When should you go surfing in Cape Verde?
In just a few years, Cape Verde, a volcanic archipelago off the coast of Africa, has become an essential surfing destination.
With a dry climate, year-round warm water and regular swells from the North Atlantic, conditions are often ideal.
But beware: not all spots are suitable for all levels. Here’s a clear analysis of the seasons and conditions for beginners, intermediates and experts. Discover also the best surf spots in Cape Verde
Surfing in Cape Verde for beginners
Ideal surfing season: spring
If you’re new to surfing, the best time is spring (April to June). The swells are smaller and more regular, the waves roll gently and the surf schools are open, especially at Santa Maria (Sal Island).
The atmosphere is perfect for pressure-free progress, with available instructors and ideal conditions for foam boards. This is the season to learn how to stand up, keep your balance and catch your first waves without stress.
- The trade winds sometimes make for choppy conditions during the day. Prefer early morning sessions.
- The water is 22-25°C all year round, so you don’t need a thick wetsuit.
- We strongly advise you to take a course with a local school to find the right spots and learn safely.
Recommended spots for beginners:
- Santa Maria (Sal island): gentle waves, sandy bottom, perfect for a first initiation.
- Kite Beach (Sal): when the swell is low, this spot is suitable for beginners, as long as you avoid strong winds.
Tip: don’t underestimate the power of some of Cape Verde’s waves, however small they may appear. The current can be very strong, depending on the tide.
Surfing in Cape Verde for intermediates
Winter for progress in challenging conditions
Intermediate surfers will find Cape Verde an excellent place to progress during the winter. This is when the archipelago receives long swells from the north, with conditions that are more powerful but still accessible if you have a good technical base.
- Regular swell of 1m to 2m, rather hollow, perfect for working take-offs on reef or pointbreak.
- Constant trade winds: choose sheltered spots or early morning sessions to avoid the chop.
- The atmosphere on the water is still relaxed, with few people compared to the big classic surf destinations.
Recommended spotlights for intermediates :
- Ponta Preta (Sal): fast right-hand pointbreak, hollow but legible, to be surfed at mid-tide.
- Calheta Funda (Santiago Island): more accessible left, wild setting, very good for progressing away from the crowds.
Tip: equip yourself with a sturdy shortboard or mid-length to keep control over the sometimes powerful and technical waves.
Surfing in Cape Verde for experienced surfers
The best months for loading world-class spots: January to March
It’s between January and March that Cape Verde reveals its full potential. Swells become more consistent, some tubular waves appear, and the level of commitment goes up a notch. Experienced surfers will find world-class waves, sometimes compared to a lighter version of Hawaii.
- Long-period swells can reach 2m50 to 3m on some exposed reefs.
- The trade winds reinforce the fast sections: good reading of the water surface and impeccable positioning required.
- Some spots require long paddles or entry/exit through rocky areas.
Recommended spots for experts :
- Ponta Preta (Sal) at over 2m: fast, tubular wave reserved for very good surfers.
- Curral Joul (Boa Vista): ultra-powerful right-hander, sharp reef, hollow section. Not to be taken lightly.
Tip: make sure you have a suitable quiver (rescue boards, solid leashes), and don’t hesitate to ask local surfers for advice before you set off.
Cape Verde is an unspoilt surfing destination, where conditions can be magical if you choose the right period and the right surf spots for your level. Between the warm water, the volcanic landscapes and the quality of the waves, the potential is enormous. But beware: this is not a playground for improvisation.
Weather analysis, respect for the local area, knowledge of the currents and the reef are all essential to enjoy the area safely and to the full.
Summary of surfing seasons in Cape Verde
| Season | Beginners | Intermediate | Advanced |
|---|---|---|---|
| December – March | Not recommended (powerful waves) | Regular sessions, good progress possible | Ideal conditions: powerful swells, hollow reef breaks |
| April – June | Excellent for learning: gentle waves, open schools | Perfect for consolidating your technique | Decent waves, but less intense |
| July – October | Possible but irregular, ideal for a quiet launch | Little swell, occasional sessions | Not interesting for performance |
| November | Early season: affordable conditions | Good gradual recovery | Watch out for the first big swells |
Want to go further? Discover our complete guide to surfing in Cape Verde
FAQ -
When should you go surfing in Cape Verde?
When is the best time to surf in Cape Verde?
Peak surfing season runs from December to March, when the North Atlantic swells hit the archipelago with full force. This is the ideal period for experienced surfers, with powerful, hollow and regular waves. For beginners and intermediates, the months of April to June are more suitable, as conditions are milder and more accessible.
Can you learn to surf all year round in Cape Verde?
Technically yes, but conditions change a lot depending on the season.
- April to June: this is the best time to learn, thanks to smaller, more regular waves.
- July to October: swells are rarer, but a few sessions are available for beginners in warm, calm waters.
Surf schools in Santa Maria (Sal) offer courses all year round, but winter is reserved for more advanced levels.
What is the water temperature in Cape Verde, depending on the season?
The water remains pleasant all year round: between 22°C and 26°C.
- Winter (December – March): 22-23°C → a light 2/2 mm wetsuit is recommended.
- In spring and summer: 24-26°C → a shorty or simple lycra will suffice.
What's the best month for experienced surfers?
January and February are generally the most powerful months, with long swells from the north and northwest. Reef breaks like Ponta Preta offer world-class waves that can exceed 2-3 meters.
What's the best month for beginners?
May and June are the most favorable. The swells are smaller (around 1 m), the trade winds milder in the morning, and spots like Santa Maria become ideal for learning to catch your first waves.
Do all spots work all year round?
No. Some spots, like Ponta Preta, only reach their full potential in winter, when the big swells arrive. Others, like Santa Maria, remain surfable almost all year round, even if sessions can be less regular in summer.
Should I bring my own equipment or rent it on site?
Surfboards and wetsuits are available for hire at most of the surf camps in Sal and Boa Vista. Beginners can make do with rentals. Advanced surfers often prefer to travel with their own quiver (shortboard and step-up), as the choice of technical boards is limited.