Weather lowdown
In the heart of summer, July is a forgivingly warm and undeniably charming month to visit Cape Verde's archipelago. During July, average daytime temperature rises up to 26 degrees Celsius, making July the second hottest month of the year in Cape Verde. Daytime highs can peak up at 27 degrees and only very rarely temperatures go above 30 degrees. During night time, temperature drops slightly to 22 degrees, and nights are never too cold to enjoy the outdoors at Cape Verde. Cape Verde enjoys 6 hours of daily sunshine in July.
Sea temperatures also follow the trend, rising up to 26 degrees in the month of July. With the north-easterly trade winds losing their strength, the African-borne Harmattan winds dominate the island. Blowing from the south and the south-west, these winds are more pronounced at the Sotavento islands. From time to time, the Harmattan winds can carry desert sand in the form of dust storms over Cape Verde. These winds can cause discomfort to beachgoers as they enter and exit the water, by pelting them with sand. If something like that happens to you, you should just wait patiently as the dust storms often end in less than 20 minutes.
July is the first month of the year that sees a respectable (but still relatively little) amount of rain. July has more rain than all the previous months combined,but with a total precipitation of just 11 mm this is still very scarce rain. Both Sotavento and Barlavento islands are expected to see some form of rain in 5 of July's days.
Dates for the diary
July is a great time to visit the island of Boa Vista, which celebrates Municipality Day each year on July the 4th. Hundreds of locals and visitors alike gather at Sal Rei to celebrate Saint Isabel, the Patron Saint of Boa Vista. Although this is a cultural and religious festival, there are plenty of activities for travellers to partake in such as beach football games, boat races, horse riding, street dancing and more.
The very next day, on July the 5th, Cape Verde celebrates its national independence day from Portugal. Celebrations are held in all major settlements including Praia and Sal Rei, where locals feast and invite tourists to celebrate democracy together by dancing local tunes. Parties can last well into the morning of July the 6th, with partygoers taking the action on the streets.
Things to do
The wildlife on Santiago is practically unrivalled among all the islands on the archipelago. Numerous excursions around the island allow tourists to see vibrant blue kingfishers and green vervet monkeys up close, among numerous plant species unique to the island. For a view into the real Cape Verde away from the tourist towns, head up into the mountains to see the banana, coconut, sugar cane, mango and cashew plantations.
Golf lovers should definitely visit the Sao Vicente Golf Club. This is one of the few golf spots on the whole nation of Cape Verde. It sports a unique 9-hole course and is located at the northern part of Sao Vicente. The course takes golfers through sandy plans, through rolling greens and across tropical forests in a smartly designed trail that provides a multi-tiered challenge for golfers of all skill levels.
Hit the beach
The Porto Novo beach of Sao Antonio is a popular meeting spot for fishermen and tourist fishing trips. The beach itself might not have much to offer as it is surrounded by rocks, but the fishing opportunities here (including harpoon fishing) are numerous and all equally exciting.
For a more family friendly beach on Sao Antonio, try the Ribeira Grante beach at the northern side of the island. There you can find lots of tourist amenities for rent including parasols and a number of facilities such as restaurants, toilets, showers, accessibility ramps, lifeguard services and more.
Where to eat & drink
The Mediterraneo Restaurante is one of the highest rated gourmet restaurants in Cape Verde. Located in the heart of Praia, the nation's capital, the Mediterraneo is an authentic Cape Verdian taverna reimagined for the 21st century gourmand. The food is sublime as the restaurant serves local delicacies prepared with ultra-modern cooking methods.
The restaurant La Villa is an alluring Mediterranean-themed eatery in Santa Maria. Specialising in seafood and local traditional dishes, the La Villa wins the hearts of its patrons with its unpretentious style, hearty portions and very warm atmosphere.
The Pizzeria O Cocktail in Sao Vicente is famous for its delicious pizzas and the bustling live music evenings that play the latest Morna (local music) hits. There is something for everyone in this establishment, from tasty food and good company to famous Cape Verdean musicians who come to perform live.
The Tabu bar boasts a spacious open-air disco and is considered one of the liveliest clubs in Praia. The bar attracts mostly tourists but also certain locals with a love for foreign music. Drinks are fairly inexpensive and the bar is popular for its enormous 2 and 3 litre glasses.
Where to stay
The Hotel Savana is a quaint local hotel in Fogo with a tidy pool and warm Cape Verdian hospitality. The staff is surprisingly fluent in English and always eager to help. While the hotel's facilities are overall basic, they are very clean and well-maintained, providing excellent value for money.
The Pontao is a beautiful all-inclusive 4 star hotel that's located at the centre of Santa Maria. Built and decorated in a style that lies between African and Caribbean, the Pontao offers attractive accommodation to families with older children and couples who seek some tranquil moments on the island of Sal.
The Limeira Hotel Resort is a seaside all-inclusive hotel close to Cape Verde's capital in the island of Santiago. The hotel is famous for its impressive vistas and its last terrace that overlooks a secluded bay. The experience is enhanced by the hotel's classy restaurant and cosy bar, which is open to non-visitors too.
The Orquidea is a scenic guest house in the island of Boa Vista. The hotel is has just ten rooms, all equipped with bathroom, private balcony running hot water, in room bar, air conditioning, flat screen TV and more.
The eponymous Boa Vista Hotel is a spectacular all inclusive resort on the island of Boa Vista and the only hotel in Foz, the historic part of the city where the Douro river meets the Atlantic ocean. The hotel is located on the tip of a bay on the old city and offers quality accommodation to tourists with a taste for fine Cape Verdian architecture and matching hospitality.
