Seasons
When to go
Gravana dry season, the short January dry spell, whale, turtle and birding seasons, and what the rainy months are really like.
June to September (the gravana) is the best all-round time: drier, cooler and best for hiking, with humpback whales from around July. December to February is a good second choice. The rest of the year is wetter but greener and quieter.
The year at a glance
The islands sit on the equator, so temperatures barely change through the year. What changes is rain, humidity, the sea and the wildlife. The calendar below summarises what our sources broadly agree on. Exact months vary by source and by year.
Month by month, in short
- June to September. Driest, coolest and least humid. Best for hiking and most outdoor plans. Busiest period for the limited higher-end rooms, so book early. Whales from around July.
- October to November. Rains return. Turtle nesting starts on the southern beaches; birding tour operators start their season.
- December to February. A shorter dry spell often falls in this window. Turtle season continues; carnival and summer holidays in Europe make it popular.
- March to May. Typically the wettest months. Trails are hardest, landscapes greenest, prices and crowds lowest.
Rain and your plans
Rain mostly affects three things: forest trails (mud and slippery roots), unpaved roads in the south and inland, and boat trips. A good plan in the wetter months puts hikes early in the day, avoids tight connections and keeps a spare day for anything that gets moved.
Also asked
Quick answers
What is the gravana?
Gravana is the local name for the main dry season, roughly June to September. It is cooler, less humid and the best time for hiking. A shorter, less reliable dry spell, sometimes called the gravanita, often falls around December to February.
Can I visit in the rainy season?
Yes. Rain usually comes in heavy bursts rather than all day, the forest is at its greenest and there are fewer visitors. Expect muddier trails, some rougher roads and more weather-related changes, and build in flexibility.
When can I see whales?
Humpback whales are generally present from around July to September or October, with mother-and-calf pairs reported into November. Sightings vary from year to year and are never guaranteed.
When is turtle season?
Sources broadly agree on nesting from around October or November into January to March, with hatchlings later in that period. Exact timing varies by beach and year; ask your lodge before booking.
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Keep planning
Sources consulted (things change quickly here; if you have newer information, tell us):
- Bradt Guides: when to visit São Tomé and Príncipe
- Journeys by Design: São Tomé & Príncipe, when to go
- World Travel Guide: São Tomé e Príncipe weather and climate
- Whale Nation: humpback research in São Tomé
- Brummell: whale watching in Príncipe
- Reef & Rainforest: Praia Inhame Eco Lodge
- Rainbow Tours: southern beaches of São Tomé
- Birding Ecotours: São Tomé and Príncipe birding tours