The announcement means the Manxman will not defend his sprinter's jersey at next month's Giro d'Italia, a race that has also seen the 28-year-old win 15 stages.
In 2011 Cavendish won the points classification in the Tour de France and he is eager to reclaim the green jersey that Peter Sagan has claimed for the past two years.
Cavendish's team announced on Friday that the rider, who has won 25 Tour de France stages, will take part in the Tour of Turkey at the end of the month before completing his preparations at the Tour of California and Tour de Suisse.
"As everybody knows, my big goal this year is the Tour de France. Especially as it starts in my native country," Cavendish said on the Omega Pharma - Quick-Step website.
"My program is shaped for that moment.
"This year I will skip the Giro d'Italia. I'm saddened as it's a race that has given me great satisfaction in the past. I have great memories and victories, even last year.
"But, with the Tour de France as my main objective this year, we had to make some choices.
"I'm sure passing through the Tour of Turkey, and a great, well organized race like Tour of California will get me in shape and ready for the Tour de Suisse, which will be my final tune-up for the Tour de France."
The 2014 Tour de France begins with three stages in England before moving across to France for the final 18 stages of competition.