Weather lowdown
September is by far the rainiest month of the year in Cape Verde and one of the hottest months too. Average daytime temperature stays at around 27 degrees Celsius, with daytime high peaks at 29 degrees and lows going down to 24 degrees.
Sea temperature stays at a comfy 27 degrees Celsius and is amazing to enjoy when it's not raining. September is a month of weak winds but torrential downpours. However, not all islands experience rain equally and smart tourists can do some "island hopping" to find the best and most rain-free beaches on a day-by-day basis during this month.
Throughout September, total precipitation amounts to 77 mm and rain is expected for a bit more than 7 days of the month. The rain clouds often cover multiple islands in Cape Verde's archipelago but rarely do they cover the entire country at any given moment, creating precious rain-free areas that can be thoroughly enjoyed. Nonetheless, the sun shines for 6 hours each day during September.
Dates for the diary
Sal International Music Festival that takes place on a regular basis in September attracts hundreds of local musicians who come to celebrate the multifaceted musical culture of the island. This is a major event that brings thousands of expat Cape Verdians back home and is enjoyed by tourists and locals alike. The festival lasts several days and beach parties are virtually non-stop during that time.
Towards the end of September, the Mindelact Festival of Theatre is held in Mindelo on the island of Sao Vicente. Local actors perform local and international plays (sometimes for free) and lots of street food is available aplenty. There are no tickets or predetermined seats and tourists can freely join the festival.
Things to do
The lack of wind in September makes it an ideal time for jumping in a fishing boat and taking a calm trip out to Santa Luzia, the only uninhabited island of the 10 that make up Cape Verde (not counting the dozens of islets). The trip takes about two hours from nearby Sao Vicente port and a visit there can last a whole day. The best day to visit Santa Luzia is on a Friday. The island is a fisherman's paradise and many local fishermen spend the weekends at Santa Luzia before heading back to Sao Vicente with their catches on a Monday morning. Watching the fishing boats descend on the usually quiet shores on a Friday afternoon is quite the sight, especially when followed with grant fish feasts on a local eatery.
The Seadventure in Praia offers scuba divers and sea sports enthusiasts a unique opportunity to explore the ocean floor with equipment that most divers have never seen. Utilising several mini submarines and other high-tech gadgets, the Seadventure creates the most unique diving excursions around the islands of Cape Verde.
Hit the beach
The Ribeira Brava beach on Sao Nicolau is a secluded and naturally unspoiled beach. Somewhat away from any tourist facilities, the beach attracts very few visitors and is ideal for naturists and tourists seeking tranquillity.
Located near Tarrafal, the Blue Hole beach is a lively bay on the western side of Sao Nicolau. Surfers, windsurfers and other water sports enthusiasts gather here as the surf just outside the bay of Blue Hole is strong and just right for fancy rides.
Where to eat & drink
The Unico Amor Cafe & Restaurante serves delicious Italian and European dishes to hungry tourists and Cape Verdian locals alike. Located in the heart of Boa Vista, the restaurant is often regarded to have the best selection of Italian coffees and serve some of the most deliciously unique Italian seafood pasta.
Angela's Restaurant is a unique international restaurant that serves all kinds of local and exotic delicacies with an interesting spin. The restaurant may look simple (or even worn down) from the outside, but once inside you are instantly transported to a world where strong flavours and amazing dishes are everywhere.
The Cine Eden Park in Mindelo is a scenic and surprisingly popular cinema that is enjoyed by young and old alike. Located inside a historic building, the cinema plays mostly Hollywood and Portuguese language movies. The quality is great but most international movies arrive here with a lag of 6 months or more, so don't expect to catch the latest blockbuster here (only last year's!)
The hotel bar at Hotel Sabura Ponta Preta is open to non-visitors and has recently become a sensation for tourists visiting Santa Maria. The trendy bar attracts upscale patrons who socialise in a modern and classy atmosphere. The mood is set by the minimalist décor and the jazz tunes that are frequently played there.
Where to stay
The Hotel Sabura is one of the most popular 4 star hotels in the beautiful island of Sal. This all inclusive resort comes with all sorts of amenities including a sizable pool, amazing room service, a fantastic restaurant, a vibrant beach bar and so much more. The hotel is children-friendly with a kid-sized pool and an "exclusive" kids club.
The Benfica Pensao is a no-frills hotel located at the outskirts of Cape Verde's capital Praia on the island of Santiago. The area surrounding the hotel is full of lush vegetation and is tranquilly quiet. The hotel's restaurant serves food of very high quality while all other facilities are basic but very decent.
The Hotel Atlantico is one of the most popular spa hotels on the busy island of Sal. The hotel's spa features large and luxurious outdoors areas for massage, Jacuzzi and relaxation while enjoying the glorious sunsets over Sal. The hotel itself is charming, luxurious and lavishly decorated for the patrons' pleasure.
Located at a scenic vista in Praia, the O Jardim Do Vinho is a smart and hospitable hotel that enables tourists to fully explore the famous island of Santiago. Located in a peaceful neighbourhood in Achada de Santo Antonio, only 15 minutes from the international airport Francisco Mendes, this hotel is a meeting place for different cultures and tourists from all over the world.
Santa Maria, Sal's most popular tourist hub is home to the famous Riu Garopa all-inclusive hotel. Popular with families visiting Cape Verde as well as elderly tourists, the Riu Garopa offers a host of family-friendly facilities and a perfect, tranquil atmosphere that will delight and offer relaxation.
