Sao Tome and Principe Weather - A Complete Guide

Learn all about the weather in this equatorial paradise

Alistair
Alistair
Managing Director
Published on
14 May 2019
Updated on
25 Apr 2025
Principe Island Bom Bom Resort

When to go summary

Sao Tome & Principe is a place that can be visited at any time of year and the best time of year to visit depends on what you are looking to do.

Peak season tends to be Dec - Feb and June - Aug (the dry months).

Here is a summary of when it is best for what.

Dec - March - Scuba Diving with best visibility.

Jan - Feb - Good for bird watching as the birds are showing off their mating plumage.

August - Oct - Humpback Whales.

Mid Nov - Early Feb - Turtle Nesting & Hatching 45 days later. If this is of interest, take a look at our turtle watching and conservation trip.

Principe Beach1

Spend 10 days in Sao Tome and Principe from £2,865 on this island escape.

- exceptional, unspoilt beaches

- incredible snorkelling and whale watching

- endemic birds

- hike through forests to waterfalls

- watch turtles laying eggs and hatching

We caught up with Lídia Nicolau from HBD, the company behind some of our favourite Sao Tome & Principe lodges (including Bom Bom Island Resort & Sundy Praia), to put together this weather guide and to find out more about the unpredictable nature of tropical weather & to discover what it's really like out on the islands. All quotes in this article are the words of Lídia.

The seasons in São Tomé and Príncipe

The temperature in Sao Tome & Principe fluctuates very little throughout the year, hovering between about 25 - 30°C. So it's really the rain that you need to consider, and how it might affect your activity plans.

There are four seasons here, two wet and two dry.

I must say that in a tropical destination the weather is unpredictable. The main dry season, called "Gravana", is from June to September. And the short dry season "Gravanita" runs from December to April. - Lídia

June - August/September - the Main Dry Season

This season, known as the 'Gravana', is the longest period of dry weather on Sao Tome & Principe. Yet the skies are grey and cloudy rather than clear.

From June to August there’s no rain but no blue skies either.

The lack of rain means this is a perfect time to enjoy hiking in the lush rainforests, relax on the beautiful sandy beaches & take a dip in the crystal-clear waters surrounding the islands. This is also the hottest time of year, although the cloud cover does shield you from the intensity of the sun's rays.

The bonus of visiting around the end of August through until October are the Humpback whales, Killer Whales and dolphins which you'll be able to spot migrating along the northeastern coastlines.

August is also known for it's saints' feast days and cultural events, where streets come alive with open air food stalls, music and entertainment.

BEST TIME FOR: hiking, swimming, beaches, whales, bird watching.

Forest Hike
Trek deep into the isles rainforests
Roca Belo Monte Principe Whale Watching
Whale watching on Principe

October - November - the Short Wet Season

The short wet season is all about short bursts of rain

September & October are kind of a mix. November has grey skies & rain (the worst scenario), and in recent years November has been the most rainy month and not April.

Whale & dolphin watching is possible during October from the northeast shores.

However, if you’re looking to travel in November for the start of this nesting season, be warned, grey skies and rain are abundant.

BEST TIME FOR: Whale & dolphin watching, bird nesting.

Newtons Sunbird In Sao Tome And Principe
Newtons Sunbird in Sao Tome and Principe
Principe Beach And People
Principe Beach

December - February - the Short Dry Season

Traditionally the 'Gravanita', or short dry season, runs from January to February. Travelling to Sao Tome & Principe at this time is perfect for travellers wanting to explore Obo National Park (on Sao Tome), which is fantastic for birding, and seeing the bright breeding plumage. If you're lucky you might spot one of the endemic birds, like the Sao Tome Fiscal or Newton's Sunbird, so keep your eyes peeled.

If you’re a keen photographer, then contrary to belief you will want to experience some rain because it clears the way for brilliant blue skies, meaning months December through until May will create incredible photographic opportunities. Another bonus of travelling in the ‘wet season’ is the abundance of nesting turtles from mid-November to early February & witnessing the hatchlings making their way to the waters edge.

BEST TIME FOR: scuba diving, photography, turtles nesting & turtle hatching.

Turtle Baby Principe
Baby turtle on Principe
Principe Snorkelling
Snorkelling on Principe

March - May - the Long Wet Season

This period is characterised by long spells of heavy precipitation & intense humidity.

From December to May the weather could be rainy but also has blue skies. Imagine the rain cleans the sky. Rainy season days can be a mixed bag - with a few hours of rain, which then clears the air, bringing beautiful fresh afternoons, then a cloudy evening with showers. Sometimes it only rains during afternoons.

At the moment, the dry season is lasting until April, which is actually a great month to visit as it isn't as hot as December & January, and the skies aren't cloudy and grey like in June and July. April will see some showers, followed by bright sunshine & blue skies.

BEST TIME FOR: orchid spotting.

Michael Principe – View Towards Praia Abade
A wet Principe
Rainforest And Peak  Sao  Tome  Principe
Sao Tome rainforest

Although the weather on a tropical islet is unpredictable, that is what makes the unspoiled Atlantic islands so intriguing… every month has something different to offer making it a great treasure waiting to be discovered and explored.

Call us today on 01768 605 715 or click the link below to start planning your island escape..

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Wondering when to visit? Take a look at this guide on the best time to visit Sao Tome and Principe.

Looking for some more inspiration? Take a look at our best safari holidays ideas, our favourite family safaris, our big five safari guide or our top African safari honeymoon suggestions.

Call us today on 01768 603 715 to find out more and start planning your dream holiday.

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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

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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