São Vicente has a dry, subtropical climate year-round. Temperatures hover between 22°C and 30°C throughout the year, with the coolest months being December through March when the Saharan harmattan can blow dust across the sky. The trade winds make even the hottest months bearable.
The Baia das Gatas Music Festival in August is the single biggest event in the island's calendar and draws visitors from across Cape Verde and the diaspora — book accommodation well in advance if you plan to attend. Mindelo's Carnival in February is widely considered the best in Africa and a close second as a reason to time your visit. Outside these events, the island is quiet year-round.