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.
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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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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