Winter in Praia, Cape Verde feels mild and steady. Honestly, it’s a great season if you like comfortable weather without any wild temperature swings.
Daytime highs usually hover in the low to mid-70s °F (about 23–24°C), and nights stay warm enough that you won’t shiver. You get this nice, balanced climate where you can be outside all day without lugging around a heavy coat or feeling like you’re melting.
Rain barely makes an appearance in these months. As winter moves along, the skies tend to clear up even more.
Humidity drops off, and steady trade winds sweep through the city, bringing a refreshing breeze. The days are a bit shorter than in summer, but there’s still plenty of daylight for exploring, relaxing, or just hanging out by the coast.
The ocean shapes the season in a big way. Water temperatures stay warm enough for swimming, even as the air cools just a bit.
With calm seas, clear skies, and gentle winds, Praia’s winter really delivers some of the most reliable weather for comfort and outdoor plans.
Overview of Praia’s Winter Climate
Praia’s winter months bring mild temperatures, steady winds, and barely any rain. You’ll notice the weather patterns stay consistent, with only small changes in temperature and daylight compared to the rest of the year.
Location and Geography of Praia
Praia sits as Cape Verde’s capital on the southern coast of Santiago Island. The city is close to sea level, about 26 meters (85 feet) above the Atlantic.
Being near the equator keeps temperatures stable all year.
The Atlantic shapes Praia’s weather in a big way. Ocean currents help keep winters mild, and the subtropical desert climate limits rain.
You won’t see big swings between day and night temperatures here.
Thanks to its geography, Praia almost never gets hit with extreme winter conditions. Instead, steady breezes, moderate humidity, and comfortable temperatures make outdoor activities easy all season.
Seasonal Characteristics of Cape Verde Winters
Winter in Praia usually stretches from December through February. During these months, average daytime temperatures hover around 23°C to 25°C (73°F to 77°F).
Nighttime lows rarely fall below 19°C (66°F), so evenings stay mild.
Rainfall is barely a blip in winter. On average, only a few millimeters fall during the whole season.
You’ll mostly get dry days, with clear skies or just a few clouds.
Winds play a big role in Praia’s winter. The northeast trade winds bring steady breezes, and these can make evenings feel a bit cooler than the thermometer says.
Humidity sticks to moderate levels, so the air never feels too dry or too sticky.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Winter in Praia is drier and less humid than summer. The wettest stretch usually hits in late summer and early fall, with short, heavy showers.
Winter? It’s a whole lot drier.
Temperatures in winter drop just a bit compared to summer. While summer highs can touch 29°C (84°F), winter hovers in the mid-20s Celsius.
That’s not a big difference, so the climate feels steady year-round.
Daylight hours shrink in winter, averaging about 11 hours and 18 minutes in December.
Still, you get plenty of sunshine—more than you’d find in a lot of other places during the same season.
Average Winter Temperatures in Praia
Winter in Praia keeps things mild, with little difference between day and night. Afternoons stay warm, evenings cool off a bit, and you can comfortably spend time outside.
Typical Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures
Daytime temperatures in winter usually land between 24°C and 26°C (75°F to 79°F). These numbers barely budge from December through February, which means warm afternoons are the norm.
At night, the temperature dips a bit but still feels pleasant. Lows often sit between 21°C and 23°C (70°F to 73°F).
You don’t need heavy clothing, but a light layer can help if you’re near the coast.
The small gap between day and night temperatures makes Praia’s winter super easy to adapt to. You won’t get those sharp drops after sunset like you might in other warm places.
Monthly Temperature Trends
Each winter month in Praia brings only tiny changes in average temperatures.
- December: Daytime around 26.0°C, nighttime about 23.2°C
- January: Daytime about 24.9°C, nighttime near 22.0°C
- February: Daytime close to 24.1°C, nighttime about 21.0°C
You’ll see a slow, gentle cooling from December to February. The shift is slight, so you’ll enjoy similar weather all season.
Sea temperatures follow along, moving from about 25.3°C in December to 23.0°C in February.
You can swim year-round, though the water feels a bit cooler later in winter.
Temperature Variability During Winter
Praia’s winter weather stays stable, especially compared to other coastal spots. The average daytime temperature rarely drops below 24°C, and you almost never see extremes.
Night temperatures rarely fall under 20°C.
This consistency means you can plan outdoor activities without worrying about sudden cold snaps. You also don’t have to pack for a bunch of different weather scenarios.
It’s a safe bet: Praia’s steady climate makes it a reliable pick in winter.
Rainfall and Rainy Days in Winter
Winter in Praia brings barely any rain. December through February is mostly dry, with just a sprinkle of precipitation and very few rainy days.
Average Rainfall Amounts
Rainfall in Praia during winter is almost nothing. December averages about 2–3 mm, while January and February usually see less than 1 mm each.
Compare that to August and September, when totals can top 80 mm—winter is bone-dry.
Showers, if they happen, are brief and scattered. You’re not likely to see heavy downpours or long stretches of rain.
This dryness is classic for Praia’s semi-arid climate. Travelers can plan outdoor adventures without worrying about rain wrecking their plans.
Frequency of Rainy Days
Rainy days in winter are rare. December gets about 1–2 days with measurable rain.
January and February usually bring 0–1 rainy days each.
Even when rain shows up, it’s quick and light. Sometimes you’ll go the whole month without seeing a drop.
For comparison, September—the wettest month—can hit 7 rainy days. Winter is a totally different story, with stable, dry weather.
Rainfall Patterns by Month
Month by month, the pattern barely changes.
- December: Slightly wetter, with around 2–3 mm of rain and 1–2 rainy days.
- January: Usually the driest, less than 1 mm of rain and almost no rainy days.
- February: Looks a lot like January, with barely any rain or showers.
These trends show the shift from the rainy season in late summer to a long, dry stretch right through spring.
You can count on clear skies and dry conditions all winter.
Humidity and Wind Conditions
In Praia’s winter, you’ll notice moderate humidity and steady winds that shape everyday comfort.
The air almost never feels too damp, and breezes off the Atlantic are a constant, helping balance out the warmth.
Relative Humidity Levels
Relative humidity in winter usually sits between 60% and 70%. That’s enough to feel a touch of moisture, but not so much that it gets uncomfortable.
Winter humidity is more stable than in the peak summer months.
Mornings can feel a bit more humid, especially by the water, while afternoons dry out as it warms up. Praia’s desert-influenced weather keeps humidity swings pretty mild.
This moderate humidity is a win for travelers—it cuts down on that sticky feeling you get in some hot places. It also keeps things pleasant for walking tours or beach days.
If dry air bothers you, Praia’s winter is usually gentle on your skin and breathing.
Average Wind Speed in Winter
Winds define Praia’s winter vibe. The average wind speed falls between 18 km/h and 25 km/h (11–16 mph).
Most of the time, northeast trade winds blow through, dominating Cape Verde during winter.
These steady breezes help cool things off, making warm days feel nice and evenings more comfortable. You’ll notice a constant light to moderate wind, not wild gusts.
At the beach, the wind gives relief from the sun, but it can kick up some sand. If you love windsurfing or kitesurfing, winter is your season—the wind is steady and reliable.
With moderate humidity and a regular breeze, Praia’s winter climate feels comfortable and refreshing, even when the sun is out in full force.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours
Praia’s winter brings steady sunshine and only small changes in daylight length. Being near the equator keeps the sun and daylight hours consistent, so planning your day is simple.
Average Daily Sunshine
Praia gets between 9 to 11.5 hours of sunshine per day in winter. January usually brings the least, around 9.2 hours, while February and December stretch closer to 11.4–11.7 hours.
That’s plenty of sun for the beach, walking around, or just being outside—you won’t feel rushed by early sunsets.
Even in the coolest months, skies are mostly clear, and clouds don’t hang around long.
Compared to Europe or North America, Praia’s winter sunshine is a treat—strong and reliable. Still, don’t skip sun protection; the UV index stays moderate to high, even when it feels mild.
Variation in Daylight Length
Daylight hours in Praia barely change during winter. In December, the shortest days last about 11 hours and 18 minutes.
By February, days stretch to about 11 hours and 40 minutes.
This small shift means your daily rhythm stays predictable.
Sunrise is usually around 7:00 AM, and sunset lands near 6:15 PM.
You get steady hours to make the most of your day, whether you like morning walks, late beach trips, or city sightseeing.
Sea and Water Temperatures
Praia’s coastal waters stay warm through winter, with only small seasonal changes. Swimming and water activities are totally doable year-round.
Average Sea Temperature in Winter
In winter, the sea around Praia keeps a mild feel compared to a lot of other places. Water temperatures usually range from 23°C to 24°C (73°F to 75°F).
That’s just a small dip from the summer peak, so the ocean stays inviting even in the cooler months.
March usually brings the coldest water, with an average of about 23.6°C (74.5°F). December and January generally hover closer to 24°C.
Long-term data shows the Atlantic waters near Cape Verde don’t swing wildly between seasons.
Unlike places with big summer-winter differences, Praia’s sea stays pretty steady.
For planning, you can count on winter sea temperatures being a touch cooler than autumn but still warmer than what you’d find in much of Europe or North America during winter.
Suitability for Swimming and Water Activities
You can swim comfortably in Praia even during the winter months. Water temperatures usually stay above 23°C, and honestly, most people find that really pleasant for long swims in the ocean.
The mild conditions also make snorkeling, paddleboarding, and even casual surfing enjoyable.
Since the water never drops below 20°C all year, you won’t need a wetsuit for basic swimming. If you’re planning a longer session in March, though, when the sea feels coolest, you might want to bring a light wetsuit or rash guard just for a bit of extra comfort.
Families and casual swimmers definitely benefit from this consistent warmth. Kids and folks who aren’t super confident in the water often find it way more inviting than colder seas.
Surfers get moderate winter swells, and the water’s warmth means you can stay out longer without heavy gear.
Praia really stands out as one of the few Atlantic spots where you can count on year-round swimming without having to make major seasonal changes.