Best time to surf in Cape Verde
November to February for intermediate surfers, November to January for beginners, and January for the biggest waves. Month by month below, from 2 years of hourly wave and wind model data at 16 spots. Updated 3 November 2026.
| Month | Good days (intermediate) | Beginner days | Good days (advanced) | Typical waves | Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 3 | 5 | 4 | 1–1.6 m | 23 °C |
| February | 2 | 4 | 5 | 1–1.6 m | 22 °C |
| March | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1–1.4 m | 22 °C |
| April | 0 | 3 | 1 | 1–1.4 m | 23 °C |
| May | 1 | 4 | 1 | 0.9–1.3 m | 23 °C |
| June | 0 | 3 | 1 | 0.9–1.3 m | 24 °C |
| July | 0 | 3 | 1 | 0.8–1.2 m | 26 °C |
| August | 1 | 4 | 1 | 0.9–1.3 m | 27 °C |
| September | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0.9–1.3 m | 28 °C |
| October | 1 | 4 | 1 | 0.8–1.2 m | 28 °C |
| November | 2 | 6 | 2 | 1–1.4 m | 27 °C |
| December | 2 | 6 | 3 | 1–1.4 m | 25 °C |
Days per month at the best third of the spots for each level, rated the way the app rates them. Model data, not observations. Method.
Questions
What is the best month to surf in Cape Verde?
January, with about 3 good days for an intermediate surfer at the best spots. The best run of months is November to February.
When is the best time to surf in Cape Verde for beginners?
November to January, when the beginner spots have the most days of small, clean waves.
When are the biggest waves in Cape Verde?
January has the biggest typical surf (about 1–1.6 m at the spots we follow). That is the season for experienced surfers.
Can you surf in Cape Verde in summer?
Mostly small: June to August bring almost no good days for intermediate surfers; it is the season for learning, not for good waves.
How warm is the water in Cape Verde?
About 22 °C in February (Springsuit 2 mm or vest) to 28 °C in September (Boardshorts / rash vest).
More: all surf spots in Cape Verde · this week's forecast · wetsuit by month · why the swell period matters.