Practical guide · reviewed on 15 October 2026
November in Cape Verde: weather, temperature and sea
In November, INMG describes the climate through 30-year normals, not through the forecast for your week. In the 2024 Annual Climatological Bulletin, the 1991–2020 November normals for Sal are 22.5 ºC mean minimum, 25.2 ºC mean and 28.1 ºC mean maximum. On Boa Vista (Povoação Velha station), the same normals are 21.8 ºC, 25.7 ºC and 31.0 ºC. These are station values; wind, cloud and how exposed the beach is can change the day. Pack light clothes, sunscreen, a layer for late afternoon and check the forecast close to your trip. For October context, see the Cape Verde in October guide.
November needs context, not a weather guarantee.
The Government of Cape Verde describes a climate moderated by the ocean and trade winds, with annual averages that rarely rise above 25 ºC and do not fall below 20 ºC. On the sea, the same official page gives 21 ºC in February and March and 25 ºC in September and October; it does not publish a figure of its own for November. November follows that 25 ºC reference peak. The INMG bulletin describes the wet period as July to October (JASO); November comes after that window. Wind, swell and passing rain can vary from day to day and between islands; always check the forecast close to your trip.
| Criterion | Sal | Boa Vista |
|---|---|---|
| November climate | INMG 1991–2020 normals: 22.5 ºC mean minimum, 25.2 ºC mean and 28.1 ºC mean maximum. | At the Povoação Velha station, the same normals are 21.8 ºC, 25.7 ºC and 31.0 ºC; they do not describe every resort beach. |
| Pace | Santa Maria makes it easier to combine the beach with restaurants, shops and outings. | Sal Rei is the urban reference point; many resorts are farther away and require transport. |
| Landscape | Flat island, beaches, salt flats and coastal sights; the official tourism portal highlights Santa Maria and water activities. | Dunes and long stretches of sand; the official tourism portal highlights Viana, Santa Mónica and Ervatão. |
| Wind and sea | Confirm the beach and operator if you want to swim, surf, windsurf or kitesurf. | Open beaches and wind can be excellent for outings and sports, but they do not guarantee calm sea for every swim. |
| Arrival | Confirm the airport in the itinerary, the transfer to Santa Maria and the actual travel time. | Confirm the island airport, the transfer to the resort and whether you can get to Sal Rei. |
When Sal fits better
Choose Sal if you want to alternate beach days with restaurants, salt flats and outings without turning every trip out into a long excursion. Santa Maria can give you more independence, but the exact distance between the hotel, town and beach varies. Before booking, check the accommodation map, available transport and whether the beach in front suits the kind of swimming you have in mind. The official tourism portal also points to Buracona, Murdeira, Ponta Preta and the salt flats; select only the outings that suit you. The full island comparison is in the guide Sal or Boa Vista: which to choose?.
When Boa Vista makes more sense
Boa Vista is a stronger fit if your priority is a resort, a wide beach and days with little planned. Choosing between staying near Sal Rei and staying in an isolated complex changes your freedom to eat out, buy essentials and explore the island. For dunes, Santa Mónica or other routes, confirm the operator, vehicle type, duration and conditions of the outing. A sandy seascape does not replace checking wind, access and local safety. The Cape Verde holidays guide helps you decide area, season and what to send in the proposal.
How to take the next step for November
Published offers change with dates, hotels and inclusions. See the published offers or request a quote for Cape Verde or any other trip, departing from wherever you like. This page does not list prices: availability, hotel status and conditions are confirmed in the proposal. In November, also confirm wind, sea conditions and the forecast close to your trip.
What to confirm before choosing
Say whether your goal is swimming, a water sport, resting at the resort or exploring the island. Add your departure airport, flexible dates, travellers’ ages, room type and budget. This lets the Sal and Boa Vista comparison include reference climate, location, transfer, meal plan and activities, rather than just the beach photograph.
Related guides for your trip
Official sources consulted: INMG — Climate Services, INMG — 2024 Annual Climatological Bulletin (1991–2020 normals), Government of Cape Verde — Geography, Cape Verde Tourism — Sal and Cape Verde Tourism — Boa Vista. The climate is variable, and inclusions, prices and contractual conditions are those in the quote confirmed by the supplier.