Spring in São Tomé feels steady and warm, inviting but never extreme. You’ll usually see daytime temperatures around 84°F (29°C), and nights stay mild, hovering near 73°F (23°C).
This kind of consistency makes exploring the island’s volcanic peaks or tropical beaches pretty comfortable.
Rainfall shows up during spring, but it doesn’t usually overwhelm you. You get sunny spells mixed with refreshing showers.
These bursts of rain keep the island lush and green, which only adds to the natural beauty. The warmth and moisture together make the place feel vibrant, but not stifling.
If you visit in spring, you’ll likely notice the stable weather. Other tropical spots can be unpredictable, but São Tomé’s mix of warmth, moderate rain, and steady humidity makes it a reliable time to experience the island’s culture and scenery.
Spring Climate Overview in Sao Tome
During spring, you’ll feel warm temperatures with steady highs near 29–30°C (84–86°F). Nights drop to about 22–23°C (72–73°F).
Rainfall jumps up compared to the middle of the year, making spring one of the wetter times. Humidity often sits above 80%.
Sunshine hours stay limited but don’t really fluctuate much, which is typical for an equatorial spot.
General Climate Characteristics
Spring in Sao Tome, from March through May, brings heat and frequent rainfall. Daily highs stick between 29°C and 30°C (84–86°F), and nighttime lows stay around 22°C to 23°C (72–73°F).
This narrow range means the warmth doesn’t swing wildly.
Rainfall stands out during this season. March usually brings the most rain, often over 120 mm (4.7 in). April and May keep the rain coming, but totals drop a bit.
Humidity averages 83–84%, which gives everything a tropical feel.
You’ll get about 3.7 to 4.5 hours of sunshine per day, less than during the dry season. Cloud cover and showers limit some outdoor activities, though conditions still work for short trips and cultural visits.
Equatorial Influences on Weather Patterns
Sao Tome sits just north of the equator in the Gulf of Guinea, and this shapes its spring weather. The sun’s almost vertical angle keeps temperatures steady all year, so you don’t get the sharp seasonal changes you might expect elsewhere.
Rainfall takes center stage here. In spring, the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) drifts over the region, pulling in moist air from the Atlantic.
This brings lots of showers and high humidity.
You won’t really notice a classic “spring” transition. The equatorial climate keeps things on a steady loop: warm days, mild nights, and alternating wet and dry stretches.
That’s why the main difference between March and May is usually rainfall, not temperature.
Comparison to Annual Weather Trends
When you look at spring compared to other seasons, the contrast pops out. March and April see some of the year’s highest rainfall, while July and August might bring barely any rain at all.
Spring falls squarely in the wet season.
Temperatures don’t change much. The warmest months—February through April—hang around 30°C (86°F). Cooler months like July and August drop only a few degrees, to about 27°C (81°F).
Humidity peaks in spring and winter, hitting 83–85%. It drops to about 77% during the dry season.
Sunshine hours tick up a bit in the drier months, so you see more clear skies then compared to the cloudy, humid spring.
Spring is really all about rainfall and humidity, not temperature swings.
Average Temperatures During Spring
In São Tomé, spring brings steady warmth, with only tiny shifts month to month. Daytime highs stay in the upper 20s °C, and nights remain mild.
This makes the season good for both outdoor adventures and restful evenings.
Monthly Temperature Ranges
From March through May, average highs hold between 29°C and 30°C (84°F–86°F). Nights stay warm, with lows around 22°C to 23°C (72°F–73°F).
March often hits the warmest daytime readings, close to 30°C. By May, highs dip just a little, averaging 29°C.
This drop is minor, but it hints at the drier months coming up.
In Santo António on Príncipe Island, temperatures barely differ. Highs average about 29°C, and lows sit near 23°C.
Both islands share a tropical climate and sit close to the equator, so it’s not surprising.
Daytime and Nighttime Variations
You’ll notice the gap between daytime and nighttime temperatures is pretty narrow in São Tomé. Highs hover around 29–30°C, and nighttime lows stay close to 22–23°C.
Evenings feel warm, not cool.
Because the islands are near the equator, the sun sets quickly, and temperatures only drop a little after dark.
Unlike many inland tropical regions, you won’t get chilly nights.
This stability makes packing easy. You won’t need heavy clothes, and the daytime heat rarely gets uncomfortable.
Light, breathable fabrics are your best bet.
Temperature Comparisons with Other Seasons
Spring temperatures in São Tomé look a lot like the rest of the year. Compared to summer (June–August), spring runs a bit warmer, since summer highs drop to about 27–28°C (81–82°F).
Summer nights can also cool off, sometimes dipping to 20°C (68°F).
When you compare spring with autumn (September–November), spring edges out as a little hotter. Autumn highs average 28–29°C, with lows near 21–22°C.
These small changes usually tie back to shifts in rainfall and humidity, not big swings in temperature.
Against winter (December–February), spring is nearly the same. Winter highs reach 29°C, and lows hover around 22°C.
So, no matter when you visit, you’ll find steady warmth, but spring offers some of the most balanced conditions.
Spring Precipitation and Rainfall Patterns
In São Tomé, spring rainfall shifts from the heavy wet months toward a drier stretch. The amount and timing of rain really shape daily life here.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
Rainfall in São Tomé during spring changes each month. March and April stand out as the wettest, while May dries out a bit.
March often brings over 150 mm of rain, and April can top 180 mm. By May, totals fall closer to 100 mm, showing the start of a drying trend.
Rainy days also shift. March and April usually bring 12–15 rainy days, while May drops to about 8–10 days.
Late spring feels noticeably less wet than early spring.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Month | Average Rainfall (mm) | Rainy Days (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| March | 150–170 mm | 12–14 days |
| April | 180–200 mm | 13–15 days |
| May | 90–110 mm | 8–10 days |
You can see how quickly the rain tapers off as spring moves along.
Rainy and Dry Season Transitions
Spring marks the shift between the main rainy season and the shorter dry one. In March and April, you’ll still get frequent showers, often in the afternoon or evening.
These downpours are usually heavy but quick, which is typical for equatorial climates.
By May, rain eases up, and the weather settles. The air feels less sticky, and sunny hours increase.
This signals the longer dry period that takes hold in June and July.
Rainfall varies across the island. The southwest coast and higher elevations pick up more rain than the northeast and coastal lowlands.
Where you stay can shape your experience, so it’s worth checking local patterns.
Impact on Local Activities
Rainfall in spring shapes what you can do outside. In March and April, frequent downpours might turn hiking trails muddy and cut visibility in the mountains.
Rural roads can get slippery and tricky to drive.
By May, things improve for outdoor activities. Beaches open up, and boat trips are less likely to get interrupted by storms.
Farmers plant crops during the wetter start of spring, and the drier stretch later helps with harvesting.
If you’re exploring São Tomé’s rainforests, spring gives you lush scenery thanks to the rain. It’s smart to bring light rain gear and waterproof shoes, especially in March and April when showers hit hardest.
Humidity and Atmospheric Conditions in Spring
In São Tomé, spring brings high humidity and plenty of cloud cover. Temperatures stay warm, but the extra moisture and limited sunshine can make the air feel heavy compared to mid-year months.
Average Humidity Levels
Humidity during spring usually sits between 83% and 84%. That’s high, and it can make the air feel even warmer.
The wettest months—especially March and April—bring the most noticeable humidity, thanks to all that rain.
Expect damp conditions: mornings start sticky, and evenings don’t cool off much. The air holds more moisture than in the drier months.
If you’re sensitive to humidity, plan indoor activities for the afternoon, when it peaks. Lightweight, breathable clothes help you stay comfortable.
| Month | Avg. Humidity | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| March | ~84% | 131 mm |
| April | ~84% | 122 mm |
| May | ~83% | 113 mm |
Spring keeps things consistently humid, though May lets up just a bit.
Cloud Cover and Sunshine Hours
Cloud cover is a big part of spring in São Tomé. Most days are overcast or mostly cloudy, with sunshine averaging just 3.7 to 5 hours daily.
You’ll see more gray skies than blue ones.
Thick clouds keep daytime heat in check but cut down on direct sunlight. This makes the climate feel heavy instead of bright.
Even when the sun peeks through, the shorter sunshine hours stand out compared to the dry season.
Since the island hugs the equator, daylight length stays steady, but usable sunny hours stay limited in spring.
You’ll get a soft, filtered light most of the day, which can affect photos and outdoor plans.
If you want to get out and about, late morning usually offers the best shot at sunshine. Just remember, UV levels stay high even under clouds, so don’t skip the sunscreen.
Regional Weather Variations in Spring
Spring weather isn’t the same across São Tomé and Príncipe. Rainfall, temperature, and humidity shift when you compare coastal areas like São Tomé city with northern towns like Santo António.
Elevation and terrain play a role, too.
Weather Differences Between Sao Tome and Santo Antonio
In São Tomé city, spring daytime highs often reach 29–30°C (84–86°F). Nights cool to about 22–23°C (72–73°F).
Rainfall stays frequent, with monthly totals often above 120 mm. Humidity usually sits above 80%, so the air feels warm and heavy.
Santo António, on Príncipe, gets similar temperatures but with a bit more variation. The smaller island and ocean winds make daytime highs closer to 28–29°C (82–84°F), and nights can feel just a touch cooler.
Rain in Santo António sometimes comes in heavier bursts, with localized showers common.
The smaller island also tends to be breezier, which can make the humidity feel less intense. These differences might matter if you’re after drier weather or cooler nights.
Influence of Geography and Elevation
Geography really shapes spring weather here. São Tomé has mountains climbing over 2,000 meters, with Pico de São Tomé standing out and creating all sorts of microclimates across the island.
You’ll notice the coast stays hot and humid, while the inland valleys and highlands feel cooler and wetter.
When you head up to higher elevations, temperatures can drop by 5–7°C compared to the coast. The terrain pushes moist Atlantic air upward, so rainfall increases as you go inland.
That’s why the interior looks cloudier and greener, but the shoreline stays sunnier most days.
On Príncipe, the land feels less dramatic but still has its ups and downs. Santo António sits close to sea level, so it’s warmer and more humid than the hills inside the island.
If you head inland, you’ll quickly notice the air cools down, and showers become more frequent, even in spring.
Travel Tips and Seasonal Considerations
Spring in São Tomé brings warm temperatures, high humidity, and frequent rain showers. You’ll want to plan your activities around the weather and pack the right clothing and gear to stay comfortable.
Best Times to Visit During Spring
Spring usually runs from March to May in São Tomé. This stretch falls right into one of the rainiest parts of the year, especially in April and May, when heavy showers are common.
Rain tends to arrive in bursts, so you still get some sunny breaks here and there.
Daytime highs hit 29–30 °C (84–86 °F), and nights stay mild at 22–23 °C (72–73 °F). Humidity often sits above 80%, which definitely makes the heat feel stronger.
If you’re into nature, spring brings lush greenery and loads of wildlife. Birdwatching is especially good now, with forests buzzing with activity.
Trails in rural or mountainous spots can get muddy and tougher to walk, though.
For sightseeing and city visits, expect cloudy skies and some downpours, but you’ll probably run into fewer tourists than during the drier months.
Packing Advice for Spring Weather
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing made of cotton or linen. These fabrics help you handle the heat and humidity.
Short-sleeved shirts and loose pants work well. Don’t forget comfortable walking shoes—your feet will thank you.
Rainfall happens pretty often, so toss in a light rain jacket or compact umbrella. Quick-dry fabrics come in handy since clothes can stay damp in humid conditions.
For evenings, bring a thin sweater or a long-sleeved shirt. Temperatures can drop a bit after sunset, and you’ll want that extra comfort.
If you’re thinking about hiking in higher elevations like Pico de São Tomé, you’ll need sturdier shoes. Also, pack a waterproof layer and a warmer jacket.
Don’t overlook the basics—grab some insect repellent, sunscreen, and a hat. These help protect you from both mosquitoes and the strong equatorial sun, which somehow still gets through even on cloudy days.