Summer in Praia, Cape Verde feels warm, humid, and sometimes a bit unpredictable. Most days, you’ll see average daytime temperatures hovering in the mid-70s to low-80s Fahrenheit, and the sea stays invitingly warm for swimming.
The heat sticks around, but the humidity climbs, especially in August and September. Short rain showers can pop up, but they usually don’t last long.
Daylight stretches on for hours, so there’s plenty of time to hit the beach or wander through the city. The Atlantic shapes the weather, keeping nights mild and breezes pretty common.
When rain comes, it clears out fast, and the sun returns before you know it. That’s just how it goes here.
Overview of Praia’s Summer Climate
Praia, Cape Verde’s capital, sits in the eastern Atlantic and gets a warm, steady summer climate. Temperatures barely budge, humidity goes up, and rainfall picks up a bit in late summer.
Winds and cloud cover shift as the months pass, and that impacts how comfortable things feel outside.
Geographical Location and Climate Type
Praia sits on Santiago Island’s southern coast, right by the Atlantic. At just over 25 meters above sea level, the ocean keeps temperature swings from getting out of hand.
The area has a subtropical desert climate (BWh). Most of the year is dry, with only a few short, scattered rainy spells.
Ocean breezes help keep extreme heat away, unlike inland deserts. The city’s spot near the Tropic of Cancer keeps daylight and sun angles consistent, which means daily highs usually sit between 78°F and 81°F in summer.
Nights stay warm too, with lows averaging around 77°F. Dew points go up in summer, so things get muggy, especially in August and September.
Comparison to Cape Verde’s Overall Climate
All of Cape Verde’s islands have a dry tropical climate, but the weather shifts a bit depending on elevation, wind, and how close you are to the sea. Mountainous islands like Santo Antão or Fogo get more rain, while flat islands like Sal and Boa Vista stay drier.
Praia tends to be a bit warmer and more humid than the country’s average. While Cape Verde’s mean annual temperature sits around 24.7°C (76°F), Praia usually stays just a touch higher.
Rain barely shows up across the islands, but Praia averages about 13 mm (0.5 inches) a year. Most of that falls in late summer. That’s more than some northern islands get, but much less than the wetter, higher western islands.
Praia feels more stable in temperature than most other places in Cape Verde, but you’ll notice higher humidity thanks to its coastal spot and urban vibe.
Typical Summer Weather Patterns
Summer in Praia runs from August through early November. Daytime highs hover near 80°F, and September is usually the warmest.
Nights rarely dip below 77°F. Rain falls mostly in late August and September, with September bringing about 6–7 rainy days and roughly 1.7 inches of precipitation.
Clouds roll in as the rainy season gets closer. September is the cloudiest, with overcast or mostly cloudy skies more than 60% of the time. June and July are much clearer, with the sun out most days.
Winds calm down in summer, dropping to about 9–10 mph in August. That makes things feel less breezy, but humidity can build up.
So, expect warm, humid, and sometimes rainy days in Praia during summer. Showers come and go, but you’ll often get long stretches of warm, cloudy skies.
Summer Temperature Trends in Praia
Summer in Praia brings warm, steady weather, and the difference between day and night isn’t huge. Most visitors find the temperatures comfortable. Highs rarely get extreme, and lows stay mild, so planning outdoor activities feels pretty straightforward.
Average Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures
During summer, Praia’s daytime highs usually land between 79°F and 81°F (26°C to 27°C). Nights cool off just a bit, with lows around 75°F to 78°F (24°C to 26°C).
That small gap means you won’t notice big swings in comfort. Humidity can make the heat feel stronger, especially in August, but those ocean breezes usually help.
Travelers can expect warm mornings, hot afternoons, and evenings that stay pleasant. No need for extra layers at night.
Monthly Temperature Variations
Summer here stretches from June through September, with things warming up into August and early September.
- June: Highs about 76°F (24°C), lows near 73°F (23°C)
- July: Highs around 78°F (25°C), lows near 75°F (24°C)
- August: Highs about 80°F (27°C), lows around 77°F (25°C)
- September: Highs peak at 81°F (27°C), lows about 78°F (26°C)
September feels hottest, while June starts out a bit cooler. The month-to-month difference isn’t huge, but August and September definitely feel stickier because of humidity and more clouds.
Record Highs and Lows
Praia doesn’t really hit extreme temperatures. Highs rarely go above 82°F (28°C), even in the hottest months.
Lows almost never drop below 70°F (21°C), even at night during the coolest parts of the year. In summer, the highest temps usually show up in early September, while June sees the coolest lows.
This steady weather makes trip planning a breeze. You won’t get caught off guard by sudden heat waves or chilly nights.
Average Daily Sunshine in Summer
Summer in Praia is all about long daylight, warmth, and lots of sun. You’ll notice the sunshine sticks around most days, with only small changes from month to month.
Average Daily Sunshine Hours
Praia averages between 9 and 11 hours of sunshine per day during summer. July and August usually get about 9–10 hours, while June can reach closer to 11.
That’s pretty impressive for the Atlantic region. Days stay long, though cloud cover picks up in late summer. Even at its lowest, you’ll have plenty of daylight for outdoor activities.
| Month | Average Daily Sunshine Hours |
|---|---|
| June | ~11 hours |
| July | ~9–10 hours |
| August | ~9–10 hours |
You can plan your days knowing the sun will be a regular guest.
Monthly Sunshine Patterns
Summer shows a clear shift in sunshine. June has the longest days, averaging nearly 13 hours of daylight, which means more sunshine.
By July, humidity rises and the first hints of rain bring more clouds. Daily sunshine dips a bit, but still stays high compared to other coastal places.
August keeps up the trend, with even cloudier skies and a higher chance of quick showers. Still, sunshine hours rarely drop below 9 each day, so outdoor plans remain totally doable.
Impact on Outdoor Activities
Steady sunshine shapes how you spend your time in Praia. Long days mean you can hit the beach, walk around, or try water sports without rushing.
June is perfect for longer outdoor adventures, thanks to more sun and lower humidity. July and August might need some flexibility, since clouds and rain can shorten the brightest hours.
Don’t forget the UV index climbs in summer. Bring sun protection—hats, sunglasses, sunscreen—so you can enjoy the sun safely. Even when sunshine dips late in the season, most outdoor activities still feel great.
Sea Temperature During Summer Months
The ocean around Praia stays warm all summer, so swimming and water sports are always an option. The water doesn’t really swing much from month to month.
Monthly Average Sea Temperature
As summer goes on, the sea gets warmer. In June, the average sea temperature sits around 25°C (77°F).
July brings it up a notch to about 25.5°C (78°F), and August climbs closer to 26.5°C (80°F). September usually offers the warmest water, averaging 28°C (82°F).
There’s not much variation—just 2–3 degrees—so you can count on reliably warm water. Praia’s subtropical location keeps the ocean steady and pleasant, unlike places with sharper seasonal changes.
Best Months for Swimming
Honestly, you can swim in Praia any time of year, but summer is the sweet spot. The warmest water comes in August and September, with temperatures close to 27–28°C (81–82°F).
Those months are perfect for long swims, snorkeling, or diving. June and July are good too, though the sea is just a touch cooler at 25–26°C (77–79°F). Still, it’s plenty comfortable.
Sea Temperature Compared to Air Temperature
In summer, the sea temperature matches the air pretty closely. Daytime air hovers around 27–28°C (80–82°F), and the sea stays between 25–28°C (77–82°F).
This balance makes it easy to go from land to water without any shock. The air feels warm but not overwhelming, so a swim is always refreshing.
Since both air and sea temps stay in a tight range, you can plan water activities without worrying about sudden changes. That’s part of why Praia works so well for beach trips.
Humidity and Wind Conditions
In Praia’s summer, you’ll feel higher humidity and steady trade winds. These factors shape how hot it feels and how comfortable you’ll be, especially near the shore.
Average Relative Humidity Levels
Humidity climbs in summer, peaking in August at around 76%. March is the driest month at about 62%, but in summer, numbers stay up.
Expect average relative humidity around 69% during the season. The air often feels warmer than the thermometer says, especially in September, when average maximum temps reach about 29°C (84°F).
Heat and moisture combine to make afternoons feel heavy, while evenings stay muggy. If you’re heading outdoors, mornings are usually the most comfortable.
Stay hydrated and find shade when the sun’s at its strongest.
| Month | Avg. Relative Humidity | Comfort Level |
|---|---|---|
| June | ~70% | Moderate |
| July | ~72% | High |
| August | ~76% | Very High |
| Sept. | ~74% | High |
Typical Wind Speed and Patterns
Winds really shape Praia’s climate. The city sits right in the path of the northeast trade winds, and those winds blow steadily across the islands most of the year.
In summer, you’ll notice moderate to fresh breezes almost daily. On average, wind speeds sit between 15–25 km/h (9–15 mph), which honestly feels great when it’s hot and humid.
Afternoons bring the strongest gusts as the land heats up. By night, the winds calm down and make evenings feel a bit more comfortable, even if the humidity hangs around.
If you’re into windsurfing or sailing, these steady winds make summer a good time to visit. On shore, the breeze keeps the heat from getting overwhelming, but sometimes it kicks up dust in exposed spots.
Rainfall and Precipitation in Summer
Summer in Praia brings a short, pretty noticeable wet season. Rainfall jumps compared to the rest of the year, and you’ll see the most rain between August and September.
Average Rainfall Amounts
Most of the year, Praia gets very little rain. Summer breaks that trend. September averages about 81 mm of rain, making it the wettest month.
June and July stay much drier, with less than 5 mm combined. Once August rolls around, rain starts to pick up, peaking in September. By October, rainfall drops off again.
If you visit in midsummer, you might run into brief but heavy showers. Early summer, though, usually stays dry and sunny.
Number of Rainy Days
Late summer brings more rainy days. In September, Praia averages 7 days with measurable rain—that’s the yearly high.
Earlier in the summer, June and July only see 1 to 2 days of light rain, and sometimes none at all. August brings 3 to 4 rainy days, signaling the start of the wetter stretch.
Even when it does rain, it usually comes in quick bursts. You can often plan around showers if you want to be outside.
Seasonal Changes in Precipitation
Praia’s seasonal shift stands out when you compare summer to the rest of the year. From November through May, rain is almost nonexistent, with many months seeing less than 1 mm.
August and September bring most of the city’s annual rainfall, which totals around 200 mm.
Tropical systems and regional weather shifts drive this pattern. Expect more humidity and occasional clouds in these months, while the rest of the year stays dry and steady.
What to Expect: Summer Weather Experience in Praia
You’ll get warm temps, high humidity, and a mix of sun and clouds. Early summer stays dry, but rain picks up sharply by late summer. Winds also ease off a bit compared to other seasons.
Comfort Level and Weather Suitability
Daytime highs usually land between 24°C to 27°C (75°F to 81°F). Nights stay warm too, hovering at 22°C to 26°C (72°F to 78°F). These steady temps make outdoor activities easy, but the humidity can feel pretty heavy.
Humidity sticks around, with almost 100% of days feeling muggy. You might feel sticky even when it’s not that hot. Wind speeds drop from about 23 km/h in June to 16 km/h in August, so there’s less breeze to cool you off.
Rain barely shows up in early summer, but by late August, monthly totals can reach 40–45 mm. Skies get cloudier too, with overcast conditions rising from about 25% in June to over 60% by September.
For beach lovers, the ocean temperature climbs from 24°C to 27°C. The water stays warm for swimming all season, and the long daylight hours make the coast extra inviting.
Tips for Travelers
Pack light, breathable clothing like cotton or linen. You’ll feel a lot more comfortable in the humidity if you do.
Don’t forget a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. The sun gets pretty intense, even when it looks cloudy out.
If you’re visiting later in the season, toss a light rain jacket or umbrella in your bag. Showers pop up more often, but honestly, waterproof shoes aren’t really needed, since the rain usually doesn’t last long.
Try to plan outdoor stuff, like hiking or sightseeing, in the morning hours. Temperatures feel a little cooler and you might catch clearer skies.
By afternoon, you’ll notice the humidity and cloud cover creeping up. It’s just how the weather goes.
If you’re sensitive to heat, look for places with air conditioning or good ventilation.
For beach trips, those coastal breezes make a huge difference, especially in June and July before the winds die down.