WHEN TO TRAVEL TO Sao Tome and Principe

Location

Climate

Located in the Gulf of Guinea, the islands of São Tomé and Príncipe offer an idyllic setting for an unforgettable vacation. From their rich culture to their breathtaking landscapes, they have it all.

Understanding São Tomé and Príncipe's climate

To plan your trip, it's important to understand the archipelago's climate. São Tomé and Príncipe enjoys an equatorial climate, with two main seasons:

• The rainy seasonwhich generally runs from November to April. Rainfall is high, especially between March and May. Humidity is also very high during this period.
• The dry seasonwhich runs from May to November. Temperatures are pleasant, fluctuating between 23 and 30°C. This is the ideal time to enjoy the beaches and take part in various activities such as hiking and trekking.

We therefore recommend that you travel to São Tomé and Príncipe between June and October.

Major cultural events not to be missed

The archipelago of São Tomé and Príncipe is rich in cultural and artistic events, reflecting the diversity and hospitality of its people. Here are a few must-see events:

CACAU Music Festival

Usually held in August, the CACAU Music Festival is a unique event showcasing local and international musical creation. For three days, concerts and workshops are offered in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

São Tomé Carnival

Every year, in February or March depending on the lunar calendar, the São Tomé Carnival takes over the streets of the capital with parades, costume contests and free shows for all ages. It's the perfect opportunity to discover the island's traditions and customs, as well as to sample the delicious local culinary specialities.

ControDança Dance Festival

THE ControDança Dance Festival is held every year in September. It brings together dance companies from different countries to present their creations and share their passion with the public. With workshops, conferences and performances, this event is a real cultural rendez-vous for lovers of dance and the arts of movement.

Public holidays in São Tomé and Príncipe

Public holidays are the perfect opportunity to discover the culture and traditions of São Tomé and Príncipe. Here is a list of the main celebrations:

• New Year's Day (January 1): the country celebrates the start of the New Year with night-time festivities, fireworks and concerts.
• Freedom Day (March 4): commemorates the country's fight for independence against Portuguese colonization.
• Easter (date varies, usually in March or April): religious celebrations abound, including processions and solemn masses.
• Labor Day (May 1): this public holiday is an opportunity to pay tribute to workers and demand their rights.
• Independence Day (July 12): national holiday marking the end of Portuguese domination and access to national sovereignty.
• Christmas (December 25): festivities begin the day before with midnight masses and continue throughout the day with family meals and gift exchanges.

Low and high season in São Tomé and Príncipe

As in most tourist destinations, it is important to take into account the low and high season periods to organize your stay:

• High season (June to August and December to January): prices of accommodation and activities are generally higher during this period. Tourist sites can be very crowded. However, this is also the time when the climate is most favorable for taking full advantage of the archipelago's natural and cultural attractions.
• Low season (February to May and September to November): if you're looking to avoid the crowds and benefit from low prices, low season can be an interesting option. However, the risk of heavy rainfall is higher, which can make certain activities less practicable.

Located in the Gulf of GuineaJust a few kilometers off the coast of Africa, the archipelago of Sao Tomé and Principe attracts large numbers of visitors every year. Let's take a look at the key figures for immigration and tourism in this region.

Immigration statistics in Sao Tomé and Principe

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of foreigners entering Sao Tome and Principe. This growth can be mainly attributed to business, residence and multiple-entry visa applications.

• Business visas : These visas are issued to people wishing to visit Sao Tome and Principe for professional or business reasons.
• Visas : They concern foreigners wishing to settle temporarily or permanently in the country.
• Multiple inputs : This type of visa allows holders to make several trips between their home country and Sao Tome and Principe during the visa's validity period.

In addition to these visa categories, there are also tourist visas and other specific types of visa depending on the needs and circumstances of each traveler.

Most popular visas for Sao Tome and Principe

According to available statistics, the business visas are among the most sought-after in Sao Tomé and Principe. Indeed, the country has put in place policies to encourage foreign investment and develop its economy. As a result, many entrepreneurs and businessmen have been attracted by the opportunities offered in this region. In addition residence visas also account for a significant proportion of visa applications to Sao Tomé and Principe. This trend can be explained by the pleasant living conditions offered by the archipelago, with its tropical climate, exceptional natural landscapes and welcoming population.

Tourist visas: a must for discovering the archipelago

Finally, among the various categories of visas issued in Sao Tome and Principe, mention should be made of the tourist visawhich remains very popular with international visitors. This document allows them to stay on the island on a not-for-profit basis for a fixed period, generally between 15 and 90 days.

International tourism figures for Sao Tome and Principe

The tourism sector plays a key role in the economy of Sao Tomé and Principe. Indeed, the revenues generated by this activity contribute to the country's development and to improving the living conditions of the local population.

Sustained growth in the number of international visitors

Over the years steady increase in the number of foreign tourists to Sao Tomé and Principe. One of the reasons for this trend is the archipelago's natural beauty, with its paradisiacal beaches, tropical forests and exceptional wildlife. In addition, the government has worked to facilitate access to the territory for international travellers, simplifying visa procedures and developing tourist infrastructures such as hotels, restaurants and sites of cultural interest.

The importance of outbound tourist markets

Statistical data also reveal that several countries account for a large proportion of international tourist arrivals to Sao Tomé and Principe. These include :

• THE Portugalbecause of the historical and linguistic ties between the two nations;
• France, which maintains close commercial and diplomatic relations with the archipelago;
• Spain, in search of exotic destinations close to home;
• Neighboring African countries such as Angola and NigeriaSao Tome and Principe is a destination of choice for holidaymakers and business travelers alike.

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