When you imagine winter in São Tomé, you can pretty much toss out any thoughts of cold winds or snow. This island nation sits right near the equator, so the “season” brings warm temperatures and steady tropical vibes. Daytime highs hover close to 29°C (84°F), and nights usually settle around 22°C (72°F). Humidity? It stays up there.
Instead of crisp air, winter often brings heavier rain. Showers can reach about 100 to 110 mm a month, and humidity climbs to around 85%. The rain tends to come in bursts, leaving you with plenty of time to wander the coastline, check out local markets, or just enjoy the lush, rain-refreshed landscapes.
Sunlight keeps a steady rhythm, with roughly 12 hours of daylight each day. You’ll get shorter breaks of sunshine between the clouds, but the sea stays warm and inviting, averaging near 27°C (81°F). This mix of rain, warmth, and steady daylight shapes how you plan your days—maybe you’ll hike in the morning, then lounge by the water when the showers pass.
Overview of Winter Climate in São Tomé
Winters in São Tomé deliver steady warmth, high humidity, and frequent rainfall. You won’t see sharp temperature drops, but you’ll notice small changes in cloud cover, rainfall, and wind direction that tweak the daily feel.
Typical Winter Temperatures
Expect daily highs around 81°F (27°C) through the winter months. These temps rarely dip below 79°F or climb above 83°F, so it’s steady going. Nights usually hover near 80°F, keeping evenings warm and sticky.
São Tomé doesn’t really get big swings between day and night. Late July brings the smallest seasonal dip, when temps slide to about 75–76°F. March, on the other hand, tends to be the warmest, averaging 81–82°F.
The island’s equatorial spot keeps it safe from extremes. You’ll get predictable winter weather, with only minor temperature shifts.
Humidity and Comfort Levels
Humidity in São Tomé’s winter? It’s intense, often hitting 100% muggy conditions. That much moisture means you’ll feel warm and sticky most of the time, even if the thermometer doesn’t look wild.
The dew point stays high, so sweating won’t cool you much. Nights feel just as damp as days, so don’t expect relief when the sun goes down.
If humid air wears you out, you might find the atmosphere a bit heavy. Still, all that warmth feeds the island’s lush greenery and the tropical vibe that makes São Tomé & Príncipe so unique.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Winter in São Tomé stands out from summer mostly because of the rain. During winter, the odds of a wet day hover around 41%, with rainfall between 3 and 3.5 inches each month. Summer dries out—some months barely get any rain.
Clouds thicken in winter, too. The sky’s overcast or mostly cloudy about 77–83% of the time, while mid-year brings clearer days. Winter feels a bit more subdued, with less direct sun.
Temperatures don’t change much across the year, sticking close to 80°F. What really sets winter apart is the combo of heavier rain, thicker humidity, and cloudier skies.
Temperature Patterns During Winter
Winter temperatures in São Tomé stay mild and steady. The climate stays warm enough for outdoor fun, but you’ll notice little shifts between the coolest and warmest parts of the season.
Daytime and Nighttime Variations
Daytime highs usually land between 79°F and 83°F (26°C to 28°C). These numbers don’t budge much, so you can count on consistent warmth without any real heat waves.
At night, things cool off just a touch. Lows average around 78°F to 80°F (25°C to 27°C). The gap between day and night is often just a couple of degrees.
This tiny range makes the climate feel reliable. You won’t need heavy clothes—light, breathable fabrics work best, since humidity sticks around. Nights stay muggy, so sleeping might get a little warm unless you’ve got a breeze or a fan.
Monthly Temperature Averages
December, January, and February—the winter months—don’t show much change in average temps.
- December: Highs near 82°F (28°C), lows around 79°F (26°C)
- January: Highs around 81°F (27°C), lows near 79°F (26°C)
- February: Highs close to 81°F (27°C), lows about 78°F (25°C)
These averages really show off the island’s tropical stability. Unlike places where winter brings a big chill, São Tomé keeps things warm and steady.
Humidity doesn’t let up, so the air often feels warmer than the numbers say. With all that cloud cover, you get a humid, tropical setting that barely changes from month to month.
Coldest and Warmest Winter Days
The coldest winter days usually show up in late January or early February. Temps might drop to about 75°F (24°C) at night, but that’s pretty much as cool as it gets. Even then, it’s comfortable by tropical standards.
Early December can bring the warmest winter days, with highs reaching 83°F (28°C). Still, the swings are minor.
Because the island hugs the equator, these changes are gradual. You’ll get warm, humid days all season, with no sudden chills or heat spikes to worry about.
Rainfall and Precipitation Trends
Rainfall in São Tomé, São Tomé & Príncipe follows a clear rhythm. The wet months bring heavy downpours, while the drier months see just light showers. The amount and frequency of rain really shape daily life and travel plans.
Frequency of Rainy Days
During the wet season, especially from October through December, rain falls on many days. November usually sees about 17 rainy days, making it one of the wetter, more unpredictable months.
In the dry season, especially July and August, rainy days drop off fast. July averages only about 7 days with measurable rain. Showers tend to be short and less intense compared to the big downpours earlier in the year.
This pattern means your visit experience can change a lot depending on timing. Wet months call for rain gear and flexibility. Drier months give you longer stretches of dry weather, though the odd shower can still pop up.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
The island clocks an annual rainfall average of around 1,400 mm to 1,430 mm. But the rain doesn’t fall evenly across the year.
- November: about 224 mm, the wettest month
- July: about 18 mm, the driest
- June: around 19 mm, signaling the start of the dry season
These numbers show just how much the seasons swing. November’s heavy showers can feel relentless, while mid-year brings a real break. Even then, humidity stays high, and the island’s greenery never really fades thanks to the tropical climate.
Wet Versus Dry Season Characteristics
The wet season runs from September to May, with two peaks—one in March–April and another in October–November. Rain falls in short, intense bursts, sometimes a few times a day.
The dry season, from June to August, brings a sharp drop in rain. Showers are lighter and less frequent, and you’ll probably see more sunshine, especially in July. Temperatures don’t change much, usually between 26°C and 28°C—it’s the rain, not the heat, that shifts.
If you’re traveling, pack light rain gear for most of the year, especially during the wettest months. For fewer rain interruptions, the dry season is your best bet, though you’ll still get some humidity and the occasional shower.
Cloud Cover and Sunshine Hours
In winter, São Tomé’s skies usually stay cloudy for much of the day, though you’ll get short breaks of sun. Cloud cover and daily sunshine hours both shape how much natural light you get outside.
Average Cloudiness in Winter
Winter skies in São Tomé are usually overcast or mostly cloudy. Cloud cover ranges from about 77% to 83% of the time, so don’t expect too many clear days.
The cloud cover isn’t always the same, though. Mornings might start with thick layers, then thin out a bit in the afternoon. Those quick breaks can bring some much-needed sunlight.
Thanks to its equatorial spot, São Tomé keeps temperatures steady, even under all those clouds. So, the clouds affect light and visibility more than comfort.
If you’re planning outdoor adventures, remember that clouds can block mountain or ocean views. On the flip side, softer light is great for photos—no harsh midday glare.
Hours of Sunshine Per Day
Even with all that cloudiness, São Tomé still gets measurable sunshine each winter day. You can expect 3.5 to 5 hours of sunshine per day on average, usually in short bursts when the clouds part.
December and January tend to have fewer sunshine hours compared to August or September. Still, the island averages about 200+ hours of sunshine per month throughout the year, which isn’t bad at all.
Fewer sunshine hours in winter can affect how you plan your day. If you want brighter conditions for sightseeing, aim for late morning or early afternoon when the sun’s more likely to peek through.
Photographers and nature lovers often prefer these softer, shorter bursts of sunlight. It’s gentler than the harsh summer glare, making winter a surprisingly good time to explore São Tomé’s scenery.
Daylight Duration and Sun Position
Winter days in São Tomé are nearly as long as summer days, thanks to the island’s spot near the equator. The sun stays high at midday, and daylight hours barely change as the season rolls on.
Length of Winter Days
Expect almost equal day and night during the winter months. Daylight lasts about 12 hours each day, with just a few minutes’ difference between the shortest and longest days.
The shortest day is about 11 hours 58 minutes, and the longest is about 12 hours 1 minute. This consistency means you don’t really need to change your plans month to month.
You’ll get a lower percentage of direct sunshine in winter compared to mid-year. In September and October, only 28–30% of daylight hours bring direct sun, while the rest is mostly cloudy or hazy.
This steady daylight is handy if you want to plan outdoor activities, since sunrise and sunset don’t suddenly shift.
Sunrise and Sunset Times
In São Tomé, sunrise and sunset times barely change in winter. The sun usually rises just after 6:00 a.m. and sets close to 6:00 p.m.
This regularity makes scheduling easy. Mornings brighten up fast, and evenings fade around the same time every day.
At midday, the sun sits high—often between 70–88° above the horizon depending on the month. Shadows stay short, and the sunlight feels strong, even in the “cooler” season.
Because sunrise and sunset times hold steady, you can plan things like walking tours or boat trips without worrying about shifting daylight.
Seasonal Influences on Travel and Activities
Winter in São Tomé brings steady warmth, high humidity, and regular rain. These conditions really shape when you might want to visit and how you’ll spend your time—whether you’re after beach days or rainforest hikes.
Best Time to Visit During Winter
Winter in São Tomé runs from December through February. During these months, daily highs usually hit around 29°C (84°F). Nights feel cooler, with lows sticking close to 22°C (72°F).
You’ll notice frequent rain, with totals often reaching 99–108 mm per month. Humidity climbs too, hovering around 85% most days.
If you like fewer crowds and lush scenery, winter might be your season. The rain keeps everything green, and waterfalls really come alive.
You should expect short, heavy showers though, so outdoor plans might get interrupted. Sometimes the rain feels sudden, but it usually doesn’t last long.
Beach activities? Still very doable. Sea temperatures stay warm at 25–29°C (77–84°F), so swimming and snorkeling are comfortable. The humidity lingers, but honestly, you’ll probably get used to it.
Try to plan water activities in the morning, since the skies tend to be clearer then. That way, you can dodge most of the afternoon rain.
If you’re into cultural experiences, winter overlaps with local festivals and cocoa harvests. These events offer a peek into daily island life, and you’ll see more than just the beaches.
Impact of Weather on Outdoor Plans
Frequent rain hits São Tomé in winter and really changes how you get outside. Hiking trails, especially around Pico de São Tomé or in thick forests, turn muddy and pretty slippery fast.
You’ll want sturdy shoes, and honestly, some flexibility with your plans goes a long way.
Wildlife gets more active during this season, since the rain keeps everything green and birds seem to love it. Of course, those heavy showers can make it tough to see much, so shorter walks usually make more sense than trying to spend the whole day out there.
If you want more reliable weather for long hikes or outdoor adventures, the dry season from June to September works better. In winter, though, you’ll probably need backup plans—maybe check out the local markets or a museum if the rain just won’t quit.
Even with all that rain, you can still get out and enjoy nature. Just bring a light rain jacket, protect your electronics, and try to start activities earlier in the day. That way, you’ll dodge most of the big downpours and really soak up the island’s tropical vibe.