Climate and monthly weather forecast
Ribeira Afonso, São Tomé and Príncipe

Nestled in the tropical locale of São Tomé and Príncipe, Ribeira Afonso is characterized by a tropical wet and dry climate according to the Köppen climate classification, specifically denoted as As. The area experiences negligible fluctuation in temperature throughout the year coupled with a high percentage of humidity that rarely falls below 76%.

Throughout much of the year, highs can range from 24.5°C (76.1°F) to 28.8°C (83.8°F), with the peak temperatures generally appearing in March. On the cooler end of the spectrum, the town witnesses lows that rest between 23°C (73.4°F) to 27.5°C (81.5°F), the coldest being in July and the warmest in March.

A prevalent feature of the climate in Ribeira Afonso is its high rainfall density, especially in the months from January to May and from October to December, the town receives an average of 122mm (4.8") to 224mm (8.82") of precipitation. The rainiest period is usually November and December, making January one of the wettest months of the year. The frequent rain combined with average temperatures between 27°C (80.6°F) to 28°C (82.4°F), make January a time of lush greenery and vibrant plant life.
Ribeira Afonso's shift from December to January is accompanied by an average high-temperature of a still moderately hot 28°C (82.4°F), a slight deviation from 27.5°C (81.5°F). Ribeira Afonso, in January, registers an average low temperature of 27°C (80.6°F), showing a minute reduction from daily highs.
For January, the heat index is computed to be a hot 32°C (89.6°F). Extended exposure and activity might lead to tiredness, potentially resulting in heat cramps.
Heat index specifics point out values are for conditions of shade and a slight breeze. Heat index values might soar by up to 15 Fahrenheit (8 Celsius) degrees with exposure to direct sunshine.
Note: The heat index, also known as 'felt air temperature' or 'real feel', is a measure that combines air temperature and relative humidity into a single value that indicates how hot the weather feels. This impact is subjective, influenced by the person's physical activity and individual heat perception, affected by factors including wind, attire, and metabolic differences. Take note that direct exposure to the sun can increase the felt temperature, possibly adding 15 Fahrenheit (8 Celsius) degrees to the heat index. Heat index values are primarily vital for children. Children regularly disregard the necessity to rest and replenish fluids. Thirst is a late symptom of dehydration - thus, maintaining hydration, particularly during long-lasting physical activities, is essential.The average relative humidity in January in Ribeira Afonso is 77%. In Ribeira Afonso, São Tomé and Príncipe, during January, the rain falls for 27.1 days and regularly aggregates up to 130mm (5.12") of precipitation. In Ribeira Afonso, during the entire year, the rain falls for 241.7 days and collects up to 1287mm (50.67") of precipitation. The average length of the day in January in Ribeira Afonso is 12h and 7min.
On the first day of January in Ribeira Afonso, sunrise is at 05:33 and sunset at 17:39. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 05:43 and sunset at 17:49 GMT. In Ribeira Afonso, the average sunshine in January is 8.3h. The months with the highest UV index in Ribeira Afonso are January through May, October through December, with an average maximum UV index of 7. A UV Index value of 6 to 7 symbolizes a high health hazard from exposure to the Sun's UV radiation for ordinary individuals.
Note: In January, the maximum UV index of 7 suggests this advice:
Escape overexposure. People with light skin may incur burns in fewer than 20 minutes. Avoid direct Sun exposure and seek shade from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the period of highest UV radiation. Remember, however, that not all shade structures offer full protection. To cut down UV radiation exposure by about half, sport a wide-brim hat.

Following a wet January, February shows little change in Ribeira Afonso. Relative humidity remains high, hovering around 77%. An increase in wind speed to an average of 11.6 Kph from 11.1 Kph in January brings a refreshing breeze. Weather in February »

As the year progresses into March, the weather in Ribeira Afonso starts warming up. The temperature reaches 28.8°C (83.8°F), the hottest the city will see throughout the year. Rainfall increases to 119mm (4.69"), while the relative humidity slightly drops to 76%. Weather in March »

Heading into April, there is a subtle shift in the weather in Ribeira Afonso. Although temperatures remain in the high twenties from 27.2°C (81°F) to 28.6°C (83.5°F), there is a noticeable decrease in sunshine hours to 8.1 h, compared to March's 8.4 h. Weather in April »

Entering May, the change in weather patterns becomes more noticeable in Ribeira Afonso. Temperatures slightly dip to a range of 26.3°C (79.3°F) to 27.8°C (82°F). However, it is the rise in relative humidity to 79% that significantly alters the feel of the climate. Weather in May »

In June, Ribeira Afonso experiences less rainfall with an average of 22mm (0.87"). The decrease in rainfall coincides with an increase in wind speed, reaching an average maximum of 17.6 Kph. Although temperatures mildly decrease from 25.6°C (78.1°F) to 24.3°C (75.7°F), the city maintains its warm and humid climate. Weather in June »

Moving to July, the weather in Ribeira Afonso continues to experience lower rainfall with only 9mm (0.35") recorded. Despite being the coolest month with temperatures from 23°C (73.4°F) to 24.5°C (76.1°F), the overall climate remains warm. Weather in July »

August signals a shift towards more humid conditions in Ribeira Afonso. Albeit a marginal increase, temperatures reach a high of 24.8°C (76.6°F) while rainfall elevates to 21mm (0.83"). The relative humidity peaks further at 83%, creating a more moist environment that can be felt in the air. Weather in August »

September brings an increase in rainfall to 35mm (1.38"), marking a shift back to a more moist and lush climate in Ribeira Afonso. A steady rise is also observed in temperatures from 24.6°C (76.3°F) to 25.5°C (77.9°F). The wetter conditions usher in a greener and more verdant scenery across the city. Weather in September »

October stands out in the weather calendar of Ribeira Afonso. It records the highest rainfall in the year at 220mm (8.66"). Along with this, it also marks the beginning of the wettest quarter of the year. Temperatures marginally increase between 25.5°C (77.9°F) to 26.4°C (79.5°F) while relative humidity remains constant at 83%. Weather in October »

In November, the weather in Ribeira Afonso continues with the wet season trend. Rainfall levels are high with a recorded 224mm (8.82"). The steady temperatures from 26.2°C (79.2°F) to 27.1°C (80.8°F) combined with high relative humidity maintain the city's tropical climate. Weather in November »

Rounding out the year, December sees a drop in rainfall to 159mm (6.26"), marking the exit from the heavy rain period in Ribeira Afonso. Average temperatures remain equally distributed with a range of 26.6°C (79.9°F) to 27.5°C (81.5°F). Weather in December »