Current Weather
Raw METAR
Clouds - Visual Profile
Weather Briefing
VFRNelson Mandela International Airport is currently reporting visual flight rules (VFR) conditions with scattered clouds at 20,000 feet and 10 miles or greater visibility.
Wind Analysis
Winds are from the north-northeast (30°) at 9 knots. Runway 03/21 is favored with a 9-knot headwind and 0-knot crosswind component.
Visibility & Ceiling
Visibility is unrestricted. No ceiling exists. Cloud layers reported: few at 1,700 ft, scattered at 20,000 ft.
Temperature & Moisture
Temperature is 21°C (70°F) with a dewpoint of 15°C, indicating moderate moisture conditions.
Forecast Outlook
The TAF forecast covers the next 30 hours. Conditions are expected to remain VFR throughout the forecast period.
Pilot Recommendations
Conditions are favorable for visual flight.
This briefing is generated from real-time METAR and TAF data. Always verify with official sources before flight.
Forecast (TAF)
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Airport Runway Layout
Runway Information
| Runway | Length | Width | Surface | Heading | Wind Component |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
✈️ 03/21
Active: 03
|
6,890 ft | 148 ft | ASP | 22° |
↑ 9.0 kt
•
↔ 0.0 kt
0° angle
|
|
✈️ 03L/21R
Active: 03L
|
4,209 ft | 98 ft | ASP | 22° |
↑ 9.0 kt
•
↔ 0.0 kt
0° angle
|
|
✈️ 03R/21L
Active: 03R
|
6,876 ft | 148 ft | ASP | 22° |
↑ 9.0 kt
•
↔ 0.0 kt
0° angle
|
Weather Statistics - GVNP
4,950 observations | Sep 2025 - Apr 2026Flight Rules Distribution
Nelson Mandela International Airport typically experiences VFR conditions 79.9% of the time, though instrument-rated pilots will find IFR weather present approximately 4.1% of observations. Prevailing winds are from the NE averaging 12.4 knots, with gusts recorded up to 90 knots. Temperatures typically range between 17°C and 35°C with an average of 24.2°C. The best months for VFR flying are October, December, November.
Wind Analysis
Temperature Range
Visibility
Best Months for VFR
Runway Wind Analysis
Statistics computed from 4,950 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Apr 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.
Nelson Mandela International Airport - Airport Information
Airport Details
Location
Runway Information
Flight Planning Tools
Nearby Airports
About Nelson Mandela International Airport
Overview
Nelson Mandela International Airport serves Praia, the capital city of Cape Verde, located on Santiago Island. As a large airport with three asphalted runways, it provides critical aviation infrastructure for international and regional air transportation in the archipelago. The airport's elevation at 230 ft above mean sea level offers relatively straightforward terrain considerations for arriving and departing aircraft.
Flying Conditions
Cape Verde's maritime tropical climate produces generally stable weather conditions with minimal seasonal variation. Pilots can expect predominantly dry conditions with consistent winds, which is typical for island environments. The airport's three parallel runways (03/21 series) provide excellent wind flexibility, allowing operations across multiple runway configurations.
Notable Features
The airport's geographic position on Santiago Island introduces specific navigational considerations for pilots, with surrounding terrain potentially influencing local wind patterns. Three parallel runways of substantial length - 6890ft, 4209ft, and 6876ft respectively - provide robust operational capacity for various aircraft types. The airport's coastal location may generate localized wind shear and thermal effects that pilots should anticipate during approach and departure.
Approach Considerations
Runway 03/21 configurations offer multiple options for landing and takeoff, with the longest runways providing optimal operational flexibility. The airport's layout allows for crosswind landing options, which is particularly beneficial given potential maritime wind characteristics. Pilots should conduct standard terrain and wind assessments during pre-flight planning, paying particular attention to potential localized wind variations around the island environment.
Data Sources & Accuracy: Airport information sourced from OurAirports.com, a collaborative database of worldwide airport data. Weather data from official aviation weather services including NOAA Aviation Weather Center and international METAR/TAF providers. Information is updated regularly but pilots should always verify current conditions and NOTAMs through official channels before flight operations.
Learn More
Recommended guides based on current conditions at GVNP
Official Data Sources
Disclaimer: Data is provided for informational purposes only. Pilots must verify all information through official sources before flight operations. Weather conditions change rapidly; always obtain a current briefing from approved weather services.