Weather lowdown
Summer is warm and glorious in Cape Verde, but never too hot to enjoy. Average daytime temperature rises up to 24 degrees Celsius, marking an upwards trend that warms the whole archipelago from the previous months. Sea temperature also follows this trend and during June, average sea temperature also stays at 24 degrees. Cape Verde enjoys 7 hours of daily sunshine in June. During the day, visitors can expect temperatures up to 26 degrees Celsius while night time rarely sees temperatures lower than 21 degrees.
June is the last month when the north-eastern trade winds dominate the island, as the belt of high pressure in the Azores that forces air to move towards the belt of low pressure air along the equator starts losing its potency towards the end of June. This means that while June can be windy, you may expect the cold, north-eastern winds to diminish as the month draws to a close.
June is the last of dry months and during June only 1 mm of total precipitation is expected at Cape Verde. This minimal rain is distributed mostly across the Barlavento islands during the span of four days of the month on average.
Dates for the diary
The Tabanka celebrations are held in late June and early July. During the Tabanka, locals celebrate the liberation of African slaves with fiestas and parades across large settlements. The most energetic celebrations are held in Assomada, with Praia also holding large festivals to honour Cape Verde's democracy.
The International Children's Day is a widely celebrated annual event in Cape Verde. With school having just finished, children are urged to create handicrafts and dance in the streets. Impromptu mini-marketplaces are constructed where kids sell their paintings and handicrafts to tourists and locals at token prices.
Things to do
For a haunting look at Cape Verde's living history, the Tarrafal Concentration Camp on Santiago gives a glimpse into the state of country before its independence in 1975. Having been used as a military base, a school and a refugee camp amongst other purposes since its closure, the camp is now listed on the World Monument Fund's 100 Watched Monuments list and some hope to turn the site into a museum.
Adventure lovers would love to book horse and camel riding trips around the island of Boa Vista. These island-wide excursions last for many hours and take tourists through little-travelled tracks across the pristine island. Highlights include riding alongside sandy beaches, meeting locals and exploring the local flora and fauna up-close.
Hit the beach
The Beleza beach of Sao Vicente is a beautiful, family friendly bay on the northern side of the pristine island. There are numerous tourist-friendly amenities here that make the beach ideal for young children including shallow waters (indicated by a great flag system) and a seasoned life guard patrol.
A quieter but equally beautiful beach in Sao Vicente is Calhau. This romantic beach is somewhat off the tourist track and attracts couples and tourists seeking some peace and quiet. The surf is rather gentle but the sea becomes deep after a few meters, so this beach is not suitable for young children.
Where to eat & drink
The Quintal da Musica is a contemporary restaurant in Praia. The restaurant combines sounds, smells, sights, textures and f course, tastes to create a dazzling menu that astounds all five senses. This is a high class restaurant that is often praised in international guides as one of the best in Cape Verde.
The Tam Tam, Bar & Restaurant is an Irish pub and snack bar at the island of Sal. Apart from being one of the few places where you can watch international sports events on TVs, the Tam Tam is also a respectable pub of its own where locals and homesick tourists gather to sip fine brews from back home and snack on authentic Irish dishes.
The Cabana Bar in Sal Rei is a non-typical beach bar that plays reggae and Brazilian music in a cheerful atmosphere. Athletic tourists come here after a day at the beach and locals often drop in to socialise and meet with the visitors abroad. Drinks are cheap and plentiful, with happy hours available almost every day.
The Discotheca Meio da Arreia in Boa Vista is conveniently close to the airport and attracts numerous island hoppers, especially during the tourist season. This is the place to meet with the most diverse groups of tourists from all across Cape Verde and enjoy classic hits from the 70s and the 80s.
Where to stay
The Murdeira Village is a beautiful hotel on the island of Sal. Located just by the Atlantic Ocean the village features numerous clean and spacious apartments to accommodate self-catering tourists. The prices are rather low (even during high season) and the hotel is very close to numerous shopping centres and good restaurants in Sal.
The Residencial Monte Sintinha guesthouse offers authentic Cape Verdian hospitality in bargain prices. Situated in the scenic Travessa de Santa Luzia at the village of Espargos, the guesthouse boasts genuinely local style. There is constant music in the communal areas that creates a merry atmosphere and every room is clean and tidy.
Located on the beautiful island of Fogo, the Colonial House Bed and Breakfast is a beautiful and much favoured hotel that attracts tourists all year round with its impressive vistas and excellent service. This elegant B&B has a fantastic kitchen and a sparkling clean pool for all visitors to enjoy.
The Casa Beiramar is a family run hotel in Fogo and one of the most popular small resorts in the whole island. Situated in a quiet neighbourhood, this fully renovated colonial building has captured the hearts of many tourists and critics alike who praise it highly for its exceptional style and great services.
The Tortuga Bed & Breakfast is a charming B&B hotel next to the sea at the island of Fogo in Pico di Fogo. The hotel frequently organises excursions around the impressive island, including climbs up to the volcano's tip and around its crater. While the island of Fogo is relatively dry and barren, the Tortuga is surrounded by lush greenery and beautiful palm trees.
