Compared to the rest of Western Africa, the life standard is quite reasonable but can be tough for some Cape Verdians. The minimum (unofficial) wage is about E 200 a month for a 48 hr work-week and the cost of living is about 75 % of the mid-European countries.

Santiago is the main island, but due to the geographical character (flat) of the Isle of Sal, it has been designated the international airport. A flight from London is approximately 5,5 hours with only a one hour time difference. The official language is Portuguese, but the dialect is Creole. A growing number of people moving to the island speak English, French, or Italian.

The weather is comfortable all year and the climate has often been characterized as the “Caribbean of Europe”. The winter (November - March) gives temperatures from 20-27 degrees Celsius with a slightly lower temperature in the evening often warranting a light pullover. The winter is windy; the trade winds from the Sahara will blow almost every day from 15-27 knots. In the summer the temperature is high for European standards, reaching 30 degrees with hot nights. The wind will drop 50 % in the summer. There is hardly any rain in Cabo Verde, just a few drops in the year.
In the winter the swell will attack mostly the west part of the islands sometimes producing monsterly waves. In the summer the ocean is calmer.



Hence the kitesurf season is from mid September until May, with the best months being January, February and March. Check the Island of Sal section for details of the spots and what level you need to be to kitesurf the different spots.