Weather in Cape Verde in January

January climate overview

Daytime highs across Cape Verde in January run from 22.4°C (Sal) to 24.7°C (Boa Vista). Even in Boa Vista only 42% of days reach 25°C. Nights average 20.6°C; the coldest 10% of nights in Sal fall to 20°C or below.

Rainfall in January

Expect around 0 rainy days (1 mm or more) in January, with Boa Vista the driest (0 days) and Sal the wettest (1 days). The wettest January at Boa Vista between 1991 and 2020 was 2005 with 56 mm; the driest was 1995 with 0 mm.

Sea temperature

The sea averages 22.7°C around Cape Verde in January - warmest at Boa Vista (22.7°C). That is comfortable for swimming.

Sunshine and daylight

Around 5.9 hours of sunshine a day on average, out of 11.1 hours of daylight (sunshine estimated from cloud cover).

January against the rest of the year in Cape Verde

January is the 10th warmest month of the twelve in Cape Verde. It is 1.3°C cooler than December and 0.3°C cooler in February. The hottest month here is September (28°C) and the coolest February (23°C).

Which part of Cape Verde in January?

• Most sunshine: Boa Vista, 5.9 h a day.
• Driest: Boa Vista, about 0 rainy days.
• Warmest sea: Boa Vista, 23°C.
• Hottest: Boa Vista, 25°C by day.
• Coolest (better for walking and cities): Sal, 22°C.

What to pack for Cape Verde in January

Based on the averages: light layers - warm in the sun, cooler in the shade; swimwear - the sea is 23°C.

Similar weather elsewhere in January

Within 1.5°C of Cape Verde's January daytime average: Varadero (25°C, sea 25°C), Hawaii (25°C, sea 25°C), Dubai (24°C, sea 22°C), Bahamas (24°C, sea 24°C), Miami (23°C, sea 24°C). See the full ranking for January.

Boa Vista for warmer days, Sal for milder afternoons

Boa Vista is the better fit if daytime warmth is your priority, averaging 25°C compared with Sal's 22°C. That makes Boa Vista the stronger choice for travellers who want to spend time sitting outside rather than prefer cooler conditions for being active. Even there, only 42% of days exceed 25°C, so set your expectations around warmth rather than persistent heat. Sal suits those who find milder afternoons more comfortable. The evening comparison goes the other way: Sal averages 21°C at night, while Boa Vista drops to 20°C. Sea temperatures are the same at 23°C, so neither has an advantage for warmer swimming water.

Expect dry conditions, but pack for milder moments

January's average of 0 rainy days makes rain a relatively small concern when planning time outdoors, though it is not a promise that every stay will be completely dry. Average sunshine of 5.9 hours gives a more useful expectation than assuming clear skies all day. Pack light daytime clothing, sun protection and a light layer for evenings, especially if you tend to feel cool when sitting outside. The country average of 24°C suggests comfortable warmth rather than a need to organise everything around avoiding midday heat. Keep plans flexible according to how warm it feels, with swimming better treated as a personal comfort choice than an expectation of bath-like water.