The sun shines 350 days a year and temperatures range between 21°C and 29°C. The breeze blows constantly from the ocean at a relatively low average humidity of 40% to 60%.
Instead of the classic four seasons, the Cape Verde Islands only have two: The Tempo das Brisas (time of the winds) from October to mid-July and the Tempo das chuvas (rainy season) from August to September, when there may be heavy tropical rainfall. The coolest months are January and February (average temperature of 21°C), where temperatures can drop down to a chilly 16°C ; the warmest is the month of September (up to 36°C) with an average temperature of a pleasant 27°C. The nights can also cool down by about 3ºC – 5°C.
The water temperature ranges between 22°C and 27°C throughout the year; the north-east passat, which is active during the tempo das brisas, is especially popular with the surfers.
Otherwise, the islands of Barlavento (Santo Antão, São Vicente, São Nicolao, Boa Vista, Sal, Santa Luzia, Branco and Razo) are always somewhat cooler than those of the Sotavento (Maio, Santiago, Fogo and Brava), where summers can be quite hot.