Fogo island climate
The Climate of Fogo Island: A Complete Guide
Fogo Island, whose name evokes the volcanic power that shaped it, is one of the most fascinating jewels of the Cape Verde archipelago. Located in the Sotavento (leeward) group of islands in the south of the archipelago, Fogo stands out not only for its active volcano but also for the extraordinary climate diversity that its topography provides.
General Climate Characteristics
Fogo Island enjoys a dry tropical to dry subtropical climate, classified in arid and semi-arid climate zones, similar to the rest of the Cape Verdean archipelago. The island's climate is characterized by two well-defined seasons that determine the rhythm of local life.
The Two Seasons
The rainy season occurs between August and October, concentrating practically all annual precipitation in just three months. This period brings life to the volcanic landscape, transforming the arid terrain into verdant areas that contrast dramatically with the black lava rock.
The dry season, extending from November to July, dominates most of the year. During these months, the climate remains stable with moderate temperatures and lower precipitation, creating ideal conditions for outdoor activities and tourism.
Average Temperatures
In most of the island, average daily temperatures hover around 25°C, providing a pleasant climate year-round. However, Fogo's rugged topography creates significant thermal variation that can surprise unprepared visitors.
7 day weather forecast fo Fogo Island
The Influence of Volcanic Topography
The most striking element of Fogo Island is undoubtedly Pico do Fogo, Cape Verde's only active volcano and the highest point in the entire archipelago, reaching an impressive 2,829 meters above sea level. This geological giant is not merely a natural wonder but the primary driver of the island's climate diversity.
Bioclimatic Strata
Fogo's pronounced relief, which varies between vast flat areas, steep slopes, deep valleys, and high mountains, creates several bioclimatic strata. These strata range from semi-arid in the lower zones to sub-humid at the volcano's summit, offering a surprising range of microclimates in a relatively small area.
Temperature Variation by Altitude
Altitude has a dramatic impact on temperatures. While coastal zones enjoy a mild climate with temperatures around 25°C, elevated areas experience significantly colder conditions. At higher altitudes, temperatures can drop to 10°C during the day and reach a surprising 0°C at night, especially during winter months.
Chã das Caldeiras: A Unique Climate
The community of Chã das Caldeiras deserves special attention for its climatic uniqueness. Situated within the crater of Pico do Fogo volcano, at an altitude of approximately 1,700 meters, this village is the coldest in all of Cape Verde.
Distinctive Climate Characteristics
Chã das Caldeiras has a cool semi-arid climate, classified as Köppen BSk. The average daily temperature hovers around 13.5°C, a striking contrast with the rest of the archipelago. Daily minimum temperatures vary between 8.2°C in February and 12.6°C in October. During winter months, the location periodically receives frost, a rare phenomenon in Cape Verde.
The daily thermal pattern is particularly interesting: days are generally hot and dry, while nights are cool and humid. This significant thermal variation influences both local agriculture and visitor comfort, making it essential to bring warm clothing for those planning to spend the night in the caldera.
Favorable Precipitation
Compared to surrounding areas, Chã das Caldeiras is blessed with milder temperatures and, crucially, greater precipitation. Average annual precipitation reaches 524 millimeters, with September being the rainiest month at about 198 millimeters. The caldera benefits from exposure to humid trade winds (Alizee), which contribute to relatively rich biodiversity and favorable agricultural conditions.
Precipitation and Rainfall Distribution
Fogo is one of the islands with the most rugged terrain in Cape Verde and, together with Santiago and Santo Antão, benefits from greater rainfall compared to the remaining islands of the archipelago. Mountainous islands can receive up to 600 millimeters of annual precipitation, a significant amount by Cape Verdean standards.
However, despite receiving more rain than other islands, precipitation in Cape Verde remains generally scarce, irregular, and concentrated in a few days. Weather stations in Fogo, such as Atalaia and Cocho, show high rainfall variability indices, making agricultural forecasting and planning challenging.
Extreme Phenomena
Although the climate is predominantly dry most of the year, occasional rains can be intense. These concentrated downpours generate violent torrents on the surface, causing destruction and sometimes cutting roads and bridges. This contrast between long dry periods and intense rain events is one of the most striking characteristics of Fogo's climate.
Impact on Vegetation and Agriculture
Fogo's climatic conditions, particularly the combination of altitude, variable precipitation, and fertile volcanic soils, create unique opportunities for agriculture.
Green Zones
The island's east coast is described as the greenest, benefiting from greater exposure to humid winds. After rains, the landscape transforms dramatically, with greenery emerging and contrasting vividly with the black lava flows that mark the island's geography.
Important Agricultural Areas
The Monte Velha Forest Perimeter and Chã das Caldeiras are particularly rich in biodiversity and support important dryland fruit cultivation systems. The humidity generated by the forest in Monte Velha and in the coffee plantations in the Pai António region enables important agricultural activity that sustains many local communities.
Viticulture in Chã das Caldeiras
The favorable climatic conditions in Chã das Caldeiras, combined with extremely fertile volcanic soils, make agricultural activities highly profitable. This unique microclimate is ideal for viticulture, allowing the development of wine and spirits production that has become a distinctive hallmark of the region.
Risks and Climate Vulnerability
Despite its advantages, Fogo is classified as an agricultural island vulnerable to climate risks, facing multiple environmental challenges.
Soil Erosion
Due to its steep slopes, Fogo and neighboring Brava Island are the most exposed to potential soil erosion. About 18% of the island's territory is at risk of severe erosion, a constant threat to agricultural sustainability and infrastructure.
Recurring Droughts
Recurring droughts represent one of the main climate limitations for agriculture in the region. Paradoxically, although Fogo receives more precipitation than other islands, among the five most agricultural islands of the archipelago, it shows the lowest historical exposure to droughts. However, drought continues to be the main danger faced by communities, threatening the main source of local livelihood.
Other Hazards
In addition to erosion and drought, Fogo is exposed to other climate and geological hazards, including flash floods, forest fires, landslides, and coastal erosion. The last volcanic eruption in 2014 profoundly marked the lives of Chã das Caldeiras inhabitants, who had to rebuild their communities after the devastation.
Visitor's Guide
Best Time to Visit
Fogo's climate is considered pleasant year-round, but the choice of visit period should consider travel objectives.
Dry Season (November to June): This is the ideal period for most visitors. It offers stable weather conditions, moderate temperatures, and calmer winds, perfect for outdoor activities and island exploration.
Rainy Season (August to October): Although precipitation can make some trails slippery, the rains bring remarkable greenery to the volcanic landscape, offering a different and spectacular perspective of the island.
Climbing Pico do Fogo
Climbing Pico do Fogo is the island's main attraction and a challenging experience requiring good physical condition and appropriate hiking shoes.
Best Period: Spring, between March and June, is generally the ideal period for climbing. The weather is not excessively hot and visibility is almost guaranteed, allowing you to fully appreciate the spectacular views from the summit.
Recommended Months: November to May are the most recommended months for hiking and exploration, as the weather is more pleasant, with higher temperatures and fewer wind gusts.
Schedule: The volcano climb is generally done early in the morning to avoid the hottest hours and take advantage of the best visibility.
Special Considerations
Dust Storms: Between January, February, and March, operations at Fogo airport may be restricted due to limited visibility caused by dust storms from the Sahara desert. Travelers should be prepared for possible delays during this period.
Clothing: For those visiting Chã das Caldeiras or planning to climb Pico do Fogo, it is essential to bring warm clothing. Nights at elevation are cold, and the temperature difference between day and night can be surprising.