The best time to visit Sao Tome and Principe is December to February, though you can visit at any time of year. This is their short dry season but the tropical nature of the islands does mean that you could still get some rain even during the driest period. Though its the shorter of the two dry seasons, it’s an optimum time to witness turtles coming to nest on the beaches at night, which is such a special experience in a country with so few visitors. As can be expected from a country that sits right on the equator, these islands tend to be hot and humid all year, with warm seas and dense green foliage.
The second dry season runs from June to September. The weather tends to be the most stable during this longer dry period, so it’s a popular time for those that want to enjoy the beach activities and hiking. There are lots of day excursions available, such as boat tours, sea kayaking and paddle-boarding, and day hikes to the coffee and cacao plantations.
Turtle nesting season runs from mid-November through to early February, with hatching generally occurring during March. Though many enjoy the turtles during the peak dry period, November is worth considering. The high rainfall during November tends to mean clearer skies after each tropical storm. In the drier periods, less rain and high humidity can mean grey skies.
October through to March are the optimum months for bird watching enthusiasts and there are a range of bird watching walks and excursions on offer. Humpback whale watching season is between late July and October, most of which falls in the long dry season, with the exception of October which is the wettest month on Sao Tome and Principe.
Summary of best time to visit Sao Tome and Principe
In summary, the tropical African Islands of Sao Tome and Principe can be enjoyed during any month of the year. If you prefer dry warm weather but perhaps with overcast skies due that high humidity, then visit between December and February, or June to September. If you enjoy the intensity of short tropical downpours followed by clear blue skies, and an abundance of tropical foliage, then visit during the wetter months: October and November, and March to May. Consider which experiences you want to enjoy before picking your month of travel, so you can enjoy experiences such as whale watching, turtles nesting and hatching, day walks, and bird watching excursions.
