wet season. In March, the weather is dry, with a maximum of 1 day of rain during the month. Additionally, it's not too hot yet, with temperatures ranging from 21 to 25°C. This means bright days with 10 hours of sunshine per day ☀️ According to the climate, March is, in my opinion, the perfect time to visit Cape Verde.

To give you a precise idea of the climate in Cape Verde during March, here's a chart showing the temperatures recorded throughout last March

Each year, more than a million tourists flock to the 4,033 km² of Cape Verde. Unlike December, the busiest month, March is very calm. The archipelago virtually empties during this period. Thus, you'll be in the middle of the low tourist season. This means lower prices and peaceful visits. However, it might not be the best time if you want to interact with the maximum number of travelers. Fortunately, some lovely encounters with locals await you

Very pleasant in March, Praia, the vibrant capital of Cape Verde, is an exciting coastal city located on Santiago Island. It hides true gems, starting with its cosmopolitan culture influenced by European, Latin, and African elements. Its streets are dotted with façades adorned with incredible street art, such as the famous Independence Painting.

Many other attractions enhance the narrow alleys you will explore with fewer people in March.

If you're itching for another city trip, head towards the old town of Cidade Velha. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this ancient colonial city was founded in 1462. Its many years of existence have allowed it to gather invaluable treasures, such as the small church Nossa Senhora do Rosário, which I love for its picturesque charm.

But the greatest gem of the city is the legendary Forte Real de São Filipe, a colossal fortress perched at 120m. Inaugurated in 1593, it holds a significant place in Cape Verde's history. Go there just to indulge in the breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean.

If you're more in the mood for a nature getaway, you won't be disappointed in Cidade Velha. The town is just a 30-minute drive from the Monte Tchota Natural Park. Here, dense misty forests adorn the slopes of the highest peak on Santiago Island. These settings reveal themselves as a true natural sanctuary for the endemic fauna and flora of Cape Verde.

A hike is a must to discover the treasures of this spectacular park. I recommend a guided trek to avoid missing any highlights of the site. Note that this site is very popular with tourists. Exploring in March offers the privilege of doing so away from the crowds

Since Cape Verde is an archipelago, your trip likely involves traversing its islands in search of its wonders. Head towards Fogo Island to hike on Pico do Fogo, a phenomenal volcano rising to 2,829m In March, you'll climb this giant without rain, which can be quite bothersome during the wet season. Thanks to the dry weather, you can fully enjoy the pleasures of trekking

I must warn you, though, this is a difficult hike with over 1,100m of elevation gain and mainly sandy or rocky trails. The ascent will take you about 4 hours, depending on your pace, while the descent will take about 3 hours. That's why this adventure is more suitable for seasoned walkers. If you want to traverse the slopes of this great volcano without experience, consider hiring a professional. By attempting this adventure, you will be rewarded with an absolutely extraordinary 360° view of Fogo Island and the nature below

In any case, expect to spend €44/person to benefit from the services of a guide during a hike to the summit of Pico do Fogo. They will ensure everything goes smoothly and help you get as close to the peak as possible. As for the descent, it will lead to Chã das Caldeiras, a path drawn in the ashes of lava.

Fogo Island has so much to offer aside from its volcano. Don't leave without taking a tour of São Filipe, a magnificent town with a relaxed vibe nestled facing the ocean. Its colonial-style blue buildings give it a lovely charm and enrich its heritage.

Other Cape Verdean gems await you on the island. Hire a guide to wander through its authentic little villages. Make sure to marvel at the oldest baobab tree in Fogo, a must-see in every season

Are you planning to travel to Cape Verde in March, but aren't sure yet what to do in Cape Verde? This volcanic archipelago is full of treasures to discover. Between its lush landscapes, perfect for hiking, its golden beaches lined with turquoise waters ideal for various water activities, and its cultural and culinary riches that will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the local spirit, you're sure to find plenty to fill your days. Although March is not yet high season, it is highly recommended to book your visits and activities in advance to make the most of your stay, with peace of mind

Even if you've already lounged on Quebra Canela beach in Praia, nothing stops you from enjoying other lazy days on Cape Verde's paradise beaches. And what better place to do so than on Sal Island? Among the most enchanting spots, don't miss the following

The famous Pedra de Lume Salines, a timeless site, is also located on Sal. The colors of the marshes shift from pink to reddish. They are surrounded by mounds of salt that create a stunning lunar landscape, providing an impressive visual spectacle thanks to the supernatural hues

This salt center is now a major tourism hotspot where you can leisurely wade. Its high salt content allows bathers to float effortlessly. This is one of the reasons why they come in large numbers during high season. In March, you will have the lagoon waters practically all to yourself, an extraordinary experience that will stick with you. However, beware of salt crystals. Their sharpness can injure you if you don't wear water shoes.

Head to the village of Pedra de Lume and explore its wonderful salt flats, the salty lake, and the lemon shark bay with a guide. Offered at €31/person, this unusual tour includes pickup from your hotel and private transportation, but excludes the entrance fee to the salines ⚠️

Before leaving Sal, how about a short cruise? ⛵️ All of Cape Verde is conducive to this activity. But since you're already in Sal, take advantage of it to sail its beautiful coasts by boat. Whether in March or any other time, you'll have the pleasure of admiring extraordinary landscapes.

You have various excursion options. Personally, I chose a half-day catamaran cruise that includes snacks, drinks, a snorkeling session, and sunbathing, all with music This all-inclusive experience costs €69/person, a good deal considering all the bonuses offered.

Cultural capital of Cape Verde, Mindelo is a lively city located on São Vicente Island. Truly beautiful, it nestles by the ocean and opens onto a splendid bay. Birthplace of music, it was home to great names in the scene like the late Cesária Évora. The city even hosts a Cesária Évora Museum, fully dedicated to the Diva. Visiting it allows for an immersion into Cape Verdean musical culture. So, don't hesitate!

After this musical interlude, stroll through the colorful stalls of Mindelo's market, a place where you can soak up the incredible energy of the city. You can find all sorts of local products, from exotic fruits to handcrafted items. For €55/person, discover the untapped richness of Cape Verdean terroir in this bustling market as well as at the fish market This price includes pickup in the downtown area and cooking classes.

Beyond music and culinary art, Mindelo is the place to party in Cape Verde This cultural destination is vibrant in the evenings, even in March, because while tourists become sparse, locals fill the streets of the city. By the way, these streets are lined with trendy bars, crazy nightclubs, and great eateries. Join a night tour of Mindelo to explore these very friendly spots

If Cape Verde is marked by festivals and carnivals, March is rather quiet in terms of events. Women's Day, on the 8th of the month, is a public holiday. However, Cape Verdean Women's Day will take place on March 27. This date marks the creation of the Cape Verdean Women's Organization, a powerful symbol of feminism ✊

In March, the price of airfare to Cape Verde can range from €475 to €2,100. This is a flight of about 6 hours and 30 minutes from New York to Praia. To find the best deals, I suggest checking Ulysse, a flight comparison site ✈️ Also, remember to book as early as possible because last-minute flights often cost more.

Transportation options are plentiful in Cape Verde

As with transportation, accommodation costs vary from one place to another, depending on the type of lodging chosen and the location. Here's a selection of my favorite accommodations where to stay in Cape Verde:

That's it for this guide. In short, traveling to Cape Verde in March is a wonderful idea. It's moderately warm and hardly ever rains. As for the crowds of tourists, they are virtually absent. In short, you'll have the beautiful Cape Verdean beaches all to yourself. Enjoy it well to recharge before returning to routine!