Weather in Praia

Planning your day in the city of Praia? Check out the latest weather data, detailed forecasts, and visual charts right here.

Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, is characterised by a tropical arid climate. This means it is warm all year round, and rainfall is rare. Temperatures change insignificantly throughout the year, making the weather in Praia quite predictable and pleasant for those who love sun and warmth.

There are no distinct seasons in Praia like those found in temperate latitudes. Instead, two main periods can be distinguished: a long dry season and a very short, weakly expressed rainy season. For most of the year, roughly from November to July, there is practically no precipitation, and the sky remains clear. Temperatures during this time are comfortable, averaging from 22°C to 25°C.

A slight increase in precipitation is observed in August and September, when the average temperature reaches its maximum values of about 26-27°C. Small amounts of rainfall are possible during these months, and the number of rainy days increases slightly; however, even this period cannot be called truly rainy. Overall, Praia offers consistently warm and predominantly sunny weather, ideal for a holiday.

Praia experiences a remarkably steady temperature regime throughout the year, which is typical for its tropical climate. The average annual temperature fluctuates within a very narrow range. The coolest months are usually February and March, when the average temperature holds at around 22.2°C, and nightly lows can drop to 19.2°C - 19.4°C. The hottest period falls in September and October: the average temperature in these months reaches 26.5°C - 26.6°C, and daytime highs can rise to 28.6°C - 29.2°C.

The so-called "summer" period, coinciding with the months of greatest heat (roughly from June to October), is characterised by consistently warm weather. Daytime temperatures during this time confidently stay above 27°C, peaking at almost 29°C in October, while nights remain very warm, with temperatures rarely dropping below 21°C - 24°C. The "winter" months, from December to April, bring a pleasant mildness, especially in the evenings and at night. Average daytime temperatures during this period are a comfortable 25°C - 26°C, while night temperatures drop to 19°C - 21°C. Fluctuations between day and night temperatures in Praia are moderate, usually around 5-6°C, ensuring comfortable conditions around the clock without sudden changes.

Precipitation in Praia is a rather rare phenomenon, confirming its arid tropical climate. For most of the year, a pronounced dry season prevails here. From November to July inclusive, the amount of precipitation tends toward zero, and in some months, such as March, April, May, November, and December, there is no rain at all, according to statistical averages. Even in January, February, June, and July, when one or two "wet" days are recorded, the total amount of precipitation is 0 mm, indicating extremely insignificant and rare rains.

The short and weakly expressed rainy season in Praia occurs in late summer and early autumn, predominantly in August and September. September is the "wettest" month, when an average of about 3 mm of precipitation falls, and the number of rainy days reaches 11. In August, the figures are slightly lower: about 2 mm of precipitation and approximately 10 days with rain. In October, the amount of precipitation decreases to 1 mm, and the number of rainy days drops to 4, signalling the end of this short period.

It is important to understand that even in the so-called rainy season, precipitation in Praia is usually not heavy or prolonged. Rather, these are short showers or drizzle. Snow is absolutely uncharacteristic for Praia. Thus, for most of the year, travellers can count on dry and sunny weather, and in August-September, one should be prepared for the probability of short-term rainfall, which, however, is unlikely to spoil a holiday.

When planning a trip to Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, remember that a warm and predominantly sunny climate awaits you all year round. The basis of your wardrobe should consist of light, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics such as cotton or linen. Be sure to bring swimwear, sunglasses, headwear (a hat or cap) for protection against the active sun, as well as high SPF sunscreen. Comfortable sandals, espadrilles, or light trainers are perfect for comfortable walks around the city and its surroundings.

Although the temperature in Praia is consistently warm, evenings, especially in the period from December to April when the minimum temperature can drop to 19-20°C, may feel a little cool. Therefore, a light jumper, cardigan, thin windbreaker, or pashmina will be very useful. In the period from August to September, when a slight increase in the number of days with precipitation is observed (although the total amount is minimal, 2-3 mm), it would be prudent to bring a compact umbrella or a very light raincoat. In general, clothing that can be easily layered fits best for Praia, ensuring comfort both in the hot daytime heat and during pleasant evening walks.