Overview of Sao Tome and Principe Weather
Sao Tome and Principe are two small islands located in the Gulf of Guinea, about 200 miles off the coast of West Africa. The islands have a tropical climate with average temperatures ranging from 77 degrees Fahrenheit to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. The rainy season lasts from October to May, and the dry season lasts from June to September.
The islands of Sao Tome and Principe experience two different types of weather: the dry, Harmattan wind from the Sahara Desert, and the wet, monsoon wind from the Atlantic Ocean. The Harmattan wind blows from December to February and can cause dust storms and decreased visibility. The monsoon wind blows from June to September and brings heavy rains and humid conditions.
The average amount of rainfall on Sao Tome and Principe is about 98 inches per year. However, rainfall can vary greatly from year to year. For example, in 2016, the islands received a total of only 16 inches of rain. This was the lowest amount of rainfall on record and caused severe drought conditions.
Despite the variable weather conditions, Sao Tome and Principe are generally sunny places. The islands receive an average of six hours of sunlight per day.
