Sea temperature in Cape Verde
Live water temperatures and swimming conditions across 3 beaches on the Cape Verde coast.
Best time to swim in Cape Verde
The sea in Cape Verde peaks in June, when the water averages around 28°C.
The main swimming season runs from January – December, when surface temperatures stay comfortable for extended sessions.
On average, 12 months a year sit above 20°C — the threshold most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.
The coldest month is typically January at around 24°C, when cold-water swimmers dominate the coast.
Cape Verde sea temperature history
Long-term climatology for Cape Verde shows an annual mean sea temperature of 26°C, ranging from 24°C in winter to 28°C at the summer peak.
The seasonal swing is roughly 4°C between the coldest and warmest month — a useful yardstick when comparing years or checking whether the current sea is running above or below average.
Recent decades have trended slightly warmer at Cape Verde, in line with regional sea-surface temperature records for the wider basin.
Monthly averages below are drawn from multi-decadal climatology and are updated as new observations arrive.
Values are area averages; individual beaches vary by exposure and depth.
Cape Verde sea temperature: frequently asked questions
What is the warmest month to swim in Cape Verde?
June is the warmest month in Cape Verde, when the sea averages about 28°C. Late-season warmth often persists a few weeks after peak.
When is the sea coldest in Cape Verde?
The coldest month in Cape Verde is typically January, when the water averages around 24°C. Cold-water swimmers and surfers dominate this period.
When can you swim in Cape Verde without a wetsuit?
The main swimming season in Cape Verde runs from January – December — about 12 months a year when the sea sits above 20°C, the level most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.
Do I need a wetsuit in Cape Verde?
Cape Verde stays warm year-round, so most swimmers never need a wetsuit — a rash guard is usually enough for sun and wildlife protection.
What is the average sea temperature in Cape Verde?
The long-term annual mean sea temperature in Cape Verde is about 26°C, based on multi-decadal climatology of the surrounding waters.
How do I check the current sea temperature in Cape Verde?
The live reading at the top of this page shows the current sea temperature in Cape Verde, updated hourly from marine buoy and satellite data. The 7-day forecast covers water, air, waves, wind and UV for the week ahead.
Cape Verde sea temperature by month
Average sea temperatures around Cape Verde for every month of the year, based on long-term Open-Meteo marine climatology.
| Month | Average sea | Swimming comfort |
|---|---|---|
| January | 24.0°C | Warm swimming |
| February | 24.0°C | Warm swimming |
| March | 25.0°C | Warm swimming |
| April | 26.0°C | Warm swimming |
| May | 27.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| June ⭐ | 28.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| July | 28.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| August | 28.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| September | 28.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| October | 27.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| November | 26.0°C | Warm swimming |
| December | 25.0°C | Warm swimming |
Monthly figures are modelled climatology averages, not live readings. How accurate is our data?
Warmest beaches in Cape Verde right now
| Beach | Region | Sea | Swim score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Maria Beach | Sal | 28.3°C | Excellent |
| Praia de Chaves | Boa Vista | 28.1°C | Excellent |
| Sal Rei Beach Boa Vista | Boa Vista | 28.0°C | Excellent |
Sea temperature in Cape Verde — FAQ
How warm is the sea in Cape Verde in September?
The sea off Cape Verde averages about 28.0°C in September, based on long-term monthly averages for this coast.
When is the best time to swim in Cape Verde?
Cape Verde is warmest in June (around 28.0°C) and coldest in January (around 24.0°C). There are typically 12 months a year when the water sits above 22°C.
What is the average yearly sea temperature in Cape Verde?
Across all twelve months, the sea in Cape Verde averages about 26.3°C.
Do you need a wetsuit to swim in Cape Verde?
In peak season (around June, ~28.0°C) most swimmers are comfortable without a wetsuit. Outside summer, when the water drops toward 24.0°C, a 3/2mm to 5/4mm wetsuit is recommended.