Best time to visit São Tomé & Príncipe

These islands do beauty in twos. There are two dry seasons: the short gravanita and the longer gravana. Two wet ones, too – but this is when the orchids are at their finest.![]()

At the moment, just a handful of organised trips run to São Tomé and Príncipe, and they tend to visit in January, May and October. Two beautiful islands deserve two dry seasons. The first is December to February and the second is from June to September. The best time to go to São Tomé and Príncipe for bird watching – and there are a lot to watch – is October to March. February to May is when the heavens can open, but then paradise does need watering from time to time. Temperatures never waiver too far from the 27°C mark all year though.
São Tomé and Príncipe Weather Chart
MIN °C
MAX °C
RAIN (mm)
JAN
22
29
112
FEB
22
29
101
MAR
22
30
164
APR
22
29
192
MAY
21
29
168
JUN
20
27
32
JUL
20
26
6
AUG
20
27
24
SEP
20
27
79
OCT
21
27
228
NOV
21
28
186
DEC
21
28
117
Our Sao Tome & Principe Vacations
Sao Tome & Principe vacation
A wonderful break on the tropical isles, Sao Tome & Principe
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£2995
12 days
inc UK flights
Sao Tome discovery tour
Explore these paradise islands with the Bradt Guide Author
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£3225
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Sao Tome & Principe honeymoon adventure
Snorkelling in secluded bays & stunning waterfall hikes
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Family vacation to Sao Tome & Principe
Snorkelling, jungle trekking and rich cultural encounters
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£7800
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Sao Tome & Principe nature tour
Rainforest, mangroves & savannah filled with nature's finest
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£3700
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Luxury Sao Tome & Principe vacation
Paradise islands & one of the world's most unique lodges
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£4250
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Sao Tome tour
Unique culture and pristine nature in a tropical paradise.
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£1775
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Sao Tome and Principe vacation
Island hopping & self-driving on four tropical islands
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£2600
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Sao Tome & Principe vacations
Lush rainforests, sapphire seas and nature at its finest
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£1600
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São Tomé & Príncipe, month by month
Things to do in São Tomé and Príncipe
Things to do in São Tomé & Príncipe …
Things not to do in São Tomé and Príncipe …
Our top Sao Tome & Principe Vacation
Sao Tome & Principe vacation
A wonderful break on the tropical isles, Sao Tome & Principe
From
£2995
12 days
inc UK flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about Sao Tome & Principe or need help finding a vacation to suit you we're very happy to help.
Responsible Travel recommends
Jim Louth from our leading São Tomé and Príncipe supplier, Undiscovered Destinations:
Where to stay tip
“Tourism is at a very early stage of development in São Tomé but is beginning to increase. There are a number of luxury hotels but staying in one of the plantation houses (roças) will give you a real feel for the country. Many of the roças lie in ruins but some have now been opened for tourists to stay in. Surrounded by rain forests, they are perfect for walks, bird watching and discovering colourful and rare orchids. Simply renovated, these plantation houses have a small number of rooms, normally less than 10, and shared bathrooms. Generally there is no hot water, and electricity can be sporadic, but you can expect lots of character.”
Food tip
“Traditional São Toméan food is delicious and the fresh fish is a real treat accompanied with beans and/or rice.”
Responsible tourism tip
“As with all regions with an increasing but under developed tourist industry, traveling responsibly is vital. Please don’t give anything to children who may ask for sweets, pens or gifts. This is not currently a major issue but if you do wish to donate, speak to your tour operator before traveling and they can suggest items to bring and donate to local charities.”
Best time to go tip
“If you just wish to lie on a beach then the rainy season is actually a good time to visit. Personally, to really see the best of the islands and explore in more depth, then May and October are perfect for exploring. If visiting between August and October you may get lucky and see humpback whales, killer whales and dolphins off the northeast coast.”
More about Sao Tome & Principe
Photo credits: [Page banner: Helena Van Eykeren] [Intro: Tomek]
[Things to do in São Tomé & Príncipe …: Chuck Moravec]
[Where to stay tip: Ji-Elle]
[Best time to go tip: Chuck Moravec]
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