São Tomé and Príncipe is located just south of the equator and is governed by a hot and humid tropical climate throughout the year. Rather than having clear "four seasons," the rhythm of "dry season" and "rainy season" is more important, and people's lives and cultural events are closely linked to these climatic changes. Below, the seasons are categorized for convenience, and each period's climate and representative events are introduced.
Spring (March - May)
Climate Characteristics
- It is the middle of the rainy season, with high rainfall and humidity.
- The average temperature is about 26-28℃, leading to hot and sticky days.
- This is a time when forests and crops grow vigorously due to the rain.
Main Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Description and Relation to Climate |
| March |
Independence Day Preparations |
Preparations for the May holiday begin, and political discussions become active. Events are often held between rains. |
| April |
Peak Agricultural Activities |
Handling of major crops such as cocoa and bananas is active. Benefits are gained from the rainy season. |
| May |
São Tomé and Príncipe Workers' Day |
A holiday that honors the contributions of workers. Due to rainfall, indoor ceremonies are often dominant. |
Summer (June - August)
Climate Characteristics
- The dry season (Gravana) begins in mid-June, with a decrease in rain.
- The air becomes somewhat dry, creating a more comfortable period.
- This also marks a time when tourist visits increase.
Main Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Description and Relation to Climate |
| June |
Beginning of the Dry Season |
The weather stabilizes, making outdoor events and travel easier. The tourism industry becomes active. |
| July |
São Tomé and Príncipe Independence Day |
Celebrated on July 12. The largest national event celebrating independence from 1975. Ceremonies and parades are held in sunny weather. |
| August |
Music and Cultural Events |
Traditional music and dance events for tourists are held throughout the island. Outdoor events are common during the dry nights. |
Autumn (September - November)
Climate Characteristics
- The dry season continues, but signs of the rainy season reappear in late November.
- It is hot during the day, but relatively comfortable in the evenings.
- Harvesting and preparations occur between agricultural tasks.
Main Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Description and Relation to Climate |
| September |
Local Harvest Festival |
A cocoa and banana harvest thanksgiving festival. Dates vary by region and are held outdoors in clear weather. |
| October |
Traditional Ceremonies and Music Festival |
Events that convey minority cultures are held at the village level, this time being optimal due to low rainfall. |
| November |
Agricultural Preparations |
Preparations for the return of the rainy season, including field maintenance and sowing. Small local events also occur concurrently. |
Winter (December - February)
Climate Characteristics
- The rainy season begins in earnest, with the highest levels of rainfall.
- Flooding and disruptions in transportation can occur, leading to some restrictions in activities.
- Plant and animal activities are active, making it a rich ecological time.
Main Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Description and Relation to Climate |
| December |
Christmas |
Christianity is deeply rooted, with family-centered celebrations. Due to rainy season impacts, celebrations are focused indoors. |
| January |
New Year Events |
Traditional foods and gatherings to celebrate the New Year are held. Heavy rain can make planning gatherings difficult. |
| February |
Church and Religious Ceremonies |
Many ceremonies are conducted in churches, passionately held even in the rain. |
Summary of Seasonal Events and Climate Relations
| Season |
Climate Characteristics |
Examples of Main Events |
| Spring |
Hot, humid; mid-rainy season |
Workers' Day, agricultural activities |
| Summer |
Relatively dry; often sunny |
Independence Day, tourism events |
| Autumn |
End of dry season; lingering heat |
Harvest festival, traditional music festival |
| Winter |
Full rainy season; restrictions on activities |
Christmas, New Year, religious events |
Additional Notes
- The annual events in São Tomé and Príncipe are characterized by the distinction between "rainy season" and "dry season", which creates the rhythm of the culture.
- Particularly, Independence Day (July 12) is a large-scale event that enhances national consciousness and is celebrated grandly due to the stable climate of the dry season.
- As agriculture is central to life, the amount of rain significantly impacts the timing of social activities and festivals.
- Events and music and dance cultures rooted in the rich tropical rainforest tend to become more active during the dry season.
In São Tomé and Príncipe, climate changes shape the rhythms of culture, and the brightness of the dry season and the tranquility of the rainy season create a unique sense of the seasons.
Patchy rain possible