São Tomé, São Tomé and Príncipe: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for São Tomé, São Tomé and Príncipe? If you're planning to go to São Tomé, this is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to São Tomé, São Tomé and Príncipe

Based on the climate and weather in São Tomé, São Tomé and Príncipe, the best time to go is July. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for São Tomé, São Tomé and Príncipe

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in São Tomé, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for São Tomé, São Tomé and Príncipe by month

January

January is extremely warm. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, São Tomé and Príncipe has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in São Tomé may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Take care to choose the correct type. Most adapters available are simply plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most places.

If you are planning to check out the majestic Cathedral of São Tomé, it's suggested to wear modest clothing:

If you see the São Tomé National Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

February

If you visit São Tomé during February, you might notice that it is extremely warm. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 60s F (low 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, São Tomé and Príncipe has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in São Tomé may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Check that you pick the right kind. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are simply plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you are planning to check out the majestic Cathedral of São Tomé, it's suggested to wear modest clothing:

If you see the São Tomé National Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

March

In March, São Tomé is pretty consistently hot. Temperatures routinely are in the low 80s F (high 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 60s F (low 20s C). This is also a rainy time for São Tomé, with more than half of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, São Tomé and Príncipe has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in São Tomé may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be careful to find the right kind. The majority of adapters currently being sold are just plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you are planning to check out the majestic Cathedral of São Tomé, it's suggested to wear modest clothing:

If you see the São Tomé National Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

April

April in São Tomé is extremely warm. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, São Tomé and Príncipe has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in São Tomé may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Ensure that you find the right kind. The majority of adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you are planning to check out the majestic Cathedral of São Tomé, it's suggested to wear modest clothing:

If you see the São Tomé National Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

May

May in São Tomé is warm. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 70s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, São Tomé and Príncipe has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in São Tomé may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. It's important that you pick the right type. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most areas.

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

If you are planning to check out the majestic Cathedral of São Tomé, it's suggested to wear modest clothing:

If you see the São Tomé National Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

June

If you are traveling to São Tomé in June, you will notice that it is warm. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, São Tomé and Príncipe has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in São Tomé may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Take care to find the correct kind. The majority of adapters currently sold are simply plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

If you are planning to check out the majestic Cathedral of São Tomé, it's suggested to wear modest clothing:

If you see the São Tomé National Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

July

If you vacation in São Tomé during July, you will probably find that it is a perfect temperature. Temperatures tend to hover around the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 60s F (high 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, São Tomé and Príncipe has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in São Tomé may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be careful to pick the necessary kind. The majority of adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

If you are planning to check out the majestic Cathedral of São Tomé, it's suggested to wear modest clothing:

If you see the São Tomé National Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

August

If you visit São Tomé during August, you might see that it is warm. Temperatures tend to hover around the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 60s F (high 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, São Tomé and Príncipe has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in São Tomé may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be sure to choose the correct kind. Many adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

If you are planning to check out the majestic Cathedral of São Tomé, it's suggested to wear modest clothing:

If you see the São Tomé National Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

September

September here is warm. Temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, São Tomé and Príncipe has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in São Tomé may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Take care to pick the right kind. A lot of adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you are planning to check out the majestic Cathedral of São Tomé, it's suggested to wear modest clothing:

If you see the São Tomé National Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

October

In October, São Tomé is a perfect temperature. Temperatures routinely are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 60s F (low 10s C). This is also a rainy time for São Tomé, with more than half of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, São Tomé and Príncipe has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in São Tomé may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Check that you pick the right type. Most adapters available online are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

If you are planning to check out the majestic Cathedral of São Tomé, it's suggested to wear modest clothing:

If you see the São Tomé National Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

November

If you vacation in São Tomé during November, you will probably see that it is warm. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 60s F (low 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, São Tomé and Príncipe has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in São Tomé may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Ensure that you find the necessary kind. Many adapters on sale are just plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most places.

If you are planning to check out the majestic Cathedral of São Tomé, it's suggested to wear modest clothing:

If you see the São Tomé National Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

December

If you go to São Tomé in December, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, São Tomé and Príncipe has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in São Tomé may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. It's important that you pick the correct kind. The majority of adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you are planning to check out the majestic Cathedral of São Tomé, it's suggested to wear modest clothing:

If you see the São Tomé National Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

What to do in São Tomé, São Tomé and Príncipe

São Tomé and Príncipe, a small island nation located off the coast of West Africa, is a hidden gem for travelers looking for an authentic and off-the-beaten-path experience. São Tomé, the larger of the two islands, offers a unique blend of vibrant culture, colonial architecture, lush rainforests, and pristine beaches. Here are some of the top tourist attractions to explore when visiting this stunning island paradise:

1. Praia Piscina (Pool Beach) - This tranquil beach is a hidden gem, known for its crystal clear waters and stunning coral reefs. Visitors can swim, snorkel, and relax in the sun on this secluded stretch of shore. The shallow waters make this beach perfect for families with small children.

2. Forte de São Sebastião (Fort of São Sebastião) - This historic fort was built in the 16th century by the Portuguese to protect their trading interests in Africa. Today, the fort serves as a museum, showcasing the history of São Tomé and the impact of the slave trade on the island.

3. Cidade Velha (Old Town) - This charming colonial town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its well-preserved architecture and picturesque streets. Visitors can explore the colorful buildings and churches, shop for souvenirs, and enjoy a coffee or meal at one of the many cafes and restaurants.

4. Monte Café - This former coffee plantation is now a national park, offering breathtaking views of the island and its lush landscapes. Visitors can take a guided tour of the plantation, taste the locally grown coffee, and hike through the park's pristine forests.

5. Roça São João dos Angolares - This restored plantation offers a glimpse into the island's past, showcasing the history of the Afro-Brazilian community that inhabited the area. Visitors can tour the plantation, learn about the production of cocoa and coffee, and explore the surrounding forests.

6. Cascata São Nicolau (São Nicolau Waterfall) - This stunning waterfall is located in the heart of São Tomé's rainforest, and can only be reached by foot. Visitors can hike through the forest, swim in the pools at the base of the waterfall, and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.

7. Ilhéu das Rolas (Rolas Island) - This tiny island located at the southern tip of São Tomé is a popular day trip destination for visitors. The island is home to a lighthouse, several beaches, and a unique feature - the Equator line, which marks the point where the northern and southern hemispheres meet.

São Tomé is truly a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Whether you're looking for history, culture, nature, or relaxation, this island paradise has something to offer every type of traveler. From stunning beaches to colonial towns, national parks to waterfalls, São Tomé is a destination that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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