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Serra Malagueta National Park, Santiago

About Serra Malagueta National Park, Santiago

Serra Malagueta National Park stands out for the landscape more than anything else. High in the mountains of northern Santiago, it is known for hiking trails, cooler air, greener scenery, and wide views that feel very different from the island’s beach towns. It works especially well if you want to see a more scenic and active side of Santiago, with a setting that feels quieter and more tied to the island’s interior. 

When to visit

November to July is the strongest window for dry hiking weather, while August to October is warmer, greener, and noticeably wetter.

Most popular: December - February

Spring · Mar, Apr, May

Spring is one of the best times to explore Serra Malagueta, with warm days, almost no rain, and clear conditions for long hikes and panoramic viewpoints. The mountain scenery feels open and crisp, and the park’s elevated setting makes it more comfortable than Santiago’s hotter lowlands.

Summer · Jun, Jul, Aug

Summer stays warm through June and July, then turns hotter and more humid in August. Early summer is excellent for hiking, while late summer begins to bring greener mountain scenery and a softer, more atmospheric feel across the highland trails.

Autumn · Sep, Oct, Nov

Autumn is the warmest and wettest stretch of the year, especially in September and October. This can make the park feel greener and more alive, but trails may be less reliably dry and visibility can be less consistently clear than in the long dry season.

Winter · Dec, Jan, Feb

Winter brings sunny days, cooler nights, and very low rainfall, creating some of the most comfortable hiking conditions of the year. This is when Serra Malagueta feels especially rewarding for walkers, with dry trails, fresh mountain air, and broad views over Santiago’s rugged landscape.

Weather Highlights

  • Summer high

    27°C / 81°F

  • Winter low

    19°C / 67°F

  • Rain

    23 days

  • Snow

    0 days

Location

Getting There

Serra Malagueta National Park is located in northern Santiago, between areas such as Tarrafal, São Miguel, and Santa Catarina, and is usually reached by road in around 1.5 to 2 hours from Nelson Mandela International Airport in Praia.

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