Cape Verde can be found in the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of Africa. The country spans 10 different islands of volcanic origin and several dozen small islets. The archipelago has a semi-desert, sub-tropical mix of climates. Every island boasts its own distinctive culture and selection of landmarks and attractions. There are all kinds of islands to explore; each of them offering a different experience, hence the art of "island hopping" is very popular here, with tourists traveling across multiple islands to experience everything this fascinating archipelago has to offer.
Eclectic Archipelago
Cape Verde is famous for its eclectic mix of music and cuisine; its charming local villages, numerous volcanoes (most but not all of which are extinct), amazing weather, and its unique culture that is a blend of Portuguese, African and Brazilian cultures. Cape Verde's islands are divided into two groups, the Barlavento Islands (windward islands), which are: Santo Antao, Sao Vicente, Santa Luzia, Sao Nicolau, Sal, Boa Vista. Then the Sotavento Islands (leeward islands) are Maio, Santiago, Fogo and Brava.
Cape Verde was colonised in the 15th century by the Portuguese and was a prosperous trading port for centuries. Today, the islands enjoy a strong, service-oriented economy that focuses on tourism and internal growth. The small island nation is one of the fastest developing in the world, having been transformed in the recent decades from a quaint remote getaway to an impressive, first-rate tourist resort. A wonderfully diverse holiday destination - definitely add Cape Verde to your bucket list.
What's the Weather Like in Cape Verde in January?
January is the coldest month on the exotic archipelago of islands at Cape Verde, but this doesn't mean it's cold, by any standards. Cape Verde is a popular winter sun destination for anyone wishing to escape January in Northern Europe.
Is Cape Verde Hot In January?
The average daytime temperature stays around a comfortable 23°C and rarely drops below 19°C. In fact 19°C is pretty much the coldest temperature Cape Verde experiences in a typical year.
Temperatures can rise up to 24°C in January; never too hot for comfort. According to historical data, the Barlavento islands (windward islands) experience slightly lower temperatures during January as they are situated to the north of the archipelago and are less affected by African-borne winds and currents.
How Warm Is The Sea in Cap Verde In January?
Nonetheless, the average sea temperature across the islands in January floats around a delightful 23°C. Rarely, cold sea currents from North Atlantic may result in sea temperature declining sharply in the winter. But these declines are shortlived as warm sea currents from western Africa rapidly warm Cape Verde's coasts on a daily basis.
Does It Rain In Cape Verde In January?
Rainfall is minimal to nonexistent in Cape Verde during January. Only three days are expected to have some form of rain over the islands and the total precipitation across all ten islands (and the numerous islets) rarely surpasses 2mm in January.
Hotels for Cape Verde in January
Iberostar Club Boa Vista
The Iberostar Club Boa Vista hotel is a five star luxury resort nestled on the golden sands of Chaves beach. The rooms can accommodate families and couples, the rooms are clean and spacious, there is a fantastic kids club and all incusive buffet serving international and local cuisine. The hotel oozes tranquility with its relaxing spa and beachfront location. ,However families will appreciate the onsite entertainement and excellent kids club facilities.
Hotel Morabeza
On the bay of Santa Maria sits the Hotel Morabeza which boasts one of the most astonishing beaches in Cape Verde,The hotel offers unrestricted access to 3km of golden white deserted beachfront. The bay is unique for windsurfing, kite surfing and diving. The hotel rooms are comfortable and relatively inexpensive. The design of the hotel is beautiful yet simple with a real romantic feel to it.
Xaguate Hotel
The 4-star Xaguate Hotel in Sao Filipe is a cosy, locally themed resort for tourists seeking an authentically Cape Verdean take on their vacations. The staff are very polite and the hotel is spacious and clean.
Casa Cavoquinho
The Casa Cavoquinho offers unique lodgings on Santo Antao. Located high up in the mountains (and quite literally in the middle of nowhere) the scenery and views over the whole island are breathtaking. The restaurant offers traditional Cape Verdean breakfast and very inexpensive, quality food.
Quinta da Montanha
If you are looking for a breathtaking location and are keen on hiking and exploring the natural landscapes, the Quinta da Montanha is the ideal rural retreat. Located on the ridge of a mountain near the village of Rui Vaz, the remoteness of this hotel, together with its simple tradional cuisine and decor make it a wonderful retreat. Guests spoke highly of the friendly and helpful staff, the clean unfussy rooms and fantastic authentic cooking.
Beaches for January for Cape Verde
Santa Monica Beach
The Santa Monica beach in Curralinho on the island of Boa Vista has been ranked among the top beaches in the world by numerous independent reviewers and international bodies. This white sandy beach is often described as similar to the world famous Santa Monica beach in California. This is a fairly quiet beach as it has very few tourist amenities.
Chaves Beach
Just a few miles up the coast is the equally stunning Chaves Beach that is slightly busier. This lively beach has bars, restaurants and other amenities on site, and it is quite common to see beach volley and beach football games here. Tourists are welcome to join in these friendly matches.
Restaurants and Bars for Cape Verde in January
The Les Palmiers
The Les Palmiers restaurant offers genuine Cape Verdean food and entertainment, with a buffet of local delicacies, lots of traditional music, dance and a free Caipirinha cocktail for each customer. The restaurant is in the Hotel Morabeza.
Restaurante Chocolate
The Restaurante Chocolate in Sao Vicente is so much more than just a desserts shop. This is a fantastic place for tasting some of the freshest sushi and sashimi in Cape Verde along with local desserts. Everything is cooked from extra-fresh, local produce here.
Xaguate Hotel
The bar, at the 4-star Xaguate Hotel in Sao Filipe is very cosy and hospitable, attracting locals and non-visitors to dance, socialise and have fun together. The drinks are inexpensive and the vistas magnificent.
Barracuda Bar
The Barracuda Bar is one of the hottest bar-clubs in Santa Maria. With a stage and an outdoors dance floor, this is a very popular hangout for young tourists and water sports enthusiasts.
Things to Do in Cape Verde in January
Sal
Sal is one of the most tourist-focused islands of the country, so much that many locals argue that the resort area doesn't show off the true beauty of Cape Verde. However, there is still plenty of history in Sal, including the Pedra Le Lume Salt Crater and numerous small villages and communities off the tourist track.
Pedra Le Lume
Pedra Le Lume, situated in the crater of an extinct volcano was renowned in the 18th Century for its salt mines. Today, the remaining high quantities of salt give swimmers the opportunity to float effortlessly in the surrounding waters while making surfing and windsurfing particularly forgiving for beginners.
Fogo
The island of Fogo used to be a volcano in itself. Today, with only 55 thousand inhabitants it is one of the most scenic locales in Cape Verde. The village of Sao Fillipe in Fogo is perhaps the most attractive settlement there. The colourful houses designed in a colonial Portuguese architectural style, have been excellently preserved and provide a glimpse into the history of Cape Verde well before it became a resort destination.
Botanical Garden & Zoo Di Terra
The Botanical Garden & Zoo Di Terra is a wonderful place to take children. It's located on the island of Sal, Cape Verde. In the gardens you can find any type of ornamental plant available on the Archipelago. Many children love the animal sanctuary and the botanical gardens appeal to all age groups. Pet the donkeys, feed the goats, watch the ducks and cute ducklings and have a general wonder around. Adults will enjoy this just as much as their children.
Dates for the diary
Every year, on January the 13th, Cape Verdians across the archipelago celebrate Democracy day. As one of the most democratic nations in the world (frequently ranked No.1 in lists measuring personal and political freedom), Cape Verde dedicates a whole day to the ideals of democracy. During this celebration, outdoors feasts are common and in large settlements such as Praia, large celebrations are held.
A true patriotic month, January sees Cape Verdean's celebrate the Heroes Day on the 20th of the month. This day commemorates the 1973 assassination of Amílcar Cabral, who is remembered as a hero for fighting western colonialism and exploitation. Cabral's actions eventually lead to the liberation of Cape Verde and the formation of the modern state.
