Fatigue damage evolution in CFRP is characterized by variation of local transverse strain from digital image correlation (un-notched) and temperature variation from infrared thermography (notched). The damage evolves over 2–3 stages. Matrix cracks and fiber matrix debonding are observed in ±45° 90° and 0° plies in stage I. Fiber fracture is observed in 0° plies only in stage II of the un-notched specimen. It is present even in stage I for notched specimens. In notched specimens, extensive fiber fracture is observed in −45° 90° and 0° plies in stage II due to higher local stresses. Fiber fracture causes a larger rate of increase in local temperature. A three parameter cumulative damage model is used for predicting the damage evolution and fatigue life. Predictions were good for tension–compression tests in unnotched specimens, but inadequate for compression-compression tests. While using temperature for damage characterization in notched specimens, additional parametrization is required. © 2018 Elsevier Ltd