The climate of São Tomé
São Tomé, positioned in the Gulf of Guinea just off the western coast of Africa, endures conditions indicative of a Tropical wet and dry climate. This climate, identified by the Köppen climate classification as 'As', subjects the citizens to a highly varied seasonal pattern. Here temperatures hover consistently throughout the year, with a scant divergence between high and low values. Whereas average high temperatures oscillate from 27.3°C (81.1°F) to 30.2°C (86.4°F), lows fluctuate modestly from 20.4°C (68.7°F) to 22.6°C (72.7°F). Ample sunshine hours insignificantly change from 3.7 hours to 5.5 hours across the year, a consistency owed to the city's close proximity to the equator.
Rainfall, on contrary, varies significantly throughout the year, implying a distinctive wet and dry season. A steep drop in precipitation occurs towards the middle of the year, as
June receives 19mm (0.75") and
July barely notices any, while in the months of
March and
April, São Tomé witnesses heavy showers amounting to 131mm (5.16") and 122mm (4.8") respectively. The pronounced shift in rainfall also impacts humidity, falling from 85% in the wet months to 77% during the drier parts of the year. Noteworthy is the sea temperature which remains relatively stable throughout the year, between 25°C (77°F) and 29°C (84.2°F), reinforcing the tropical weather traits of São Tomé.
The best time to visit São Tomé
For those preferring a drier and less humid getaway, the midway through the year, from
June to
August is an opportune period to visit
São Tomé. Despite the diminished rainfall, humidity dips to a bearable 77-79%, while sea temperatures stay relatively warm, ranging from 25°C (77°F) to 26°C (78.8°F). Sunshine hours are marginally higher, nearing 5.2 to 5.5 hours, allowing a satisfying exploration of the city's stunning landscapes.
The worst time to visit São Tomé
Potential visitors interested in dry and less humid conditions might wish to avoid the first few months of the year.
March and
April are particularly soggy with rain showers reaching up to 131mm (5.16") and 122mm (4.8") respectively, accompanied by relative humidity soaring up to as high as 83-85%. The UV index is at its peak at 12, making it necessary to take ample sun protection measures during these months.
Spring weather in São Tomé
Considering the city's geographical location, traditional seasonal terminology might not precisely define the weather patterns. Yet, during the months of
March,
April, and
May, relatively higher humidity levels from 83% to 84%, coupled with considerable rainfall averaging from 122mm (4.8") to 113mm (4.45"), make these months similar to the typical characteristics of Spring in other parts of the world. The temperatures remain balmy with highs ranging from 30.1°C (86.2°F) to 29.3°C (84.7°F) and lows between 22.6°C (72.7°F) to 22.6°C (72.7°F).
Summer weather in São Tomé
In the months synonymous with summer, namely
June,
July, and
August, the humidity levels reduce to about 79% to 77%. The rainfall drops significantly, amounting to only as much as 19mm (0.75") in June and nearly negligible levels of 0mm (0") to 1mm (0.04") from July to August. The temperatures remain fairly consistent from June to August with highs varying between 28°C (82.4°F) to 27.7°C (81.9°F) and lows from 21.4°C (70.5°F) to 20.5°C (68.9°F).
Autumn weather in São Tomé
September,
October, and
November witness a significant rise in rainfall from 17mm (0.67") to 110mm (4.33"). The humidity levels rise again, varying from 79% to 82% which mirrors the climate change in Autumn. The high temperatures fluctuate between 28.6°C (83.5°F) and 29°C (84.2°F), while the low temperatures remain in the range of 21.3°C (70.3°F) to 22°C (71.6°F).
Winter weather in São Tomé
In the closing months of
December,
January, and
February, typically signs of Winter in non-tropical locations, the island sees a return of regular rainfall, hovering from 99mm (3.9") to 108mm (4.25"). High temperatures continue to hover around the 29°C (84.2°F) mark, and lows keep steady between 22°C (71.6°F) to 22.4°C (72.3°F). Humidity levels peak during these months, reinforcing the beginnings of rainfall trends similar to the start of the year with an index of 85%.
Weather in January
January commences the year with balmy weather in
São Tomé,
São Tomé and Príncipe. The temperature flexes between 22.4°C (72.3°F) at its chilliest and 29.4°C (84.9°F) when it reaches its zenith. This serves as an introductory phase to the climatic journey of the year.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February carries the temperature dynamics of
January into the second month, offering a predictability in weather conditions. The difference in temperature between the coolest and hottest moments fluctuates from 22.5°C (72.5°F) to 29.9°C (85.8°F).
Weather in February » Weather in March
As
São Tomé steps into
March, fluctuations in weather conditions start creeping in. The spectrum of temperature expands from 22.6°C (72.7°F) to 30.2°C (86.4°F) hinting at the upcoming summer months. Rainfall records a significant increase, earning the distinction of being the wettest month.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
The weather becomes a mixed bag as
April approaches. The temperature range remains static from 22.6°C (72.7°F) to 30.1°C (86.2°F) compared to
March and something more distinct is noticeable. Despite the constant rainfall from the preceding month, the overall precipitation count lowers slightly.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May witnesses a decline in the mercury levels. When juxtaposing it with
April, the month shows a downshift while the mounting rainfall provides relief. The overall temperature decreases slightly, settling within the neighbourhood of the earlier spells.
Weather in May » Weather in June
Transitioning into
June,
São Tomé encounters the force of nature in its full swing. With the largest temperature drop of the year, the temperature ranges from 21.4°C (70.5°F) to 28°C (82.4°F), which is noticeable but not severe.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July, the middle of the year, reflects a consolidation of temperature variations. The lowest temperature index of the year records between 20.4°C (68.7°F) and 27.3°C (81.1°F). While
São Tomé remains warm, this month exhibits a critical shift with respect to the preceding months.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August, sails in like the breath of fresh air. Significant changes are marked with a rise in temperature from 20.5°C (68.9°F) to 27.7°C (81.9°F), and a minor escalation in rainfall. Comparatively, August lacks the clarity of the weather seen earlier in the year, indicating the upcoming shift in the seasonal cycle.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September is where variations start to show up in
São Tomé weather. With a slight increase in temperature range from 21.3°C (70.3°F) to 28.6°C (83.5°F) compared to
August, the dynamism becomes more palpable. The relative humidity sees an almost imperceptible increase, coupled with occasional drizzle.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October marks the return of warmer days in
São Tomé. A gradual rise in temperature from 21.8°C (71.2°F) to 28.7°C (83.7°F) ushers in a change of season. As the year advances, rising temperatures play a symphony with the tropical landscape of this island nation.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November paints a vivid picture of fluctuating weather patterns in the archipelagic nation. The span of temperature swings between 22°C (71.6°F) when it's cooled down and accelerates to 29°C (84.2°F), providing a harmonious blend of pleasant and warm climates.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December brings the yearly climate cycle full circle in
São Tomé. It a gradual escalation at the mercury’s scale, the temperature revolves between 22.1°C (71.8°F) and 29.1°C (84.4°F). The weather of December recalls the aura of
January, offering a pleasant summation to the climatic journey of the year.
Weather in December »