Are you tired of the cold January weather and longing for some winter sun? Instead of waiting for warmer days in the UK, why not treat yourself to a winter sun holiday?
Fortunately, you don’t have to travel long distances to find warm weather during this time of year. While the Canary Islands are a popular choice, there is another set of islands gaining popularity for those seeking a more off-the-beaten-path destination.
Cape Verde offers year-round warm weather, with daytime temperatures expected to reach 24°C in the coming weeks, surpassing Tenerife’s 20°C. With flight durations of around six hours, you can quickly escape the cold and enjoy long sunny days without spending an entire day on a plane.
The Cape Verde islands, including Sal and Boa Vista, are accessible through the main airport on Sal, where most British tourists arrive. Budget airline easyJet introduced flights to the archipelago in March 2025, marking its first venture into Sub-Saharan Africa. The airline later expanded its routes from Manchester and will soon offer flights from Bristol.
TUI also operates flights to Cape Verde from various airports, including Birmingham, Glasgow, and Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, with a seasonal service from the East Midlands starting on April 29.
Despite attracting approximately 1.2 million tourists in 2024, Cape Verde remains less crowded than the Canary Islands, with Tenerife alone welcoming around seven million visitors during the same period.
One of Cape Verde’s main attractions is its pleasant climate. While February still feels like winter in Cape Verde, temperatures often reach 27°C during the day, with ample sunshine and minimal rainfall. In contrast, Tenerife experiences temperatures ranging from 17°C to 22°C during this time, with occasional overcast skies and brief showers.
EasyJet flights to Sal offer access to the island’s unique volcanic landscape, with Santa Maria being a popular destination known for its beautiful beaches and relaxed atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy various activities such as windsurfing, boat trips, and exploring the historic Pedra Lume salt mine within a dormant volcano.
For those looking to explore beyond Sal, a three-hour ferry ride connects to Boa Vista, known for its tranquil beaches and opportunities to witness turtles emerging from the ocean. Visitors can embark on quad bike expeditions across the island’s arid terrain or take a catamaran tour to discover scenic coastal areas, including the wrecked MS Cabo Santa Maria, a captivating photographic spot.
EasyJet Holidays’ Chief Commercial Officer, Paul Bixby, highlighted Cape Verde’s appeal, praising its year-round sunshine and sandy beaches. The destination offers a range of accommodations, from budget-friendly options to luxurious all-inclusive resorts like the Meliá Llana Beach Resort and Spa and the family-friendly Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort.
EasyJet operates flights from London Gatwick to Sal three times a week, with February fares starting at £148.99 one-way. Holiday packages include a seven-night, all-inclusive stay at Sol Dunas Family Fun departing from Manchester in February, priced from £737 per person based on double occupancy.
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