Located in the northern hemisphere in the sub-Sahelian zone to the west of the African continent, the Cape Verde archipelago presents a dry tropical climate with periods of prolonged and cyclic droughts presenting several distinct climatic extracts from the arid and semi-arid to the coast and sub humid and humid as one moves inland and in altitude to the top of the mountains. The temperature, if we compare with those felt at the same latitude within the continent, we can see that it is quite comfortable, because it is influenced by insularity, altitude and oceanic influence. Monthly averages range from 27ºC in coastal areas to 18ºC in high altitude zones, with an annual thermal amplitude of less than 7ºC. The summer, from June to October, is the hot and humid season. This is the ideal period to indulge in diving and swimming on crystal clear beaches. The cool season (from November to May) the temperature plummets significantly.

​What is the ideal period for walking holidays in Cape Verde?
Any season is good to visit the Cape Verde islands, since the climate is mild and there is sun all year round. Inevitably, mild winter temperatures attract huge numbers of nature lovers for walking holidays, so the months between November and May can be considered "high season": it is not too hot, it is less likely to rain and it is possible to end the day at sea in Tarrafal or on the crystal clear beaches of Sao Vicente island.

Those travelling to Cape Verde should be holders of the "Entry Visa" obtained at the Consulate of the Embassy of Cape Verde (about 44 Euros), which must be used within 90 days and grants the right to stay for 180 days, renewable at most, for an equal period of time. If you do not obtain it in your country of origin, the visa can be granted at the International Airport of arrival in Cape Verde (about 25 Euros). Individual Passports must have a minimum validity of 6 months.

Minors, even when accompanied by their parents, must be holders of Passports and their Entry Visa. When accompanied by adults who do not have "paternal power", they must be accompanied by an express authorization, notarially recognized, of the person exercising that power. In the case of separated or divorced parents, the same authorization must be provided by the non-present parent.

The Cape Verde islands are free from most of the tropical diseases. No vaccinations are required for entry to Cape Verde, only yellow fever if you are travelling from a yellow fever country. Please note you always visit your doctor before departure to receive to latest information and advice.
 
Health precautions:
To reduce the risk of any health problems you can take some precautionary measures:

• Avoid long exposure to the sun which can be intense in Cape Verde. Use high factor sun lotion, cover your head and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration and sunburn;

• Travellers’ diarrhoea is the most common illness. It is caused by eating or drinking contaminated food or water. So, do not drink tap water. Use bottled water instead;

• Always try to avoid insect bites. Use products insect repellents;

• Please do not forget your prescription medicine and consider bringing travel medicine: cold/cough medicine, aspirin, anti-diarrheals, antibiotic for indigestion (this must be prescribed by your doctor), etc.

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Make sure you have an adequate health insurance that covers you for treatment, local hospitalization and medical repatriation to your country.

Remember that cotton and jeans do not dry easily. Include a few items made of capelin or polypro which wick moisture away from your body. Please consider taking along the following items on your trip:

• Long-sleeved shirts (2 to 3) and short-sleeved shirts (2 to 3);

• Pants - 2 to 3 (comfortable, loose fitting and quick drying);

• Shorts - 1 pair (acceptable most places except churches and other places of worship);

• Travel skirt for women nice for treks (below the knee);

• Fleece, jacket or sweater;

• Walking shoes with good support and traction and lightweight polypro socks;

•  Toiletries including toothbrush/paste, etc.

• Sunscreen and insect repellent;

• Sunglasses, eyeglasses and eyeglass straps;

• Photo gear;

• Take your little trekking duffel;

• Trekking poles;

• Hat with a brim to protect you from the sun.

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• Related: How to Plan a Trek on Cape Verde Islands

The official currency is the Cape Verdean Escudo. 1€ = 110,265 escudos. The Euro is accepted in shops, banks and hotels. International credit cards are becoming more accepted. It should be noted, however, that the MASTERCARD card is not accepted at all vending machines and at all SISP payment terminals. The VISA card is more widely accepted. It can be used mainly to withdraw money from banks, ATMs and some major hotels.
 
Cash points / ATMs: There are cash points all over the islands of Cape Verde. The official currency (ecv) can be withdrawn from the airport.

Time zone: GMT-1 universal time. There are no adaptation problems: You will be able to recover from the jet lag thanks to the small time difference; + 1 hour in winter, + 2 hours in summer. In other words, 1 hour less than in England (when it is 20h in England, it is 19h in Cape Verde), and 2 hours in summer (when it is 20h in England on July 20th, it is 18h in Cape Verde).

Communications
Dialing code: + 238 if you are calling from outside of Cape Verde. There are 2 local mobile operators and roaming is possible with operators in other countries. Be careful though, as the cost of roaming can be high. Internet: Free WiFi in the hotels is developing, but you often have to pay. There are cybercafés with net access. Tip: buy pre-paid cards when you arrive.
 
Electricity: current of 220/240 volts at 50 hertz. Wall sockets take plugs with 2 pins like those used in Europe (Except in United Kingdom).