The climate of Ponta Figo
Ponta Figo experiences a tropical climate with a distinction of wet and dry seasons according to the Köppen climate specification classifying it as As, a tropical wet and dry, or savanna, climate type. This is impacted by its geographical location in
São Tomé and Príncipe, settled comfortably on the Gulf of Guinea, just off the west coast of Central Africa.
Throughout the year, the climate oscillates between moderate and extreme conditions. Temperatures range from a low of 23°C (73.4°F) to a high reaching approximately 28.6°C (83.5°F). The hottest months occur during the first half of the year, with temperatures slowly declining until reaching their lowest point around
July and
August. Humidity levels are also consistent, remaining in the high 70s percentile and peaking around July and August at 83%, contributing to the persistently warm and tropical climate.
Rainfall exhibits a significant contrast. While the rain showers generously from
January to
May with an average range of 100mm (3.94") to 130mm (5.12"), there is a noticeable reduction during July to
September where it diminishes to as little as 9mm (0.35") to 35mm (1.38"). The rest of the year receives moderate rainfall, returning from
October to
December with amounts between 159mm (6.26") and 224mm (8.82"). The wind speed displays a mild increase from May to August, reaching up to 17.7km/h (11mph).
The best time to visit Ponta Figo
The favorable time for a visit to
Ponta Figo would be during the drier months from
May to
September. Rainfall decreases sharply during this period, with as little as 9mm (0.35") to 35mm (1.38") falling. The temperatures drop slightly but maintain a warm range of 24°C (75.2°F) to 27°C (80.6°F). The pressure is at its highest during these months, indicating stable weather conditions.
Daily hours of sunlight during this period reach a steady 12.1 hours, but hours of actual sunshine per day reach their maximum at 16.4 hours in
June. Even though humidity reaches its peak during this time, it is still considered the best time for clear skies and long outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Ponta Figo
If you are a traveler with an aversion to rain, avoid planning your trip from
October to
December. These months receive the heaviest rainfall, between 159mm (6.26") and 224mm (8.82"), with rain occurring on 24 to 28 days out of the month. It's also worth noting that the hours of actual sunshine per day during these months are at their lowest, with just 1.5 to 2 hours of sunshine in
November and December respectively.
Spring weather in Ponta Figo
During the spring months of
March to
May, temperatures hover around 25°C (77°F) to 28.8°C (83.8°F). Rainfall begins its decline, though it's still quite significant, with values between 119mm (4.69") to 122mm (4.8") in the first two months and dropping to 22mm (0.87") in May. The relative humidity remains high, around 76% to 79%. As the transition from wet to dry season occurs, the wind speed increases slightly, reaching around 11.7km/h (7.3mph) to 13km/h (8.1mph).
Summer weather in Ponta Figo
The 'summer' dry season extends from
June through
August with temperatures settling between 24°C (75.2°F) and 26°C (78.8°F). This season witnesses the least rainfall, ranging from 9mm (0.35") to 21mm (0.83"). The winds are at their strongest during this period, reaching speeds up to 17.7km/h (11mph) in June and
July.
Autumn weather in Ponta Figo
Autumn is characterized by a gradual increase in both temperatures and rainfall. Temperatures rise from 24.8°C (76.6°F) in
September to 26.4°C (79.5°F) by
November. Meanwhile, rainfall increases significantly from a mere 35mm (1.38") in September to 220mm (8.66") to 224mm (8.82") in
October and November.
Winter weather in Ponta Figo
In winter, from
December to
February, temperatures remain within a comfortable range from 27°C (80.6°F) to 28.4°C (83.1°F). Rainfall during these months is substantial, averaging between 100mm (3.94") and 159mm (6.26"). The number of sunlight hours holds steady at 12.1 hours throughout this period, as it does throughout the year. However, actual sunshine hours drop to their lowest in December and
January, with values as low as 1.5 to 3.1 hours per day.
Weather in January
In
January, the climate of
Ponta Figo enters the new year maintaining a typical tropical temperament. Displaying steady warm conditions, the city bears similarities to the weather pattern viewed in
December. It is one of the months exhibiting substantial rainfall, effectively setting the tone for a predominantly rainy period in the year ahead.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Progressing into
February, the weather pattern in
Ponta Figo continues to remain consistent with
January's conditions. Given its location near the equator, this city's tropical climate presents persistent warmth and high humidity.
Weather in February »Weather in March
By
March,
Ponta Figo experiences minute changes in its weather pattern. March's conditions tend to draw similarities to
February's, and it's during this time where the year's tropical climate solidifies, characterized by a stable range in temperatures and humidity levels.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April's climatic conditions maintain the customary pattern with
Ponta Figo's tropical climate exhibiting similar temperatures and consistent humidity levels as observed in
March. There are, however, slight fluctuations to note in terms of rainfall and wind patterns.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May brings about an observable shift in
Ponta Figo's weather pattern, as temperatures begin a downward trend, easing from the constant high levels experienced in the year so far. This month's conditions play an important role in signaling the upcoming arrival of the drier season.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June exhibits an evident departure from the rain-filled months experienced in
Ponta Figo, marking the arrival of the drier season. Alongside the decrease in rainfall, temperatures and humidity levels observe a slight drop, maintaining consistent daytime weather.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
In
July,
Ponta Figo's weather continues to incline towards drier conditions. Climatic elements such as temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed fluctuate insignificantly from those seen in
June. The remarkable reduction from heavy rainfall and increase in average wind speed seen in the past can correlate to clearer skies and keener visibility, greatly impacting local tourism and outdoor activities.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August persists in manifesting the dry weather pattern visible in
July, ideally suited for outdoor activities and tourism in
Ponta Figo. The changes in wind patterns in this month influence the local lifestyle and activities. Skies tend to be clearer with improved visibility as compared to the months with high rainfall.
Weather in August » Weather in September
The weather transition continues in
September as
Ponta Figo begins to wave goodbye to the dry season. This month retains the peculiarities of
August's weather, although tangible shifts begin, signifying alterations in the city's climatic rhythm.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October is historically established as a transition month in
Ponta Figo, with a shift from the drier spell to return to the tropical city's customary rainy conditions. In terms of temperature, humidity, and wind speed, this period experiences an evolution akin to
September's weather.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Ponta Figo advances the transition initiated in
October, as the region immerses further into the second rainy season of the year. The atmosphere alerts to these seasonal changes, with locals acclimatizing themselves to hyperactive rainfall.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Closing out the year,
December in
Ponta Figo continues to exhibit the climatic tendencies of
November. The annual cycle of weather reflects the transition from one rainy period to another. Persistent heat and significant humidity underline the tropical nature of this city, outlining the consistency in patterns throughout the year.
Weather in December »