When to go · São Tomé
São Tomé in January
Good month. Short dry spell; hot.
Key facts
- Verdict
- Good
- Temperature
- 30°C86°F / 23°C73°F
- average high / low
- Rain days
- 8
- Crowds
- Low
- São Tomé and Príncipe overall
- Prices
- Medium
- São Tomé and Príncipe overall
Verdict
Short dry spell; hot.
Weather in January
- São ToméHighs around 30 °C, lows around 23 °C, rain on about 8 daysHighs around 86 °F, lows around 73 °F, rain on about 8 days
- São Tomé north and east, São Tomé and Príncipe · São Tomé city, Guadalupe, Lagoa Azulfine
Drier and sunnier in the rain shadow; gravana (June–September) is cooler and cloudy-bright; a short dry gravanito around December–January.
- São Tomé south and west, Obo forest, São Tomé and Príncipe · Porto Alegre, Ribeira Peixe, Obo, Pico Cão Granderainy
Among the wettest places in Africa — several metres of rain a year; even the dry season brings showers.
Little dry spell season
A shorter drier, hotter break in the wet season.
Watch: Rain is still possible; roads inland can be slow.
Festivals and holidays
Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.
New Year's Day
1 January · Nationwide
Public holiday; shops and offices close.
Crowds and prices
- Crowds · São Tomé and Príncipe overall
- Low
- Prices · São Tomé and Príncipe overall
- Medium
São Tomé and Príncipe overall: Short dry spell (gravanito) and turtle nesting; warm and humid.
What to pack
- Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and sunscreen
- A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast