What is the best time to visit Sao Tome and Principe?

Best Time to Visit Sao Tome and Principe

The best time to travel to Sao Tome and Principe is during the dry season from October to May and the wet season from June to September.

Dry Season in Sao Tome and Principe

The dry season in Sao Tome and Principe is from October to May. During this time, the weather is hot and humid with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C. The dry season is the best time for outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, and snorkeling. Travelers can also enjoy the beautiful beaches and explore the island’s many attractions. There are also several festivals taking place during this season, such as the Sao Tome Carnival and the Sao Tome Music Festival.

Wet Season in Sao Tome and Principe

The wet season in Sao Tome and Principe is from June to September. During this time, the weather is hot and humid with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C. The wet season is the best time for exploring the island’s lush rainforest and its many waterfalls. Travelers can also enjoy the beautiful beaches and explore the island’s many attractions. There are also several festivals taking place during this season, such as the Sao Tome Carnival and the Sao Tome Music Festival.

Month-by-month guide for traveling in Sao Tome and Principe

Sao Tome and Principe in January

Weather

January in Sao Tome and Principe is hot and humid, with temperatures averaging around 27°C (80°F). Rainfall is common, with an average of 10-12 days of rain throughout the month.

Events

• New Year’s Day is celebrated on January 1st, with fireworks, parades, and other festivities.
• The Sao Tome and Principe Independence Day is celebrated on January 12th, commemorating the country’s independence from Portugal in 1975.
• The Sao Tome and Principe Carnival is held in January, usually around the third week of the month. It is a week-long celebration with parades, music, and dancing.
• The Sao Tome and Principe Music Festival is held in January, usually around the last week of the month. It is a three-day event featuring local and international music acts.
• The Sao Tome and Principe International Film Festival is held in January, usually around the last week of the month. It is a five-day event showcasing films from around the world.

Sao Tome and Principe in January

Weather

January is the warmest month in Sao Tome and Principe, with temperatures ranging from 24-30°C (75-86°F) and high humidity. Rainfall is relatively low, with an average of 22 mm (0.9 in).

Events

• New Year’s Day: January 1st is a public holiday in Sao Tome and Principe, celebrated with family gatherings and feasts.
• Carnival: Carnival is a popular celebration in Sao Tome and Principe, marked by colorful parades, music and dancing.
• Festa de Nossa Senhora da Conceicao: This religious festival is celebrated on December 8th in Sao Tome and Principe, honoring the Virgin Mary.
• Festa de Nossa Senhora da Paz: This religious festival is celebrated on January 25th in Sao Tome and Principe, honoring the Virgin Mary.
• Festa de São Tomé: This religious festival is celebrated on January 21st in Sao Tome and Principe, honoring Saint Thomas.

Sao Tome and Principe in March

Weather

The climate in Sao Tome and Principe in March is hot and humid with temperatures ranging from 24-31°C (75-88°F). The humidity is high, with an average relative humidity of around 80%. There is a chance of rain throughout the month, with the average rainfall amounting to around 150mm (6 inches).

Events

• The Sao Tome and Principe Carnival takes place in March, with parades, music, dancing, and other festivities. The carnival is a great opportunity to experience the culture of the islands.
• The Sao Tome and Principe Music Festival is held in March. It is a celebration of traditional and modern music, with performances by local and international artists.
• The Sao Tome and Principe International Film Festival takes place in March. It is an opportunity to view films from around the world, as well as to celebrate the local film industry.
• The Sao Tome and Principe National Day is celebrated in March. It is a day to celebrate the independence of the islands from Portugal, and to recognize the culture and history of the people.
• The Sao Tome and Principe National Soccer Championship is held in March. It is a great opportunity to watch some of the best soccer teams in the country compete for the championship title.

Sao Tome and Principe in April

Weather

April in Sao Tome and Principe is hot and humid, with temperatures ranging between 24°C and 29°C. The rainy season begins in April, with rain occurring almost every day and sometimes in heavy showers.

Events

• April marks the beginning of the Sao Tome and Principe Carnival, a lively celebration with colorful costumes, parades and music.
• The Sao Tome and Principe Music Festival is held in April, featuring a variety of musical acts from around the world.
• April is a great time to visit the Obo Natural Park, a protected area home to a variety of wildlife.
• The Sao Tome and Principe Independence Day is celebrated on April 12th each year.
• The Sao Tome and Principe International Film Festival takes place in April, showcasing the best of African cinema.

Sao Tome and Principe in May

Weather

May is the beginning of the wet season in Sao Tome and Principe, with high temperatures and humidity. The average temperature is around 26-27°C (79-81°F), with highs of 30°C (86°F). Rainfall is common, with an average of 10 days of rain per month.

Events

• The Sao Tome and Principe National Day is celebrated on 12 May. This day marks the anniversary of the country’s independence from Portugal in 1975.
• The Sao Tome and Principe Music Festival is held in May. This festival showcases the best of local music and culture, with performances from local and international artists.
• The Sao Tome and Principe International Film Festival takes place in May. This festival celebrates the best of local and international film-making, with screenings, workshops and panel discussions.
• The Sao Tome and Principe Carnival is held in May. This festival celebrates the best of local culture, with parades, parties and performances.
• The Sao Tome and Principe National Soccer Tournament takes place in May. This tournament brings together the best teams from around the country to compete for the title of national champions.

Sao Tome and Principe in June

Weather

June is the start of the dry season in Sao Tome and Principe, with temperatures ranging from 24-28°C (75-82°F). There is little to no rainfall, and the humidity is low.

Events

• The Sao Tome and Principe Music Festival is held in June, showcasing local and international music talent.
• The Sao Tome and Principe Carnival is held in June, with colorful costumes, parades, and street parties.
• The Sao Tome and Principe Independence Day is celebrated on 12 June, marking the country’s independence from Portugal in 1975.
• The Sao Tome and Principe International Film Festival is held in June, featuring films from around the world.
• The Sao Tome and Principe National Day is celebrated on 15 June, marking the country’s independence from Portugal in 1975.

Sao Tome and Principe in July

Weather

July is considered the wettest month in Sao Tome and Principe, with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 28°C. Humidity is high, and rainfall is frequent throughout the month.

Events

• The Sao Tome and Principe National Day is celebrated on July 12th, commemorating the independence of the country from Portugal in 1975. Celebrations include parades, music, and dancing.
• The Sao Tome and Principe Carnival is held in July, and is one of the biggest events of the year. The streets are filled with colorful costumes, music, and dancing.
• The Sao Tome and Principe Music Festival is held in July, showcasing the best of the country’s musical talent.
• The Sao Tome and Principe International Film Festival is held in July, featuring films from around the world.
• The Sao Tome and Principe International Book Fair is held in July, with authors from around the world presenting their works.

Sao Tome and Principe in August

Weather

August is the beginning of the dry season in Sao Tome and Principe, with temperatures ranging from the mid-20s to the mid-30s Celsius. Rainfall is minimal, and there is an increased chance of sunny days.

Events

• The Sao Tome and Principe National Day is celebrated on the 12th of August, with a variety of cultural activities and festivities.
• The Sao Tome and Principe Independence Day is celebrated on the 25th of August, with parades, concerts, and other activities.
• The Sao Tome and Principe International Music Festival takes place in August, with a variety of musical performances from local and international artists.
• The Sao Tome and Principe Carnival is held in August, with a variety of parades and activities.
• The Sao Tome and Principe International Film Festival takes place in August, showcasing a variety of films from around the world.

Sao Tome and Principe in September

Weather

September is the beginning of the dry season in Sao Tome and Principe. Temperatures range from 24-30°C (75-86°F) throughout the month and the humidity is low. Rainfall is minimal, with an average of only 5-7 mm (0.2-0.3 inches).

Events

• The Sao Tome and Principe National Day is celebrated on September 12th. This holiday commemorates the country’s independence from Portugal in 1975.
• The Sao Tome and Principe International Music Festival is held in September. This event features performances by local and international artists, as well as workshops and seminars.
• The Sao Tome and Principe International Film Festival is held in September. This event showcases films from around the world, as well as workshops and seminars.
• The Sao Tome and Principe National Arts Festival is held in September. This event features performances by local and international artists, as well as workshops and seminars.
• The Sao Tome and Principe National Dance Festival is held in September. This event features performances by local and international dancers, as well as workshops and seminars.

Sao Tome and Principe in October

Weather

In October, the average temperature in Sao Tome and Principe is around 24°C (75°F). The humidity is usually high, and the average precipitation is around 300mm.

Events

• Independence Day: October 12th is the day when Sao Tome and Principe celebrate their independence from Portugal. There are parades and other festivities held throughout the country.
• Sao Tome Music Festival: This annual music festival takes place in October and features a variety of local and international artists.
• Sao Tome and Principe Carnival: This is a week-long celebration of music, dance and culture. It takes place in the capital city of Sao Tome.
• Sao Tome and Principe National Day: This day is celebrated on October 25th and commemorates the day when the country became a republic.
• Sao Tome and Principe International Film Festival: This event takes place in October and showcases a variety of films from around the world.

Sao Tome and Principe in November

Weather

The weather in Sao Tome and Principe in November is warm and humid, with average temperatures of 25°C (77°F). The days are sunny, with occasional rain showers in the afternoons.

Events

• The Sao Tome and Principe Independence Day is celebrated on November 12th. The day marks the country’s independence from Portugal in 1975. People come together to celebrate with parades, music, and traditional food.
• The Sao Tome and Principe International Music Festival is held in November each year. The festival brings together local and international musicians to perform a variety of musical styles, from traditional to contemporary.
• The Sao Tome and Principe Carnival is held in November each year. This is a vibrant celebration with colorful costumes, music, and dancing.
• The Sao Tome and Principe International Film Festival is held in November each year. The festival showcases films from around the world, with a focus on films from African countries.
• The Sao Tome and Principe National Day of Culture is celebrated in November each year. This is a day to celebrate the country’s culture and heritage, with traditional music, dance, and food.

Sao Tome and Principe in December

Weather

December is the beginning of the wet season in Sao Tome and Principe. The average temperature is around 25°C (77°F), and the humidity is high. There is usually a lot of rain, with an average of about 12 days of rain during the month.

Events

• The Sao Tome and Principe Independence Day is celebrated on 12th December. This day marks the independence of the island nation from Portugal in 1975.
• The Sao Tome and Principe National Day is celebrated on 28th December. This day commemorates the day when the country became a republic in 1975.
• The Sao Tome and Principe Carnival is held in December. This is a week-long celebration of music, dance, and culture.
• The Sao Tome and Principe Music Festival is held in December. This festival showcases the best of the country’s music and culture.
• The Sao Tome and Principe Film Festival is held in December. This festival showcases the best of the country’s film and television industry.