São Tomé and Príncipe in December: Weather, Crowds & What to Expect
Climate Map for December
Average temperature across São Tomé and Príncipe in December.
City Weather in December
| City | High | Low | Rain | UV | Feels |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| São Tomé | 29° | 22° | 170 mm | very high | Warm |
| Neves, São Tomé and Príncipe | 28° | 22° | 189 mm | very high | Warm |
| Água Izé | 28° | 22° | 183 mm | very high | Warm |
| Folha Fede | 27° | 20° | 217 mm | very high | Mild |
| Dona Eugenia | 27° | 21° | 220 mm | very high | Warm |
| Bombom, São Tomé and Príncipe | 29° | 22° | 178 mm | very high | Warm |
| Ribeira Afonso | very high |
High / low are average daily temperatures (°C). “Feels” reflects how hot or cold it feels, allowing for humidity.
Northern São Tomé (São Tomé city and northern coast)
December often sits squarely in the wet season here: humid mornings, heavy tropical rains and occasional storms that can make small-boat travel rough. The city’s festive season still brings activity-markets and restaurants are lively when skies clear-but outdoor snorkeling and inter-island ferry timetables are less predictable. Roads to southern beaches may be degraded in places; if you want reliable sunshine, plan your beach days during short dry windows and carry wet-weather alternatives.
Central Highlands and Obô (Pico de São Tomé, Pico Cão Grande, forest interior)
December reaffirms the wet-season character: persistent cloud, frequent rain and cool, humid conditions in the mountains. The interior feels wild and elemental-excellent for intimate rainforest experiences but challenging for long-distance hiking. Expect limited views from peaks and plan more time for each transfer; stays at roça guesthouses require waterproof luggage and flexible schedules. The payoff is lush forest with full waterfalls, but be ready for the practical burdens of heavy rain.
Southern São Tomé (southern coast, Ilhéu das Rolas and nearby islets)
December resumes the heavy wet-season character with muggy mornings and frequent tropical downpours that patter through the day and night. The southern tip feels particularly verdant, but outdoor activities hinge on weather windows between storms. Boat transfers should be booked with contingency time for delays, and lodging in coastal resorts sometimes adapts schedules around shifting sea conditions. Waterproof luggage covers and indoor options make a rainy December trip manageable.
Príncipe Island (Santo António, Sundy, Obo Reserve)
December returns to a pronounced wet-season feel with high humidity, frequent thunderstorms and a verdant landscape that shines after abundant rain. The island’s remote character is at its most intense-excellent for immersive rainforest experiences when you accept a slower pace and weather-related variability. Boat services run but can be unpredictable after severe squalls; schedule extra days around any inter-island flights or connections. Pack waterproofs, warm layers for misty mornings and robust insect protection.