Winter in Mindelo, Cape Verde feels mild and comfortable compared to a lot of other places. Daytime highs usually hover around 78–80°F, and nights dip to about 68°F, so it’s honestly one of the best times to explore the city.
The season stays dry, with just a few days of light rain, so your outdoor plans almost never get ruined.
You won’t run into harsh cold or wild storms here. Instead, you’ll feel steady breezes, spot clear skies on most days, and enjoy that easy warmth that makes a walk along the harbor or a wander in the hills sound pretty tempting.
The air feels fresh. Sometimes humidity creeps up, but it never gets so bad that travel feels sticky or tough.
Knowing what’s ahead makes planning easier. Whether you want to relax by the water, check out cultural spots, or just escape somewhere calm, Mindelo’s winter weather gives you steady, reliable conditions for enjoying time outside.
Overview of Mindelo’s Winter Climate
Winter in Mindelo brings steady warmth, mild nights, and barely any rain. You’ll notice stronger winds and lower humidity than in summer, making the season pleasant but different from the hot, muggy months.
Typical Winter Weather Patterns
From late December through March, Mindelo usually sees daily highs of 25–26°C (77–79°F) and lows around 20–21°C (68–70°F).
Winter is the coolest time of year here, though honestly, the difference from summer isn’t huge.
Rain barely shows up. You might get 1–3 days of light rain per month, and totals usually stay under 20 mm.
Most days stay dry and sunny, so you can count on the weather for outdoor adventures.
Winds really pick up in winter. January brings the strongest breezes, with average speeds near 25 km/h.
That breeze can make the air feel cooler, especially at night, so a light jacket is a smart move.
Humidity drops too, which helps the air feel more comfortable compared to the muggy end of summer.
Subtropical Desert Climate Characteristics
Mindelo’s climate sits in the BWh (hot desert) zone on the Köppen chart. Winters here show that off with super low rainfall and tons of sunshine.
Even on the cooler days, you’ll still get 11–12 hours of daylight.
Clouds do roll in a bit more during winter than in early summer. November and December can feel cloudier, with overcast or mostly cloudy skies about half the time.
Still, you’ll catch plenty of bright days.
The Atlantic Ocean nearby keeps temperatures from going to extremes. You won’t see frost or freezing nights, but you also won’t get that brutal inland desert heat.
Instead, things stay pretty balanced and predictable. That’s a big part of why winter feels so comfortable for locals and visitors alike.
Seasonal Changes in Mindelo
Winter starts creeping in around late December, when daytime highs drop below 26°C.
This cooler stretch lasts until late March, and then temps start climbing toward summer averages of 29–30°C.
During winter, the trade winds really kick in, shaping both the weather and the vibe around town.
These winds cool the air and make for great sailing or wind sports.
Rainfall drops off as well. September gets the most rain, but by January and February, the odds of a wet day fall to less than 10%.
The landscape gets drier and more arid.
Compared to summer, winter feels calmer and less humid. The change isn’t dramatic, but you’ll notice it.
You get a slightly different side of Mindelo’s desert climate, but without losing the warmth that makes the place so inviting.
Average Winter Temperatures in Mindelo
Winter in Mindelo brings mild, steady temperatures. Daytime warmth feels comfortable, and nights cool down just enough to make evenings pleasant.
Average Daytime Temperature Ranges
During winter, Mindelo’s daytime temperatures usually stay between 75°F and 80°F (24°C to 27°C).
Unlike a lot of places, you won’t hit cold snaps, so heavy clothes aren’t needed.
The warmest afternoons in January and March can reach 78°F to 80°F.
February cools off a bit, with highs closer to 78°F.
The sun stays strong, and with those steady trade winds, the air feels pleasant instead of hot.
You can stroll along the waterfront or go for short hikes without feeling overheated.
Consistent warmth means you can eat outside or hit the beach even in the middle of winter.
Nighttime Temperature Trends
At night, temps dip but stay mild.
Lows average between 68°F and 71°F (20°C to 22°C). You’ll probably just want a light sweater or long sleeves after dark.
February nights are the coolest, usually around 68°F.
January and March are a bit warmer, often near 70°F to 71°F.
Ocean breezes keep the air fresh at night.
Humidity stays moderate, so nights don’t feel sticky.
You’ll notice the difference between day and night, but it’s a gentle shift, and evenings are easy for walks or hanging out outside.
Temperature Variations by Month
Each winter month brings small changes.
- January: Highs near 78°F (25°C), lows around 69°F (21°C)
- February: The coolest, with highs at 78°F (25°C), lows about 68°F (20°C)
- March: Slightly warmer, highs near 79°F (26°C), lows around 70°F (21°C)
These differences are minor, so you can expect similar weather all season.
The steady climate means you don’t have to worry about sudden temperature swings.
Whether you visit in early January or late March, you’ll get reliably mild and comfortable weather.
Winter Precipitation and Rainy Days
Mindelo’s winter brings barely any rain compared to most places.
You might get light showers now and then, but overall, the season stays dry and rain totals remain low.
Typical Precipitation Levels
Winter rainfall in Mindelo is minimal.
On average, total precipitation for a 31-day stretch sits between 0.5 and 0.8 inches.
That’s not much, especially if you’re used to tropical downpours.
Late December sees the most action, with about 1.0 inch at the peak.
By February, rainfall drops to less than 0.5 inches for the whole month.
Because totals are so low, you almost never have to stress about heavy storms or flooding.
Showers are quick and light, so outdoor plans usually go on as planned.
Frequency of Rainy Days
Rainy days don’t show up much in Mindelo’s winter.
In December, the chance of a wet day is about 11%, but that drops to around 6% by late February.
A “wet day” just means at least 0.04 inches of rain, which is barely anything.
Usually, it’s just a quick sprinkle, not a whole day of rain.
Compared to September, which brings over 9 rainy days, winter barely registers.
You might see just a handful of rainy days all season.
Rainfall Patterns During Winter
Rain in Mindelo’s winter follows a slow, predictable pattern.
December brings the highest chance of showers.
January sees rain taper off, and February is usually the driest.
Rain spreads out instead of dumping all at once.
Instead of long, soaking storms, you’ll probably just get a light shower that moves on quickly.
As rain decreases, skies clear up.
By late February, the chance of overcast drops to about 32%, so you get more sunny days and fewer weather interruptions.
Humidity Levels During Winter
Winter in Mindelo brings cooler temperatures, but the air still holds some moisture.
Humidity stays pretty steady, making the air feel mild—sometimes a bit damp, especially in the mornings and evenings.
Average Relative Humidity
From December through February, relative humidity usually sits between 73% and 76%.
That’s enough to feel some moisture, but it’s not the kind of sticky you get in the tropics.
Humidity drops a bit in February, when the air dries out compared to December.
Even then, it rarely goes below the mid-70s.
If you aren’t used to humid air, your skin and hair might notice the difference.
The cooler temperatures keep humidity from feeling overwhelming.
The mix of mild warmth and steady moisture creates a comfortable vibe for walking around or hanging out at an outdoor café.
Monthly Humidity Trends
Humidity in December usually measures about 73%, and January’s about the same.
That keeps early winter feeling pretty stable, with no big swings.
By February, the average drops a bit to around 75%.
That’s still pretty high, but it’s the driest part of the season.
Even a small dip makes the air feel fresher, especially paired with cooler nights.
These month-to-month changes are subtle, and you probably won’t notice much difference.
But if you’re after the least humid stretch, February is your best bet.
Here’s a quick look:
| Month | Average Humidity |
|---|---|
| December | ~73% |
| January | ~73% |
| February | ~75% |
Wind Conditions in Mindelo’s Winter
In winter, you can count on steady trade winds that shape both the weather and daily life.
These winds affect comfort, outdoor plans, and even the waves along the coast.
Prevailing Wind Patterns
Mindelo sits right in the path of the northeast trade winds, which blow for most of the year.
In winter, these winds stay strong, coming mainly from the northeast and heading southwest.
You’ll notice the air feels drier and clearer when the winds pick up.
The direction doesn’t change much, so conditions stay predictable for everyone.
Sailors and water sports folks love this consistency.
The steady breeze makes the sea choppy near shore, but not dangerously so.
Because these winds don’t let up, you’ll feel them most days, not just during passing weather.
That’s a big reason Mindelo has a reputation for being breezy year-round.
Average Wind Speed
In winter, average wind speeds in Mindelo usually fall between 15 to 20 mph (24 to 32 km/h).
It’s noticeable, but not too much—good for sailing, windsurfing, or just being outside.
You’ll get some calmer days, but they’re not the norm.
You’ll usually feel a steady breeze, especially in open spots near the water.
At night, the wind eases a bit, but it rarely stops.
During the day, the breeze can pick up, especially in the afternoons.
If you’re planning to be outside, expect steady winds rather than sudden gusts.
Light, wind-resistant clothes and secure gear for the beach will help you stay comfortable.
Additional Winter Weather Insights
Winter in Mindelo gives you steady daylight, mild sea temperatures, and lower humidity than other times of year. Expect a mix of sunny and partly cloudy days, plenty of breezes, and water that’s comfortable for swimming or boating.
Sunshine Hours and Cloud Cover
Daylight in winter sticks between 11 and nearly 12 hours, then gradually climbs from late December through February. Around December 21, you get the shortest day, with about 11 hours and 7 minutes of light.
By late February, days stretch closer to 11 hours and 48 minutes. That’s not a huge shift, but it’s noticeable if you’re here for a while.
Cloud cover changes pretty quickly as winter moves along. Early December brings overcast or mostly cloudy skies about half the time.
By late February, that chance drops to about one-third. You’ll see more clear days for being outside.
Usually, the clearest day lands near February 25, when skies turn clear, mostly clear, or partly cloudy almost 70% of the time. Late winter becomes a favorite for sightseeing and snapping photos.
Sea Temperature in Winter
The Atlantic around Mindelo stays warm enough for swimming all winter. Surface water averages about 25 °C (77 °F) in December, then cools a bit to around 22 °C (72 °F) by late February.
Even at its coolest, the water feels comfortable for most swimmers. It’s great for snorkeling or diving too.
Cape Verde’s waters stay milder than many other coastal spots at this latitude, probably thanks to its subtropical climate.
If you’re into water sports, you’ll find the conditions pretty favorable. Winter winds pick up, which is perfect for sailing and windsurfing.
The sea stays warm enough that you won’t get a shock when you jump in.
Comparison With Other Seasons
Winter weather in Mindelo feels drier and less humid than what you get in late summer or early autumn. For instance, September usually brings the most rain, with about 31 mm of rainfall, but winter months typically stay under 20 mm in a 31-day stretch.
Winter temperatures generally sit between 20 °C and 27 °C. That’s a bit cooler than August and September, when highs often hit 30 °C.
Nights in winter actually feel more refreshing, with lows around 20 °C.
Humidity drops off fast during winter. In September, it can get muggy almost every day, but by February, muggy weather barely happens at all.
If you like being outdoors, winter in Cape Verde might be the most comfortable time to visit.