Climate and monthly weather forecast
São Tomé and Príncipe

Located off the western equatorial coast of Central Africa, São Tomé and Príncipe is the second-smallest African nation. This island country consists of two archipelagos around the main islands of São Tomé and Príncipe and lies in the Gulf of Guinea in the Atlantic Ocean. According to the Köppen climate classification, the islands have a tropical wet and dry or savanna climate ("Aw"). This means that while the country experiences a significant amount of rainfall, it also has a dry season. The climate is hot and humid throughout the year, with a dry season from June to September and a rainy season from October to May. The temperature remains relatively consistent throughout the year, typically ranging from 22°C (71.6°F) to 30°C (86°F), although it can be slightly cooler in the mountainous regions.

The best time to visit São Tomé and Príncipe is typically during the dry season, which runs from June to September. During this period, the temperatures range from a comfortable 22°C (71.6°F) to 28°C (82.4°F) and the weather is generally less humid. This season provides the ideal conditions for outdoor activities such as hiking, bird watching, and visiting the country's numerous cocoa plantations. Moreover, sea conditions are usually optimal during these months, making it the perfect time for diving, snorkeling, and exploring the rich marine life of the region.

The period from October to May, the rainy season, can be considered less ideal for visiting São Tomé and Príncipe. During this time, the country experiences heavy rainfall, which can sometimes disrupt travel plans and limit outdoor activities. The humidity also increases during these months, which some visitors may find uncomfortable. Despite this, the rainy season brings about lush, vibrant vegetation and increased bird activity, which might appeal to nature enthusiasts and bird watchers.

As São Tomé and Príncipe is located near the equator, it does not have the traditional four seasons experienced by countries in more temperate climates. Therefore, the concept of spring as known in temperate regions does not apply here. However, for the purpose of this article, the months of March to May can be considered equivalent to 'spring'. During this period, the islands experience rainfall levels of up to 150mm (5.91") per month, with temperatures remaining between 23°C (73.4°F) and 29°C (84.2°F). It is also the period when the lush tropical vegetation begins to bloom, providing a vibrant backdrop to the islands.

The period from June to September represents the 'summer' months in São Tomé and Príncipe. This coincides with the dry season on the islands. During this time, rainfall drops dramatically to below 60mm (2.36") per month, and the humidity decreases, making the climate more comfortable for visitors. Temperatures during this period remain consistent, ranging from 22°C (71.6°F) to 28°C (82.4°F).

Again, given the tropical location of São Tomé and Príncipe, the concept of autumn does not apply in the traditional sense. Nevertheless, for the purposes of this article, 'autumn' can be considered to fall between October and December. This period marks the onset of the rainy season, with rainfall levels rising to over 100mm (3.94") per month. The temperature during this period is consistent with the rest of the year, ranging from 22°C (71.6°F) to 30°C (86°F).

While São Tomé and Príncipe do not experience a winter in the conventional sense, the period from January to February could be regarded as 'winter' for the purpose of this article. These months are part of the rainy season, characterized by heavy rainfall of up to 200mm (7.87") per month and consistent temperatures ranging from 22°C (71.6°F) to 30°C (86°F). Despite the rainfall, the islands maintain their vibrant beauty during these months, with lush vegetation and abundant birdlife.

January falls during the rainy season in São Tomé and Príncipe, with the islands experiencing substantial rainfall, often exceeding 150mm (5.91"). This makes it one of the wettest months of the year in the country. The temperatures in January remain relatively consistent with the rest of the year, generally ranging from 22°C (71.6°F) to 30°C (86°F). Weather in January »

In São Tomé and Príncipe, the month of February continues to be part of the rainy season, similar to January. However, the precipitation levels are slightly reduced, though still substantial, often around 120mm (4.72"). This decrease in rainfall marks the transition from the peak of the wet season towards the drier months. The temperature in February, much like the rest of the year, remains consistent, ranging from 22°C (71.6°F) to 30°C (86°F). Weather in February »

The weather in March in São Tomé and Príncipe continues to be marked by significant rainfall, a characteristic of the country's rainy season. Precipitation levels in March slightly increase compared to February, typically around 130mm (5.12") to 150mm (5.91"). Weather in March »

In April, São Tomé and Príncipe continue to experience the rainy season. Rainfall during this month slightly increases compared to March, with levels often ranging from 150mm (5.91") to 170mm (6.69"). This consistent precipitation maintains the lush greenery that defines the islands' landscapes. Consistent with the tropical climate of the country, the temperatures in April continue to range from 22°C (71.6°F) to 30°C (86°F). Weather in April »

In São Tomé and Príncipe, May signals the conclusion of the rainy season. Rainfall levels start to decrease compared to April, though they remain significant, often between 130mm (5.12") and 150mm (5.91"). This continues to support the vibrant green landscapes that characterize the islands. Despite the change in precipitation, the temperature in May remains stable and consistent with the rest of the year, typically ranging from 22°C (71.6°F) to 30°C (86°F). Weather in May »

June in São Tomé and Príncipe marks the beginning of the dry season. The rainfall levels in June decrease considerably compared to May, with precipitation often ranging between 50mm (1.97") and 70mm (2.76"). This substantial reduction in rainfall signals the transition to drier conditions across the islands. Temperatures in June continue to maintain the typical range seen throughout the year, from 22°C (71.6°F) to 30°C (86°F). Weather in June »

July in São Tomé and Príncipe signifies the continuation of the dry season, with rainfall levels remaining low compared to the wetter months of the year. Precipitation in July often falls between 20mm (0.79") and 40mm (1.57"), marking it as one of the driest months in the country. Despite the reduced rainfall, the temperature continues to hold steady, typically ranging from 22°C (71.6°F) to 30°C (86°F). Weather in July »

In August, São Tomé and Príncipe continue to experience the dry season, with rainfall levels remaining consistently low. Precipitation often ranges from 20mm (0.79") to 50mm (1.97"), similar to July, making August another one of the driest months in the country. The temperature in August maintains the steady range characteristic of the country's tropical climate, usually between 22°C (71.6°F) and 30°C (86°F). Weather in August »

September in São Tomé and Príncipe marks the tail end of the dry season, with rainfall levels beginning to increase slightly, though they remain relatively low. Typical precipitation levels for September range from 30mm (1.18") to 60mm (2.36"). The temperatures during September continue to be steady, usually ranging from 22°C (71.6°F) to 30°C (86°F). Weather in September »

October in São Tomé and Príncipe signifies the start of the transition back into the rainy season, with rainfall levels increasing compared to the preceding dry months. Typical precipitation during this month ranges from 80mm (3.15") to 100mm (3.94"), signifying a noticeable increase from September. The temperature during October continues to hold steady, generally ranging from 22°C (71.6°F) to 30°C (86°F). Weather in October »

In November, São Tomé and Príncipe experiences a further increase in rainfall, marking the continued transition into the wet season. Typical precipitation during this month ranges from 100mm (3.94") to 130mm (5.12"), continuing the upward trend from October. Consistent with the country's tropical climate, temperatures in November remain steady, usually ranging from 22°C (71.6°F) to 30°C (86°F). Weather in November »

December in São Tomé and Príncipe experiences the full swing of the wet season, with rainfall levels continuing their upward trend from November. Typical precipitation during this month ranges from 110mm (4.33") to 140mm (5.51"), further contributing to the lush greenery that defines the islands' landscapes. Despite the increase in rainfall, the temperature during December remains steady, usually ranging from 22°C (71.6°F) to 30°C (86°F). Weather in December »