São Tomé and Príncipe in July

June through September is your sweet spot – the dry season with consistent sunshine and minimal rain. Temperatures hover around 80°F, and the humidity is actually bearable. This is also when sea conditions are calmest for swimming and snorkeling. Avoid October through May if you can. The rainy season brings daily downpours that can last for hours, turning unpaved roads into impassable mud. Plus, humidity spikes to uncomfortable levels. That said, the landscape is incredibly green during this time, and you'll have even fewer tourists to contend with. Here's something most guides won't tell you: turtle nesting season runs from October to February, despite the rain. If seeing giant sea turtles laying eggs is on your bucket list, you'll need to brave the wet season. Just pack serious rain gear and patience. Christmas and New Year bring higher prices and more visitors (relatively speaking – you're still talking maybe a few hundred extra tourists total). Book accommodations well in advance during these weeks.