2 principe collection hotels and resorts sundy praia sunset

São Tomé & Príncipe sunset

Best time to visit São Tomé & Príncipe

Month-by-month guide of when to visit

Month by month guide of when to go to Sao Tome and Principe

São Tomé and Príncipe sit just north of the equator, which means warm temperatures and high humidity year-round. But thanks to the islands’ tropical climate and varied landscapes, different times of year can offer very different experiences depending on what you’re hoping to do.

For most travellers, the best time to visit is during the two drier seasons. The first runs from mid-December to early March, and the second (known locally as Gravana) from June to September. These are ideal months for exploring the islands on foot, enjoying boat trips, and making the most of the beaches – with plenty of sunshine and lower rainfall making travel easier. Visibility for snorkelling and diving also tends to be better at these times.

If you’re visiting for wildlife, timing can make a big difference. Sea turtles come ashore to nest between November and March, with hatchlings emerging a few weeks later – a truly memorable sight if you’re lucky enough to catch it. Humpback whales can be spotted off the coast between July and September, while birdlife is abundant throughout the year.

We love how each season has its rhythm here. Even during the wetter months (April–May and October–November), showers are often short and dramatic rather than all-day washouts, and the landscape becomes even more lush and vibrant. So whether you’re here to explore, unwind, or watch nature unfold, São Tomé and Príncipe always offer something special.

St Anthony Day Sao Tome

January

Definitely high season due to the warm weather and the possibility of seeing turtles nesting, as well as the end of the baby turtle hatching season. The waters of the Atlantic will be clear and offers good visibility for snorkelling and diving. It will be hot and humid, but clear skies are not a given due to the potential Harmattan Haze. All Saints Day and St Anthony’s Day both fall in January and offer the chance of getting to be involved with a public festivity. All in all, a great time to be away from the cold and dreary post-Christmas blues in the UK and not within School holidays so a great spot for some winter heat and peace and quiet!

Love Bird Sao Tome

February

Still high season, although its likely that the turtle nesting season will have finished, so the chances of seeing a turtle on the beach are minimal. The sea will still be nice and clear with great visibility and the weather will still be hot and humid; there is the chance of haze. February can work for a nice ½ term break. The birdlife in both January and February will be sporting mating plumage and be in magnificent colour.

Baby Turtle Principe

March

The start of what is considered to be the low season. The temperatures are still hot and the humidity will be higher until it breaks for a rain shower. These are likely to be short sharp blasts but when they do arrive you will know about it. Its unlikely to rain all day and baby turtles will still be hatching at this time. Diving and snorkelling will still offer good visibility, but it will be in decline.

Trekking In São Tomé Príncipe 4 0

April

Along with March this tends to be one of the wetter months. It is also the time when there is the least specialist fauna to be seen. Its in-between seasons so is a time to come if you are keener to visit a new destination and are looking to explore the islands on foot or are happy with some solitude. The snorkelling and diving will still be on offer with reduced visibility. Whilst it is considered low season a lot of families travel at this time of year as the Easter Holidays provide a good window to travel, air fares are likely to be slightly cheaper as is the accommodation.

Marlin Fishing Sao Tome

May and June

May offers a slightly dryer month but temperatures are cooler at this time. It’s the start of the tag and release Marlin season so is an attraction to any fisherman.

June marks the start of the high season with temperatures warmer than May, offering sporadic showers and being the peak of Marlin fishing season.

Sao Tome Humpback Whales1

July

Higher temperatures and we are now into the high season. The migrating hump back whales start to arrive and the Marlin season is still in full swing. There will be the odd shower but when the sun is out the skies are a beautiful bright blue most certainly a lovely time to be here.

Alta Img 6549 Moros Prepare For Battle

August

The whales should be in abundance and the fishing season will start to shift from the focus being on Marlin to Sailfish. If you can make it for the festival of Auto de Floripes you will see an amazing expression of public theatre acted out in incredible colour that takes over the whole of Santo Antonio on Principe. You may get a little rain but it is mostly dry.

Sao Tome Whales 2

September & October

September is very similar to August but without the cultural aspect. It's likely to be quieter due to schools going back. - a really nice, quieter time to be here.

October is very similar to August and September with probably just a bit more rain. There is a chance you may catch the start of the turtle nesting season. Whales and Sailfish in abundance during both September and October.

Protetuga Green Turtle Beach Laying

November

This is the tail end of the whales season although Sailfish are still very much in abundance, and now turtle nesting season should be well and truly under way. Temperatures will be increasing and there will be a bit more rain than in the past few months.

Principe Island Bom Bom Resort

December

One of the best months to be here and a great way to enjoy the festive season. Whilst its unlikely that you will see any whales you will get the best of both worlds when it comes to Turtles (nesting and hatching likely). The temperature will be hot and the humidity starting to build, although hopefully the haze will not be present. The Sailfish fishing season comes to an end in December.

Trips in São Tomé and Príncipe

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Shirley Newman

What can I say….my son and myself had the most wonderful time in Kenya thanks to the first-class itinerary that Ben and Louise put together for us. We spoke with Ben many times to ensure he ‘got it right’. This was our 2nd visit to Kenya, and it certainly lived up to our expectations and memories. Throughout our time in Kenya, we saw many lions, giraffes, elephants, ostriches, hyenas, cheetahs, and leopards, to name just a few. Nothing was too much trouble for all the staff; we cannot have been looked after any better. I would highly recommend Far and Wild; they are so knowledgeable and have personally visited the lodges and areas. We are already planning another visit, and we cannot wait. Since our return again Ben phoned to see how it went in addition to emails.

August, 2025
Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

July, 2024
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

June, 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

July, 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

June, 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

May, 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

April, 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

March, 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

March, 2024

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