SAO TOME AND PRINCIPE TRAVEL GUIDE
INTRODUCTION
São Tomé and Príncipe, an African island nation close to the equator, is part of a volcano chain featuring striking rock and coral formations, rainforests and beaches. Discovered and claimed by Portugal in the late 15th century, the islands' sugar-based economy gave way to coffee and cocoa in the 19th century.
It has a rather chequered history of the slave trade and slave labour, of colony and colonisers, of revolutionaries and freedom movements, of military coups and elections. Visitors to the islands swear by its cocoa, by its virgin beaches and crystal clear waters, steamy jungles and extinct volcanoes, by its Creole culture and Afro-Latin music – reasons enough to visit the islands.
COVID-19 TRAVEL STATUS
Updated:
Sao Tome and Principe has reopened its borders.
All travelers are required to have proof of a negative coronavirus PCR test taken in the 72 hours prior to their arrival.Upon arrival, travelers will need to undertake 14 days of compulsory quarantine in a private residence or hotel (at their own expense).
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QUICK FACTS
- Capital: São Tomé
- Currency: dobra (STD)
- Area: 1,000 sq km
- Population: 211 028 (2018)
- Language: Portuguese (official)
- Religion: Christian 80% (Roman Catholic, Evangelical Protestant, Seventh-Day Adventist)
- Electricity: 220V/50Hz (European plug)
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PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
- 3 February, Martyrs’ Day (Heroes’ Day)
- 1 May, Labor Day
- 12 July, Independence Day (1975)
- 6 September, Armed Forces Day
- 30 September, Agricultural Reform Day
- 21 December, São Tomé Day
BEST TIME TO VISIT
WEATHER SYNOPSIS
The climate of São Tomé and Príncipe is tropical with one long rainy season lasting nine months, lasting from September through May, and producing an annual average rainfall of 900 mm. The rainy season is interrupted by a short period termed, “Gravanito”, and occurs during the months of December and January. During this short period, a decrease in rainfall and average air temperature is observed. The occurrence of this intermediate season is dependent on the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone. A three-month dry season termed “Gravana” lasts from June through August coinciding with the lowest average temperatures of the year. Mean temperatures vary a few degrees throughout the year, ranging between 22°C and 26°C. The lowest average temperatures occur during the dry season months of June through August, while the rainy season experiences higher temperatures.
TOURIST SEASONS
Peak Season
Shoulder Season
Off Peak Season
JANUARY
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
FEBRUARY
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
MARCH
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
APRIL
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
MAY
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
JUNE
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
JULY
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
AUGUST
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
SEPTEMBER
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
OCTOBER
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
NOVEMBER
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
DECEMBER
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
HEALTH
Be aware of possible health risks in
Sao Tome and Principe
Malaria - Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease caused by a parasite that commonly infects a certain type of mosquito which feeds on humans. People who get malaria are typically very sick with high fevers, shaking chills, and flu-like illness. Although malaria can be a deadly disease, illness and death from malaria can usually be prevented.
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