Best time to go to São Tomé Average weather of São Tomé, São Tomé and Príncipe
Tony Samson last update: 27/05/2024When is the best time to go to São Tomé?
The best time to visit São Tomé, taking into account the favorable weather, is generally in April and during the month of June. It is during these times of the year that the equatorial climate offers optimal conditions to explore the natural beauty of the island.
April, which marks the end of the rainy season, is the ideal time for those who wish to enjoy São Tomé's rich biodiversity, with nature flourishing thanks to the rains of the previous months. This period is also conducive to observing migratory birds and discovering the coffee and cocoa plantations, two of the island's main economic resources.
The month of June, in the middle of the dry season, offers ideal weather conditions for outdoor activities. It is also the perfect time to enjoy the island's beaches or to go hiking on Pico São Tomé, the highest point on the island. Slightly lower temperatures and less frequent rainfall make these activities more enjoyable.
It is worth noting that if you are not bothered by the rain, the rainy season can also be an interesting time to visit São Tomé. Despite the precipitation, the sky regularly offers clearings and sunny days. Furthermore, the months from December to February are particularly rainy, which can make the island even greener and more lush, offering a unique natural spectacle.
However, if your priority is to avoid rain and enjoy milder weather, it is recommended to favor the dry season, especially the months of June and early September. It is also an excellent time to observe whales off the coast of São Tomé Island.
So, when is the best time to go to São Tomé? Here's some more information to help you in your decision:
- The best months for good weather in São Tomé are April and June
- On average, the warmest months are January, February, March, April, May, June, September, October, November and December
- The rainiest months are October and November
Annual weather in São Tomé
Weather details in São Tomé month by month
Weather and climate in São Tomé
Located in Equatorial Africa, São Tomé, the capital of São Tomé and Príncipe, is a destination that offers a humid and dry tropical climate, classified as a tropical savanna with a dry season (As) according to the Köppen-Geiger classification. This type of climate is characterized by an alternation between a dry season and a wet season, with high temperatures throughout the year.
Wet Season in São Tomé (October to May)
The wet season in São Tomé, which extends from October to May, is marked by relatively high temperatures and significant rainfall. Temperatures generally range between 27°C (81°F) and 30°C (86°F) during this period. The months of November and December are particularly rainy with an average of 21 days of precipitation per month. Despite the rains, the sky regularly offers clearings and sunny days, making this period ideal for discovering the richness of the island's flora.
Dry Season in São Tomé (June to September)
The dry season, which extends from June to September, is the most pleasant period to visit São Tomé. Temperatures are slightly lower, ranging from 24°C (76°F) to 28°C (83°F) , and rainfall is much less frequent. In particular, the months of June and July are the driest with only 1 to 2 days of rain per month and the sunniest. It is the ideal time to enjoy the beaches and explore the island without being bothered by the rain.
In conclusion, São Tomé offers a typical tropical climate with an alternation between wet and dry seasons. If you don't mind the rain, the wet season offers warm temperatures and lush nature. However, for a more comfortable visit, prefer the dry season, especially the months of June and July, to fully enjoy your outdoor activities.
Charts: temperature and rainfall in São Tomé
In the charts below, you can see the following seasonal norms for the city of São Tomé: the minimum and maximum outdoor temperature, the risk and amount of monthly rainfall, daily average sunshine, and relative humidity for each month of the year.
Outside temperature
Precipitation (rainfall)
Daily sunshine hours
Humidity
Peak visitor numbers and tourist seasons in São Tomé
Find out when São Tomé has its high tourist season (the period when the influx of tourists is highest) and off-peak tourist season using our data and figures.
Tourist seasons in São Tomé
- Very low season in São Tomé
The months with the lowest number of tourists are: January, February, March, May, June and November. - Low season in São Tomé
The months with low numbers of tourists are: July and October. - Peak season in São Tomé
The largest number of tourists visiting São Tomé is during: April, August, September and December.
Figure: Visitor index for São Tomé month by month
Best time for low prices in São Tomé
Average prices of hotels in São Tomé month by month
Generally, January is the month with the lowest hotel prices in São Tomé. So this is a great time to save on your holiday! In contrast, September is statistically the most expensive month of the year for hotels.
Find the best price for your hotel room
Average price for flights to São Tomé
A return flight between London and São Tomé is generally cheaper if you go in may ($ 894 on average): this is the best time for travellers on a tight budget. In contrast, you may end up paying $ 683 more for your airline ticket to São Tomé if you go in august.
Find the best price for your flight Flight prices to São Tomé
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