When is the Best Time to Go to São Tomé & Príncipe?

Despite being Africa's second smallest nation, São Tomé & Príncipe are home to diverse endemic animal species, overgrown jungles and palm-lined beaches. Accessible only by means of flight via Air Portugal, the tropical islands see very few visitors each year – ideal for a peaceful holiday experience.

So, when is the best time to visit São Tomé & Príncipe?

With two dry seasons and two rainy seasons, you must plan your travels wisely. Beach lovers will enjoy the tropical climate, while nature enthusiasts can spot local flora and fauna no matter the weather. So, our Travel Specialists have detailed exactly when to visit these pint-sized islands and how best to experience them...

Praia Jalé

Characterised by its soft golden sands, swaying palm trees and serene atmosphere, Jalé Beach is a secluded paradise. Not only can you relax beside the blue waters, but the beach is also where giant sea turtles lay their eggs. Divided into two seasons, you can watch in awe as the beach guards release the rescued hatchlings into the sea – a true bucket list experience.

Based on the larger island, the small huts feature no electricity so you can fully disconnect from the outside world. As you immerse yourself in your sun-drenched surroundings, you'll have the opportunity to learn about the ecological importance of the area for the turtles' survival chances.

Praia Inhame

Featuring a relaxed restaurant and bar at the Eco Lodge, serving the finest delicacies sourced from natural ingredients on the island, Praia Inhame is a beach well worth visiting. At the Eco Lodge, you'll discover a spacious turtle hatchery with its very own nest markers while surfing lessons, mountain biking, guided forest hiking, fishing and boat trips are also available.

Not only that, but with the lush tropical rainforest in the surrounding area, there are endless opportunities for exploration which lead to memorable encounters with the endemic species of bird. Expect pleasant temperatures and conditions that are perfect for an active adventure.

Turtle Watching

Magical, mesmerising, marvellous - the various turtle species of São Tomé & Príncipe can be spotted between November and March. Olive Ridley, Green, Hawksbill and Leatherback turtle species arrive to the tropical paradise in November, where they lay their eggs through to February. Then, until the middle/end of March, the baby turtle hatching season takes place.

You can learn more about the fascinating marine turtle diversity and conservation efforts at Praia Grande, Príncipe, on a Wild São Tomé & Principe Tour. Watch as the magnificent animals make their way to the ocean. Or, if you're fortunate enough, you can assist in their efforts to swim in their natural habitat.

Whale Watching

Stretching from July to September, magnificent humpback whales migrate to the warm tropical waters of São Tomé & Príncipe to mate and calve. As they emerge from the surface, their skin simply glistens in the shining sun before they come crashing back down into the depths of the deep blue ocean. And, if you're lucky enough, you may even spot them from the shores surrounding Bom Bom Island Resort.

Humpback whales typically eat up to a ton of krill, shrimp and fish a day. But when they migrate to tropical waters, they almost exclusively live off fat reserves while breeding. In the colder polar regions, they blow bubbles into giant circles to herd schools of fish and can even use their pectoral fins to gather and steer their prey. Every aspect is fascinating, from their magical songs to their impressive behaviour.