Weather in Principe

Planning a trip or an outing? Discover the most accurate and up-to-date weather forecast for Principe by exploring the data and charts in this section.

The climate of Principe island can be described as typical equatorial: an eternal, humid, and warm summer reigns here. The temperature regime is remarkably stable — throughout the year, the thermometer fluctuates within a comfortable range of +25°C to +28°C. There is no extreme heat or sudden cold spells, making a stay on the island pleasant for those who appreciate mild tropical warmth.

A feature of the local weather is the high probability of precipitation in almost any season. Even in the "driest" months, such as July and August, the number of rainy days remains significant (about 14–15 days), while in October and December, rain can occur almost daily. However, these are often warm tropical showers or light drizzle, which are quickly replaced by sunshine, ensuring the island's famous lush greenery.

There are no clearly defined seasons on Principe, but a slight decrease in temperature can be observed from June to September, when the air warms up to an average of +25...26°C. The period from January to May is considered slightly warmer, with averages around +27.5°C. Thanks to the absence of sharp climatic changes, you can plan a trip for any time of the year; the main thing is to be prepared for high humidity and variable cloudiness.

The climate on the island of Principe is distinguished by enviable stability, characteristic of equatorial latitudes. Eternal summer prevails here, and the temperature background changes very insignificantly throughout the year. The period from February to April can be conditionally called the hottest season, when thermometer readings remain stable at 27.5°C, and maximum values reach 28.6°C.

Even in the "coolest" months, which are July and August here, the weather remains very mild and comfortable. The average temperature at this time drops only to 25.2°C. Tourists should not expect a distinct winter or cold weather: the slight drop in temperature is perceived rather as a pleasant freshness, making the stay on the island even more comfortable.

An interesting feature of the local climate is the surprisingly small difference between day and night temperatures. Daily fluctuations here are minimal — the gap between the average minimum and maximum is often just 1–2 degrees. This means that nights on Principe are practically as warm as the days, so you are unlikely to need warm clothing for evening walks.

When planning a journey to Principe, it is worth being prepared for the fact that precipitation falls quite regularly throughout the year. The climate of this picturesque island in the nation of Sao Tome & Principe is characterized by high humidity, and rains are frequent guests here, supporting the exuberant tropical vegetation. Even in the "driest" months, the probability of rainfall remains palpable.

The relatively dry period falls in the middle of the year. In July and August, the minimum amount of precipitation is recorded (on average about 3 mm), and the number of rainy days decreases to 14–15 per month. This time is considered the most favourable for visiting if you wish to catch more sunny hours, although short-term rains are possible even in this season.

The wettest month, according to statistics, is October: rainfall levels reach 11 mm, and rain can fall almost daily (up to 28 days with precipitation). High frequency of rain is also characteristic of November, December, and September, when the number of days with precipitation exceeds 25 per month. During this period, a raincoat will definitely be useful for travellers, as precipitation falls very often, even if not always in large volumes.

When packing for Principe, give preference to clothing made from light natural fabrics, such as cotton or linen, which allow the skin to breathe. Since the air temperature here is surprisingly stable and stays in the range of +25...+28°C throughout the year, the basis of your wardrobe should be T-shirts, tops, shorts, and loose trousers. Given the high humidity, it is important to choose items that dry quickly and do not restrict movement.

The island's climate is distinguished by a large number of wet days even in the relatively dry season (from June to August), so a light raincoat or a waterproof windbreaker is a mandatory item on the packing list. An umbrella may not always be convenient during walks in the forests, so a rain cape would be a more practical choice. Do not forget protection from the active equatorial sun: cream with high SPF, sunglasses, and headwear are necessary for you daily, regardless of cloudiness.

For comfortable exploration of the sights, take comfortable footwear with you: worn-in trainers or trekking sandals with non-slip soles are ideal for wet trails. It is also recommended to bring repellents and light long-sleeved clothing for the evenings to protect against insects. And, of course, swimwear will be useful in any month, as the water here is always warm and inviting for a beach holiday.