São Tomé / Príncipe: Climate

You can visit the islands of Sao Tome and Principe all year around. The climate is tropical with average yearly temperatures of about 27°C (80°F) and little daily variation.

At the interior’s higher altitudes, the average yearly temperature is 20°C (68°F), and nights are generally cool. Annual rainfall varies from 500 centimetres (200 inches) on the south-western slopes to 100 centimetres (40 inches) in the northern lowlands.

Seasons on Sao Tomé & Príncipe

Season Period What to expect Details
Small dry season December – February Hottest months of the year, with dry and dusty winds Carnaval celebrations including traditional dances; good birdwatching; best time for orchid spotting
Long wet season March – May A mix of showers and sunshine, high humidity Good for photography due to blue skies and brighter contrasts; more mosquitos; muddy terrain makes hiking more tricky; best time for orchid spotting
Long dry season June – September Warm temperatures, little rain, cloudy Best time for hiking & birdwatching; August – festivities & cultural events; every other summer around mid-June – Mid July – Bienal Cultural festival in Sao Tome; whale-watching
Small wet season October – November A mix of showers and sunshine, high humidity Good for photography due to blue skies and brighter contrasts; more mosquitos; muddy terrain makes hiking more tricky; best time for orchid spotting

Tours

Africa’s Eden offers several attractive tours in Gabon and Príncipe. From just a weekend in Loango or Roça Belo Monte, up to 13 days combination tour Gabon-Príncipe. Read more

Roça Belo Monte

Luxurious resort on the tropical island of Principe Belo Monte Plantation Hotel, offering luxurious accommodation in staggeringly beautiful natural surroundings. While Belo Monte Plantation Hotel is a wonderful place to relax and recharge your spirit, there is also plenty here to explore and discover. Read more

Activities

Want to explore the island? There are many possibilities: marine excursions like snorkelling, kayaking, scuba diving, whale watching and terrestrial excursions like hiking and biking. Read more

Forever Príncipe

Forever Príncipe conservation alliance is part of the Conservation Tourism Programme on the island of Príncipe in the Gulf of Guinea developed by Africa’s Eden. Read more